Valentine's Day Quiz

So these poetic Valentine’s ditties are from the brilliant and creative minds of my children and grandchildren….

The instructions were… Write a poem using the words:  love, valentine, money, and cupid.

Yes, you’re mine…let’s drink some “non-alcoholic” wine.

This day is not so much about the money,

I just want to spend some time with YOU my honey!

As I sit and write this letter,

Each year all I want is to treat you better!

I hope you don’t think I’m Stupid,

But this message is sent from CUPID.

So open the “non-alcoholic” wine,

And release the doves…..

Oh and Happy Valentine’s to you MY LOVE!

Shane & Moneka

Aloha 8/13/13

Aloha,

We can tell we are on the down hill swing because we have been super busy.

Aloha 8/6/13

Aloha,

Wow.  Almost a normal week.  We attended the temple on the 31st because Sis. Rowland's husband was home with back issues.  On Thursday we did our 5 hours of service in the beautiful La'ie temple and did not stop to eat until we were home.  We had left overs.

On Friday, we went visiting with Sis. Tupola.  She is the new Relief Society President in the Nankuli Ward.  Her husband is the Ward Mission leader for their Ward.  We visited a Sis. Moody that had three children.  Unusual names... Tegan, Tosh and Samya.  Her husband is in the military and she seems to love just being home.  Sis. Appel is trying to come back to church. Her husband is not a member.  She has 2 children from a previous marriage who live in UT.  We did a quick check up on a Sis. Griggs who moved into the home of her daughter to help them return to activity.  She has 8 children and very poor circumstances.  She is in a wheelchair.  We met Sis. Gonzagas who had just lost her 30 year old daughter to kidney cancer.  Sis Tupola is related on down the branch.  We were able to leave a prayer of comfort before leaving. Then we checked up on the Nanakuli Elders and found them not really out doing the work.  Sis Tupola called the mission office and I am sure they will hear from the Pres. Warner.  We don't need any slackers!  It is so nice to go out with the RS Presidents.

Aloha 7/30/13

Aloha,

Here it is the 24th of July or in Utah "Pioneer Day".  We (the M&M Sisters') did talk about some of our pioneer ancestors and the part they played in the Salt Lake Valley. Joseph Lee Robinson was a patriarch who traveled around giving blessings.  Our side (Rose) came from his 5th wife.  Polygamy was a commandment they lived in his day instituted by the Lord.

 

We also attended the temple as patrons on the 24th.  We ate lunch at Lei Lei's in Turtle Bay and took this picture of the new stop sign color.  What do you think?  We then worked our 5 hour shift Thursday in the temple.

On Friday, I had to go to the dentist and have a new filling.  I wondered if I would have any tooth left by the time she quit drilling.  That night we stopped by Nanakuli Park to check on our Branch.  They were camping out the 26-31st.  ***I will tell a cute story in next weeks blog about Bro. Totau (in green shirt) and his frying food.  No!  We did not camp out with them... we were the smart ones!

Aloha 7/23/13

Aloha,

Here we are back on track.  Chuggin' along!  We worked again in the Hawaii Temple on Thursday and it was so wonderful to be back in that sacred edifice helping the patrons to do their own work and work for their ancestors.  I had to wait until Sis. McGiven finished a session, but visited w/ Sis. Murdock, who is our supervisor.  She is such a sweet sister.  We decided to eat at Halei'wa Joes that night.  We had a 30 minute wait and almost as long for our meal to arrive.  We got acquainted w/a couple sitting beside us that were celebrating their 15th Anniversary.  I took a picture of them after figuring out the camera.  I pushed down on the button and my left finger got attacked by the pop-up flash.  Finally got the deed done.  They had their meal and were eating dessert and we were still waiting.  We should have just ordered dessert!

Aloha 7/16/13

Aloha,

This was quite a slow week except for my family and their activities.  I thought this blog would be dedicated to the 4th of July and other family activities.

We did go visiting with Sister Rolland from Waianae 1st on the 10th.  We were able to visit a couple of sisters.  One sister has had much sickness, but is very active.  She also showed us her art work.  Her neighbor is not active, but we encouraged her to attend Relief Society and enjoy the camaraderie of her sisters.   We had lunch w/Sister Rolland and headed back to our apartment.

Saturday, I accompanied Sis. Fielding and attended a Volunteer meeting for the Temple... actually I did not need to go because it was only for office workers, but it was a nice way of getting better acquainted w/ Sis. Fielding.  We made several stops on our way home... 1) BYU-Hawaii bookstore to buy tie tacks for her Elders in her zone, 2) Ted's... they are supposed to have the "best" pies!  Sorry, they don't get my vote.  I did get Sis. McGiven an eclair and it was a little weird too!  Round and just filled w/ whipped cream. 3) Lunch at the Kahuku Grill.

Aloha 7/10/13

Aloha,

This was an interesting week.  We went w/ Sister Rowland on Wednesday the 3rd and visited with Waianae 1st Ward.  We said a goodbye to Sis. Canisbog whom we have visited several times in the past.  She had 9 of her 10 children visiting for a grandchild's graduation.  She is 80 years old and loves going out with her son on his fishing boat.   We also said goodbye to Beauty and found out more about her life.  She was #8 in her family, but the father didn't want her and she went to live as a baby with another family who raised her.   She visited her bio-family when she was 11 years old.   At this time that family grew to 11 w/ her as #8.  There were 3 in the adopted family.  That is one thing that we have noticed... family members are raised by Aunties and Uncles.

This 4th of July was the strangest 4th I can ever remember.  We were invited for dinner w/ the Tongan Branch, but declined!  Instead, we had an  early dinner at the "Outback" and later went to the Stake Center to watch the fireworks, but didn't see any.  I checked several times off our patio, but did not see one firework "blasting in air!"   Oh well, I will be at Lake Tapps next year on the 4th and there will be plenty of fireworks and lots of smoke.

Aloha 7/3/13

Aloha,

This has been a great week.  We held our District Meeting at the Makakilo Stake center on the 25th.  When we separated into Districts, Elder Howard conducted our class on a video we watched entitled "Voices" from a talk by Elder James E. Faust.  We are surrounded by so many voices that can sway us from doing what we are called to do.   We must learn to filter out noise and be able to discern the quiet, peaceful and subtle voice of the spirit.  In D&C 42:6 & 14 we learn unless we have the spirit we should not teach.   Many times we will have an "aha" moment wondering where that came from.  If we live with faith as in the Indiana Jones movie where he took that leap of faith... think what is possible.  After our meeting we fed the missionaries because it was the last meeting of the month and no $$$.  We had sloppy joes, chips, green salad and cookies.

Wednesday we visited in the Kaelaloa Ward and met Sister Gomes and her mother.  Sister Gomes is in the Stake Relief Society Pesidency.   We then visited Sis Iona.  She attends the Kaelaloa Ward but her husband attends the Samaoan Ward.  She was the oldest of 11 children and cared for her parents until they passed.  She has one daughter living in Utah.   She sent us home with a big plate of food.

Aloha 6/26/13

Aloha,

We tried a new assignment on Wednesday.   We helped make calls to find housing for the missionaries.  We didn't get any call backs, but talked to several management groups.  We will have an influx of missionaries soon needing housing.

We had a beautiful day in the temple on Thursday and afterwards had dinner w/ Sisters' Tisdel and Fielding at... of course, The Kahuku Grill. Always yummy coconut shrimp.

Friday we held a baptism in the Tongan Branch for Sione "Lolo" Vakauta and President Fine baptized him.  Afterwards, the Branch met together for a potluck dinner.   The weather was beautiful so we ate outdoors.

My son-in-law Matt sent me some pictures of my grand-daughter Zoe who performed in "Annie" as Molly.   She is also imitating Miss Hanigan in one scene.  She took a drama class at Utah Valley College and then put on the play for the parents.

Aloha 6/19/13

Aloha,

What a special week we have had in our mission.  On the 12th we held a Tri-Zone Conference in the Honolulu tabernacle.  The Zones in attendance were:  Honolulu, Hon-West, Waipahu, and Makakilo.  We took a picture after dinner w/ all in attendance.  Check out that front row with all the Seniors and their companions!!!   We also took a picture of the Daltons, the 2 Elders serving in the Tongan Branch (Elders Green & Gardner) and the M&M Sisters.  Sis. Dalton stated her great-grandfather helped purchase and dedicate the sight where the tabernacle stands today.  What a legacy.

The day was quite emotional knowing it was our last Conference w/ President and Sister Dalton.   Pres. Dalton talked about "Vision 200" and that it was looking good to have 200 converts for the month of June.  The new mission President and his wife will be arriving on June 29th.  It is Pres. Warner and his wife.  It will be exciting to meet them.

Aloha 6/12/13

Aloha,

The weeks are speeding by so quickly.  I got a cute picture of my grandson, Josh in his Scout uniform headed to camp from June 4-8th.   Have fun and get lots of merit badges.

Wednesday, we went visiting with Sis. Rowland from Waianae 1st Ward.   We were able to visit several sisters and after grabbing a Jamba juice, I met Sis McGiven and Sis Rowland for salad at the Pizza Hut.  She is so good about visiting each week.

Of course, we attended the temple on Thursday and we always have a special day feeling the wonderful spirit in the Temple.

Friday, we had our District Meeting in Makakilo and we were able to see all the changes that were made to our Zone.   We focused on making sure the LA were contacted and to continue to do as Dan Brown did on his mission.   Laser focus and work hard and have fun.  

Aloha 6/5/13

Aloha,

This week we had birthdays and graduations.  My grandson, Josh turned a teenager on the 28th.  My son-in-law, Mark Cato's birthday was the 30th. My grandson, Chris Scafani, who is Mark's son, graduated on the 30th and my other grandson, Alex Morris graduated on Sunday the 2nd.  Alex is Brian's son and is pictured with his brothers Andrew, Chris and Danny. Yeah!  Congratulations.

Aloha 5/29/13

Aloha!

We had quite a full week.    The 21st was temple day with our zone. 

Happy birthday to daughter Genise on the 22nd, Van on the 23rd, Josh on the 28th, and last but certainly not least my wonderful and handsome rock star son-in-law and the love of my daughter's life Mark on the 30th.  I was able to connect with everyone and wish them a happy day.

The 24th was our temple day.  It was light duty for me, but enjoyable.  We didn't stop to eat and came home and fixed a bite.

On Friday, the 24th we held a baptism for Aloi' Manupule.  His sweet wife, Emerly, was already a member, but many of her family came for the baptism.  President Fine baptized him.  After the baptism the Branch held a dinner and dance for the graduating Seniors, Kazia and Solove.  It was well attended.

On Saturday the 25th, we attended a "Super Saturday" held in the Waianae building.   All the Relief Societies from the Stake were invited.  It was a fun day.  We were put in different groups and attended a variety of classes.  I attended a class where we made covers for our notebook and then a flower making class.  Sis McGiven attended a soap making class and another book cover class.  They also had lei making and a mega mix class.  After the classes we had a nice lunch.

Aloha 5/22/13

Aloha,

This was quite a slow week so I have added some family pictures.  Kevin took his family on a Disney cruise for Mother's Day. Good thing they live in Florida.  Jared got to do something he has always loved... he got to "dress up" as a cowboy for a wedding.  His little family looks so cute.

It was so sad to hear about Sister Monson passing away on Friday.  I know our prophet is really going to miss her companionship.  Our prayers are with him.

Sunday, my cousin Christy Martensen and her three travel companions came for a spaghetti dinner.  It was fun to see her and catch up.  Also, saw her Tuesday at the temple to hand off her purse she left behind on Sunday.

Aloha 5/15/13

Aloha!

I am going to see if I can finally catch up on my blog!  I wanted to say thank you family for having a work detail on the 4th for Mom's pre-birthday celebration. You all did great and it was fun to hear from you.

On the 8th, we had our District meeting in Waianae, but I was still jet lagging and in pain so I stayed home.  They had interviews w/ the President on Tuesday the 7th while I was winging my way back to Oahu.

The 9th was my mother's 93rd birthday and visited w/ her on the phone.  I am inserting my talk that I gave on Mother's Day. Sis McGiven attended the temple and that evening we attended the Tongan Branch "break the fast" and listened to a Tongan brother from SLC discuss Family HIstory.  

Friday, I bit the dust and got my hair cut.

Saturday morning we attended the Stake Seminary breakfast and graduation program.  We had two girls from the Tongan Branch graduating.  Kesia Fifita and Solove Naufahu.  They are such cute girls.

Aloha 5/8/13

Aloha,

Another week of home recovery at the Childs.  Today is May 1st or May Day.  I got my daughter hooked on this special event.  I used to take flowers around to the widows in my old Ward, but I am home bound this year.  Here are pictures of Genise's children and their pretty bouquets that they take to special people. I remember, as a kid, picking dandelions, bachelor buttons and other colorful flowers and doorbell ditching as we left them on the porches of our neighbors'. We have kind of forgotten the traditions of May Day w/ the flowers and the May pole.

This is going to be a short blog because each day was very similar to the previous day. I would get up, pray, eat... if that is what you call it!... soft foods, shower and then study.  I accomplished my goal and finished, "Jesus the Christ" by Talmadge.  What a powerful book.  I would go for a walk before lunch and then have my lunch, a nap and then usually John and Darolyne would be home.

Aloha 5/1/13

Aloha,

Touchdown!  In Las Vegas at midnight April 24th.  I grabbed my bags and headed to EZ Rentals.  I stood in line for 40 minutes and then was told you were supposed to pick up your car yesterday!   Now what????  Right next door was Payless and "yes" they had a car, but of course, the amount would be higher... go figure!   I got me a little compact and headed to the Seven Pointe Hotel and Casino.    Got to bed about 2 am with a wake up call for 9:30 am.  I needed to be in St. George for a Dr. appointment at 2:30 that afternoon.  SO, I was scheduled for surgery NOT gambling.

Aloha 4/24/13

Aloha,

It's catch up time, not ketchup time. 

On April 17th we studied most of the day and talked to Jared and Heather before they headed back to Utah.   It was so fun seeing them. 

We worked at the temple on Thursday from 11:45 until 4:45 and then grabbed a quick bite at Hale'iwa Joes.  Yummy food... what a find.  It is in old town (Hale'iwa).

Aloha 4/17/13

Aloha,

It is getting warmer, muggier and less breezy!  Here is hoping we can stay cool.  We might have to sit in the car all day with the air conditioner on!!!

Wednesday we studied and then made a quick trip to the swap meet to load up on gifts for birthdays, Mother's day and what nots'.

Thursday was our Temple day and I had the opportunity to escort a Sister Manu (Tongan) going through for her first time.   It was really a very sacred experience.  On the way home we stopped at Hauula Korean and got a bite to eat.  I usually have Kolbi beef and Sis. M usually gets a shrimp dish.  When we arrived home I received a call from my birthday cousin, Jim Rivord, about 8:15 pm.  (He lives in Virginia!)  I said, "Aloha"... and when he started talking, I knew right away it was my cousin.  I said, "Kinda late for you to be calling?"  He said, "Not Honolulu time!"  Of course, I did the normal thing.... I shrieked.... "You're here?"  We visited for awhile and made plans to meet.  About 9:30 pm, I called Jared and asked where they were. They were stuck in Honolulu traffic.  WELCOME to Hawaii.   He came with his wife Heather, her brother Casey and his wife Melonie until the 17th.  They are staying at the Marriot at Ko 'Olina not far from us.  He took two pillows and called me in the morning (tired!!).

Aloha 4/10/13

Aloha,

This will be a week that will include some of the Hawaiian legends and history, but I will catch up on the earlier part of the week.

Tuesday, we had our District Meeting in Waianae.  After our opening exercises we had our training w/ Elder Ross on how to set goals.  He taught from PMG (Preach My Gospel) on p. 146.

1.  Be prepared with lists, records and stay 
     focused.

2.  Praying and relying on the Spirit.

3.  Have a plan and go to work.

4.  Be accountable.

We were then asked to do a Name/List.  We were supposed to think about former investigators, part member families, less active families, active, unbaptized and perspective Elders and work on these lists and come up with people to teach.

We went visiting after our meeting and that evening we had Scott and Berta Langi over and were able to visit with them and scheduled a 1st discussion on Sunday at 3 pm.  While in Waianae we visited Siosi and let the sea air blow our tresses.   We also saw Roberta Cansibog.   She always has new stories.  She told about her red headed uncle who fought in World War 11 and was a great fisherman.  It is always something new.  She is trying to get all of her 10 children home for a grand-daughters graduation.  She feels it might be the last time she will see all of them.  I like to see her once a month.  She is this little petite fireball of a woman.  I love her.