New Year, New Resolutions

I can't believe it has been almost a year since writing a blog post. I've been posting a lot on social networking sites, but haven't taken the time to update here. Sorry to any followers out there.

I've made it a goal, once again, to update this blog regularly so I'm hoping to stick with it this year. For those of you who may not have seen our family Christmas picture from 2013, here it is. 

Our oldest daughter, Anuhea (second from the right), took the picture (plus more that I hope to post soon), and we're so proud of her. We are very happy with the pictures and glad Anuhea loves photography.

I had kind of hoped to ring in the new year as a family, but forgot that the teenagers often have other plans. I didn't mind so much, though, because their plans involved a multi-stake dance at our stake center. They had a great time! I resolved to make our night a little better than just sitting in front of the t.v. watching whatever New Year's Eve program was playing. (We didn't watch any of those programs, by the way.) I put together a paper bag for each hour leading up to midnight (from 7pm), and there were games, toys, other activities for us all or for the younger children to do throughout the night. (I got the idea from Pinterest.) My plan was foiled a little, because I was feeling sick most of the day since lunch time, but it didn't really hit until around 8:30pm. Hokulani and Leiohu still enjoyed the anticipation of opening the next bag, and using what was inside. We all stayed awake to welcome the new year, and then I had the challenge of getting Leiohu to bed. She was too tired to do anything by then. Since I had been feeling sick, I was lying on the couch most of the night. Therefore, I had failed to get Leiohu ready for bed earlier. 

Although we don't know what's in store for us this year, we know that Heavenly Father will lead us in whatever we do. Wishing you a wonderful year in 2014!

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Maui No Ka Oi!

August 2, 2007

My family has been spending time on the island of Maui in Hawaii. It is absolutely beautiful here, and I've missed being here. We enjoyed time with extended family members at our family reunion. What a wonderful time to reminisce, catch up from the past 2 years or so since the last time attending a reunion, and to talk and laugh with family members. We especially enjoyed all the wonderful local/Hawaiian food. Mmm!
Most of our time here has been unproductive, but I wanted it that way. In Taiwan we had work, school, and other responsibilities. We will have all of that again when our Hawaii vacation is over. It's not time to do things and be productive. It's time to relax, and as the children have done: enjoy the sun & tan. They're so dark now!
Soon we'll start a new chapter in our lives, and that will be in my next blog.
Maui No Ka Oi (Maui is the best)!

They're coming!

I'm so excited! My family will be arriving tonight. Unfortunately, I haven't done much planning about what to do while they're here. We've been cleaning. My younger sister has plans--shopping plans--but we haven't decided what to do and when.

We'll be busy this weekend anyway, with Nalani's baptism. They also have to adjust to the time difference and will probably have different sleep times from us.

Did I mention that I'm excited to see my family? Oh, yes, of course. That was the first thing I said! We'll have a full house, but we don't mind. Maybe all of the body heat will help us to keep warm, because the weather here is crazy. We were super cold last week, okay this week in the sun, but cold indoors, and it's supposed to be super cold again for the rest of this week. Be consistent! And be warm! I miss warm weather, but not the unbearable humidity of the summer.

About our family

This is our first blog for the page, so here's a little about us. We have been in Taiwan for 3 years. Can you believe it?! THREE YEARS! I can't believe it myself, but this month marked the 3rd year, and it has been great so far.

Last year, Jason put a lot of effort into studying for the GMAT (Graduate Management Admissions Test). He wants to go back to school to get a doctorate degree in Business Management—Accounting track. If you weren't sure you read it correctly, then, YES! Jason wants to go back to school. Jason did very well and is applying to numerous schools in America. Now, the waiting game begins. We want to know where we may be moving to, but we have to remember to be patient.

Carmel is working full-time and she enjoys it. She doesn't usually like going to work, especially not all day. However, she enjoys teaching the students she has this year, and it's easier having our children in school too. Carmel has been trying to do the balancing act that many moms face, and hasn't quite balanced the scale, but is doing a pretty good job trying.

Anuhea is in the 4th grade this school year. She is doing well in both English and Chinese, but could use some improvement in Math. She is also still taking violin lessons and has improved a lot. She even tinkers on the piano since Carmel hasn’t been consistently giving her lessons.

Nalani is in the 2nd grade this school year. She was taking a martial arts class and enjoyed it very much, but now she wants to learn to rollerblade. Nalani will be baptized soon, and we're very excited for her.

Hokulani is in Kindergarten, and she is our little singer. She loves to sing Primary songs from church, and she sings songs she learns at school too. She loves going to school and really likes her teachers. She is learning so much in both Chinese and English.

That's all about our family for now. More to come soon. . .