Wet, Jamming, Bitten, and Chillin

Wednesday the 22nd- Wet N' Wild...yeah for good friends to loan you their truck. The kids and I were only able to go for 2 hours because I spent the morning cleaning the house for a showing. But it was plenty of time for me...I am getting too tired of walking around, up and down stairs, and from pool to pool. Thank goodness Kai and Kezia help me out with Eli. I didn't have to go on one slide. The kids took Eli up the stairs to ride on the various slides that only the little ones can go on. Kai is also patient with the idea of not getting to go on the other bigger kid slides because he can't go alone...so he has to wait till Friday to go with Jason when we go to the Dive-In Movie Night...and some of the other slides are even closed at that time. Eli fell asleep right away of leaving the waterpark...which was sooo packed. Lots of kid day camps were there. Over 4,000 that day compared to 1/4 of the parking lot full on Monday.

We are having issues with Eli falling asleep for a late nap and not wanting to go to bed later when we are all screaming to go to bed. After waking him up from his nap for dinner (which was a chore), we went to the pool after dinner for an evening swim. So relaxing, especially when we were the only ones there.

Thursday the 23rd- Jason got to see the USS Hawaii Submarine arrive at Pearl Harbor to be its' official home. I watched the news broadcast about this huge creation and am blown away and the technologies...much of which were thought up 12 years ago.

The kids and I chilled for the day...laundry time for me and pregnancy exhaustion. We welcomed daddy home to go to Makaha Beach...but instead with not as much time as needed and some fears of the high waves going on, we went to Lagoon 3 for a relaxing evening. The kids love not having the enormous waves to get intimidated by and we didn't want to get home too late. Eli loved playing baseball with dad on the sand. Kezia loves creating Barbie's beach house. Kai had a blast learning to skim board. I loved just being able to put my feet up and watch!!! Jason has so much energy and I feel so blessed that he's so willing to play with the kids after a long and early day at work for him. We experienced an amazing sunset and got to listen to some great entertainment behind us at the Resort. I was really touched when the entertainer sung IZ's, "Somewhere Over the Rainbow". Please click on the link for a wonderful treat! Listening to this song and seeing the sunset was a humbling and memorable experience for me. I am going to miss this Paradise...and feel so lucky to have had this experience with my family.

Friday the 24th- no parade for us this year. It felt weird not being home to celebrate the 24th. Time in the morning was spent doing various things around the house. Mostly trying to clear some space on the laptop to get our camera's memory card empty. Over 12 GB's used in pictures and videos these past 3 months. Lots of fun memories.

The evening was spent at Wet N' Wild waterpark. This time the place was almost empty compared to Wednesday. Jason takes Kai on some of the bigger rides, while the little ones hang out with me at Water World. Thank goodness for free life jackets and that the workers allow the 2 little ones to go on the rides by themselves with the jackets on. We set up our things on a hill for the movie, "Monsters vs. Aliens" with a large curly fry, soda, and later 2 shaved ice. It was a fun evening out, even with the dumb flying ants and occasional other creatures.

Saturday the 25th--our last Saturday here! We made the best of it! We got out the door at 8 a.m. headed towards the famous North Shore. We ate breakfast at Kono's..yummy Belgian waffle with macadamia nut and banana topping, a loaded bagel, and a delicious breakfast burrito. I love that our kids are willing to try them all. It makes it so nice that we can share all three things and get a variety of eats. An early trek to 3 Tables Beach...good thing because the parking was already getting busy.

We had an amazing time. We ended up staying from 9-3 p.m. (I of course burned myself, but thank goodness the kids were fine.) I think this was my absolute most favorite day of the entire 3 months we have been here. We have done some fun things, but this day's adventures I will never forget. We set up our stuff under a few trees further from the water for the shade. But as the day went on and we didn't want to leave, we set our things up almost at the shore break. Awww...water hitting my fit while I sat in the camping chair was wonderful.

We set out with the kids with the floaties, snorkel gear, and me-a boogie board for the safety reasons to explore the reefs that lay ahead. The water at the shoreline is quite clear. About 10 feet out the water gets deeper and the rocks on the ocean floor appear. You barely have to be out very far to then stick your head under water to see fish! We saw Trigger fish (humuhumu's), parrot fish, yellow and black striped fish, and other varieties just swimming near the rocks. The kids loved it. Jason and I took turns for the day going back and forth with each of the kids and sometimes Jason would go out by himself and I would go out by myself.

Some of the fun things...Jason was being followed by a purple fish, possibly a Parrotfish, and got bit twice on the feet. Kai and Kezia said they saw an eel....I had a hard time believing that, so when I went out by myself I heard a man say, "Did you see the Eel?" I quickly went over there to say, "Where?". He pointed in an area. I swam to look and watched his finger point in the water. All of a sudden he puts his head up from the water and says, "That scared the ___ out of me!" I looked down in the water again to see this huge eel come out from the rocks. I said, "Was that not the eel you were talking about?" He said, "The eel I saw just got eaten by that eel you see now." I looked down again to see that the eel came out again from his home and started to swim toward me. It's one of the creatures I freak out at when it comes to the crazy creations in the ocean. This eel was as long as my arm from shoulder to finger tip or longer. It was huge and it freaked me out after it started to swim toward me. I didn't know if it would pass electricity through me, bite me, or what have you. I swam back and around and quickly to shore.

We also saw several squid (about 10 inches or so long), a fun crab, lots of sea urchins, and Jason got to see a rather big sea turtle. The sand there is amazing...lots of small colorful pebbles. We had a great time collecting sea glass and the younger boys had a blast playing on the boogie boards.

Around 3 we headed further north for a scenic look at one last time at the North Shore. The kids fell asleep quickly. Jason bought me and him a fried banana and some fresh corn ($1 an ear) from a place off the side of the road. While the kids slept a bit more, we parked out front of the 'Growing Keiki' to shop a bit. I found a homemade burp rag...I know I could make it for cheaper, but I loved it and had to have it. We also got a board book and Jason surprised me with a beanie for the baby saying "Bruddah". We drove down the road and stopped at the surf museum and at a surfboard resurrection art display and music jam session. The Artis family (11 kids) was all inside jamming out on their instruments and then you could walk around to see many of the used surfboards painted and formed into amazing pieces of art. Click on the links to see the surfboards and family music.

While waiting to be seated for dinner, Kezia (the little artist she is) enjoyed watching a man paint just outside of a shop from where we were waiting to be seated for dinner. He was painting a beautiful ocean scenery inside a painted whale tail. We ate at Cholos Homestyle Mexican. Not the best food, but it was fun with the family. Afterwards we watched some glass blowing and purchased a small honu (sea turtle) and then headed toward the Haleiwa Bon Dance and Lantern Floating Ceremony held at the Haleiwa Jodo Mission. People gather to dance to Japanese music to welcome the ancestors' souls. There was a variety of ethnicity's there dancing to the music, but my favorite was watching the elders dance to the music performing the necessary hand movements and steps to the music. It was very touching watching them. With all of the culture experiences we have had on this trip, it makes me wish we had more traditions to pass on to our children. The Festival ends with the Toro Nagashi/Lantern Festival. Paper lanterns are illuminated and then set afloat to sea symbolically signaling the ancestral spirits' return to the world of the dead. There were at least 1,000 floating lanterns lit up floating in the dark ocean. It was an amazing site.

Sunday the 27th--I am exhausted and couldn't seem to wake up this morning. Thanks to a loving and patient husband we made it to church on time with fed, bathed, and nicely dressed children. During sacrament meeting the kids made thank you cards for their teachers. They have really had a great time in this ward. Kai emphasized how much he'll miss it, but is so excited to come home too. After church, sleep again for me (now I am up past midnight typing his because I am too awake to go to bed) while Jason made snacks and dinner for us. Yummy grilled chicken, grilled pineapple, veggies, and so yummy sticky rice. After dinner we walked in and outside of the hotel just outside of Lagoons 3 and 4. The kids were envious of the fun pools they had there. We let them play on the playground for a bit and then got another glimpse of the amazing sunset.

We headed back home on the golf cart...to then stop to see the black swans. After telling Kezia and Eli not to throw things at the swans (making the swans believe it was food they were throwing at them), Eli got bit on the hand. His shriek was so loud and full of fear. No broken skin, just tears. We watched the 2 swans head back over to meet up with the 3rd swan. Then all 3 quickly swam back over to us...almost as if the 2 swans went and told their mommy that we were teasing them because the 3rd swan jumped out of the water and approached us. It had no fear of backing off, but instead made us get scared and quickly jump onto the golf cart to leave.

While backing the golf cart into the garage, Jason went to help me back up a little more with a push which in turn threw me off and I bolted backwards in reverse almost hitting the car and kids. Luckily I found the brake in time and we didn't have an adventure at the ER tonight and trips to the auto shop for 2 vehicles...I am so lucky!

Kezia won us all in a few rounds of Uno. Dessert was Boston Creme Pie (I think...not a huge pie fan, but it was good) and Neapolitan ice cream...again thanks to an energetic and loving husband.

The week ahead and last week here...not too much planned, but hopes to make the best of it!

Count Down till we Come Home!

Is this thing working...the alignment is all messed up to post what each activity is below each picture. Will give it a try!
McDonald's Happy Meal Toys...they are life sized; another shot of the kids at McDonald's;

A snapshot of the Magic in Paradise magic show/A Date with my Babes.

The Naval Base; our Atlantis Submarine Tour--see the sea turtle on the boat under the sea.; Kai taking a shot at Hickham golf course; swimming pool fun; a stop at the weiner mobile; Kezia holding our finished tiki--
"Tangaloa" means God of Protection; the kids burying dad at Bellows Beach; The Shack; Makaha Beach sand castle; and last a fun day at Lagoon 3 at the KoOlina Resort with the McGerry kids.

I better write this down before I forget...where's my calendar to help me remember?

Tuesday (14th)- Today the kids had Matthew and Cailin over for lunch while their mom ran errands. We hung out at the pool and Sharon, Logan, and Allison (little neighbor friend) met up with us. Eli had a blast pushing the kids in...and then he takes it too far with the little ones or ends up falling in himself (a bit too close to the ledge). I can't remember what we did that night...I am sure we just took it easy.

Wednesday- Another showing for the house...so out of the house I went at 9:30 a.m. Picked up the McGarry kids and took them to Lagoon 3 with us. The kids had a blast. That night after a quick meal, Jason took Kai to Hickham for 9 holes of golf. Eli was out for the night and I felt bad for not having a girl's night with Kezia because I was so tired...but her and I just chilled for the evening.

Thursday- Makaha Beach after 3 p.m. until the sun went down. On the way there we stopped and toured the Weiner mobile.

Friday- I can't remember what we did today...I think I was too tired for anything and we just stayed home. Yes, I checked facebook and that's exactly what I did that day. I was officially awake around noon. We stayed in that evening so we could be up early Saturday.

Saturday- swap meet at 8 a.m. till 12 p.m. Yeah, we got our Tiki. This family is amazing. The boys in the family have amazing talent and chopping away to make these beautiful tiki and other creations. It was a must have for us. We had to have him make us one while we watched. They have some already ready to purchase, but we insisted on him doing as we watched. The kids love watching them everytime we come. This time we finally had time to watch and buy one ("You get Member discount!"). Following the swap meet we headed on the H3 to Bellows Beach with our packed lunch. I love this beach. Then the Shack for dinner.

Sunday- church, quick rest, then Family Pictures at the Lagoon and Golf Course. Thanks Jason!

Monday- water park, Eli took a NAP, Chicken and Dumplings (Bisquick style), computer time with the family pics and then watched a movie with Jason (The 7 Decisions) with motivational speaker Andy Andrews.

Tuesday-

a day out in the truck to the Post Office, McDonalds (had to pay $1.25 for each child to have a pair of socks)---a shaded and big playplace, finally! The outlet stores...oh wait, Eli took another NAP so we drove through the parking lot and eventually drove to Target. Hawaiiian merchandise not cheap! Home to get ready for my date with Babes! The kids were way excited to have babysitters. Asia and her brother, Ezra from the ward. Jason won a ticket to see "Magic in Paradise" when we stayed an night at a Bellows Cabin earlier this month. So he took me on a date to the dinner buffet and magician show. The magician's name is Mark Mauricio (Magicman808). He did a great job at entertaining us with fun comedy and great tricks. I feel bad the kids weren't there because I think Kai would have appreciated it a lot, however it was a much needed date and Eli would have been the pill. After the date, I drove the teenagers home and got anxious to have some "me" time. So I drove to Wal-mart to do some think shopping for a few birthday gifts till midnight. It was nice to have some "me" time, whether it was late and in a Wal-mart...it was still nice to do.

Wednesday- I am awake typing this. But I need to clean the house (AGAIN) for a showing for the owners. It's driving me nuts because not only do I have to put everything personal away, I have to wipe everything down to make it look good. The floors and furniture are all dark so I have to wipe them down often because of all the kids' fingerprints and dust that adds up quickly. I really didn't want to have to do this again with only a week before leaving. I have to do it all over again in a week...it's not that I don't keep the place clean (I do), it's just hard to put all personal items away and get it just perfect. So I am off to clean!

A Quick Summary just to have it written down...pictures to be added.

Monday-cleaned the house, what did I do again? Blogged and let the medicine kick in! Went to the library, explored Kapolei a bit (didn't find the Post Office that was right across the street from the library), stopped in at Longs Drugs...had Fajita's for dinner.

Tuesday- Made peanut butter bars without a mixer ? I think that's when I made them. Wanted to go swimming, but didn't. Oh wait, we did go swimming at night after dinner with dad.

Wednesday- To the waterpark via bus with the kids, came home and chilled with dad, finished 'The Wednesday Letters', a quick sunset drive to the Lagoons to scope out a future photo shoot.

Thursday- toasted tuna fish sandwich, Leapster, Monster Trucks, Washing the bedding, blowing up balloons, organizing stuff, doing dishes, having silly conversation with my kids, reminding kids to eat over their plates...just some of the things we did today! Wanted to go to Costco that evening, but as we dropped off things to the McGarry's they invited Kai and Kezia over for dinner. Jason, Eli, and I went to get a car wash, ate at a Ramen joint with a Jamba Juice, found the closed Post Office, went to Target to get some odds and ends. I retreived the kids with Eli on the golf cart and was invited to have root beer floats and adult conversation with them.

Friday- went to Lagoon 3 with the McGarrys, Lynn, and Teresa's family, chilled at home and waited for dad to surf and then went to the water park for a Dive-In Movie "Happy Feet."

Saturday- Atlantis Submarine, Lunch at Hard Rock Cafe, Movie at Sharkey Theather "Night at the Museum", took various pictures at the naval base, a quick grocery stop, and home to bed.

Sunday- Aloha Oe to the McGarry's...very touching!

Monday- hung out with the kids...did lots of homework with them, me-slept in and so pregnancy tired, watch Lilo and Stitch with the kids and teared up once again because of Aloha Oe being sung to Lilo by her sister. Dad worked late, Kai prepared the Family Home Evening Lesson, chatted with Sara, peanut butter cookies with Zia, and the kids were off and on helping each other play games on the computer.

A Week Gone By....

Pictures are all mixed matched to the timeline of what we did this week.

The boys waiting for the fireworks to start. Their hair has gotten so light and Eli's is so long.

Kezia insisted on having Cotton Candy. We've had numerous opportunities to have some, but we waited until we were at an actual fair for her to have some. Love the crossed eyes! YUMMY!

Kai's winnings at the Kids' ages 6-11 group Free Throw Shooting Contest.

Eli got a chance to hit some baseballs in the batting cage. He was pitched several and hit 3 of them. He looked so cute in the overly sized helmet.

We finally got a coconut drink at the swap meet. NOT my kind of tasting...very blah. Jason got the rest to himself, including the meat of the coconut.

Hanging Loose at the Miniature Golf Course at Bellows.

A Wet N' Wild snap shot enjoying sour watermelon gummies.

The very last hole Kai hit the volcano and it bounced off finding Kezia's head. Here she is letting the headache settle.

They didn't have another generator to blow up the pool portion of the slide. So Jason was in charge of catching the slippery kids at the end of the slide. His arms were sore that night!

The face expression Kai had when he opened the real 'Speed Racer' Video Game. Relief.

Fore-- I mean the Four of them all hitting balls at the same time at the driving range.

Look out a Big Pregnant Whale trying to Boogie Board!

The Ko Olina Lagoon 3.

Will I be able to remember it all. Thanks to a camera it helps remind me what we've done this week.

Monday- lounged around the house in our pj's most of the day until daddy came home from work. We then ate leftovers and then headed to the pool for an evening swim. It was very relaxing!

Tuesday- the kids and I headed to the Lagoons around 1 p.m. We didn't get home till 5:30 p.m. We had tons of fun playing in the sand and water. The boys had a hay day with their monster trucks in the sand. Creating all kinds of obstacle courses and jumps. The little girl had fun with Barbie and made her a hot tub with one of the sand buckets. We were loaned a crab for a while. A little boy dug it up and the family was leaving so they let us have it for a while, until we let him sideways crawl away. Jason didn't get home till after 7. He went surfing after work in Waikiki. He found it a bit more on the rough side (a big scratch on his arm). He then made his way to the store to get Kai some B-day gifts.

Wednesday- Half day for Jason at work. We left to Bellow AFS Beach for the night. We had reservations to stay in a 2 bedroom duplex cabin. We picked up a pizza in Waimalo ($4 for a Little Caesars--whoa!) The cabin was quaint and very hot. Not the most exciting, but it was fun for the time. The cabin was in a great location...close to the playground, Jason's work party the next day, close to the beach, close to the amenities, and close to the miniature golf course.

We got settled in and ate an early dinner. We let Kai open a few birthday presents early so he could use them at the beach. A beach football and some snorkel gear. We then head to the playground, followed by the beach. It's the most amazing beach. The sand is like powder. Jason and Kai did the boogie boards for awhile, while the 2 younger ones played in the sand. Jason then took them out one at a time...that's it! I had to try it myself. I always hesitate because of the pregnancy and last time I killed my toe..but I knew this beach was different (no rocks). I went out with Kai for a bit and then with Jason. I had tons of fun. Probably only caught one wave...the waves slowed down and I am not coordinated enough to run and hop on with a belly in the way. While rinsing our feet at the cabin, I got eaten alive by red ants! They were awful. Kezia got bit 2 times earlier. As I started to hose down our feet I accidentally had it aimed right at an ant hill...they didn't like being drowned and starting biting me all over the feet. Not fun!

Afterwards we headed to do miniature golf. We were 20 minutes too late and could only hit a bucket of balls at the driving range. It kept the kids content and a bit disappointed, but we promised them to do it the next day after the work party. After hitting balls we went to the Shopette and got a yummy Strawberry Icee and Kai- a Pepsi/Strawberry mix. We headed home and watched half a movie.

Thursday- HAPPY BIRTHDAY KAI (he's 7)! After a horrible nights sleep for me because lack of pillows to elevate the head to refrain from coughing (I ended up using towels to support my head)....we sung Happy Birthday to Kai and had him open presents. He got an adorable apron from Grandma Egbert (all the kids have one--reminder take a picture). He got a monster truck from Aunt Tori and Uncle Robert. Some money from Aunties and Grandparents. He got some Monster Jam PJ's, a Tiki man shirt, a red dirt homemade shirt by dad, and some diving sticks for the pool. Jason was mean and tricked him into thinking he was getting the Speed Racer video game...Kai unwrapped it thinking it was it and it was a dirt bike dvd. It wasn't till after breakfast that Jason had him open the actual video game. Kai's earlier face expression was teary eyed and disappointment to then huge excitement when he opened the video game he really wanted.

We went to the Aloha Breakfast (only offered on Thursdays). It was a nice breakfast. Door prizes are given out after breakfast. Jason wanted to head out because the kids were getting restless and we needed to pack up, but I insisted that we stay in case we win something. Kai won a keychain for answering the state fish (ha funny, the kids are watching HSM2 and we are exactly at the singing medley of the song as I type this) Humuhumunukunukuapua' Then Jason won an adult dinner and magic show ticket to the Hale Koa. We wanted to do this, but too expensive...so now we hope to go to it just as a date and use the money we'd save to get a babysitter (somehow, we haven't figured that part out yet).

After breakfast Jason's work party began. It was a treat. Lots of yummy food, a dunking booth, and wet slide for the kids, volleyball, and the amazing beach just over the hill. Jason was commented on a lot for his energy and fun spirited attitude. He was a great help with all the games. His boss commented to me that Jason has a lot of energy...a great strong point!!! When the work party slowed down, we headed to the beach. I didn't swim this time (I had tummy problems...followed by throwing up 2 times in the bushes). The man-0-wars were out. We saw about 2 kids get stung...and I got to see one in some kid's shovel. I didn't even know they existed...I only knew about the jelly fish.

After the beach we finally went miniature golfing. Yeah for the kids!!! I finally was some competition to Jason...I tried to actually play for points. I lost by 1! Another yummy icee for the road. The kids were out rather quickly on the ride home...yeah for the H3 (the most beautiful highway ever). Unfortunately that night, headed the other direction, a crash shut down the tunnel. We got home safely and the kids were out for the night (while in the car).

Friday- we headed out to Wet N' Wild. What a joke with the lines. They supposedly were unexpectedly busy (hello, it's visitor time and the holiday---expect it to be busy). The line to get in was a joke. Only one line taking non cash transactions. We finally got in and had some fun. We went back out to get lunch in the car to then stand in line again to get our picture taken for the summer pass (another joke--only one guy working the booth). It was worth to pay a little more to be able to come again and again till we leave. Hopefully we'll be able to go again this coming Friday for their movie night. Their wave pool is crazy! Not wavy, but curling white waves at the end...makes it hard for the little ones in the shallow end. Kai and Jason enjoyed the big rides, while I took the little ones and the pregnant whale (me) around to the kiddie rides and the lovely LAZY RIVER! Afterwards a trip to the store and yummy Panda Express (we would have rather had authentic, but we needed fast and convenience) to go!

Saturday- we had hoped to go to Wet N'Wild again, but being the holiday they didn't allow annual and summer pass holders. So we cleaned the house and headed to the swap meet (I got a new and unusual diaper bag) followed by the Naval Base 4th of July festivities at Pearl Harbor. It was a lot of fun. The party was full of exciting things! They had free little games for the little ones (Eli asleep however). A car show, a free train ride, a free petting zoo, free pony rides (not standing in that line), wrestling (hilarious watching Kai, he got nervous and didn't know if it really was pretend), a video game trailer, etc.... They had a free throw shooting contest in their gymnasium. I insisted that we give Kai a chance...as well as Jason and I to try. Kai won!!! The age group was for 6-11 year olds. He got 36 out of 50 shots made! He won 2 tickets to the movies and 2 Waikiki all day pass trolley tickets. We traded in the trolley tickets for 3 more movie tickets. (like mother like son--right dad? :) After the competition we headed back outside. The kids each got $3 to pick out an activity or two. Eli and Zia did a bounce house and a Ferris wheel, while Kai did the rock climbing wall. Dinner was great! $9 plate that fed us all! Oh and we had to buy drinks (slush puppies with ice cream, yum). It was so great to get out of there spending less than $40 having done all we did!

The entertainment was great! A Hawaiian band that was amazing...I loved when they did Israel's 'Somewhere over the Rainbow' song...while looking out at the sunset, palm trees, and naval ships and water. The kids entertained themselves well with the glow sticks they each got...usually we don't make those purchases, but it was worth the entertainment for them and us watching them. The fireworks display was great! What a wonderful memory! (--No missiles were launched at us.)

Sunday-church was good. We're missing our ward. The kids are doing great at making friends and participating in primary. Kai got a CTR ring for his birthday. I was getting a major headache and having sinus pressure in Relief Society...in need of sleep. I crashed at home and woke up to more pain. We headed out the door around 5 p.m. hoping to find an available Urgent Care Clinic. WHAT A JOKE! I checked the web for any open clinics...they say yes, many of them should be open on Sundays. So I call, "please leave us a message because we're busy with other patients". So I assume, well they must be open so I might as well just be a walk-in cause they're not going to call me back any more quickly then just driving there. No- they are not open. So I call the Airport clinic...same answering message. Nope they are not even open on Sundays, but the sign says "We are not open on Sundays, and we're not open on the 4th and 5th for the holiday (the 5th is a Sunday)--they are messed up in their answering services, etc. Thank goodness their Physicians Exchange number had someone to talk too...they referred me to Waikiki to a 24 hour clinic. I called the clinic and they said, "yes, we take your insurance." I get there, sign in, wait an hour, to finally have the lady (oooohh she makes me mad) ask me to fill out the insurance paperwork. "Is this a PPO or HMO plan?" I don't remember and don't have any of the paperwork I put together for the trip over here...I said I think it's PPO. "You'll be responsible if they don't cover it." WHAT! I called earlier and you said you take my insurance. "You called this morning (trying to not blame herself for answering the phone)? No, I called 3o minutes prior to me coming in. So I try and call my insurance, they are closed for the weekend...I don't know what to do. The Medical Corner has another office in Waikiki that might have been open till 8 that I know takes my insurance, but I decided to do the 24 hour clinic just to know for sure I'd get in...and here she is asking me after an hour of waiting to find this out. I was steaming and crying. I could have been trying the Medical Corner an hour previously, now only having 30 minutes to see if they are even open till the closing hours of 8p.m. Anyways, thank goodness...a man walked in to have his daughter treated. The other lady at the counter immediately asks him for his insurance information. I quickly asked him...your card looks like mine, do you have my same insurance? He did and he knew they took it too. The lady that helped me initially had left her desk and so I was left hanging again. I finally told the other lady how frustrated I was and she gave me the paperwork and I got right in. The doctor questioned the medicine I requested...I wasn't about to have to come back in or call again to have something stronger given to me....but he says the kind I wanted probably wasn't the strongest...I didn't care, it worked last time and I don't have the car, time, and availability to get other medicine. Just give me what I WaNT! Afterwards, I had to ask to pay my co-pay. While doing so, I let the lady that had given me grief know how frustrated I was with her. She totally didn't even accept my frustration...and says, "I was gone, I wasn't here when you were needing to find out insurance". I told her, "Are you even listening to me?" Didn't care, she repeated herself again. I said, "I have been waiting for an hour and you finally ask me for insurance stuff, when I could have been making other plans if you didn't take my insurance." GRRRRR!

So I left. Walked across the street to see the kids and Jason being entertained my a street spray paint artist. Unbelievable work and entertainment. The kids had fun watching him and even participating in shaking the cans of paint. Tears of Joy---an crying eyeball (the iris being the earth) pouring into the ocean. Afterwards we finally found the Walgreens in Waikiki--crazy city! While I was getting the prescription, Jason called to tell me Eli just threw up all over himself in his carseat. Oh Joy! We got home finally! Jason didn't get to bed till 11 p.m. I love him! He's an amazing husband, with lots of needed energy to get the job done! On the way home, we had some good discussion on our goals for the next 30 years and concerns with some of our siblings. What a wonderful and crazy week we had. I feel very fortunate to be here on this journey. Sunday night, especially, was a crazy evening, but I did have a prayer answered. The Gospel is true, the power of prayer works, and we should always try and include Him in our daily journeys and choices. We're praying for you...our brothers and sisters....and even our parents that have to help deal with their adult children.

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