Two thousand twelve. & I miss my family too.

The Holiday Season brings families together, miles that separate disappear with smiles, hugs, and joyful reunions.  The miles that separate my little 'ohana [approx 90 to Puna, and 2500 to Washington] seemed so much further this year as gatherings and holiday cheer commenced on opposite sides of the pacific.  Oh man, how do I continue this post without sounding absolutely pitiful and making everyone depressed?  Best stop all that stuff right now.  Let's just suffice it to say - I MISSED MY FAMILY LIKE, SUPER CRAZY.  ;)

All that aside, we enjoyed beautiful fellowship with our friemily's [made up a new word!  that's friends who are like family] - potluck after potluck, new adventures in Waipi'o, Pu'u honua o honaunau, and our annual New Years celebration at the Stewarts, which by the way, we did on Friday night instead of Saturday and I quite like because I'm bringing an attitude of always being one-step-day-move-ahead-of-the-game into 2012.  :)  Um, yeah...we'll see how long that lasts.  ;)

So, as the last of the holiday treats are consumed, new resolutions are made, decorations are tidy back in storage, and life resumes back to [what we know as] 'normal', I like to remind myself:  true happiness does not come from external influences [people, places, & things].  It comes from being content and at peace with ones lot in life, whatever that may be. 

Warmest greetings from beautiful, sunny, warm Waimea - wishes for a productive, growing, inspiring 2012. 

 With all my love, Mrs. C.

These few photos are courtesy of my Cali Girl.  She's got quite an eye!

'The wall' at City of Refuge.

Max & Adam [brothers], taking the leap!

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.  :)

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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