When it comes to living our lives, Christ doesn't make up the difference. He IS the difference.

Hawaii was so much fun for all of us. It was such a new experience for the kids all the way around. They had their first airport experience, their first ride in an airplane, their first time out of the continental U.S., etc. They were absolute angels on the 6 hour plane ride over to Hawaii. I even got compliments from the passengers on how well behaved my children were. (I'll treasure that moment forever. I'm fairly certain it was because I'd specifically asked everyone to pray that the kids would behave for the ride over. It worked.) Our first 2 1/2 days were on the island of Oahu. That's where Dave and I went almost exactly two years ago. I was able to show the kids where we'd been and tell them what fun we had. Naturally, we visited the PCC and had all sorts of fun playing in the ocean. Hukilau beach, which is the beach nearest to the PCC was the kids favorite. They played in the waves and even did some boogie boarding. "Dum dum, you give me gum gu...

It was two years ago this month that Dave and I took a "second honeymoon" to Hawaii. It was great fun. (Much more relaxing than going with the kids.) We were able to rent a condo right on the ocean, so the breezes blew through our window at night. We enjoyed just being together and experiencing life and all of its wonders together. One year ago this month, we were at the Coral Pink Sand Dunes with my brother, Alden, his wife, Natalie, and their kids. By this point, the tumors in Dave's stomach were starting to bother him and he spent the first day throwing up and feeling miserable. Fortunately, and in answer to our prayers, he felt better for the last two days and had the time of his life tackeling the huge dunes on his 800cc Can Am. There is nothing that we, as his family, wouldn't exhange to have him here, rather than just the memories, but this is our lot. We know that the Lord loves us and that he wishes the best for all of us, but that doesn't necessa...

Aloha! Isn't it nice that aloha means both goodbye and hello? As if our separation will circle back around into our reunion. Likewise, death is an goodbye to life on this earth, but a hello and a coming home on the other side. Only three days left until the kids and I are in Hawaii. I am so excited to show them around the island of Oahu. That's were Dave and I went both times and we just love it there. It was a wonderful experience, and I hope to share with the kids some of the memories that Dave and I made there. We'll be on Oahu for 2 days, and Kauai (with Ben and Lisa and kids) for four. I'm hoping that I'll come home refreshed and ready to get back to real life again. Aloha!