Sunday, February 27, 2011

I don't have much to write about. We did spend the weekend in Ephriam with Rox and family. That was really fun. The kids played well together.

I was asked by a member in our Relief Society to share something I have learned in Relief Society. Ummm that opens up a slew of thoughts. What would you say? I was able to narrow it down to 2 things. The first is that I am surrounded by silent heroes and that gives me inspiration to move forward. One woman in particular is a mother of 6 kids, 2 girls and 4 boys. Three of her children are diabetic and one of them has downs syndrome. I never see her upset or angry. She is always happy and very pleasant. She is my hero that endures with happiness.

The other thing I learned in Relief Society (which was the hardest lesson ever) is how to be a gracious recipient. When I was first diagnosed with cancer and learned that I was going to have chemo treatments, the RS president confronted me and asked if she could have women come into the house and clean while I was receiving my infusions and bring meals for the next few days. I was extremely hesitant and embarassed that efforts were going to be focused on me. I told her no thanks. I thought I could do it myself. Needless to say she did not accept no and after each infusion I came home to a clean house and meals that would last for four days. This was such a relief and a nice surprise especially week after week as the chemicals built up in my system and I was barely able to stay awake for an hour at a time. I didn't like being the "welfare case," but I really needed the help. Later I realized that this is why the RS was established. In D&C I learned that the lord will call upon us and use us to help in ways that will serve others to further His work on earth. Literally these women were hands of Heaven on earth. I think it is always easier to be the giver, but being the recepient made me realize that people receive blessings by serving. It is not fair to deny them the blessings when you really need the help and support. The Lord knows me well and he sent his saints to help me. Somebody once said, "If you deny the gift, you deny the giver." I am so grateful for a loving and giving Heavenly Father.

Sunday, Feb 20, 2011

I am finally back in a routine of things. But before I show my pictures of Hawaii I have to share new inspirational quote. I have a few that I really love like....Don't let anything get you down unless it gets you down on your knees (anon). Or, it is nice to be important, but more important to be nice (mormon ad). Or, that which is beautiful is not always good, but that which is good is always beautiful (author unknown). My new favorite inspirational quote is: "The Lord wants to guide your steps but he can't if you are not taking any." (Pres. Maybe) This is just so applicable to me at this stage in life. But what can I say, I always need the Lord so I guess it will be my
favorite for always.

This is Hananuma Bay. It is absolutely gorgeous and a fun place to snorkel. The fish treat you like another fish. They are not scared in the least bit. You could reach out and touch them....if you wanted to break the rules. Before snorkeling we had to watch a 15 minute video on not touching the marine life because it can result in damaging the habitat. Anyways it was a lot of fun but...take you own snorkeling gear. We rented and the equipment was very worn. I could not go 20 seconds without getting salt water in my mouth. Fortunately we snorkeled again at a different beach and the equipment was much better. We saw lots of sea cucumbers and a sea turtle (that was very cool). It made my trip. After snorkeling, we got in a kayak and paddled our way in the ocean to a bird sanctuary island. It was more like a giant. Unfortunately we only saw one bird because it was off season, however, walking on the rock was like walking on a giant trabecular bone.

The fish like the people. Here are a lot of fish begging for food from the visitors.

This is a statue of Duke Kahanamoku at Waikiki Beach, Oahu. This guy was pretty amazing. He was a Hawaiian swimmer, actor, lawman, beach volleyball early player and businessman credited with spreading the sport of surfing.[1] He was a five-time Olympic medalist in swimming. He even once saved 6 sailors from a cap-sized boat with his surf board. I love amazing people like this.

Here's something you don't see everyday....2 monkeys with a banana tree.

Behind us is Akaka falls. It was so beautiful to walk around and see the lush plant life near the falls. As I walked, I saw the beautiful red flower in the next picture. When I looked closer....I noticed a little gecko resting on top. Oh yes....Hawaii is fun.

Here is a pineapple growing at the Dole plantation. Really neat tour. Dole supplies 2/3 of the world's pineapple. I can't believe they crank out that much pineapple to the rest of the world....especially since pineapple takes like 16 months to become edible. It was great to see all the pineapple concoctions. However, I did not care for the chocolate covered pineapple. Some fruits do not go well with chocolate and this is one of them.

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Just got back from Hawaii this morning. Tim and I had a blast. My sister, Mimi watched the kids. (She is a saint and I owe her big.) We went all over Oahu and island hopped to Hawaii where we visited the cities of Kona and Hilo. Our days were filled with snorkeling, visiting places (i.e. Dole plantation, Pearl Harbor, and the Polynesian Culture Center) kayaking, hiking, and going to shows. It was a lot of fun but I am super tired. The jet lag has gotten the best of me. Once my pictures are organized, I will post some.