FOOD – Grandma Bloggers

Our family has had some major milestones lately. Our sister missionary, Anna Kongaika returned from her mission in Las Vegas West, Nevada. She reported her mission and shared a strong and inspirational testimony of the Gospel and of the work she had been doing for the past 18 months. What a blessing Anna is to our family. She will be attending BYU Provo this fall.

Our sweet Rachel Ileina Kinikini got prepared by seeing her bishop and stake president for the purpose of submitting her application to serve a mission. Just this week she received her calling to serve in the Auckland, New Zealand Mission. We were all soooo excited for her. There are many reasons for that – one being that she has Maori blood in her veins and also that some of her ancestors and relatives lived there and served there.

We also continue to have guests on our Podcast, Pacific Tales. This gentleman came all the way from Ghana and it was great to be in touch with him after 20 years. Have a listen:

Spotify – Pacific Tales

We also got together with our siblings and spouses for a dinner. We plan to do this every month if we can. It is good to keep in touch since Dad passed away. Kirk was able to sell Dad’s home and it was sad, but also a big weight off his shoulders.

We were able to spend some more time with some of the grandchildren since they were out of school. We had a fun day with them when they came to our Daybreak swimming pool and then we had a BBQ afterward in our backyard.

Other than all of the above, I, unfortunately, got scammed a couple of times online. Beware of people offering to help because most likely they are just trying to help themselves to your money. It was an expensive month for that reason. Watch out for people, especially in Affiliate Marketing groups. I have been trying to learn about it and people seem to genuinely want to help, and then they turn around and charge you for their help saying that you need to “put some skin into the game”. I also got bullied by some which was a result of the same game and so my mental, and emotional state took a hit, but I’m doing better now. So, before you pay anyone online for this or that course, ask yourself:

Grandpa and I also got to go to “Singing in the Rain” with Joel and Lily. It was incredible how they had it raining on the stage at the Hale Theater – so fun!!

Many people ask me why we left Hawaii. Our main reason was to be closer to our grandchildren. Attending some of their activities and celebrations has brought so much joy to my life. I don’t know how much more time I have on earth, but I am thankful for the time I have had to spend with my grandchildren. Birthdays, sports activities, plays, musicals, performances, and so much more that my grandchildren have participated in stand out in my memory. Today I am grateful to be able to be with my grandchildren at many of their important milestones.

Recently, we had two graduations to be involved with- one from university and one from high school. Sweet 16 birthdays, first cars, and other firsts have kept me going. We also had a family reunion, albiet my son who is in the military was absent and we sure missed him, but all of my grandchildren were here. I was in heaven!!

*They adore me! Or at least are forced to act like it!!*

Each grandchild brings a new flavor to our family. Some are more serious, some hilarious, some studious, and some not so much. They have different challenges and make the most of them, but the best thing is that each one is cherished and they love to be with each other.

*Crazy grandchildren – love it! Missing in this picture are Ali’i and Robbie (where were they?)*

A challenge for me is trying to give the grandchildren plenty to do when they visit. I try to give them used clothes, but most of them are not into that. Some love board games, others card games, sports like basketball, volleyball or badminton, nerf guns, riding horses, acting, blowing bubbles, reading books, writing, making crafts, walks, road trips, swimming, shopping, and movies, etc. Most of them love to be on their phones or computers playing video games. Never a dull moment with these characters!

Now that all of my grandchildren are taller than me, I feel that I am amongst giants. One thing for sure, they all like eating! We must have plenty of good things for them to eat when they visit! Grandpa is very good at meeting that need!

When I think about my childhood, I was hardly able to be with my grandparents and don’t remember them coming to any of my activities. I want to be a bigger

*Lily loves crafts like painting and making things.*

part of my grandchildren’s lives. Their parents usually invite us to their various performances and we go if at all possible. Most of the grandkids play a musical instrument including the ukulele, guitar, cello, piano, and using their voices. We rarely get together without some type of music being shared.

Something that has been fun to see is that a few of my grandchildren have chosen to study art

which was my major in college. To me “Art is Life”! Others like writing which I have done as a job and still do.

I may be to blame for the reason several of my grandchildren love the computer so much. When they were very young, I would sit them on my lap and show them video games. Some of them are addicted to them. I spent some time reading to them, but probably not enough.

What a marvelous treasure grandchildren are. They were each sent to our family for us to learn from and hopefully they learn something from us. It is difficult always trying to be a good example and attempt to be the type of person they want to emulate. I would not want to lead them astray in any way. They were sent to us to help them along their journey of life.

I hope we never take for granted what precious gems our grandchildren are. I don’t know how much more time I will have to be with my grandchildren, but I just want them to know how much I love them and their parents who sacrifice much for them. Love, Grandma

Tag: FOOD

July and into August 2022

Spotify – Pacific Tales

Joys of Grandparenting