No, I haven't fallen off the face of the earth. However, somedays it feels as though I have. :) I've been so comforted and inspired by your blogs, I thought I'd get my act together and start blogging again. I hope an entire year doesn't pass by before I blog again, but I'm going to try my best!
We had the boys for the long weekend. They came up on Friday and went home today. I can't believe how fast they're growing..literally. Little Ty told me he needed new church shoes. He's wearing a size 10 1/2. His basketball shoes are a 10. We bought the basketball shoes in December. I think he's going to be taller than his Dad. We'll see.
They both passed the sacrament yesterday. It was pretty awesome. They looked so handsome in their suits. We had to "fill" a spot at the temple for baptisms and we were able to take the boys to the temple with us on Saturday evening with the Adams and Gibson families. It was supposed to be a special baptism session for the new members but none were able to make it. So... Bishop called, interviewed the boys, and next thing I know we're off to the temple. It was really fun. They loved it. Their dad got to do the baptisms too. They did ten baptisms each and five confirmations. It was a really special night. Bishop asked Little Ty to say the prayer in the temple. I could tell he was a little nervous, but he did a great job. I do love to hear my boys pray. :)
We went to Leatherby's too. It was Ty's birthday this week so it was a nice way to end the week.
It was really fun!!
Sunday we went to church. It was my first Sunday as a released "YW Pres." Kind've wierd. I missed my girls a ton. It's kind've hard to go to RS after two years of not going. However, I LOVE my sisters in the ward so I adjusted pretty quickly. Today I had to lead the music in sacrament meeting for Tiff, played the prelude in sacrament for Sister Stanger, filled in at the piano in RS, and then went to Sac 1st ward for a YW visit. Afterwards, I went to a presidency meeting with the new Sac 2nd YW presidency, and then left to Vallejo for the evening to celebrate Ty's birthday. I made him a chocolate and yellow cake with funfetti. It was fun! Julie, Becky, Kainoa, Fia, Leka, Ty, Little Ty, Cameron and I spent the evening eating hamburgers with the missionaries and talking about them. Vallejo 2nd has a missionary from Detroit, Michigan, Jefferson City, Missouri, Vanuatu, and Wales. WOW! Now that's some diversity. And the missionary from Detroit is Filipino. He couldn't understand why he was sent to Vallejo, but he loves it. I told him Vallejo has more Filipinos than Milpitas, and that's why the Lord sent him here. I don't think he got my joke!
Today, I spent the day with the Readfearns. Bishop, Sharon, and their daughter Sherrie. Sharon is improving every single day. She had a stroke in Sacramento last Tuesday. I know the prayers of many are really helping. She went from eating nothing, to drinking a small jamba juice in less that four days. We've got a long road ahead of us, but I know the Lord is watching over her.
Some of you might remember Sharon from my wedding reception. She and Paula Evans did my wedding luncheon in Oakland after Tyrone and I were married in the temple. I love her a ton. More than I can express in words. Thankfully, my home ward (Vallejo 2nd) has offered to take extra special care of her for me. A few members have offered to have family members stay in their homes and many have offered to bring by a meal. I don't know what I'd do without my Vallejo ward family. I just love'em. You can take the girl out of Vallejo, but you can never take the Vallejo out of the girl. :)
Tiff and Chris came by on their way home from Monterey to pick up Tyrone. They met us at the hospital and when Sharon saw them she recognized them immediately. It was pretty awesome. I can't wait to see what progress she'll make tomorrow. Thanks again Tiff and Chris for coming by. You're the best..
Lesson of the day- Nothing is a coincidence. God is watching over all of us and he puts special people in our lives to help us through this crazy journey we call life.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Chillin' with Daddy
So I've been hangin' out with Dad for the last five days while Becky and Julie are partying hard at Disneyland with Kainoa and friends. (yes, I'm a good sister..) It's funny. We Kaai kids have always been close to our parents. I don't know what it is, but it's a pretty unique love that's hard for some to understand. Anyways, more on that later. As you know, Dad has been sick since September. Recently, he's lost his short term memory skills. He can remember the day he graduated from high school, but he can't remember what he had for lunch. We kids get to make sure he takes his meds on time and that he's puffing on his two inhalers correctly. Sometimes he wakes up in the middle of the night thinking it's time for breakfast. This morning I woke up and found the jar of peanut butter next to his bed with a butter knife and a few bread crumbs. Don't worry..it's low sodium peanut butter!
So, the point of this post it to share a few things about Dad that I just wanted to document for family history reasons....Here goes:
1. Dad attended Kaahumanhu Elementary School at the corner of Piikoi and Beretania. It has since been converted to a hospital.
2. Dad attended Iolani High School from 7th to 12 grade. He graduated on June 7, 1948.
3. Mrs. Tanaka was his favorite teacher. She told him.."Most Hawaiians are lazy and slow..you're not!"
4. He disliked Mrs. Webber who was a Hawaiian teacher. He remembers her saying that "you folks talk with a fat lip and mumble your words." Grandma Kaai threatened to beat her up.
5. Dad wanted to go to Kamehameha, but they wouldn't let the "real locals" go. Outer island students had priority. He attended Iolani.
6. Richard Pa'paa was his best friend in elementary school.
7. He attended the Long Island Merchant Marine Academy on Mare Island. He was in the navy from 1953-June 30, 1964. He came to San Mateo after he graduated.
8. Ice cream was 5 cents and hamburgers were 10 cents. A McDonald's hamburger was 18 cents.
9. He was a paper boy as a child and his route consisted of City Hall to Alapai, up to Punchbowl ,up to Lusitania and part of King St. The daily paper was 5 cents and the Sunday paper was 10 cents.
10. After the war, his first "real" job was taking down the "black" in the windows. It was made of denim material and was used to hide out all light from the enemy.
11. He also worked at Hawaiian Pine. He was a tray boy and had to line up 5 rings of pineapple and put it in each can. He was a trucker, supervisory, and eventually left to play football.
12. As a child, he had a white "poi" dog called Prince.
13. He worked at Mare Island Naval Shipyard in Vallejo for the rest of his career.
I'm sure there are more bits of information that I'll be adding to my list. Stay tuned.
Thanks for listenin'
So, the point of this post it to share a few things about Dad that I just wanted to document for family history reasons....Here goes:
1. Dad attended Kaahumanhu Elementary School at the corner of Piikoi and Beretania. It has since been converted to a hospital.
2. Dad attended Iolani High School from 7th to 12 grade. He graduated on June 7, 1948.
3. Mrs. Tanaka was his favorite teacher. She told him.."Most Hawaiians are lazy and slow..you're not!"
4. He disliked Mrs. Webber who was a Hawaiian teacher. He remembers her saying that "you folks talk with a fat lip and mumble your words." Grandma Kaai threatened to beat her up.
5. Dad wanted to go to Kamehameha, but they wouldn't let the "real locals" go. Outer island students had priority. He attended Iolani.
6. Richard Pa'paa was his best friend in elementary school.
7. He attended the Long Island Merchant Marine Academy on Mare Island. He was in the navy from 1953-June 30, 1964. He came to San Mateo after he graduated.
8. Ice cream was 5 cents and hamburgers were 10 cents. A McDonald's hamburger was 18 cents.
9. He was a paper boy as a child and his route consisted of City Hall to Alapai, up to Punchbowl ,up to Lusitania and part of King St. The daily paper was 5 cents and the Sunday paper was 10 cents.
10. After the war, his first "real" job was taking down the "black" in the windows. It was made of denim material and was used to hide out all light from the enemy.
11. He also worked at Hawaiian Pine. He was a tray boy and had to line up 5 rings of pineapple and put it in each can. He was a trucker, supervisory, and eventually left to play football.
12. As a child, he had a white "poi" dog called Prince.
13. He worked at Mare Island Naval Shipyard in Vallejo for the rest of his career.
I'm sure there are more bits of information that I'll be adding to my list. Stay tuned.
Thanks for listenin'
Sunday, December 20, 2009
The Perfect Pancake
My friend Paula just came to California for the Festival of Trees and Lights. About two weeks ago, she invited Tyrone and I over for dinner at Val's house. She made her father's famous pancakes. Below is the recipe that was printed in the Honolulu Star Bulletin. Try them. They're truly the best pancakes ever! I've decided to add them to our Christmas morning agenda.
Paul Chun's Pancakes
2 cups flour
3 tablespoons baking powder
Dash of salt
3 or 4 tablespoons sugar
3 eggs, separated
1-1/4 cup milk
1/3 block melted butter, cooled
Combine dry ingredients. Beat yolks slightly and add, along with a little milk. Stir. Beat egg whites and add, along with a little more milk. Add melted butter. Stir and gradually add enough of the remaining milk so batter is of the right consistency (this is a judgment call -- it shouldn't be too thin and should still have lumps, but needs to be loose enough to scoop easily). Batter will get very fluffy as baking soda activates; do not be alarmed. Do not overmix. Let sit 10 to 15 minutes to settle.
Preheat griddle or skillet over medium heat. Pour about 1/4 cup batter for each pancake. Turn when edge are dry and bottom is golden. Makes about 12 pancakes.
Here's the rest of the article....
CHUN, president and chief executive officer of Chun Kim Chow Ltd., died June 21 at age 84. His company had extensive real estate and retail holdings, including the Robins shoe stores and the Waikiki Circle Hotel. But his hobby was cooking. "Every Sunday was an extravagant nine-course meal," Chun-Ganske says.
During the West Coast dock strike in 1971, the hotel ran out of pancake mix, so Chun put his skills to work and developed a scratch pancake recipe by studying cookbooks in bookstores (he didn't actually buy one, his daughter says).
The recipe became the hotel restaurant's signature; people would line up for the 99-cent plate of two pancakes, eggs and breakfast meat. At his funeral, the family passed out the recipe. A nice way to remember someone, isn't it?
His daughter says she still makes them every Sunday. "I tear up every time."
THANKS PAULA!
p.s. They're amazing with coconut syrup!
Paul Chun's Pancakes
2 cups flour
3 tablespoons baking powder
Dash of salt
3 or 4 tablespoons sugar
3 eggs, separated
1-1/4 cup milk
1/3 block melted butter, cooled
Combine dry ingredients. Beat yolks slightly and add, along with a little milk. Stir. Beat egg whites and add, along with a little more milk. Add melted butter. Stir and gradually add enough of the remaining milk so batter is of the right consistency (this is a judgment call -- it shouldn't be too thin and should still have lumps, but needs to be loose enough to scoop easily). Batter will get very fluffy as baking soda activates; do not be alarmed. Do not overmix. Let sit 10 to 15 minutes to settle.
Preheat griddle or skillet over medium heat. Pour about 1/4 cup batter for each pancake. Turn when edge are dry and bottom is golden. Makes about 12 pancakes.
Here's the rest of the article....
CHUN, president and chief executive officer of Chun Kim Chow Ltd., died June 21 at age 84. His company had extensive real estate and retail holdings, including the Robins shoe stores and the Waikiki Circle Hotel. But his hobby was cooking. "Every Sunday was an extravagant nine-course meal," Chun-Ganske says.
During the West Coast dock strike in 1971, the hotel ran out of pancake mix, so Chun put his skills to work and developed a scratch pancake recipe by studying cookbooks in bookstores (he didn't actually buy one, his daughter says).
The recipe became the hotel restaurant's signature; people would line up for the 99-cent plate of two pancakes, eggs and breakfast meat. At his funeral, the family passed out the recipe. A nice way to remember someone, isn't it?
His daughter says she still makes them every Sunday. "I tear up every time."
THANKS PAULA!
p.s. They're amazing with coconut syrup!
The Perfect Gift!
This is my boss, Bob. The other night at our work party he jokingly asked for a Sham Wow and I couldn't find one. Sooo..I bought a snuggie. I had no idea how comfortable these things really are!
Do you have a snuggie? Would you like a snuggie? or do you think they're lame? Well, I love snuggies and I think they're awesome!
3rd week of December- Sacramento's Homeless
The highlight of the week was visiting the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament. I went shopping on Tuesday night to get food to make "lunches." On Wednesday night, the youth from our ward made 50 ham and cheese sandwiches, and then we filled the bags with oranges, granola bars, chips, water bottles, and Kit Kats. (Don't ask me why I chose the Kit Kats. I was just in a Kit Kat mood.) I bought the "good" ham and the "good" cheese. We made all the sandwiches in the kitchen and the boys got the non-perishable food in the lunch bags. Rancho Cordova Stake has been making these lunches for months. However, this was the first time that an LDS youth group would pariticipate with the delivery.
We then drove down to the Cathedral. We met Deacon Jorge Usi. I have worked closely with him during the Festival of Trees and Lights and thought it would be a great service project for our youth to help him deliver the food. He's responsible for the Cathdral Homeless Square Program. He introduced us to his Catholic youth group and then took us on a tour of the Cathedral. The youth loved the beauty and reverence of the Cathedral. Deacon Jorge then split us up into three groups. We spent the rest of the evening walking the streets of Sacramento delivering sack lunches. We finished around 9:30 p.m. Deacon Jorge does this about twice a week on Mondays and Wednesdays. My dear friend Evie also helps. It's an experience I'll never forget. In my opinion, it was sacred. I know we all left feeling very grateful for everything that we have..especially our family and friends.
Second Week of December
So this week was a little intense. Tyrone had his annual Breakfast with Santa event for the Scouts. This was followed by Kainoa's birthday party at the Happy Frog in Vallejo. I then had to return to Sacramento for a work party at my boss's house. Soo much to do and so little time. I also forgot to mention the school-wide Christmas program at school. I play the piano and the classes perform by grade level. This year's theme was "Peace, Love & Joy."
- 6th grade - "I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing"
- 5th grade- "Feliz Navidad & We Wish You a Merry Christmas"
- 4th grade- "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas"
- 3rd grade- "Twelve Days of Christmas"
- 2nd grade- "Winter Wonderland"
- 1st grade- "The 5 days of Christmas in California"
- Kindergarten- "It's a Small World After All"
Ms. Fedro's class also did a few songs on the recorders. The show includes 525 student performers, 25 teachers, and 1 principal. The kids were amazing. I'd like to publicly thank my piano teacher, Beverly Davis, for teaching me how to play the piano. Because of 
her, my life has been truly blessed by music.
We also had a great work party at Bob and Kevin's house. Because I had to go to Kainoa's party, Tyrone made the potato casserole for the party. These are otherwise known as funeral potatoes. They were yummy. Anyways, I got the "ZONK " gift. Here's a picture.
Have you ever received a ZONK gift? I might add that this gift is actually a centerpiece made out of some sort of soda pop bottle.
Festival of Trees and Lights
During the first week of December, we completed the 3rd annual Festival of Trees & Lights in Sacramento. It was amazing. I learned so much. I learned that we shouldn't plan every December event during the first week of December. Ugh! I learned that 
the best job in the world for the Festival of Trees and Lights is the volunteer coordinator. You get to meet hundreds of people and they come from all different walks of life. You also get to meet all the tree designers and watch their brains go to town. AMAZING! I don't think I could ever be a Christmas designer. However, I love being walked through the process by an expert. They generally have a plan and they implement it perfectly. As teachers, we constantly have to change our plans to meet the needs of our students. It was neat to see perfect plans be implemented perfectly..or almost perfectly. hehe..(inside joke!)
Neat story about one of the desig
ners. Valerie Valentine owns the Design Gallery on Fair Oaks. She's amazing! Anyways, I visited her store when she wasn't there with a friend. We walked around looking at all the beautiful trees. When we entered, we saw this amazing tree at the front door. I fell in love with it. It was definitely over the top, but it was just warm and welcoming. Anyways, I knew she was going to donate a tree to our event, but I wasn't sure which tree would be chosen. When her delivery guys showed up, the tree they brought in was "the Apricot Tree." It was the one we wanted! I literally shed a tear when I saw it! Thanks Valerie for all your hard work.
Then there's Chelsey. Chelsey LaPlaca is my amazing friend with three triplets. She sings. She dances. She's a gifted decorator. She was
the decorating queen designer for the event. Can you imagine decorating a community event with three triplets at home? Anyways, she's "off-the-hook." How she does it I'll never know. I had the opportunity to work with her a little during the event. Her support system is awesome and her brain can process more information than a head chef at a 5 star restaurant. Its unbelieveable to watch. Anyways, all that garland and all that sparkle comes from her expertise. During the same week, she was responsible for our Relief Society Meeting. We put together over 150 crafts to sell at the Holiday Boutique. She was once again the leader on that event. I know..amazing..huh?
I also wanted to thank my sisters, Julie, Becky, & adopted sister Nancy, for coming and buying out the place. Your donation to the homeless in Sacramento is greatly appreciated. :) They left with three trees..two small and one big. They also left with a few crafts and a ton of other goodies. Thanks girls! Thanks again to everyone that came. If you're interested in volunteering next year for the event, let me know. We're always looking for people to make scarves, aprons, and other simple crafts for the holiday boutique. :)
the best job in the world for the Festival of Trees and Lights is the volunteer coordinator. You get to meet hundreds of people and they come from all different walks of life. You also get to meet all the tree designers and watch their brains go to town. AMAZING! I don't think I could ever be a Christmas designer. However, I love being walked through the process by an expert. They generally have a plan and they implement it perfectly. As teachers, we constantly have to change our plans to meet the needs of our students. It was neat to see perfect plans be implemented perfectly..or almost perfectly. hehe..(inside joke!)Neat story about one of the desig
ners. Valerie Valentine owns the Design Gallery on Fair Oaks. She's amazing! Anyways, I visited her store when she wasn't there with a friend. We walked around looking at all the beautiful trees. When we entered, we saw this amazing tree at the front door. I fell in love with it. It was definitely over the top, but it was just warm and welcoming. Anyways, I knew she was going to donate a tree to our event, but I wasn't sure which tree would be chosen. When her delivery guys showed up, the tree they brought in was "the Apricot Tree." It was the one we wanted! I literally shed a tear when I saw it! Thanks Valerie for all your hard work.Then there's Chelsey. Chelsey LaPlaca is my amazing friend with three triplets. She sings. She dances. She's a gifted decorator. She was
the decorating queen designer for the event. Can you imagine decorating a community event with three triplets at home? Anyways, she's "off-the-hook." How she does it I'll never know. I had the opportunity to work with her a little during the event. Her support system is awesome and her brain can process more information than a head chef at a 5 star restaurant. Its unbelieveable to watch. Anyways, all that garland and all that sparkle comes from her expertise. During the same week, she was responsible for our Relief Society Meeting. We put together over 150 crafts to sell at the Holiday Boutique. She was once again the leader on that event. I know..amazing..huh?I also wanted to thank my sisters, Julie, Becky, & adopted sister Nancy, for coming and buying out the place. Your donation to the homeless in Sacramento is greatly appreciated. :) They left with three trees..two small and one big. They also left with a few crafts and a ton of other goodies. Thanks girls! Thanks again to everyone that came. If you're interested in volunteering next year for the event, let me know. We're always looking for people to make scarves, aprons, and other simple crafts for the holiday boutique. :)
Top Ten Things I learned this year at the Festival of Trees and Lights
10. Don't forget your parking pass. (could cost you $15 a day if you don't get one.) Volunteers get a free pass from the volunteer coordinator.
9. Carl's Jr. has strawberry soda at the downtown mall.
8. Don't forget your green floral wire to tie on all your tree ornaments.
7. Invite all your friends to be volunteers. It's a great way to catch up with all your buddies that you don't see regularly.
6. Teachers and my students' parents are great volunteers. They always show up on time.
5. Don't talk to tree decorators until they're "done," and don't mess up their plans. EVER!
4. Ettore's cookies are the best.
3. Live auctions are intense! If you have an extra $300 bucks next year, you can get an awesome tree. Some large trees sold for only $250 this year.
2. My family is pretty lucky when it comes to raffle tickets. Tyrone won three things last year and Becky won two things this year! (an ipod and $100 in gift certificates for Golfland Sunsplash)
1. Even though the economy is horrific, we still were able to make a profit and fund the Cathedral Homeless Square Program for the year. In other words, when people tell you that you shouldn't do something because the economy is bad, don't listen. We still have homeless people we need to feed and help in Sacramento. Go Team FOTL!
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