Summertime Activities

Mall Kids Club
(Camp Rock and Disney Walk-got 4 tickets for the Circus)
free & fit!

Chick-Fil-A Customer Appreciation Week
free food!

Go to the California State Fair
fun!

Son #2's first roller coaster ride!
fabulous!

See great movies... like... "Toy Story 3"
fantastic!

Also, went to free movies.

Ride bikes!
freewheelin'!

Hang out at various swimming pools!
freestylin'!

Work on scout requirements!
fire startin'!


oh, and of course, video games galore!
thumb flappin'!

4 Reunions in 10 Days!

July 15-17
Aina Ohana Reunion
(Salem & Centerville, UT)

"I am the weed among the beautiful flowers."-Uncle B in reference to himself and his sisters. (Auntie M is not pictured here, however, she did teach us all how to play the card game Sakura.)

The Making of Ipu (Hawaiian Musical Instruments)

First, saw off the top of the gourd.

Second, clean out the inside of the gourd with anything sharp and safe to use. We used sticks, metal rods, crowbars and finally a paint mixer bit attached to an electric drill. (warning: the residue gets inside your mouth, sinus, etc. Covering your nose and mouth during this part is recommended. Very Involved Mom and many others were sneezing, wheezing and sniffling for 24 hours after making these.)

The finished product after using a clear varnish.
(Tip: Use cooking spray or cooking oil to remove varnish from your hands.)

July 18
Very Involved Mom's Family Reunion
(Santaquin, UT)

After we went to church together, we relaxed at VI Mom's sister's house. We then headed back to the church to have a light dinner and celebrate the baptism of our beautiful niece and cousin, EC. Here's a picture of her the next day playing with her Jessie doll & lovely daughter.

July 19
Hard Working Dad's Family Reunion
(University Mall, Orem, Utah)

"To Infinity and Beyond!"

July 23-25
Munro Family Reunion
(Ophir, UT)

Teaching the Hukilau!

One of five of the "Win It In A Minute" Games

Prize Table if you could "Win It In A Minute"

The Aina Family

Callings

I was released today as Ward Activity Chairperson. It's a little bitter sweet for me. I knew that I would be released soon. However, it made me quite emotional this week. I was called on November 10, 2008... the day before my father passed away from a sudden heart attack.

The night before I was to meet with the new chairperson this past week, I had a strange dream. I won't go into great detail because these dreams are very personal to me... often messages ... important messages that I need to know. The message that I received from this dream? There is a time and a purpose for all things and the Lord knows what is best for me at the right time.

I didn't understand why I had been called right before this tragic time in my life... now I do. I was called to help me serve others. I grieved quite a lot in those first few months... I still grieve, but I was able to forget about myself for a time each month to prepare for a ward activity and then try to live my life as best that I could. I learned to love being around my fellow committee and other ward members who would buoy me up... probably without them realizing how much of their spirit I needed to get through certain days. I know the Lord has blessed me during this time. He knows me so very well. I'm so grateful for this great confirmation of His love for me!

~ Very Involved Mom