The Dad from Baghdad

He's Home! Took a week from Iraq to Kuwait to Ireland to Georgia to Hawaii. Now it's time for a 2 week family celebration!

Great Aloha Run

This President's Day weekend, the kids and I ran the "Keiki" (Kiddie) version of the Great Aloha Run with our friends, the Jensens. It was a mile and a half--versus the 8.3 mile real deal. They did a great job and it was a beautiful day to get out. Trevor has quite the competitive streak--he wasn't below elbowing the competition as they edged past him. He's convinced he was the winner. Which in this race is true, cause "Every child is a winner."

What a Sweetheart

This Valentines Day I was asked to accompany the Stake President and Stake RS president along with Barbara Thompson, 2nd Counselor in the General RS Presidency on a visit to determine how the church can better support and assist military families. My friend Jill was selected to discuss the difficulties and needs during a deployment. With Sister Thompson's background as a social worker, she had very purposeful questions about the challenges of military life. It was a pleasant and beautiful day spent on Jill's patio eating Asian pears and talking with the very caring and endearing Sister Thompson.

So...if the church suddenly offers weekly institute classes with state-of-the-art, paid-staff childcare for mothers of young children...I'm just saying, no thanks needed. (wink wink)

Jill Barkdull and Barbara Thompson

The Latest Hike

We had a fun hike up a trail off of the Ko'olau Golf Course. I don't even know the name of it, but we had a great time. Lots of yellow ginger, a gorgeous waterfall, and some wild starfruit to take home. I love the hiking trails here--so accessible and fascinating. It's a great way to keep the kids happy on long afternoons. Can't wait till the next Furlough Friday!


Yellow ginger




A thick, rubbery-textured hibiscus-type flower that grew off vines

Winter Fun in Utah

Independent Worker

Trevor insisted on pushing the trash out all by himself. He was darling to watch, but I felt a little sheepish as all the cars stopped by the traffic light watched me watch him, offering no assistance, just snapping photos. He did great!

Yard Work: Supersize Me