Yes, it's true. Another year has flown by.

 Mele Kalikimaka!

With love and warm wishes,

TKCK

Feasting and digesting.

Just one little tidbit from convention, and a few photos before I head off to work:

God doesn't raise spoiled children.  He doesn't give us everything we want, just what we need.

Have a beautiful Thursday!  Love and hugs, Mrs. C.

Veterans Day.

Couldn't let Veterans Day weekend pass without sharing this photo of Terry and Cali on the day he left for his one and only tour in Iraq.  We had already said our good-byes, almost home when Terry called and asked us to bring his sunglasses back (he'd forgotten them in the car).  He was already checked through, stripped and armed, and they weren't allowing him back outside the gate.  Calista kept asking him through both tears and the fence, "Daddy, I just want one more hug.  Please!"  He consoles her, "Honey, Daddy can't.  One more kiss, and don't you worry, I'll be home soon."  This picture truly captures heartbreak real-time, just one small account of the many out there.  We are lucky - Daddy came home, and in one piece.

A friend of mine [Anthony Roberts, author] wrote this tribute:  "Terry Campbell.  Served as a Marine in the Iraq war. One word best describes my friend, Terry: honor. He served his country and now he serves his family and community. A friend who is always there to lend a helping hand, without question, without fail."

An expression of heartfelt gratitude to other Veterans we love:
Albert Prestidge Sr.
Uncle Lui
Jerry Arnall
Daniel Arnall
Steve Sakoda
Christopher Camero
Amy Segovia
Byron 
Wayne Moore
Justine Orlob
Mike Paradiso
Pete Casebere
Frankie Moreno
Scott Matthews
Verenea Benitez
Kory Cole
Patrick Cox

And to all Veterans, who, at one point in his/her life, wrote a blank check made payable to "The United States of America," for an amount of "up to and including my life", we THANK YOU.

Thanks, Giving. Giving, thanks.

Winter has set in - the rains have subsided today, the sun struggling to gain back it's place in our sky.  The garden is literally soaking in the water, hoping it's not too much - is there such a thing as too much water?  Yes.  As the sun peeks through to dry the saturated earth, I go outside to feel warmth of the rays on my face - it's like I'm stepping into a sauna, but one that makes me happy to feel moisture between my toes, my rubber slippers wet and sticky.  Not suffocated, in fact, the opposite.

Change of seasons brings icky sickies, but just zap it with Oil of Oregano and probable OD on Vitamin A.  Again!  Not too much, Keala, moderation is key:  in everything.

Convention anticipation - be READY, WILLING, HEARING, LISTENING.  No need to worry about the natural stuff, focus on what matters.

These ramblings make me feel like my Mama and Grandma Jesse.  I read their journal entries with tears, feels too intimate, I'm intruding on their thoughts.  But then, I am THANKFUL:  I realize - the best in me comes from them.

If you think you know, you have NO idea.

Everything goes well on the Campbell home-front.   Looking forward to company tomorrow from Alaska for a few days [friends of Terry's] and the girls will be on fall break through October 14th, Yiiiippppeeee!!!  We going camping, we going camping!!!  :)  :) :)

I must mention, Terry has been working tirelessly this past month to give me a 29th birthday to remember:  a sweet note from a loved one every morning [so fun to anticipate who I will wake up to everyday], and this past weekend he pulled off the ultimate surprise [with the help of a couple of my besties] and had a beautiful dinner party arranged at the Marriott.  Ok, I normally don't like sneaky friends, but I forgive you all.  ;)  Thank you sweetie and friends - you really are so much more than I deserve.

The night in question:  I was completely oblivious, thought we were going on a date with Sarah and Brian - a dinner cruise that "she won".  :)

Have a beautiful week y'all.  Thinking of you, and love you!
XO,
Mrs. C

"I will NOT quit this race."

You know you're back in college [whilst raising a family and tending ALL other responsibilities of an adult] when:

Washing dishes and washing car = break time.  :)

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Calista's hui [class at school] trained (since the beginning of the school year) and completed (this past weekend) a 5K as one of their class-wide projects.  What a neat way to give back to the community, be physically active, and grow closer as a hui.

In true Campbell fashion, the rest of us decided we were gonna do the race with her, the night before.  It was Kawena's idea.  Seriously.  :)

Run For Hope was at Four Seasons Hualalai, the course weaved through the ridiculously gorgeous *and expensive* real-estate within that property, beside the golf course, and parallel to the ocean.  Calista took off running, as did Terry, while Kawena and I decided we would walk the course together, "I will NOT quit this race Mom, I will NEVER give up!"...and off we went.  3.2 miles & approximately 1 hour later, we crossed the finish line in perfect sprinting form, as if we'd ran the whole course.  :)  Calista finished about 15 minutes earlier, joined in smiles and celebration with her classmates. 

The 'light' breakfast afterwards consisted of all you can eat buffet style:

yogurt, fruits, pastries, sausage, eggs, & rice

Ummm...yeah, we're from Hawai'i.

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

Love & hugs,
Mrs. C 

They say love is like 1 soul inhabiting 2 bodies.

Girls are full swing in to the school year, both really excited and happy to be at Kanu.  In fact, one Sunday not too long ago, I heard MUCH to my surprise and happiness, someone (not mentioning any names Cali) say: "Yes!!  School tomorrow!!"  I don't think I've ever heard that sentiment coming from my girl before.  ;-D

2nd/3rd grade hui - Na Pulapula

Pu'ukapu hui - 6th, 7th, & 8th

Terry and I are beginning Fall semester, he at UH Hilo and myself at HCC.  I am learning the ropes, so to speak, and Terry is like a well oiled machine, navigating through courses like no big deal.  ;-)  School is like riding a bike for me - I didn't do it for a while, but now that I am, I feel like I never stopped.  :)

Finished another 10K last weekend at Volcano, met my goal time of under an hour *58:40* YIPEE!  The night before the race was a little, shall we say, exciting[?!].  The cottage we were staying in had a fireplace malfunction and backed all the smoke down the flute.  Looked like there was a fire in the living room, but luckily it was only smoke and we just waited until it all cleared out.  Since it was almost midnight when that happened, sleep escaped me most of the night, and found me very thankful for adrenaline to literally run off the next morning.  Other than that, the race was beautiful - weather was perfect, the roads were somewhat 'flat', and runners were doing their thing!

One of my 'crew'.

My not-so-happy-in-the-morning girl had big smiles to encourage me!

I'll add a couple more summer pics...

....and wish you well.  See you latah!  XOXO

Makana, you truly live up to your name. ♥

July 22, 1999, 5:10 am.  

5lbs 13oz, 21 inches long. 

Calista-Rae Makanalani Joanna Campbell

It seems like just yesterday she was placed in my arms for the first time, rendering me unable to contain the overwhelming love I immediately feel for her - I inspect every little finger & toe in awe.  As my finger traces both her 'barely there' eyebrows, and settles for a moment on her button nose, I realize the world became much smaller for me:  it was suddenly wrapped up in this beautiful little being.  Her head full of dark black hair, inquiring eyes, and content spirit intrigue me, everything about her perfect.  How could I possibly love someone so much?  But I do, and will for all time.

Cali Girl:  Thank you for choosing me to be your Mama - I couldn't have dreamed of a more sweet, patient, kind, caring & obedient daughter.  [your blonde roots are showing! ;-P]

Happy 12th Birthday my sweet Cali girl.  Daddy, Mommy, & Sissy love you TOO MUCH!

Perpetuate & thrive.

Wondering what's going on with The Campbell's?

Well...[other than missing our WA 'ohana] we celebrated July 4th in Kona with our friends - fulfilled our patriotic duties of the day by going to a parade, bbq'ing, eating too much, and of course, fireworks.

Smile & wave girls, smile & wave.

4th cupcakes - Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Yellow Cupcake with Chocolate Buttercream Frosting (regular cupcake with gooey chocolate chip cookie dough in the center).  ONO-LICIOUS!!!

 Calista ventured on for another week at Ho'olauna, this time, on the other side of the Island, in Puna.  We joined her for the Ho'ike on Friday afternoon - which included demonstrations on pounding taro, throwing net, cracking coconuts, & la'au lapa'au.  Concluded the afternoon with a potluck - what a beautiful day!

Cali introducing the next segment of their Ho'ike.

Pounding taro [kalo] for poi.

Happy to have our big girl back!

We enjoyed witnessing the marriage of our friends, Allison & Jared - now Mr. & Mrs. Spencer.  <3 

And had a blast from the past with a mini HS reunion at ka hale 'o na Campbell.

Haniel, Diane, Alyssa & Ethan, Sharnell & TKCK & Brian, Sarah

And on that note, we've been attending Hawaiian language and culture classes as an 'ohana this past week at Kanu o ka 'Āina, the girls' new school!   Kanu o ka 'Āina focuses on culturally based learning, with the purpose of perpetuating and conserving Hawaiian language and culture.  We are so excited!  *Must mention that Calista is now introducing herself as Makana.  :-D  How is a Mom supposed to deal with her child renaming herself?  Luckily, Cali has told me her family will still know her as such.  Phew!

Anyways, summer is basically over, don't know if it really began [certainly not temp wise, it's still cold!].  We will savor the next few days [tomorrow is Cali's 12th birthday, not even gonna go there right now], and get ready for back to school next week (?!).  Hope all is well in your corner!  <3 <3 <3 & hugs!

Catch-up, not ketchup.

Ta-da!  Back on the Island after beautiful travels to the Mainland, Canada, and Kaua'i: my souvenir?  It came in the form of a cold & cough, not my first choice, but somewhat expected.  :-)

Just a few highlights from Seattle:

The Space Needle - what I like to refer to as 'the heart of Seattle'.

The girls got to ride a camel at the Point Defiance Zoo.  How cool!

I LOVE the *vibe* of this city.

Honey and I on Mariners date night.

Love and Baseball.

My sweetie girl turned 7 while we were there!

Some of her gifts in the morning.  Then we did the Chuck E Cheese thing and ended the night with a luau celebration at Uncle Josh' new place.  A-W-E-S-O-M-E!

Oh, and got upgraded to first class on the ride home for volunteering for a later flight!  :)

 Kaua'i:  Calista attended Ho'olauna Kaua'i with Kamehameha Schools, as a part of their summer explorations series.  The theme this year was [self-sustainability] & [doing/giving without expecting anything in return].  They visited a salt lo'i (a salt farm) cultivated and cared for by the Kanahele 'ohana (Helene Chu), learned to harvest and pound kalo into poi, hiked Waimea forest and picked maile to make lei, snorkeled, surfed, and learned the hula they performed at Ho'ike.  We went over to attend the Ho'ike, a celebration and showcase of what they learned.  What a wonderful experience for our keiki!

Sending our big girl off, just hours after getting back from WA.

'Nuff said.

Shrimp Station in Waimea.  Absolutely wish we had this on BI!

Kilaue'a Lighthouse.

Missing our Cali Girl.

Calista sharing some of her genealogy in 'olelo Hawai'i.

 In other exciting news, the girls have been accepted to Kanu o ka ‘Āina charter school here in Waimea [ http://www.kalo.org/ ] for the upcoming school year.  They are really, really looking forward to this new learning experience & being closer to home.  :)

We are adjusting to a quiet house - for those who don't know, Kale moved to WA & Dad will be there through November.  Although we are far away from most of our family, we count the blessings of living in Hawai'i with an attitude of gratitude.

Think of you often, hope all is well!  

Love,

Mrs. C 

Washington Lovin'

Just a quick note:

After a 4.5 hour delay in SFO, we made it safely to SEA around 3am.  Kale and DoRe' were at the airport to pick us up, and we made it to Silverdale as the sun was rising.  The sun coming up made it a little difficult to get to sleep, but the tossing and turning quickly gave way to the utter exhaustion from traveling all day.

Flight from KOA to SFO, excited!  Not knowing a 4.5 hour delay awaited us...  :)

We are settling in nicely, and making more than full use of our temporary membership to the brand new Silverdale YMCA (complete with the most splendid indoor pool, slide, lazy river, child watch, adventure zone, and teen hang out room) - realizing I wouldn't mind if our vacation is spent primarily there.  Do they have Y vacations?  If so, we'd be the pioneers.  Funny last night when the two older girls (Kiana and Calista) had plans to spend teen night at the Y [which spells F-R-E-E-D-O-M for these 2] and came home deflated since the activity doesn't start until June 18.  Um no, you may NOT be concerned with Saturday night plans at this age!  ;-D  Goodness help us in 5 years, as Uncle Dan reminds me they will not be allowed out, period.

Anyways, just wanted to say HI!

Love,

Mrs. C

Oh, the sweetness of summer days.

It's June 1st!  Wow.  Seriously, time is flying.

Survival mode for the next week while we prep for our upcoming trip to WA [first mainland trip in almost 2 years, so we are, how would you say...?...oh yes - EXCITED beyond belief].  I unsuccessfully started packing a few times, before deciding what I need to do is try on EVERY item in my closet and sort it out before I could possibly consider putting anything in a suitcase.  Who on earth makes packing so complicated?  Yes, that would be moi, raising my hand.

Not even to mention that the house must be absolutely spotless [like eating off the floor sanitary] before we go.  Fridge emptied, storage organized, windows washed, cars washed, lawn mowed, bills paid, mail sorted...the list goes on and on.  Confession:  Sometimes I think I go on vacation just so that I can catch up on all the things I should be doing in the first place.  Teehee, sort of.

Anyways, Kawena's social calender has been quite full since, let's see...the Sunday after school got out, so we've (she's) been enjoying her play dates and sleepovers to the max.  How is it I spend much more time concerned with my children's social lives than my own?  Calista has been sleeping to her hearts content through it all, awakes when it gets too hot to be in bed anymore [Mom, is it time for lunch already!?], and stumbles around the house for the rest of the day.  OH, my sweet almost adolescent. 

So needless to say, we are enjoying the fruits of Summer (although forecast calls for thunderstorms and SNOW on Mauna Kea today, so somebody didn't get the "hello! it's summer" memo) and really looking forward to our time with 'ohana and friends in the 'Mainland'.  Hopefully I'll have time for another post before we go, but if not - see you later!  XOXO

Calista up at Kahua Ranch for a 2 1/2 hour tour on horseback.

Memorial Day 2011 - West Hawai'i Veterans Cemetery

Thirty!

May 18, 1980 - Mt. St. Helens Erupts:
"Shaken by an earthquake measuring 5.1 on the Richter scale, the north face of this tall symmetrical mountain collapsed in a massive rock debris avalanche. In a few moments this slab of rock and ice slammed into Spirit Lake, crossed a ridge 1,300 feet high, and roared 14 miles down the Toutle River.


The avalanche rapidly released pressurized gases within the volcano. A tremendous lateral explosion ripped through the avalanche and developed into a turbulent, stone-filled wind that swept over ridges and toppled trees. Nearly 150 square miles of forest was blown over or left dead and standing.

At the same time a mushroom-shaped column of ash rose thousands of feet skyward and drifted downwind, turning day into night as dark, gray ash fell over eastern Washington and beyond. Wet, cement-like slurries of rock and mud scoured all sides of the volcano. Searing flows of pumice poured from the crater. The eruption lasted 9 hours, but Mount St. Helens and the surrounding landscape were dramatically changed within moments."

And exactly one year later my beautiful husband, Terry William, 'erupted' (oh geez, this is borderline, even for me) in to this world, born to Terry Eugene and Mona Sue.  Not quite as memorable for some, but nevertheless, a day for which I am eternally grateful.  ;-D

Terry Eugene and Mona Sue [Terry's parents]

He is my Husband, the father of my children, United States Marine, my lover and friend.  He served his country because he loves freedom, he raises a child whom not biologically related because he loves her more than life, and continues to support and love me despite, well...me.

Marine.

Saying good-bye as he left for Iraq.

Thank you sweetness, for loving and supporting our family, for being my partner in crime, and for laughing with me through it all.  Here's to always. 

Happy 30th Birthday! <3 <3 <3

Moving on, and up...literally.

Don't let his good looks fool you, he's smart too.  ;-D  My favorite middle brother graduated from nursing school last weekend, and here we are, celebrating 3 years of hard work, dedication, procrastination, a near drop-out, luck, and in the end, success.

I'm not going to embarrass him with all the fun childhood memories about the boy who let his sisters put him in a mu'umu'u on occasion, or the boy who teased a sister worker about how she pronounced his name and wouldn't quit until he got spanked.  [There seems to be an argument about exactly which boy obliged on the first matter anyways, so we'll let that one be.]  I would rather highlight his awesomeness - like the fact he was class president, an honor student, homecoming king, and can play pretty much any sport like it's no sweat [although I will note that I have watched him play volleyball maybe once - for some reason he doesn't like for us to watch, another testament to his humility].  And how he spent a whole year and a half as Kawena's 'Manny' while we were living in Washington, caring for her better than I expected, honestly.  Or how he undertook the immense task of nursing school with style and grace, pushing through obstacles and making it happen.  Yes, Kale!  YOU did it!
 

I'll end with this little gem:
We are in Target, I am pushing Kawena along in the wagon, and she accidentally spills an icee down her shirt.  She's panicked - crying, and has her arms extended to me.  I struggle down the aisle, one hand keeping her pinned in the wagon and the other steering rapidly toward the paper towels.  Kale stops me and picks her right up, obviously not concerned (as if it mattered) with the icee mess he consequently has all over his shirt.  As her cries soften in to whimpers and she settles her head into his shoulder, finally comforted, the thought occurs to me: "Ok, that's what I was supposed to do."

Go get 'em Kale.  The world (and patients) a'waiting.  I love you!

To you, Calista-Rae Makanalani Joanna and Edyn Kawena'okalani.

I've made a lot of mistakes as a Mom, sometimes more than I'd like to admit. But I will always be there for you - to hear you, to cheer for you, to laugh or cry with you, to protect you with my life.  No one (but God) will ever love you more than I do, because I am your Mom.  I will love you for eternity.

Mothers Day 2011