Happy Day

Wow--it's been a big weekend.  Celebrating my 13th Mama's Day, and the official induction into teenagehood for Oldest Daughter--{gulp}.  I can hardly believe it.  And I really wish I could whip up something like this birthday post from last year, but, alas, my writer's block has been insurmountable for the past 11 months.  It'll come to me...

It was a happy weekend, complete with the coolest glow party this house has ever seen (courtesy of The Uncles, of course), and quiet moments of reflection and remembrance.

Let me start off with pics from the party:

This is *my* sweet, well-we-have-to-give-her-credit-for-trying-I-guess
contribution to the decorations.  I'll just note that if you need someone
to hang decorations from the ceiling, maybe a 4-and-a-half foot tall
person will not be the best idea you've ever had. 
(To be fair, it was my idea. :-p)

Group shot on the stairs before admission
to the REAL party.

And, {there} you go. 
Seriously, brothers?!?!  This is how my brothers
subtly let me know that despite the fact that I am the older sister,
they are, and always have been, better than me at everything,
even the pretty, sparkly stuff.
Needless to say, the girls were {thrilled}.

 

A lighter shot, courtesy of the professional. :)

Does someone want to give me credit for this cool idea?
Okay, fine--it was Pinterest's idea.
These days, aren't they {all} Pinterest's ideas?

Opening presents. 
She's gorgeous, no? :')

The grown-ups, seeking respite in the living room. 
(And, a call-to-arms in support of the idea that Christmas
lights should not be reserved for Christmas only.)

As you can imagine, Saturday was recovery day, with clean-up and lots of naps involved.  Sunday has been sweet, with lunch after meeting with the brothers, and Sean, and some sweet-parents-to-be; and then an amazing surf 'n turf dinner with the brothers--I have never eaten so much crab in my life, I think. 

Now, close of day, and another first--first Mother's Day without *my* mama.  Tonight, as I drift off to sleep, I will close my eyes, and I will see {her} eyes smiling back at me, and I will be made infinitely grateful again for lessons learned and impressions made during her short time here.

(Don't forget to hit pause on my playlist in the upper right sidebar.)

 

This was the slideshow Mom's sons created for her service; the opening track is a song our dad wrote as a teenager.  The last 4 minutes or so of the slideshow were added later to include moments from our final farewell to our precious mom.  I hesitate to use the word "perfect" to describe anything other than God's will for our lives, but I'll make an exception here; this day was a {perfect} tribute to her life.  I miss her every day.

 

 

{All for now}



 



We've Got Work To Do

Once again, my blog has been sitting up on a shelf, waiting for inspiration to strike; I love it when things like this show up (Thanks, hubby.):

 

 

"It's everybody's duty to give the world a reason to dance.  So get to it."

 

The End.

(Well, that, and Have a great weekend!)

Perspectives

I've been getting a kick out of this sweet gift Youngest Daughter gave to her Daddy for Christmas this year:

♥ His view. ♥

Life on the other side of the cup. :D

The Concise Encyclopedia defines diplomacy as the "Art of conducting relationships for gain without conflict."  

I think she's got it down.

Checking in...(again)

The Fab Five, upholding their tradition of excellence.

Hello, faithful few; just wanted to get a quick pic up, and see if I can't get things rolling again on this here blog. :) 

It's 2013--I'm having a hard time wrapping my brain around that one.  I hope your holidays were full of time well-spent; I'm grateful to say mine were.  So much to reflect on, so much to look forward to.

More later, I hope; hau'oli makahiki hou!

Funny

I'm getting such a kick out of this commercial:

Here was my favorite from last year:



Apparently, I'm all about the little people.  (Duh.)

Hope you're having a wonderful holiday weekend!

A quick post; it's been bugging me just a tiny bit that my fB posts and my blog posts are not consistent with each other.  (You'd think I have bigger things to worry about.)  So, for those of you with whom I'm connected on fB, this is old news; for the rest of you--our family's birthday season has started.  

{Bring on the cake.}

Eight is great!  Our soccer player turned 8 on September 17th.

Here she is, showing off the cool rainbow cake her sissy made for her.

The cool cake Kiana made in celebration of Daniel's 9th year as a thirty-something. :D

Yesterday was my sissy's induction into the Thirtysomethings Hall of Fame; I'm trying to pull a post together for that one, but it just wouldn't be {me} if I'd posted it on the appropriate day. :)

Happy Sunday!

Mish Mash

Words don't come easily this evening, but it's been on my mind to update the blog, and so here I are. :)

Our time home on the Big Island was precious, and something I am still unable to write about.  We returned home to Washington at the end of July, and have enjoyed sweet days full of sunshine, friends and family, and for myself, a constant, aching awareness of having "one less"--miss you, Mom.

And, now, the easy part:

 Finn Turns 4



He happens to be one of our favorites. :)



We Go to the Blackberry Festival



Blackberry Festival on the Bremerton Boardwalk



(Need I mention Kiana took the following 4 awesome shots?  Nah-I didn't think so.)

Littlest.

Middlest.

Also the Littlest.
(Well, he used to be; then he turned 3.)

Bossy.  I mean, BossMan.

Heading home, waiting in the car for Daddy.

We Eat a Lot of Sweets,

and Hang Out with Uncle Kale



She's at it again--my baker extraordinaire.  She has gifted us with brownies,blackberry cobbler, cookie pies, and this "back-to-school!" cake; I assure you, it has all gone to waist. :-9

There are more fun shots from this day, but I am too lazy and/or law-abiding to hijack them from him.

The Girls Pick Blackberries

at Dorothy's Place

Our gracious hostess.

Miki eventually gave up being sneaky about
popping every other blackberry into her mouth.

♥

Happy girl!

SweetTart.

Fresh air, fresh fruit, and a cool old barn--sweet. 
(Oh, and some silly geese. :D )

We Remember



♥ Days in the sunshine ♥

Down in the Valley.

All for now.

Happy Monday!

Mom

There's something about seeing an idea in writing that makes it harder to argue; that's how it works for this writer, at least. 

I suspect that's why it's taken me so long to write of Mom's passing--2 weeks. 

This morning, I'm feeling the need (and finding the courage) to mention this life-altering experience here; even so, these are not my own thoughts, but a compilation of the notices we've already put out as a family.  Maybe I'm just trying to put off the "real" work to be done today--writing my part in Mom's service tomorrow morning. 

'Yes, that's exactly what's going on,' the lump in my throat tells me.

"‎4/15/55 - 6/29/12

A hui hou to our precious Mom.

Mahalo to all for your love, prayers, and expressions of sympathy.

We will update as memorial service plans are finalized.

Love,
The Recaido-Arnall-Campbell 'ohana"

"...Love knows not its own depth until
the hour of separation..."

Elissa Nalani Prestidge Recaido was born April 15, 1955 in Honolulu, Hawaii; she was the fourth of 9 children born to Albert, Sr. and Elizabeth Prestidge of Kalihi, Hawaii.  Lisa attended St. John's Elementary in Kalihi,  and graduated from Kamehameha in 1973.  After graduation, she worked as a waitress and a hula dancer on a local tour boat, while attending school part-time at Honolulu Community College.   In 1975, Lisa met Charles Recaido; they were wed on June 12, 1977. They welcomed their first child, DoRe', later that year.  In 1979, two ministers of God shared the gospel story, which Lisa embraced with her whole heart.  This strengthened her lifelong faith in and love of God; her example in these things marked a path for her 'ohana and others to follow.   Keala was born in 1982; two years later, the family moved to Kealakekua, on the Big Island.  They welcomed Joshua in 1985; Kale followed in 1987.   In 1988, the family relocated again to Waimea, and, in 1992, Charles and Lisa's youngest child, Noah, was born. 

Lisa worked many years as a store clerk in the community of Waimea, making many friends along the way.  Her interests included la'au lapa'au (Hawaiian medicinal healing), which she had opportunity to study under Papa 'Auwae at Lapakahi; midwifery; and political issues pertaining to sovereignty and the Hawaiian kingdom, with great interest in perpetuating the Hawaiian culture.  She spent many years joyfully raising her children, volunteering in numerous school- and community-based activities, sharing with countless others the sweetness and warmth of her beautiful spirit.

Lisa was preceded in death by her eldest brother William, and beloved nephew Mark Maglinti. 

She is survived by parents, Albert & Elizabeth Prestidge, Sr. of Kalihi; husband, Charles Recaido of Waimea, Hawaii; daughters, DoRe’ (Daniel) Arnall of Silverdale, Washington, Keala (Terry) Campbell of Waimea, Hawaii; sons, Joshua Recaido of Bremerton, Washington, Kale Recaido of Waimea, Hawaii, Noah Recaido of Bremerton, Washington; five granddaughters, Calista, Kiana, Mikela, Kawena, and Malia;  sisters, Alberta (Gilbert) Cardus of Waipio, Jacqueline (Henry) Kamai of Kalihi, Carol (Robert) Ueda of Kahuku, Althea (Peter) Marcellino of Waianae, Elizabeth (Judy Hillyer) Prestidge of Fremont, CA; brothers, Albert (Melinda) Prestidge, Jr. of Kaneohe, Robert Prestidge of San Francisco, CA; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts & uncles.

Friends may call 9:30–10:30 a.m. Thursday at the Kahilu Town Hall in Waimea. Celebration of life at 10:30 a.m. Aloha attire. In lieu of floral arrangements, a lei or single flower is appreciated and will be utilized in the ceremony of spreading her ashes.

{All for now}

WhineFest (Sorry.)

Checking in again, with thoughts more random and irrelevant than usual.  Let's just jump right in, shall we?


Ain't Nothing Gonna Break-a My Stride

Okay--agreed:  I'm a short person with short legs, making for a short stride.  Throw in a usually laid-back personality, and you're not likely to find me first in line at...well, anywhere. 

However. (And there is almost always a "however.") 

Sometimes, you'll find me moving more slowly than usual--not by my own choice, but...(wait for it)....because the person in front of me is moving slowly.  (I know--you're just so accustomed to blaming the short girl.)  With that in mind, I just wanted to let you know: if you think that elbowing your way past me is going to solve your problem, I assure you--it won't.  Often, that urge in you to "big-body" your way past me, creates an urge in me  to stomp your toe, or stick my foot out to trip you as you ga-lump on by--none of you ever look graceful as you pull this move, FYI.  Maybe these guys can help you improve your technique and style:

You have been warned; take heed. (And if you insist on continuing this way, maybe wear steel-toed boots until your situational awareness starts improving.) 

I know; I'm such an angry elf. :-9


Keep trying, DoRe'

Made it to Zumba on Saturday morning; it was a full class, and after bumping elbows a few times with the lady next to me, I encouraged her to take the empty spot in the row ahead of us; she was the better Zumba-er, and I didn't want to embarrass myself dancing in front of her. There was a minor language barrier, but, before she took her place as Queen of Zumba Of The Second-To-Last Row, I'm pretty sure the gist of her (very sweet and sincere) response was that she, too, was not a very good dancer when she first started, but after coming for a year, she improved; I would get it eventually, she assured me.  (For those that don't know me, I have been doing Zumba for a year. More, actually.)

Ouch--I think I'll file that one under "Reality Check." ;-)

And here's that picture again.....




It's been confirmed--I'm a rightie. :-9

Now, switching gears to the really interesting humans in this household....


Genetic predisposition

That would seem to be the case, anyway; all five Recaido granddaughters have performance and recording credits to their names. :)  The girls put a few more under their belts this past week: Kiana and Mikela, with a piano and voice recital last Saturday; Mikela and Malia, with parts in their school's production of "The Emporer's New Clothes" (Miki on Tuesday, Malia on Friday).



"When You Wish Upon a Star..."



Getting ready to sing "Amazing Grace."

Performing "Beauty and the Beast."



Singing "Wind Beneath My Wings."



Baby Chorus Girl.

They all did well, as expected. :)  I mentioned on Facebook my delight at realizing my littlest chorus girl had memorized and was singing along to every song, including the solos. :D  She did sing quietly, but had a much harder time controlling the expressions on her face--she always speaks volumes with her eyebrows.  (Which makes her a pretty fantastic storyteller. :D)

Well, I was hoping to have one more segment here, but I'm having a hard time working it out; guess it'll make its way into a post another time.  Before I go, look at this:

It's good for me to see that hair in all its glory;
as her personal stylist, it definitely has its challenges. ;-)

All for now--

Happy Monday!



A Very Random, No-Cry Post (I promise.)

Thursday, Thursday, Thursday....

Having such a hard time getting started this morning--no energy, but not tired enough to fall back into bed and properly recharge; maybe this extra cup of coffee will help....

You read; I'll sip.

A dialogue:

The other night, in a conversation I won't find nearly as funny once the girls start dating (so, like, in 30 years, or so), Malia, aka Kolohe Girl, was teasing her sister about a certain boy who shall remain nameless:

Malia (chanting): You like him! Kiana likes ________!  Kiana looooves ______!

Kiana (with a silly little grin): Yeah....and?

Malia: Well....(think...think..think)...well, I like him, too!  I like _____!  I'm going to marry him.  He's mine, he's mine, he's mine! (insert evil Malia laugh here.)

Kiana (still grinning, rolls eyes):  Okay, Malia....whatever.

Mom (interjecting):  Nuh-uh, Malia; nobody belongs to anybody.  You belong to Mom, and Dad, and God; when you find someone who will take better care of you than I can, you can date him.  Until then, nuh-uh. 

(Apparently, I don't believe in waiting to contradict myself.  No, sir; I like to do it in the very next breath.)

Kiana: Aha!  See, Malia? Mom said you can't date anyone until they can take better care of you than she can.  Wait....(brief contemplative pause, and then, the golden question)...

"...is that even possible?"

:D :D :D

  

Well-played, Oldest Daughter; well-played. 
I bestow upon you 1 BILLION Good Daughter points; now, go in peace.

An open letter:

Dear "Anonymous Comment Leavers,"

When I was a young girl, I often dreamed of having a secret admirer who would shower me with expressions of loving kindness and good deeds.  Of course, I had none. (I survived.)

Unfortunately, this idea no longer holds the same appeal for the grown-up me.  I still gratefully receive expressions of loving kindness and good deeds (preferably in the form of Starbuck's), but feel a little more comfortable knowing exactly from whose heart they come. 

So, don't be shy; reveal thyself, Friend!  I bare my soul in some of these posts; I really like to know who's relating.  So, text me, shoot me an email, message me on Facebook; help me save face (I'm a big "fail!" when it comes to trying to figure out who's who; I've done it once or twice, I think. :-9).

Thank you, and I probably love you, too,
DoRe' 

An experiment:

(Well, okay; it didn't start out as one, but it sure was telling.) 

I'm Sexy, and I Know it.

If we're friends on Facebook, this may look familiar; it was my profile pic for a few days.   I posted it after Kiana and Jeannie created and presented it to me; honestly, I was just stoked they remembered I existed.  (Teenagers. ;-9) 

So, here's what I learned:

• Purple actually isn't my color.  Bummer.

• Most people aren't even paying attention (and that's a good thing).  As the stunning 4-and-a-half-foot-tall curvalicious beauty that I am, there are some days when it feels like 87.4% of Silverdale's population is staring at me; it's enough to make a (half-)grown woman consider the possibility that she may look, you know....different.  (I wouldn't mind it so much if people would at least smile back when I notice them staring, but they can't, it seems; I have to presume it's taking their entire mental capacity to figure out exactly what is going on--"Is that a woman?  Is that a child?  Oh, wait--I think she's a movie star! Didn't she play one of the Oompa Loompas in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory?")  And now I'm going to contradict myself again: when I posted this picture, the response was....nothing.  Nada.  For a few days, at least.  Finally, one brave soul, possessing the truth and grace of an enduring friend, broached the subject with a simple ".....?...." and then, her honest opinion of  "Meh. I now have a deeper appreciation for your natural beauty."  :D  Anyway, long story short (um...too late, DoRe'), I was reminded again that 1) the world does not revolve around me, and 2) I can be who I be, be it whatever it be, and still be okay; no one's staring at me! (This sentence inspired by Dr. Seuss, of course.)  Of course, there is also the distinct possibility that:

• My friends think I'm capable of some pretty major fashion atrocities.  To see this, and not be able to confidently laugh it off because you're not so certain it's a fake, and you don't want to hurt my feelings just in case I actually did go out and PUT PURPLE STRIPES IN MY HAIR?  Come on, you guys!  Nothin' wrong with purple stripes, but, really--ME?!  We need to spend more time together, apparently, and get reacquainted.

And now, the Good Stuff:

That picture was horrible; let me make it up to you with some shots of my gorgeous nieces participating in their first Hula Drama.

These girls, while not mine by birth, take their places in my heart right next to my own daughters; I love you, Cali and Kawena.

Cali

Kawena

She's the real deal, people.

This literally takes my breath away.

♥

Happy Thursday!