lessons on Service and Gratitude

What to do with all those pumpkins???

We had a FHE lesson on Gratitude and

decided to share what we are thankful for...It was my week to teach Joy School.

We talked about and got to

do some Service.

The cute kids making funny faces.

We made cookies on Tuesday and took them to

a friend down the street (I was grateful my mom

came to help, she is soo good with those little munchkins).

It was a nice blistery day,

so that was why I chose to visit someone

close. The lesson suggested raking leaves or

something like that, but the weather just

didn't cooperate with that idea, plus no one

in our neighborhood has mature enough trees

that drop many leaves.
The kids also drew secret pictures for each other,

and today we focused on our Mother's and how much

service they do for US! So the kids made cards for their

Mother's and we made these turkey treats...

We have lots to be grateful for!

And as CRAZY as life has been these days,

I am thankful for these simple moments

that help ME reflect on my blessings!!

flowing with creativity

Ame is always searching the internet (nick-jr, pbs kids, etc)

for art projects, mostly because she has a lame mom

who doesn't come up with fun things for her to do.

She made this kite and had a little

luck flying it. Kaipo had to get out a kite too

and join the fun.

Ame got the Award of Merit

(equivalent to 2nd place I think)
and her 3D Art will be going on
in the Reflections contest.

She recently made this at "Activity Days"
It is a 5 generation Family Tree.
I thought it was such a neat, creative idea
so we framed it and put it on the wall.

The artisitic and creative ability
of this girl continues to
amaze me, especially because
I have NONE!

more birthday celebrations

Nalu got 2 more birthday celebrations.

First, with the Asplund Family.

We all gathered for a scrumptious

Roast dinner (thx to gma) and after

the kids all ran around and played for awhile,

some enjoyed cupcakes and others tasted the

butterfinger cake (that was quite delicious,

even if I do say so myself).

Ash and Ella entertained us with some dancing.
These 2 were quite serious in their performance.

This was the gift from some of the family.

IT'S AWESOME!

Nalu LOVES it as well as the other 3 siblings!

Our next round of celebrating was with

the Hanamaikai's. Nalu cousin Amaya

is only 2 weeks younger than him,

so we had a double celebration.

cake AND cupcakes

Nalu drooling over the presents!

and these two cuties opening

each others presents

Amaya is so stinkin' cute and

already full of attitude!

A typical Hanamaikai...haha

We had fun celebrating

the BIG #1 with our sweet boy!

And look forward to MANY more

years of celebrating!!