Guy Fawkes night

We have a family in our ward who hail from England. There is a tradition there called Guy Fawkes. It is an English celebration of burning and effigy and setting off fireworks. I missed the explanation of Guy Fawkes so I googled it and this is what I learned. It's pretty dang cool! I didn't realize that as a teenager I was actually celebrating a holiday somewhere in the world. However, we seemed to celebrate November 5th year round.
Guy Fawkes Night is an annual celebration on the evening of 5 November. It marks the downfall of the Gunpowder Plot of 5 November 1605, in which a number of Catholic conspirators, including Guy Fawkes, attempted to destroy the Houses of Parliament, in London, United Kingdom.
It is primarily marked in the United Kingdom to celebrate the deliverance of the King of Great Britain; but, it is also celebrated in former British colonies including New Zealand,[1] Newfoundland, South Africa, and parts of the Caribbean.

I believe our entire ward was invited. The party was to commence at 6:30pm. We arrived at 7ish. When we arrived it was in full blown swing of things. Cars were streamed for a block or even two and people were walking the side of the road, in the same direction we were going. (hmmmmm... I thought to myself turn around and get out now). I tend to stress in huge party environments,unless I am in control and have planned it. I get itchy like I'm wearing a wool sweater and want to bale. I prefer a more intimate one on one gatherings. But, I perservered. Mr. Incredible is very comfortable in big settings. After all I had this warm tray of delicious smelling s'more bars that were calming my nerves.

It was very festive. Everyone was very happy and there were children everywhere. It looked like the party started at 5! The fireworks were going,


the bomb fire was blazing

and the church boy band
was strumming and the dinner table and the beverage table gave the only tell tale signs that this was indeed a mormon party. If an outsider had just walked by he would have no clue other wise.

There were remanants of many casseroles and crock pots on the buffet and the beverage center was full of soft drinks. The dessert table was demolished, these people came hungry. I know a good party will do that to you.

I originally replied saying 5 of us would be in attendance but it ended up being 3. The girls quickly found other homes to spend the night at. Even my youngest had asked to spend the night at his friends. I believe he would have if his friends parents didn't impose such a strict bedtime on the weekends. He however was very happy he chose to come with his "BORING" mom and dad! ::gaspuh:: me boring?? getaouttaheeya. I think they missed a pretty good shingdig.
There was roasting marshmellows the traditional way....

and then a more conventional way...

Good food, Good people and good fun! Here's my little effigy. Dash was the only one who truly dressed up for Halloween. He is just so dang cute!>

His friend is Brandon, he is men in black and his other friend is Tony Hawk or some skater guy.

Just wanted to say Thanks for the invite and glad I worked through the wool sweater.

Special Needs, Special Day, Special Memories

A while ago my daughter and I was asked to volunteer and share a bit of our culture with a Special Needs facility. We were asked to just tell a little bit of Hawaii, the customs, culture and dance. WE decided it would be fun if they also participated with us.
When we first arrived there was a misunderstanding of where we would be but once we got everything ironed out something magical and wonderful began. I could feel it almost instantaneously as I entered the building and the moment the 2nd door was opened and we were escorted down a hall and pass classrooms full of very curious smiling adults. We of course, were dressed in our Aloha wear and could tell that all eyes were on us, right up until they closed the classroom door behind us.

Beauty and I set up. We brought some dance music and when we were ready they brought everyone in. It was quite a commotion. Much like walking in a classroom of pre-schoolers. They were very excited, very inquisitive and wanted to know everything. Their eyes were bright their minds were opened their hearts were worn on their sleeves.


As we spoke and danced they talked and danced with Beauty. I quickly realized that I was not in control of this and would let them lead. IF they wanted to dance or speak we answered their questions. Mostly they wanted to put the grass skirts on and shake their bootays! and that my friends is what we did. They wanted Beauty to shake shake shake that she got so hot she took her dress off and just wore the clothes underneath. A wife beater shirt and a lavalava.

Interacting with the truest of true hearts. Feeling of their genuine spirits. Learning to see and enjoy life through their unclouded eyes. WE both left feeling uplifted, stronger and better. They are so accepting. Take me as I am. I will take you as you are. I can't remember a time where I received hugs after hugs and loving pats on the back over and over again. I can't remember a time where I was completely free and enjoyed myself EXACTLY how I was, flaws and all except in their presence, and I can't remember when I allowed myself to be so unguarded. What a wonderful special feeling that is. I imagine it much to be as if I was in the presence of God and Christ themselves. In fact, for me. I know it must feel like that. To know that they will accept me as I am.

Each of these special spirits asked me to take their pictures. They would pose and smile and the minute I brought my camera up, they would move or close their eyes. Almost like my camera would steal something from them. I showed each of them their pictures! AND GUESS WHAT??? Each of them were happy with their pictures! They were elated! They smiled and gave themselves complimentary adjectives. "I'm so pretty, I look beeyouuyteeful"and would giggle like school girls. Not once was their something negative uttered. Each time I look at a picture of me I am never satisfied with the first picture. I will say, "I smiled funny, let me stand straighter".
They are happy with themselves, they are content. I am happy and I'm content but I hold the critical card, the judgemental card and they have never even seen or heard of either one of those cards. Beauty and I loved being in their presence of acceptance, love and gratitude and we take home stronger lessons of what each of those words mean.

side note:: The other day I boarded two flights two hours apart both going to Memphis. Each flight carried 6 special needs adults. When it was time to board each of them presented me with their boarding passes. Their was such energy around them. As I pulled their ticket and called each of them by their name they were like "YOU know my name" and then I made small talk with them as well. One man had a red sox hat on. I told him I was a yankee fan and he about fell over! So dramatic! So lovely. I helped them out to the aircraft and got them seated and this one lady named, JoAnn kept smiling and laughing that I knew her name and helped her out. She leaned in and before I could realize what was happening she planted one right on my cheek! I am a germaphobe but in that moment I couldn't help but smile and say, "I love my job". (then I wiped my cheek)

Concordia University

Yeah, we are saps for parents!
Only upper classmen were to give their mother's flowers but there were many extras so Warrior and another freshman on Varsity took a flower and gave it to us.
Mr. Incredible longing for yester year.
Awe, so sweet.


Warrior with his coaches and best bud on the team.

Our long lost truck.
You know your are in Omaha!

WE ate here because Tink recommended it.

It has been some time since I have visited my blog. I have been gone for a week visiting my son, in Seward, Nebraska! It was all a whirl wind actually. We had known for some time that parent week was coming up. Speaking the past few weeks to Warrior had me worried a bit that he needed some family support. Just something in his voice. I knew that we should go.

I am so thankful for some recent photo shoots. I had been saving that earned money for Christmas and as a family we decided that it was important to be there for Warrior. It was Parent Week, and all members of the Varsity Football Team would have their parents walk with them on the field.

We fly for free so the expense of travel was not an issue. Warrior has our truck so transportation was not an issue. I packed lots of Warrior's favorite treats and TSA didn't give us a hard time at all. Our biggest expense would be lodging and food.

Our trip both going and coming back was uneventful. Our flights went smooth. When we arrived into Omaha it was brisk clear night. It felt really good to hug my boy again. I hadn't slept at all. I had been up almost 18 hours. I climbed in the truck and didn't wake up until we arrived to our hotel.

The pungent smell when we arrived slapped me in the face as I exited the truck. It had me wonder if Seward claimed its name because it smelled more like a sewer. I have become quite the hotel snob. I hadn't even realized. We hadn't stayed in a hotel like this since we were first married. As Mr. Incredible's paycheck increased so did our taste for lodging. But, the important thing is the Super 8 was clean, decent beds and continental breakfast. SCORE! one out of three meals we would not have to worry about.
Another great thing is because our son goes to college there lodging was $40.00!!! FORTY!
We had to change rooms the third night because someone had specifically requested that room. So, when they moved us to a room with a stove, microwave, fridge/freezer and double queen beds. So, our food bill just dropped too.

Meeting Warrior and his friends and being able to see him play was obviously the highlight of our trip. I may have screamed out, "put the freshman in" during an inappropriate time. It was just quiet. I didn't realize a player was down. (I guess that would account for it being quiet)::oopsy:: my bad.

My boy got to play! I have to mention that he spent time doing his laundry and cleaning his room but it still needed more cleaning and more laundry needed to be done. But, at least he tried, right?

We went to church with Warrior and met his very very small branch. But, I instantaneously fell in love with everyone there! Their branch maybe small but their hearts are soo full and the true spirit of Christ and charity abounds there. They are going to take care of my boy. They gave me all of their numbers, emails, and addresses.

We were invited to dinner by Sister Karen Knight. She is the Nebraska Martha Stewart. She lives on 40 acres, it is beautiful, it has a pond and she has horses, horses and horses and a big horse barn too. When you first drive up to her place her home is fairly large but you are greeted by 2 german shepherds, a greyhound, and another dog. They are her outside pets. Just like Martha. Inside she has 2 chihuahua's and a friendly cat. Her hospitality is one that I hope to incorporate. Just to be the type of person who will open her home and pantry to anyone without a moments notice. She also offered for us to stay in one of her many rooms but pride got the best of us and we declined. She was genuine. She offered again, if we ever visit to stay with her. She is a divorced lawyer and told Warrior that he should do all his laundry there. She is rarely home and she wouldn't mind.
I go into such detail because this lady was living my dream! I would take in every stray off the street and have them lodge in my barn, I would ride arrabian horses into the sunset and if I liked fishing I would fish out of my 2 or 3 ponds.

Another lady from church, Glora heard that Warrior would be playing in the JV game as well in Lincoln and came out to watch his game and brought her son. That was so nice of her. She didn't have to sit in the cold with us, but she did. I loved her even more when she whistled with one hand very loudly. I have been trying ever since, and all I get is spit!

WE talked to coaches and parents and everyone is genuinely good folk. It makes me long for a simpler life. A life where you truly know your neighbors and your town folk. A small town has its good qualities. Perhaps, it is because I was reared in a small town, with big values and a sense of belonging that makes me nostalgic for yester year. It is good to branch out and see the world but it's always good to go back to your roots.






Mr. Incredible stopped working for my parents and driving a truck so we have been fully unemployed for about 8wks. I haven't had much to blog about. Just busy. Keep praying. I'm thinking about selling my soul to the devil.

Cubscout Meeting

Dash had another cub scout award meeting. I didn't get pinned this time. However, he earned another belt loop and badge. He is so proud and excited for his accomplishments. Each of the boys had to share a collection.

WE don't collect things. I have never been a collector of things. I tried but I can never seem to hold a true passion for anything and my children are the same way. We needed something that he had 10 or more of. Besides, socks! Trophies are the only thing that we have a lot of. Dash shared his many trophies and told what he did or his team did to win them.

I was under the feeling of I've been there done that. Meaning, we went through this with Warrior. Why must I do this again. But, Warrior and Dash are two completely different souls. Dash is on fire and excited about accomplishing things in his book. He is all about the accolades as well. Warrior was a quiet silent leader. He didn't need so much the badges and awards. He achieved and earned many, except guess what?? I never sewed one badge on. I have a drawer filled with badges, pins, and many achievements from Warrior. I showed them the other day to Dash and his eyes lit up like the fourth of July. He was impressed, he was was motivated. He wanted to get just as many as his older brother. However, he wants me to sew everything on. He wants his shirt and his belt to show all of his accomplishments.


Dash was in a skit. It was a fun skit. His troop sat around in a circle as if they were camping and he would come in and say, A BEAR, a bear is coming, they troop would be unmoved. He would come back and say a WOLF a wolf is coming, they would still dismiss him. He would say an ALLIGATOR is coming, still no motion. Last, he came in shouting GIRL SCOUTS and the troop screamed, "GIRL SCOUTS!!" and they all ran! It was cute.

They also played a fun game. No one could catch Dash so then they made two teams and Dash had to be a part of a blob that had to tag people. He caught many. It was a fun night.



Another boy was painted and we had a ceremony for him with the paints. I have shaded his entire face because I don't really know how his mother would react to the internet thing and two, it is better to venture on the safe side.

We went home that night and went through his book of everything that he has done while he was still a bear. He only recently became a wolf! He will have much to celebrate come the next pack meeting.

halloween owls, witches hats and broom sticks,

Each of these were so fun to do and can be found here.
Do you have any favorite foods that you give prepare for this holiday? We have a halloween dinner too!