The Grommom

There's a Girl on My Site! (Grom-Style.)

May 18, 2012

Yes—You ARE seeing right.  It’s a girl!  And Yes–You’re still at thegrommom.

This week, I decided we needed to get some girl power going on here at the grommom.

Since all I have to work with around here is boys, I had to find me someone else’s girl to borrow.

And that didn’t take long at all.

Meet JORDYN!

Isn’t she adorable?

Jordyn is a super talented skateboarder, who is at the skate park probably more than my own boys…(Yeah, that much!)  More recently Jordyn has been riding some nice waves as well.  She’s as-grom-as-grom-gets…in the girl version!  I love that.  If I knew about groms when I was a kid, I think I would have been one too.  Or at least a wanna-be.

I invited Jordyn over to help me surf the internet and find some of the best girl-grom styles out there for this spring and summer.  I may or may not have had the side motive of simply wanting to see what it was like to have a girl in my home–I don’t get that very often.  Of course I didn’t tell her that.  My boys caught me sniffing at her a little, and staring a bit too long, and they gave me the “Mom–You’re SO WEIRD” look.  I tried to back off.  It was nice having her around though.  She is very strong and athletic, but also quiet, and …sweet.  Someone, please tell me that not ALL 13 year-old girls are like that…

Back to style:
Jordyn,  like my boys, loves Up and Riding.  But she also has a special relationship with VANS, so you’ll notice a few items come from their site as well.

Here’s Jordyn’s Spring Pick of the Week:

We were both digging the fun colors, and and stripes in the rainbow variety.  Jordyn wears boys’ (mens actually!) skate shoes, which I think is super cool because I happen to have really big feet and started opting for mens sizes often around Jordyn’s age too. And she just recently got these same sunglasses!

Remember, you can click on any of the items to take you directly to the site where you can purchase them.  And for one, I know that Up and Riding has FREE shipping!!!  Very cool, huh?

Grom-girl-Jordyn is not only blessed with great athletic genes, but she can also hope to inherit her mom’s artistic talents.   Jordyn’s mom, Joanne has a professional photography business called  Island Style Images.  She takes amazing photos of children and families around the island.

Here’s a few of her recent pics of Jordyn, on their recent trip to Australia:

(LUCKY DUCKS!)

And a personal favorite:

So everyone–call all your girlfriends, and let them know that Thegrommom is NOT just for boys anymore!!

Spread the word, we’re gender balanced around here!

(And if any  girls happen to be on-island, and have a little extra time, they’re welcome to come to my house where I’ll sniff them, make tea and do pedi’s and giggle like girls do.
I promise not to stare too much.)

Aloha, and happy shopping!

Thegrommom, And Jordyn

What To Expect...

May 18, 2012

Happy Aloha Friday!!

I hope this finds you well, and ready for a great weekend.

Speaking of weekend–What are your plans this weekend?

We’ve got a packed weekend ahead…Two surf contests on Saturday, church and beach/surf day with our church Sunday….and one of the things I am looking forward to most:

Getting to the theatres to see WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU’RE EXPECTING.

It opens Friday guys!

I’m pretty sure you’ve all heard of it by now, but in case you haven’t, here’s the scoop:  They took that good ole’ book that every first-time pregnant woman carries around like a Bible, titled “What to Expect When You’re Expecting,” gave it a rocking cast, and a hilarious twist, and made a movie of it.

I just don’t think you could go wrong here.

Now before I get too carried away, I obviously haven’t seen the movie yet, so I don’t know everything.  I tend toward the conservative side when it comes to entertainment, but this one looks pretty safe.  (I’m going to guess that this is a Mom-and-Dad Date Night movie, or a movie to see with your girlfriends.)   Anyone who has been through it, will have to appreciate the humorous side of pregnancy, and babies (adoption is included as well.)  Actually, anyone will think this is funny.

Here’s a link to the movie’s web site if you want to check it out.

What to Expect When You’re Expecting.

Dave tried to suggest it would just be a “chick flick.”  Then he saw the Trailer, and the scene with the “Dude’s Group,” and he was totally in.  Chris Rock, and a bunch of “dudes” with front packs strutting through the park was classic.

So get out and see the movie.  Laughter is the best medicine after all!

And then stop back here…Because I have a GIRL-GROM-STYLE POST with a special guest star waiting to post…As well as a home-made tropical granola recipe you won’t want to miss.  (You may have all the ingredients to make it in your home right now.  Yes, that easy!)

See you soon, and let me know how you like the movie if you get out!

Aloha,
Grommom

Fourth Child Syndrome.

May 16, 2012

Little Levi will be two in a couple of weeks.  Everyone in the family agrees that he has added enormous amounts of laughter and joy to our home.  He is embraced, loved, and perhaps a little bit…spoiled.

Just a little. (wink, wink.)

But, here’s my question:  Where do YOU fall in your own family or origin?  Do you think it has somehow shaped the person you have grown up to be?  Have you all read the books about birth order, and studied your own kids?

Here’s what I think:  The whole birth order thing–at least the general idea that where you fall in line in your family largely shapes your personality–is pretty accurate.  I mean, I haven’t studied it in-depth, and of course there are a trillion (give or take four) variables which affect how you grow up, but I do think birth order is one valid explanation.  There are things about each of our boys which cannot be explained by much else than where they fall in this family of four boys.

On a totally unrelated note, Levi has about two words now.  Now hold your hat, it’s all going to be ok.  If he were my first I’d probably have him in speech therapy, occupational therapy, and counseling.  (not really, but really.)  But being my fourth, I don’t sweat it a bit.  Two words by two is completely adequate.  He has plenty of years to learn the rest.

Perhaps more importantly are WHAT two words he has, right?  Well, I’ll tell you:

“Tractor,” and “MOM”

And it usually goes something like this:  ”MOM!….MOM!…Maaaahhhm!”
I say:  ”Yes, Levi?”
“Tractor.”

The end.

Now repeat that scene about 795 times a day, and you’ll understand why sometimes I have that wild look in my eyes.

Fortunately, he often calls other people “Mom” as well, so I can sometimes pretend he isn’t talking to me.   Last night for example, I heard Levi and Dad in the garage:  ”Mom!…Maaaahhhhm!”
Finally, Dave says “It’s DAD.”
Levi:  ”Dah.”
“What is it Levi?”
“Tractor.”

Then end.

What I’m saying, besides the fact that Levi is completely obsessed with tractors, is that Levi doesn’t need many words.  He has bigger people in his life who speak for him.  Plus, if he gives on to how much he truly understands, he probably won’t get by with so much.  Smart little rascal.

And to give him some credit, he has a few more than two words.  He just rarely uses them.  And most of them don’t sound a whole lot like words anyways.  And quite frankly, I’m ok with waiting a bit for full sentences and all of that.  Because, you know what?  I have three other kids, and I have learned that once they start that whole “TALKING” thing–they never shut up.  Never.

So I’m not rushing to speech therapy yet.

One of the things I love about Levi being fourth, and how that affects his personality, is the confidence that he already has.  Being around big boys who listen, encourage, and cheer him on in every little feat has given Levi a strong sense of self.  The kid gets three-boy applause for touching his toes, for goodness sakes.  And a full cheering section for taking a bite at the dinner table.  (Yes, we applaud eating.  He doesn’t do it much.)

All of this has turned Levi into quite a confident little boy.  He likes being center of attention.

When Laura was over taking pictures, she caught Levi in one of those moods…Telling me a story in his own language.  I’m pretty sure every fifth or sixth word was “tractor,” but the rest was a mystery.  His hand motions, and tone of voice is often all I have to go on.

And it cracks me up every time.

Show-off?  Perhaps.  But man do I love this kid.

So tell me:  Do you think there’s something to the whole birth-order business, or do you think it’s a bunch of hooey?  I’d love to hear from some of you middle children…as I’ve got one – or two – of those I’m trying to figure out as well.  Comment with some thoughts.

Have a wonderful day!

Aloha,
Grommom

"Going-On's" at Thegrommom...

May 15, 2012

Hi Friends!

How’s your week so far?
I can hardly believe it–we are TWO weeks away from wrapping up our home school year…Summer is almost here!  I’ve heard of fabulous weather all over the country, so I hope this finds you tanned and happy.  Or as Dr. Dave would say–”sun screened and happy.”

Well, there’s been a lot going on here at thegrommom!  I hope you like the new look (and it’s not even complete yet!)  Please tell me what you think–I mean, if you like it.  If you don’t like it, then you can keep it to yourself, haha.  (There’s no going back now I’m telling ya!)

A few things to point out:
1.  THEGROMMOM Facebook page!  Click on the link in my left sidebar, and “like me” please! We can keep up with each other even better that way!

2.  SUBSCRIBE!  Did you see the NEW subscriber bar in the upper righthand sidebar?  I hope you’ll subscribe to this blog so that you don’t miss any posts.  And if you once subscribed, and somehow just quit getting emails (I’ve heard from some of you–) here’s your chance to re-subscribe.  I’m sorry for the inconvenience, hopefully it will work this time!

3.  I’ve been working on an update at the ABOUT page…as well as another page called “The Truth Behind The Blog” which will be linked to the About page.  You can have a preview of that one HERE.  What I’m trying to say is—I’m really working on get everything fresh and up-to-date.  Meanwhile I know the blogging has been a little light.  So, please take some time to look around, and get re-acquainted!

4. We had a photo shoot with my friend Laura last Friday.  It went really well, even if she was trying to photograph two families (and a total of six little boys) all at once!  (We got together at my friend Maryam’s house for that!)    Here’s just a couple of my family favorites:

5.  Thank you for keeping up here…and please keep on clicking on that Top Mommy Blogs button (right side bar.)  You support means a lot to me!!!

Aloha!  Aloha!  Aloha!  Aloha!!

GM

Happy Mother's Day

May 13, 2012

What a great day to be a mom!

I love these four with all of my heart, and today I celebrate the privilege of being their momma.

Today I also thank God for my Mother-in-Law…Who raised my husband to be a good and godly man…and who taught him to pray for me from the time he was five.

And for my mom, who has loved me unconditionally, who can make me laugh uncontrollably, and who is my best friend to this day.

Have a wonderful Mother’s Day everyone!

With Aloha!

Grommom

Grom Style!

May 11, 2012

True Friends

May 10, 2012

Friend.

Doesn’t that word just conjure up a wonderful collage of images in your mind?

It certainly does for me.

I’ve been blessed to have a LOT of  great friendships in my life…Many friendships from the past I have been blessed to maintain, to some degree or another.  Some of I have sadly  lost track of.  Some I have reconnected with, but only on Facebook or with Christmas cards.

But as far as my experience goes: You know a real, true friend when you find one.  And even after many years, many miles, or life changes, you’ll always feel a heart connection to that person.

One such friend of mine just left the island today.  She had been here with her family, thanks to her husband being in the military.  Now they leave, headed for a new adventure as her husband leaves the military, and begins Law School.  In Kansas.  Yes, Kansas.

I had only really began to know her well recently.  Luke had connected with her oldest son in a very special way a few months back.  He was his first buddy which, in Luke’s words was “both a surfer/skater, AND he loved God!”  I loved that.  They hit it off.  And because of them, I began to get to know the mom.  She was beautiful, and fun…and a fellow home school momma.  But what I think bugs me the most is that only recently I discovered that she had the kind of sense of humor that gets me in that certain spot.  Really friends, do you know what I’m talking about?  I have a LOT of good friends on this earth, but only a handful that have a certain breed of humor that could literally make me pee in my pants.  My own mother is one of them.  And then there are a couple of others.  I can’t explain this phenomenon.  It’s really odd because I have plenty of other friends that can really make me laugh.   But there is something unique about a few people who hit me in that funny bone…Oh I hope someone out there knows what I’m talking about!

So now my friend is gone, and I only scratched the surface of getting to know her.  I feel ripped off.  Thank God we live in the day and age of internet, travel, and Facebook–no doubt we’ll keep in touch.  And our kids as well.  But it still makes me sad to see her go.  I’m wondering if she could make me laugh just as hard through Skype.  We’ll have to see.

Then I think of another friend–this time one who I look forward to seeing soon!  This friend was on this island at a time where I so desperately needed a friend.  We both had only two boys then, and we bumped into each other at a Borders Book Store.  It was (friend) love at first sight.  A divine gift.  We “got” each other from the start.  Long explanations were not needed.  Together we went through the rough years…small kids, some medical issues, and (for me,) Dave’s residency years.  She coached me through the birth of my third son (While the OB doc and Dave talked fishing stories, if I remember right!)   Like my other friend,  she was a military wife, and three years after we met, she left me for Maryland… It was hard to let her go.

That was six years ago.  And though I haven’t seen her since, I can say that we are still connected in way that only true girlfriends can be.  I turn to her often when I need someone the most.  And there is no doubt that a quick text from her will stop me in my tracks to call back if I know she needs me.  She and her family will be visiting this June, and we have a whole lot of reconnecting to do!  Since they moved away, we’ve each birthed another son, and we’ve had plenty of other experiences that we look forward to sharing, face to face.   Sappy as it sounds, we have each had dreams of greeting each other with a hug that lasts for hours.  (Our husbands do NOT get us at all!)

That’s friendship.

I could carry on about so many other friends–friends that have met one need or another.  And the truth is–the beauty is–that God does give us friends that meet a multitude of needs.  I know that for me, I have one friend I’ll call when I need marriage advice, another when I just need to laugh, and yet another when I need someone who is an expert listener.  One who prays immediately, another who tells great stories, and another who will empathize.

Friends are such a gift.

Being in this busy season of my life, it is easy to take my friends for granted…I know that they are raising their kids too.  Working their jobs.  Living their lives.  We have a mutual understanding when we go weeks or months without talking.  When a Facebook post is the most we hear from each other.

But tonight, in the midst of grieving the departure of one friend, and looking forward to the visit of another, I am stopping to consider how blessed I have been by my friends.

Some of you reading this belong in that group.  Others are thinking of your own besties right now.  The ones that listen.  And the ones that make you pee in your pants.  They are all so awesome.

So here’s to friends!  Old ones, new ones, and the ones to come!

I love you Emily.  I love you Melissa.  I love you Tina, and Kari, and Lisa, and Tara, and Kendra, and Catherine, and Melissa C, and Christie, and Ashley, and Teresa, Stephanie, Judy, Karin, Tammy, and so many others that are in my heart all of the time…I can’t wait to hang with you again.  Hopefully before heaven, (hehe–that was just for Emily.)

Even if you make me pee in my pants.

YOU ROCK!!!

XOXOXOX
Your Friend,
Monica,

Thegrommom.

PS  Here’s your chance to comment!  I hope you’ll either share something about a friendship that has affected you, or even just name someone you love and miss…Maybe you’ll want to pass this post along to them and name them here!  You can always post this on Facebook or tweet it too!  Thanks and love to all my “new” online friends as well!!  Cheers to friends!  (**And if you don’t see a place to comment at first, try clicking on this specific post at the top, and it should open a page with a comment section–sorry, we’ll try to fix that soon! ) 

Grab Shell Dude--

May 8, 2012

Aloha friends!

You may notice new things keep popping up here at the grommom, and I am SO excited!  Thanks to both Maryam, and my brother-in-law Jonathan, I’m in very good hands.
I have been working on getting up to speed on some of the social networking sites (Blog lovin, instagram, and Facebook.) With the new design here, I’m all motivated to kick-start into gear.  Hope you like how it’s coming along!

Tonight I finally started thegrommom Facebook page.  It’s almost empty, but at least it’s there!  Please  LIKE ME! (That phrase will never NOT sound weird to me!)

While I got busy trying to work behind the scenes here, Sandra took the boys to Waimea for yet another afternoon of fun and frolicking.  It looked like a perfect day for jumping rock, swimming with turtles, and…?…tumbling in the sand!?
Don’t blame me, I just borned em.

Josiah put this short video together, and I think you’ll like it.  Please don’t report them for “grabbing some shell” on turtles…They’ve been scolded and they won’t do it again.  Pinky promise.

Much island love to you—

grommom

PS  I’m not sure if you can leave comments right now, there was a little glitch.  If not–we’ll have that back up and running soon!  (Cuz you know I’m dying to hear what you think of things so far—)

A Family That Surfs Together…

May 7, 2012

What do you think of the changes so far!?

Obviously, the facelift has begun here at thegrommom!   As usual, there were some frustrating obstacles to getting started on things, but now we’re on our way!  Once again, thanks to my new friend Maryam, the design is looking great so far.  Thanks for your patience if there are a few things missing, or if anything seems out of place.  It wont’ be long!

Surf Contest Update:  Surfing The Nations Surf Contest was a lot of fun on Saturday.  All three boys were in the “13 and under” age division, so it was tough.  The younger two did well, but didn’t go into any finals.  Josiah had an awesome heat–placing first, and was headed into semi-finals Sunday.  Unfortunately there was a little mix-up with heat times, and the schedule…I won’t even try to explain this one.  (I think for once I didn’t do anything wrong though!)
But the end of the story is that Josiah got to the beach Sunday to find out that he had already missed his semi-final heat!  Grrrr…So frustrating!  He was really bummed.  If you read my post about his State contest last week, you might remember that he almost missed a heat there too.  So, if you’re wondering if we are learning our lessons around here?   YES!  We are.   Fortunately this weekend’s contest was just for fun, so it doesn’t really matter, but it was indeed a disappointment.

Here’s two photos of his heat yesterday:  Josiah in blue.

It was a beautiful day, and the surf was small, but “glassy” (as we surfers say…haha.)

Now, since we don’t want to dwell on the “what could have beens” of that contest, I’ll shift the focus to something else:
A TYPICAL AFTERNOON FOR OUR FAMILY

Did you guess?
YUP–THE BEACH!  With a bunch of boards, a bag of snacks, and usually one or two of Levi’s “tractors.”

We love family afternoons at the beach.  And though I sometimes opt to stay home (there’s always plenty to do at home,) I am always glad when I decide to join the family.
Because indeed–
A FAMILY THAT SURFS TOGETHER (OR DOES ANYTHING TOGETHER REGULARLY!) STAYS TOGETHER!!

Ready to hit the water:

Everyone’s happy.
Luke:

Dad:

And Levi, whose cheesy smile…is getting better?

No, still pretty bad.

Love to see the guys all going out together.

And happy to be on the beach with the camera, and the snacks.
Because someone’s gotta do it.

Aloha, and keep coming back to watch this place transform…

Grommom

Breaking/Blogging/Good and Dirty News...

May 5, 2012

Hi Friends!
How’s life?   Was it a good week?
I do hope so!
I am here to bring you a few news updates.

Breaking News:
We found JackJack.

Surf News:
Saturday morning, I’ll be off and running down to Waikiki for a surf contest.  Surfing The Nations puts on a contest down at Waikiki every May, and my three oldest boys are taking part in it.  These are super fun contests, and we really love the work of Surfing The Nations.

Blog News:
A facelift!  (No, not my real face.)
Thegrommom is about to have a Facelift!

Here’s the story:  Thanks to the blogosphere, or maybe it was Twitter…I’m not sure–but I came across a fellow Mom-blogger who (get this!) LIVES here on the North Shore of Oahu.  I really love her site, and it is clear that she is extremely talented at blog design as well as a whole lot of other stuff! (Just go see her blog and you’ll agree.)  Any ways, I contacted her to see if she might be available to help me do some design work here at thegrommom site.  She graciously agreed, and within a couple days we met face to face!   As soon as Maryam came over, it was clear that we had much more in common than I had realized.  Not only is she pregnant with her third BOY, but she is also married to a surfer-doctor!  The list goes on and on, and I am really looking forward to a lot more time with Maryam and her family!

We had a great time together.  In between episodes of chasing our children, (who quickly found the squirt guns and red dirt,) and chatting, we did begin some work on blog design.  It was hard to stay on topic though because we kept getting side-tracked by all kinds of mom talk–topics like natural childbirth (HER) as opposed to drugs (me,) potty training boys BY TWO (HER,) as opposed to hopefully-but not always THREE (me.)  It was good fun.

So you may be seeing some changes here at thegrommom soon.  And if there are any interruptions or glitches, please hang in there–it won’t be long.

Along those lines, I am sincerely asking you to comment at the bottom of this post with YOUR INPUT on a couple things.  So, don’t leave this page without reading the questions at the bottom!

Good and Dirty News:
We had a big truck deliver topsoil last week.  And as far as Levi is concerned, there is pretty much nothing in the universe more exciting than a big truck delivering dirt.

Dave has been playing working a LOT on his tractor, (much of the time with Levi on his lap,) and getting some good work done.  Sometime in the near future I will share some photos of the progress out there.

Meanwhile, Levi’s not complaining.

Adolescent News:
Josiah.
Got.
Braces.
He was really happy with it all, and left the orthodontist smiling:

But within a couple hours he was miserable.  Poor Kid hasn’t eaten real food in three days.
I forgot how painful those braces can be.

But the timing was terrific to receive THIS!
(Snack News:) 

That’s right friends–Peter Rabbit Organics has come out with FIVE NEW FLAVORS, and they sent me some to try!

Peach and Apple, Banana and Apple, Pear and Apple, Pear and Pea, and Pumpkin, Carrot and Apple!   ALL NEW!

So, now it’s your turn!  Ready to comment!?

Here’s what I’d like you to share:
WHEN YOU VISIT THEGROMMOM, do you come here to:

A.  See surfing/skating photos videos and news?
B.  See beautiful photos of Hawaii/ find out about great places to visit/eat/site see here on the North shore?
C.  Hear me ramble…story tell…embarrass myself and share family updates.
D.  Hear about homeschooling, OR
E.  Faith/inspiration OR
F.  Home/land improvement OR
G.  Health/fitness…cooking
Please comment with a simple letter (or letters,) or your thoughts!  And if there is something that I left out, feel free to speak up! 

If you happen to like things just how they are–please don’t worry.  The content will not change, I am simply working to focus in a bit on the areas I think you all want the most.  This will not be an overhaul–just a facelift!

Aloha!!  And see ya on Twitter and Facebook (ALSO–thegrommom Facebook page should be up and running this weekend!)

Grommom

Things Boys Love: Board Edition.

May 3, 2012

Even though I still daydream occasionally (ok, kind of a lot) about having a girl…

Deep down, I am really, REALLY glad that I have boys.  I wouldn’t trade my boys for any girl in the world.   (I just hope they let me choose my daughter-in-laws one day…hehe.)

I’ve been thinking a lot about boys lately.  I guess this is on my mind a lot because I just started the MOB society blog’s 21 Days of Prayer for our boys.  It started May 1st, so you aren’t too late to jump in if you have boys that need prayer.  I am excited to be praying for areas like our boys’ hearts, their health, their futures, their future wives. (eeks!)  Really, raising up boys is a big responsibility, and true privilege.

I don’t have girls to compare to, but I do know that our boys have been uniquely boy from the time they could make choices.  Our little Levi (almost 2!) is still completely obsessed with tractors.  He talks about them all day long.  My boys have gone through the Transformers stage…the Star Wars stage…and I’m beginning to think that Legos are not a stage at all, but just part of being a boy.  Then there are sports:  Soccer, basketball, karate…they have all had their seasons in this family.  But of course surfing seems to be the one thing that is here to stay for my boys. (And yes, I know many sweet girls who love surfing as well, so I’m not calling this a boy thing at all!)

Looking through this last year’s photos, I realized that one of the most photographed scenes I have is of my boys with their boards.   For some reason I always want to snap a shot of them as they are looking out at the water, or coming in from the water.  They just look so strong and healthy at that moment.  Like they are heading out to conquer, or have just conquered something out there, and they feel really good about it.   They’re just irresistible.

Here’s just a few of my “Boys with board” collection.

And a personal favorite:

(That’s what little boys with boards grow up to be…
Not a bad thing at all.)

What are some of the things that represent your boys (OR GIRLS)!?  Are they into something special, or what is the thing that you think best defines them right now?  Please share!

Aloha,
Grommom.

Why You Can Be Glad That You Don't Live in Hawaii.

April 30, 2012

While we were having lunch today, one of Sandra’s friends called from the mainland.  She was giving Sandra a hard time about living in Hawaii.  The conversation went something like this:

Friend:  ”Next time you come visit, are you going to stay?”
Sandra:  ”No.  I’ll always come back to Hawaii.”
Friend:  ”I don’t get that.  I mean, it’s always so nice there.  Don’t you get tired of that?”
Sandra:  ”Um, no.   I don’t understand the question.”
Friend:  ”I mean, I think if I lived there, I’d just always be at the beach and hiking and stuff.”
Sandra:  ”Yes.”
Friend:  ”So, I would feel like I was always on vacation!”
Sandra:  ”Exactly.”
Friend:  ”I hate you.”

Sandra and I laughed at that one.  Then for fun we thought we should encourage those hater-friends out there who want to believe that it really is terrible to live in Hawaii.

And this is what we came up with:

Reasons why you can be glad if you don’t live in Hawaii:

1.  You can never blame the weather for skipping a workout.

2.  Gas prices.  SO expensive to drive anywhere–you just end up down at the beach.  Again.

3.  No variety of seasons–only summer.  Unless of course you love summer.

4.  You always have to wear sunscreen.  Always.  That’s a whole lot of work.

5.   You don’t get to wear all of the cute jackets/coats/parkas.

6.  The sand can really get annoying.  It gets into everything.

7.  Tourists require patience.

8.  It’s really hard to get things done.  Everyone is so laid back.  Peaceful.  Happy.  Not at all an environment for striving.

9.  Warm breezes every evening.  You’d really miss shivering every time you walk outside at night, wouldn’t you?

10. Smells.  All over the place–plumeria, gardenia, wild ginger…  It’s hard to get away from the stuff.

Have a great day, and enjoy life wherever you are–we all have a lot to be grateful for!

Aloha,
Grommom, and Sandra…

PS  Feel free to comment with any we might have missed….
PPS  Don’t forget to click on the Top Mommy Blogs button!  :) Thank you!

The Curse of The Blue Jersey, and Other Grom News.

April 29, 2012

Our family hit the big city for two nights this week.

This particular getaway made me realize how much we’ve become country folk.  I experienced culture shock walking around Ala Moana Mall in Honolulu…seeing so many people dressed up, so many professional-looking people, and in general–just so many people!!!

The purpose of the trip of course was Josiah’s HSA State Surf contest.  And here’s how that went:

Josiah’s first heat was stacked with great surfers, but he went out strong.  It all came together, and he surfed the best heat of his life!   Every one of the six kids in his heat surfed well, but Josiah placed 2nd–and was slotted to go into a semi-final round thirty minutes later.  We were all so proud of him.

What happened next was kind of funny, (and kind of NOT funny at all.)

Josiah walked off with his coach to chat about the next heat, get some pointers, and mentally prepare.  I was preoccupied with my other boys, and didn’t notice where they were headed.  Before long, the officials called for all of the surfers in the semi-final.  Everyone came to get their jersey…Except Josiah.  They called for him again.  And again.  I started to panic.  Dave checked the bathroom.  No one seemed to have a clue where he was.  This just ISN’T like our ultra-responsible first-born.  The officials were giving a “last call” for Josiah, and I was having a heart attack.  Finally, a girl that he trains with ran up and said:  ”OH–I saw him with Coach out on the rocks!”  Apparently they were just out of ear shot of the announcer!  We sent his brother off in a hurry to deliver the news, Josiah dashed back, grabbed his jersey, and jumped in the water.  His face showed that he was frazzled.

The interesting thing is, this SAME thing happened to two other girls we know earlier in the day!  And what’s really weird–they all had BLUE jerseys on for their heat!  So…we’re calling it The Curse of the Blue Jersey--because none of their heats ended up going well.

Including Josiah’s.

Besides blaming the blue jerseys, or the frazzled start to his heat, we can’t really explain why his heat went the way it did.  The semi-final was a disappointment, Josiah  placed 6th, and there ended his time at State.  That’s not how he wanted it to go, but he kept his good attitude, and let it go.

Overall–It looks like Josiah placed 11th or 12th for HSA in the State.  That is NOT too shabby in my book, considering the amazing caliber of young surfers in this state.  He MAY still qualify for Nationals–it depends on a few variables.  OF COURSE I’ll keep you posted!!

I only took video of the surf contest…and sadly—ALL the video was accidentally erased! (one more bummer!)
But here are a couple photos of our family’s downtown adventures:

At the contest:

Coming back after his first heat (Notice, green jersey—green = lucky.  Unlike blue.)  This jet ski takes them to the surf break and back so that don’t wear out paddling across the channel.

Luke and his buddy, Diego…exploring while they waited.

Aren’t they cute?

Switching gears:
While we were downtown, Jonah had one of his parkour training sessions.  And something just occurred to me:

See Jonah in red?  What do you notice about him compared to everyone else?
Look closely:

I know!!  He’s tiny!!  It didn’t even occur to me before that he is so small next to all of the grown people taking the class.  Usually his friend Tai is there too, but this week Tai couldn’t make it.  I think it’s so funny because with homeschooling, and our general lifestyle, our boys are so often with people of all different ages, and it isn’t really a big deal.  I don’t think Jonah even thought twice about it!

I like that.

And I love this instagram as the sun was beginning to set:

Thanks for keeping up with us.  Hope you’re having a great weekend!

Aloha,

Grommom

Things to Cheer About~~

April 25, 2012

First, I just gotta say a HUGE CONGRATS are in order for our TWO LOCAL TALENTS who just WON the International Surf Association Junior Championships in Panama:  Dax McGill, who lives right here in Pupukea, and Kalani David– our friend, and North Shore grom-legend.

(photos by Gonzales, and Parkin.)

We are stoked for these two, and know that they have worked VERY hard to earn this title!  Way to go Team Hawaii!!!

On a much less international, but none-the-less exciting note…Josiah has his STATE contest on Thursday!  We are packing up to go spend a couple nights downtown to be near the event (and to have an excuse to get away and “play tourist.”)  Josiah’s health is back to “100%” so we are expecting a great heat tomorrow.

Before we go, I have one more treat to share:   Little Luke has put together his very own skate video to share with you.  I’m pretty excited for him as he truly did this ALL himself (with a little mentoring by big brother Josiah along the way.)  It happens to be put to one of my very favorite Toby Mac songs, so hope you have fun watching and listening:

I’ll be tweeting, and maybe even posting a time or two while we’re in Waikiki, so check back.

Aloha!

Grommom

What Happened Last Night.

April 24, 2012

Our family has gone literally YEARS without a bout of illness sweeping through.  We’ve had a bug here or there, but not the kind that takes out the whole family.
Then when I took that trip to Arizona a couple weeks ago, everything went downhill fast.  Four out of six in the family got the stomach flu.   Following that, my baby  got his first cold.  (He’s almost two, so I’m not complaining.)  But he’s been a snotty mess for almost a week now.
I thought that would be the end of it.

But yesterday Josiah and I both felt sore throats coming on, and by nightfall, Josiah was miserable.  102 degree fever, achy all over, and a very red and swollen throat.  I was doing better than he was, but feeling generally lousy as well, so we all hit the hay very early last night.

Well, after a handful of typical night-time interruptions by kids whose job it is to make sure that parents never get a  full night’s sleep, I was finally in a deep slumber around 1:30 AM.  Then a very strange series of events occurred, leaving me mystified to this very moment.

Josiah woke up and said he felt nauseous.  ”NO!!” (If you missed THIS post, you might need to read it to fully appreciate my preoccupation with avoiding all things vomit.)  Now looking back we think the pain meds we gave him for his raw sore throat must have upset his stomach, but at that moment, all I could think of was a relapse of the stomach flu.

Rising above my throw-up phobia, I jumped up to help him to the bathroom.  He did throw up, though it was brief and not too traumatic.  Still, I was getting upset, thinking ahead to his state surf contest this week, and how this is not good timing…and (Forgive my selfish soul, ) “AM I GOING TO GET IT NEXT!!?”

As I wiped his face with a wet cloth, he said he felt much better, and wanted to go back to bed.  I, however, sensed that I was not doing well at all.  Cold sweat trickled down my face and back.  I felt nauseous.  My hands were trembling. It suddenly occurred to me that I must be about to throw up as well.

Somehow I stumbled out to my living room where I thought I would gather myself before finding the anti-nausea medication …Stopping short, I had to  support myself on our cabinet. I was feeling incredibly uncomfortable.  nauseous.  Dizzy.  And that’s all I remember.  Until…

Next thing I know I was lying flat on my back, feeling a very hard floor underneath me.  Wondering WHY my bed was so hard, and then wondering WHERE I could possibly be?  On concrete?  On a street?  I was totally disoriented.  One of my sons come in asking, “WHAT is going on in here?” (He had heard a noise–or  a crash–he told me later.)
I rolled over to realize that I must have passed out cold.  My head throbbed, and my elbow stung.  I was quite a ways from where I remember resting for support on the cabinet.  I couldn’t, and still can’t, put together how this happened.  OR WHY.
I have never passed out in my life.  And here I was, flat out on the floor.  It was a very bizarre feeling.

I stumbled up, and headed for a softer place to lay.  Dave came to my rescue, giving me the anti-nausea meds that I was demanding, and checking to make sure I was ok.  He says it was a “vaso-vagal” response–something about getting up too fast, and your blood pressure dropping or something.  He added that my psychological ” state” likely added to the event.  (yeah, yeah…)

Josiah was back in bed and sleeping soundly.  I also fell back asleep and woke up feeling much better this morning.  A slight sore spot on the left side of my noggin, and a bruise on my elbow.

And that, my friends, is about as exciting of a night as I’ve had in a long, long time.
Here’s your chance to tell me:  Have you or anyone close to you ever pulled a stunt like this?  Day or night, tell me I’m not alone in dropping out cold on the ground…For really no good reason at all!!

Please don’t worry about us at all–We’re all doing better now, and even booking a hotel room at Ala Moana for Josiah’s contest.  Woot woot!

Aloha,
Grommom