Light the world- day 2

Today's Light the World message was about honoring parents. It brightened my day to find this gem of a note on my bathroom mirror.

I honored my parents in unexpected ways today. My mom called at the last minute and needed help at her work with a mannequin challenge. Sara and I had fun with that one. Then, this afternoon I spent some time with my dad helping him with his Hawaii pictures.

I am grateful for my parents and in-laws. They are all good people who did their best to raise their families. I am particularly thankful for my mom's example to me as I was growing up. She made us a hot breakfast every morning and delicious dinners every night. I still remember being happy to taste her delicious dinners after school and play. My mom was creative and fun before the days of Pinterest. She used to do fun treats for Valentines, corned beef and cabbage for St. Patricks, and entertain extended family for every major holiday. Thanks for your example of motherhood mom. I love you.

It's December 1st and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has started a campaign to

LIGHTtheWORLD

through service. I've been looking forward to this day for more than a week now. I woke up early and made pancakes in shifts starting with Michael before I drove his carpool to early morning seminary. I had each of our kids watch this inspiring video while they ate.

As I listened to the video for the 4th time, I started to realize that I need to lift more in my own house. My resolve was put to the test immediately.

As I was packing lunches I realized that Luke had spilled yogurt all over his lunch box (inside and out) and then left it in his backpack overnight. Yuck! Instead of getting after him for forgetting to tell me, we cleaned it up together.

As the carpool drove up this morning, Mary suddenly decided she needed to go to the bathroom. Instead of getting mad at her for not thinking ahead and making the carpool wait, I sent Luke out to tell them we needed an extra few minutes. I realized that the carpool still waited the same amount of time as they would have if I had gotten mad at Mary. But this way she left happier and better able to face her day.

I am so thankful for the example that Jesus Christ set for me. My prayer is that I can share the joy that I feel because of Him.

Hawaii- part 4 (the end)

The last couple of days in Hawaii started with a character breakfast at Aulani.

 Waiting in the lobby for dad to get the car for our trip to Pearl Harbor.

Our visit to Pearl Harbor.

 After our visit to The U.S.S. Arizona, we visited the aviation museum on Ford Island.

 We were back to Aulani in time for the kids to participate in the teen and kids club evening activities.

 Our last day in Hawaii started with a walk to Paradise Cove beach.

We heard that turtles swim in that cove early in the morning so we went to check it out. Sure enough we swam with 2 turtles that morning.

After a while at the beach, Matthew McConaughey came with his elderly mother and 2 of his children. It's hard to tell in this picture but here he is putting snorkel gear on his daughter.

 Here he is a bit closer up. I was impressed with him. He set a towel out for his mom so that she was settled on the beach to watch them snorkel. Then he helped his kids with their snorkel gear. Todd was filming the turtles on our go-pro and he asked Todd if he got good pictures. He was a really nice guy.

 Back to Aulani for our last wrist band (which Luke will keep on his wrist as long as possible).

 More swimming...

 And our last Shaved ices and Pineapple Dole Whips.

Sadly it was time to say good-bye to Aulani and those amazing fresh beach towels. 

 Hawaii is awesome! It's not everyday that mom says yes to cheesy fries for dinner.

 Saying good-bye to my favorite citrus fruit water.

 And the dreaded re-eye flight home wasn't too bad. The flight went fast because we were all so sleepy.

Hawaii- part 3

More family fun at Aulani.

One of our favorite things to do at Aulani is the family canoe racing. Here we are working in teams to create 3 canoes.

Getting ready to race our canoes in the ocean.

On the beach after our canoe races.

Coconut shrimp and fries for lunch.

Sipping soda by the pool.

Sunset beach pictures.