Waimea Bay - Memorial Day

For Memorial Day - we did what we always do every year - go to the beach! Waimea Bay is a pretty popular beach for the locals but has limited parking, so we decided to get up very early and head on out! We were hoping to catch a Hawaiian sunrise but weren't quite in the right position (big mountain in our way) but it was gorgeous being at the beach when it was still dark. We had such a great time being there all day. I even actually played in the waves with the kids, we all rode the paddle board, and played in the sand. We saw many turtles poking their heads up and the kids get so excited when they see one. We must have seen about 15 of them throughout the day. Then, we actually got to see tons of spinning dolphins that came into the bay. They played, jumped, spun around, and it was just something we had never seen before. They stayed in the bay for quite a while! We caught them on video so Oscar will have to make a quick video for all of you to check out. It's days like this one, where we have to just thank God for blessing us with this awesome experience of living in Hawaii!

Light Saber

The other day, the kids and I went to Jenn's house to hang out after Jacob's graduation from preschool and the boys were playing with their light sabers. Ki didn't have one and was sad that he couldn't play with the older boys. It was hard watching him being left out (not intentionally). I had told Oscar about it that afternoon and when he came home from work, he had a surprise for Ki! A light saber! However, the one Oscar bought did not pop out by itself or have real lights - Ki said, "Daddy, this isn't a real one!" Disappointed again, we told Ki that we would see if we could buy a real one. Of course, Ki would need someone to play with so Oscar had to buy one too! (Geni got the cheap one! and she loves it!) It just so happens that today when I was going through all of Ki's baby clothes, I found his Halloween costume from when he was one - Darth Vader! He wanted to wear his costume and play with his light saber all day today! The costume used to cover his legs - it was so tight on him and so hot! He didn't mind! Next time we visit Micah and Jacob, Ki can bring his with him too!

IT'S A BOY!!! Yeah - we are so excited to finally know what we are having! We would have been happy with a boy or girl (since we have one of each already) but we have been thinking boy for a while so if they would have told us girl - we would have been shocked! Anyways, we are very excited - about 5 weeks left! Now I can get all of Ki's old clothes, blankets, etc. out of storage and wash everything. We have to start planning where he will sleep (we're kinda out of space!) but we couldn't be happier! Please pray that he is healthy and the labor and delivery go good just like the others! After we found out that he is a boy we had a celebration dinner and the kids each bought him a little gift. Ki bought him a toy zebra to rattle around and Geni bought him a stuffed puppy to cuddle! Oscar and I bought him a little "Z" pillow to hold! "Z" stands for Zek (his nickname) since we want to name him Ezekiel! We are not sure of the middle name yet but we will be searching and praying about it! The kids also each bought him a onesie (as you can see in the picture). Aaaahhh! I know these next couple of weeks are going to fly by!

Madilyn Klinger

My cousin Wes and his wife, Amanda, had a baby girl on Cinco de Mayo - Madilyn! She is so pretty and I wanted to share their family with all of you! Here are a few pics. Wes is brother to Jill (see their web page by clicking on the right) and Jake. Jake is stationed in Iraq right now so please pray for him and the whole family as there are many changes taking place right now! Also, to support my cousin Jake - click on the link to the right!

Renewed

Well, this past Saturday, I went to a Women's Retreat with Jenn's church and wanted to share it with you. Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures (even though Jenn and I both brought our cameras) but we had a great time. Oscar actually watched the 4 kids so Jenn and I could have some girl time! It started out as a slumber party at her house Friday night. We knew that we needed to wake up early (3:30 am) but we stayed up till 1:00! You would have thought we were back in high school. At the retreat we watched the sunrise and it was gorgeous! There was a series of speakers throughout the day and a few activities. We were able to have God time alone to pray and journal. God completely spoke to me and it was awesome! Jenn and I both feel so blessed and it is so neat to have a friend like her. Thanks for inviting me Jenn! Sign me up for next year!

Happy Mother's Day 08!!

I had an awesome Mother's Day! Thanks to my kids, hubby, family, and friends! As you can see in the video, Oscar got very creative this year in making me a bound picture book! I was very surprised and it is a treasure I will keep forever. I can't wait to see what he will get me next year!! My good friend Jenn gave me a picture poster of the kids which was also a great surprise and I can't wait to find a frame for it to hang up! Oscar's uncle and his wife sent me a personalized card with pictures of the kids! Also, very thoughtful and something to go in the scrapbook! Thanks everyone! We had a good day with friends yesterday. Pat and her daughter Abby and Jenn and her two boys, Micah and Jacob kept us company - the mom's talked, the kids played and Oscar was on the grill! Thanks honey! Here are a few pics! Happy Mother's Day to everybody!

We're Famous!

Yeah - We made it in the local newspaper! Remember the blog about Baby Disco? (If you missed it, you can read it below) Well, we opened up the "Midweek" which is a Honolulu newspaper delivered on Tuesdays and guess what we saw?! A picture and quote of us! Ki and Geni are both in there twice. We are so proud! Click on the article to view it full screen so you will be able to read it - or to see the full article on line go to www.midweek.com

New Stand Up Paddle Board

Today after many days and months of saving money and researching, I was able to pick up a paddle board. I spoke to many different people out on the beach and at surf shops. Finally we made our decision on "Paddle Surf Hawaii" because the great boards and shapes they make. All shapes are made by a local shaper Blaine Chambers who sold us the board. He also gave us a great deal for the Board, Fins, Leash, Deck Pad & Kialoa Paddle. Check them out!! http://www.paddlesurfhawaii.com/

On my first, ride it took me a bit to gather my balance and get used to the board but after a few minutes I was able get around Ala Moana Beach. Ki and Geni really like the board, I'm very proud of Ki because he was not afraid to ride with me away from Mami and Geni. Beth can't wait to try the paddle board, knowing her I better start saving for another board or convince her that surfing is the cool thing to do.

Chao!!!

The Potty Training Marathon!

Pray for us! We have started the potty training marathon with Genesis! I know she is so young (she'll be two in June) but she is so interested! She actually sleeps with her "potty book" at night and that's the one she picks everyday to read before nap time! I thought - better do it now while she's thinking about it! Well, the problem is - she's a drinker! Does that sound bad? She loves her cup! She can drink 8 ounces of water in 10 minutes and ask for more! This is the first week and we are very proud of her - she has "potty time" in the morning and will go in her little potty but she is still a little afraid. I can tell she needs to go and she dances around and makes funny faces as she's sitting on it - but she just doesn't want to go! Finally, when she does, we of course, make a huge deal, but let me tell you, it takes a while! Here is some silly pics of our funny girl!

Lions and Tigers and Bears - Oh My!

Today the kids and I went to the Honolulu Zoo! We spent all morning running around looking for all the different animals and getting excited about every one! It was nice to be able to take our time and spend 20 minutes looking at the lizards! Since we bought the annual pass and it is so close to our home, we know we can go back anytime. Ki said his favorite animal was the giraffe (eventhough he seemed more interested in the turtles) and Genesis said her favorite animal was the elephant (which I believe because we were looking at them for a looooong time!) I had packed a picnic and they have a very nice picnic area with tables and trees for shade so that makes it very nice. They also have a great playground for the kids to play with while the moms rest! Well, here are a few pictures and to see the rest go to "Hawaiian Adventures" on the right!

Regalos De Lita!!!

Hoy recibimos los regalos de mi jefa  para KI & Geni, al momento de ver la caja dijieron "mas regalos" y  no podian esperar abrir  la caja. a los dos les en canto los dulces y jugetes, Ki se duerme con su moto the el hombre arana y ha Geni le encanta su pelota con luces. por supuesto que a Beth le encanto su tarjeta de Starbucks!!!!  Les mando mos muchos besos y abrasos!!!

Yesterday, the kids and I went to visit a botanical garden by our home. We have seen it several times driving by so I finally decided to pack a lunch and go! It was beautiful and I wish we would have gone sooner. It's actually close enough to walk to so I think we will be visiting often! We even saw a turtle that crawled up on a rock! Here are a few pictures of the kids (of course)! I just can't seem to get enough!

Birthday Surprise!

I had a great birthday - thanks to all my loved ones! After the disco with the kids, we came home and surprise! - we found a beautiful bouquet of flowers and a balloon sitting on our front porch! It was from our good friends Jenn and Darrick Hays. The note said that Jenn was coming to pick up the kids in the morning and taking them over night so I can have a relaxing day to myself and a romantic night with my hubby! Wow, was I excited?! It had been a long time since I had a day off from work (you know what I mean) so Monday came, the kids were packed and sent on their way and off to lunch with Oscar! After lunch, he had to go back to work so I thought, why not walk around the mall, get a caffeine free iced tea and a mini massage! I can't think of anything better than a massage! I treated myself to a 30 minute massage (much needed), spent some time at Barnes and Nobles (so I bought a few books for the kids - I missed them by this time), and headed home to sit on the couch before Oscar got home from work! He took me to an Italian Restaurant and we went to catch a movie. We had a great time! Thanks Jenn! Oscar and the kids gave me cards (my favorite thing from the kids) and a gift certificate for a professional massage and facial at the Hilton Hawaiian Village (very prestigious hotel)! I guess he knows me pretty good! Thanks honey - I love you!

Baby Disco

Well, for my birthday weekend (we always have birthday weekends in my family!) we bought tickets for Baby Disco! Let me explain - they take a prestigious nightclub in a hotspot and open it up during the day to kids! The lights were low, the disco ball was on, 80's and 90's were playing loudly, the bubble machine was blowing and the kids were dancing! It was a blast to watch Ki and Geni dance and go crazy with all the other toddlers and preschoolers! Ki said his favorite part was the dancing and bubbles, Geni said the same thing (because she says everything Ki says!), Oscar's favorite part was the bar (that's where all the dads were), and mine was just laughing (ok, and the snacks)! They had healthy snacks available along with boxed juices. We all got tattoos! The kids were able to play with scarves, noise makers, and hula hoops! Below are some pictures and to see the rest go to "Hawaiian Adventures" on the right of this page to view all our pics! Afterwards, we went to Wahoo's for dinner and the kids were wiped out when we got home. I snuck out for some Coldstone (using my giftcard, of course)! It was an awesome day and it's not even my birthday yet! Check out Baby Disco at www.babylovesdisco.com

Ki eating the bubbles!

Genesis making noise!

Matching transformers tattoos!

Geni giving Mommy a massage and playing peek a boo!

Laying down and catching bubbles!

Beth's Gifts

Today we received a package from my mom and dad for my 30th birthday - yeah! As a family we opened it up and realized that everybody benefited from my birthday! Geni loves her dresses! Ki loves his shorts and t-shirts, Oscar loves his dvd and everybody loves my giftcards! Take a look at both videos (it was one longer one, cut in two). Ki was definitely the most excited! Thanks Mom and Dad! Love you!

Beth's Gifts

Settling in!

Well, I thought that I would have more time to update you more often but obviously, I'm still staying pretty busy! Staying home with the kids is exhausting! Ha, ha, how did I ever do it before? There is so much to do here - I need to remember that I'm here for a while and not on vacation. I don't need to do everything this week!

Anyways, my parents came and left! I have pictures posted of all our adventures together. We hiked up to a waterfall, saw huge sea turtles, went to the zoo and of course the beach many times. Oscar and Dad surfed a lot (Oscar was happy to have a surfing buddy) and Mom and I played with the kids in the water. They are getting so much more comfortable with the ocean and it's so neat to see them trying to ride the waves! I loved having them here and miss them terribly. They are already planning the next time to come out - when the baby is born! The kids can't wait to see them again and keep talking about it. We've got some great pictures up on their "California Board" in their room.

Well, let me just update you on how God continues to stretch our faith and keep us completely dependant on Him. Oscar has been offered a permanent position at HMSA (Blue Cross of Hawaii). This wasn't an easy decision because we had just started our own business as a private IT consultant but we felt that God was calling us to accept the position and reap the benefits of being an employee once again. Oscar is excited to start his new journey (same company, same sort of work, just has a boss now). I'm very proud of him but we know that it is God who allows us to succeed not our own doing.

As soon as I get to the doctor, I will give you a baby update. No, we do not know what it is yet! Hopefully we will find out next month sometime! All I know is that I can't wait until June 27th!

My first blog!

Well, this is the first time I have ever blogged! Do I sound old now? I am excited though because now all our friends and family can hear and see through pictures what we have been doing over here. Hopefully I will find the time to write and put pictures up for all to see. Life continues to stay busy but we are definitely not as busy as we were before. There are lots of changes from staying home again with the kids to Oscar's work schedule to living in the city! I feel like I have so much to say to catch you up on. It will take quite a few blogs to get you up to speed! It has been just over a month since the kids and I came out to meet Oscar. I feel like it is home now. For a while, it felt like we were on a long vacation but now that we are pretty much unpacked (not completely) and are getting into a routine, things are settling down. Well, for this first blog, I will just tell you my first impressions -

The House -

I love it! It's pretty small. It's 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths but to put it in perspective, it's only about 1000 square feet! We did not really bring any of our furniture (besides our beds) so that's good because nothing would have fit! In the Master Room (can I even call it that?) our king sized bed fits but with only a few feet on each side to squeeze down, and it's getting harder and harder for me everyday! The kids are sharing a room with Ki's twin bed on one side and Geni's toddler bed on the other. They actually love it! The first couple of nights we could hear them laughing and talking in their room until they finally fell asleep. The other room is our play room/office. This is where we keep the toys, my big drafting table for scrapbooking (hopefully I get back into it again soon), and our computers. Everything actually looks really nice. We just bought a futon for a couch/bed for when our guests come to visit (come visit us!) if they want to stay with us. For the last month, the four of us have been squeezing on the beanbag to watch t.v. so it's nice to have another option! I don't have pics of all the rooms so I'll have to go around the house and do that so you can see for yourself. I will put up the pics I have.

The Neighborhood -

I feel like we live in an older neighborhood in downtown L.A. Our specific street is not too busy but it is off a busy street just 5 or 6 houses down so we hear cars, ambulances, buses, and people (Very different from our suburbia home in San Berdoo). On the other side of us, about 9 or 10 houses down, is a park - very nice for the kids. We can walk down there whenever we need a break to just get out! Since the weather is gorgeous, we go over there all the time. One thing we noticed about Hawaii - there are parks everywhere! On every street there are small neighborhood parks! (Oh, and libraries on every corner). We are about 10 minutes driving distance from the water, maybe even closer if there is no traffic. I don't think I would every really walk down to the beach only because of the older neighborhoods we have small sidewalks and busy streets. The bus is a huge part of transportation so if we all go, the bus is an option. We do walk down to Chinatown, the grocery store, the library, and the Hawaiian Ice Store! There are a lot of kids in our neighborhood so I'm looking forward to getting more involved and meeting more moms!

Downtown Honolulu -

This is where Oscar works, so we are there quite a bit. This is also where Wal-Mart, Sams Club, and Cold Stone is! Oscar has been taking the bus until recently when we conveniently found a sale on Mopeds! Now he rides his Moped into work (he looks so cute all ready for work on his moped - I'll post a picture). Downtown, or just "town", as they call it here, looks like L.A. with high rise buildings, apartments, condos, cafes, and shops. If you go south just one or two blocks, you are in Waikiki! Oscar has a beautiful view from his building. He says it's a good thing he doesn't have a corner office with a big window (not yet anyway) or he wouldn't get any work done!

Well, I'll be trying to write more every couple of days to explain more until we get up to date. So far, we can all say the the experience has been wonderful. Of course, we miss all of you but the change is really great! The kids are still adjusting nicely and are looking forward to Grandpa and Grandma visiting next week! I guess you could say, I'm a little excited too! Well, bye for now!