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 

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!