This weekend we celebrated my 46th birthday and general conference. I had a great birthday. Jen came on Thursday to lab and brought a cake and plates and forks. We were able to serve all of my students. They couldn't get over how much Jen and I look and act alike. That's a compliment. Friday mom and dad showed up as a surprise, too, bringing balloons and candy for all of my students and TA's. That was super fun. Then Starlyn ordered pizza, my absolute favorite meal, and we all took a 15-minute break to enjoy pizza together while students worked in the lab. We did get interrupted occasionally by a loud knock on the door. As you do with a crying baby, we took turns checking on "the kids." Everyone at work had surprised me with a really nice card in my bag. They are great. Keenan and the kids gave me a really pretty necklace and matching earrings that they purchased in Hawaii. I wore them all day on my birthday. It is nice to feel loved.
On Saturday, we woke and watched conference. Big announcements...two new temples (one in Arequipa, Peru, and one in Tuscon, Arizona). Those were overshadowed by the next announcements. Young men can now serve missions at AGE 18 and young women can serve at AGE 19!!!!!!!!!!!! I cannot believe it. While it doesn't affect Kamiko, who is preparing to submit papers in the next 6 months, Allie could go in 2 1/2 years. Wow! The kids facebook pages and twitter accounts lit up with comments from youth about mission age change. The talks on Saturday morning were really touching, about spending time and effort on what really matters and on the importance of hope through the resurrection and the atonement. All talks all weekend were really good, but President Uchdorf's about remembering what is truly important was really touching.
Our kids are leaving soon, our friend Sue Vincent is waiting on a possible cancer diagnosis. She received a kidney transplant 3 years ago. Scott Sykes brother, Mark, just got news that he has terminal cancer. The political world is crazy. The economy is in upheaval. Things can change at any time. I want to make the most of the time with the kids at home. For this reason, Keenan and I have decided to take the kids to Disneyland in December for Christmas. We all love that place and haven't been in 3 years. We can't think of a better way to spend Christmas/vacation money than to take a fun trip before Kamiko and Allie leave, then soon, Melia.
Speaking of things that are important, I was cleaning out my email and found some photos that mean a lot to me. I'll post them here so I can always remember the events and look at the pictures often.
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| A dear, dear friend...Kim Rose Cassetti. We grew up together and she is an honorary Hunter girl. I made her this apron for her birthday in April of this year. The friendship really began our freshman year in English with Mr. Bright. |
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| Kamiko at his high school graduation (2011) with lots of leis |
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| Aunty Edna and Lynne Shiroma at Temple Square...Arlette and Lane Kiriyama took them (June 2011) |
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| Aunty and Lynne at Temple Square |
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| Me and my sisters at Allison East DeVuyst's wedding (Jenny, Karen, Kris, and me) |
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| One more sister joins us...Kim Rose...August 2011 |
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| Jen, Kim, me and Kris at the wedding |
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| Allie and her hula sisters Summer 2011 |
The presidential election is in less than a month. I've been volunteering at Mitt Romney call center in Orem. I go on Mondays for a couple of hours, making phone calls to collect data from swing states. Yesterday I called voters in Wisconsin. I really hope and pray that Romney wins. Since the electoral college process guarantees that Mitt will carry Utah, I will vote, but my vote won't make a huge difference. So, I decided to volunteer so I can contribute in some way.
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