our garden in the spring

I have found my passion. Having so much fun. It all started with trench composting.

fourteen

Shawnie! (yes I will probably call you that for a log time) -- time has flown and here you are, taller than all females in the household now. You love to eat, run around, do gymnastics, fly your drone, swim, hang out with your friends, joke, watch funny shows, teach us about technology and our phones, do 3D printing, bake, cook and do chores (jk).

But you are awesome at chores!!!

This has been another year of transition and you showing maturity and flexibility. You have adjusted to being home and being back at your old school. You have made some good new friends and kept some old friends. You are becoming a leader for what is good and honorable among modern teens and for that I am proud.

Dad and I are so proud of the young man you have become. We love having you in our family. You remain the light in my heart.

Love, Mom

the cooks

Gary and I took our first cooking class at a local hotel, and it was so much fun. We learned to make acai bowls, salmon, a couscous dish, and my favorite...butternut squash falafels!

We met some sweet people who were visiting our island, a few of them were on their honeymoons.

I made the falafels once since the class. They are tasty but lots of work. I so appreciate being able to eat out sometimes to try time consuming recipes that I wouldn't usually make.

We were visited by a sweet young woman who taught us to make the acai bowls. She has her own blog, check it out at the balanced blonde.

sometimes you have to go island hopping

What a great idea. A short holiday weekend. A quick flight. We stayed both in Kailua and Waikiki and reconnected with old friends. Our kids loved seeing little Lantana who is now their official adopted cousin. What a bright light she is, all smiling and loving and innocent and so talented as a musician. With two parents who play amazing Balinese music, it's no wonder.

anniversary dinner

This past Christmas Gary surprised me with a dinner out...in February! It was such a fun night and we celebrated our anniversary. First we walked around a cute small town with gift shops, and then drove to the restaurant. A beautiful oceanfront location. The food was exquisite and we had lots of laughs.

I am very grateful to have found Gary.