I Miss Kamiko!

He's been gone 3 months now. I really miss my kid lately. That's all. I want him to know that I love him and am proud of him. I wouldn't have him doing anything else right now, BUT I still miss him. BYE. P.S. I must add something. Just got an email from Daysa, Kamiko's girlfriend, and she said "time flies... and kinda just stands still at the same time." A.M.E.N.

Growing Up LDS in Pleasanton, California!

It really was the perfect place. We lived at 1870 Tanglewood Way. It was in a neighborhood called Walnut Grove. Our home was built in the 60's in what had previously been a grove of walnut trees. We had 6 trees in our yard. That created a lot of walnuts to harvest each fall. The husks are messy. Thankfully we had friends who wanted walnuts and they would come harvest some of ours, leaving fewer for us to have to pick up. I remember having to pick up a lunch sackful of walnuts before school during the fall.

Our house. The walnut trees are pretty much gone. The room I shared with Jenny is the window on the top left. Dad's office where he did all his bishop stuff was to the right of the front door. The house still looks great.

I went to Walnut Grove Elementary School, which was just a few blocks away. Harvest Park Middle School was behind our neighbor's house, although they never invited us to use the gate in their yard to access the school. We always had to walk around. Weird. Why didn't mom ever ask? Amador High School was further away. We walked some, but we mostly drove our Ford Pinto to school. We would park across the street at aunt Kathy's house. During lunch, we would go back to Kathy's house and eat lunch there sometimes. 

Walnut Grove. Schools in California were mainly outside. There were "pods" of classrooms, but no big buildings with indoor hallways. Friends here included: Jackie LeBreck, Valerie Kopytoff, Cami Adams, Leigh Rudy, Lee Kingsbury. Memorable teachers were Mr. Kenrick and Mr. Kimball. 

Another school made of a bunch of separate buildings. Harvest Park Middle School. Memorable friends: Lou Romano, Cami Adams, Tammy Hansen, my sister Jenny. Awesome teachers were Mr. Lipps and Mr. Puppione.

Friends at Amador: Yvonne Morris, Jennifer Partridge, Kim Rose, Natalie Mano, Cami Adams, Jen and Kris (my sisters), Lou Romano, Lisa Stanley. Teachers who made a difference: Mrs. Patton, Mrs. Roberts (not because she was fabulous, but because she was the sewing teacher), Mrs. Swift.

We attended Pleasanton 2nd Ward in the Pleasanton Stake. Dad was called as bishop when I was 8. After a few years in P2, a new ward, Pleasanton 3rd, was created and dad stayed on as bishop of the new ward. He was bishop for 10 years, from when I was 8 to when I was 18. That's a long time. It didn't seem to have a huge effect on our family, though. Dad never worked on Fridays. He also did interviews at home, in his office, so he was home a lot. Mom might have a different opinion of how hard it was, but overall, having dad as bishop brings good memories.

The demographics in the 80's in Pleasanton made for the perfect ward. We had about 120 youth. We had great leaders. It was a great time and great place to grow up. We had New Years Eve breakfasts at the house with the bishopric. This would happen AFTER the stake new years eve dance. We had overnight youth parties in the church, with movies, games led by Brother Adams, and food. We did roadshows and always won. Again, Brother Adams was at the helm. Camp was awesome, with Sandy Cherry and Carole Hunter as camp directors. We had superb youth leaders. Dad has often told us since that he ALWAYS staffed the youth program first and with the BEST individuals. Sister Fisher, Sister Huber, Sister Nielsen, Brother Morley, Brother Hemming, Brother Brown. The list goes on and on.

The success of Pleasanton 2nd and 3rd wards goes way back, as I learned last weekend. I was talking to dad about his being bishop. A lot of men who worked with dad or were youth with dad have since been leaders in Pleasanton and often ask themselves "What would Bishop Hunter do?." Elder Vaughn Featherstone, former member of the Presiding Bishopric of the church, told Jenny once that dad was one of the best bishops the church has ever had. It really was a miraculous ward. It all began in Chicago when dad was only 28.

When dad was in dental school, he served as bishop of the Logan Square Ward. Dad recently told me that when he was released and moved to Detroit, he felt he had bombed big-time as a bishop. He had received no training, and while he tried to do his best, he felt things could have done better. After leaving Chicago, he told the Lord that if he were ever given the chance to be a bishop again, he would be the best bishop the church had ever seen. Shortly after I was born in Detroit, dad joined a dental practice and we moved to Pleasanton. He spent the next 9 years in stake and ward leadership callings in Pleasanton. He was on the high council, stake YM president, stand-in counselor to Stake President when a counselor was out of town for an extended period, counselor to a bishop, etc. He said he watched EVERYONE in leadership, especially the bishops. He noted everything that he liked and found effective so, if given the chance, he could be a better bishop. 

Well, that chance came in 1974 when he was called as bishop of P2. I think that's a pretty cool story about dad's determination to learn and improve. What a great example. For years after mom and dad moved from Pleasanton, dad's stamp and the Hunter name was still a HUGE part of the church in Pleasanton.

I Gave Birth to a Razorback!

Allie waited and waited for January 10th to arrive. It was the day she would find out about scholarships to UArk. She already knew she had been admitted to the University of Arkansas. She couldn't go if she didn't get some financial help. Well, on the 10th, she was checking her email (and checking and checking) and then she yells "I got a scholarship!" When she opened the message and read beyond the word "Congratulations" she found that she got a $5,000/year award. It's a scholarship for students of under-represented groups who have shown leadership. If she keeps a 3.0 GPA, it will be renewed for all four years. Amazing!!!! All her good work and good deeds have paid off. She is not only Hawaiian, but also works hard as yearbook editor and is on HOPE Squad, which is the suicide prevention/awareness club. It's pretty cool to see your kid recognized and awarded and wanted. I'm so excited for her. On Monday, we got a letter with all the details. It got even better. She was also awarded a scholarship to cover 80% of the difference between resident and non-resident tuition. She got really emotional when she read that. So, her tuition will be about $2,000/year. Whoa...what a blessing. It will be hard to see her go so far away, but she's ready and excited. She'll do great. I'm so proud of my little razorback! Woo pig sooee!

Celebrating the good news with Makei, the cow, Brooke, Mel and Allie at Chick Fil-A

A Fabulous Christmas Project

So, Mel loved a dress she tried on at Urban Outfitters when we went to the Michael Buble concert. I couldn't justify paying $40 for a dress that was simple enough that I could probably make it with my eyes shut. She and I made the dress during Christmas break. We searched over and over for the right fabric. Just as we were about to leave Hancock Fabrics empty-handed, we spied the perfect plaid on the bottom of a table of clearance fabrics. The whole dress probably cost under $10. Here are the dresses for comparison. Ha...this home economist momma still has mad skills.

This was the best picture I could get. She really didn't want to pose for the picture. Isn't she cute?!

Humor During the Holidays

Just so these things don't get forgotten:

Kamiko left some clothes for Keenan, Allie and Melia as Christmas presents. When Melia opened the sweatshirt from Kamiko, she said, "I was wondering where that was. I thought he gave it away." Evidently, the girls had been taking clothes from what he left behind and Melia had really wanted the Obey sweatshirt Kamiko had me wrap for her.

While walking around University Mall right before Christmas, Melia gravitated toward a cute plaid flannel shirt with stud detailing on the front. We could tell Melia was thinking about buying it. Allie said to her, "Don't. I already bought it for you." Wow, my girls know each other so well. Allie picked it out and bought it without Mel's prior approval. They are awesome.

UPDATE (January 19, 2014):
When we were at Crocketts for Thanksgiving, Karen wore an awful robe. Super comfortable, but awful. She had two, so she loaned me one. It was fabulous! Still super ugly, but fabulous. We went to church today in Orem to hear Sid and Tim Crockett speak. They will be serving a mission in the Provo Mission. They will live in their home and serve full-time, tags and all, as missionaries. We went to hear them speak and see Alan and Elle, who came for the event. Karen had sent a gift for me. I didn't know what it was. Almost thought it might be a bottle of some fun spice from her store. Well, imagine my surprise and my family's dismay, when I opened a box that held my very own robe! Oh, I was so excited. I even told Elle that yesterday, as I put my sweats in the laundry, I thought "what will I wear after church tomorrow? My comfy sweats are dirty." Well, worry no more!!!!! I have THE ROBE. Karen has a matching one, so we'll have to sport them together sometime. Here's proof of its loveliness.

Reading "Southern Living" magazine and drinking a caffeine-free diet Dr. Pepper. Sundays can't get any better!

Christmas Decorations 2013

I just love our tree

A little touch of Sweden

My favorite corner. "Elf" and "White Christmas" and "Nutcracker" references

Advent calendar

Bloggety...Blog...Blog...Blogging While Watching "Downton Abbey"

"Downton Abbey" is a show on Masterpiece Theater on PBS. It's from England and is quite a hit. It's set in the early 1900's and tells the story of the life in an estate. The lives of the help and the owners of the estate are depicted. Season 4 just started and I really like it. I missed the first hour of the episode because of a misprint in the TV listing, so I'm catching up on that while I make myself useful and blog about Christmas.

Christmas Eve was fun, yet different from in years past. The four of us decided to go to Temple Square and see the lights. We hadn't been there yet. We shopped, walked around and enjoyed the city. We stayed long enough to see the lights, then we left in time to get back to American Fork for dinner at Fong's Asian Dining. It's one of our favorite places and we decided to have Chinese food for Christmas Eve dinner. Mom and dad were invited to come on Christmas day for a turkey dinner with all the fixings.

Brigham Young's Beehive House...all decked out for Christmas.

Christmas tree ornament Starlyn Hjorth made for me.

Oh, Mel REALLY wanted to do gingerbread houses. We found the perfect kit at Walmart and supplemented with some additional candy. We had a blast and they turned out really cute!

Kobi Watkins and Melia with their houses

All four houses done. Far left: Kobi; next: Allie; front right: Mel; rear right: me and Keenan

beautiful flower arrangement given to me by two students. They made it for me in their floral design class

Is there anything more beautiful?

Assembly Hall at Temple Square

Melia and Allie at Temple Square

On Christmas Eve we did the usual opening of the pajamas. Allie had picked out a couple that she liked and I selected a cute pair of green and navy blue striped knit ones. Mel liked some pj bottoms and some sweats at Old Navy. I don't think she expected the sweats, but I surprised her and got her the sweats. Both girls were really happy. I was excited about this Christmas. I probably spent less money on each of the girls than in the past, but really bought things that would be meaningful. I was anxious to see the girls' reactions. I also got some gifts that I thought Keenan would really like, too.

We heard from Kamiko that we would be able to "chat" via email live on Christmas morning. His exact words in a text were "7:30 am our time." Well, did that mean 7:30 American Fork time or 7:30 Santiago Time, which would be 3:30 am in American Fork. So, just to be safe, we set alarms and got online at 3:30 am. No Kamiko. We went back to bed and got up again at 7:30. That was the correct time. We had a nice "visit." He seems to be doing well. Allie was really funny in what she wrote, so we let her be scribe most of the time.

Email conversation with Kamiko

We then proceeded to open gifts since we were all awake. It was so fun. Allie got the Elizabeth Smart biography, some shoes, tights, a flannel shirt, a necklace, and a purse. Melia got boots she really wanted, a purse, socks she had wanted, cute oxford shoes, a dress I made for her and a necklace. I got Keenan a t-shirt with a pocket with a picture of a cat like Honu on it, some new games and a book about Book of Mormon study for families. I got some clothes and a ring from Keenan. The girls gave me some clothes, as well. They surprised each other with shirts, sweaters, etc. They are very generous with each other. It was a good Christmas. Very different without Kamiko, but still fun. Mom and dad came over and we had a great dinner and played games. I love turkey dinner with potatoes, stuffing, gravy, cranberries, rolls, etc.

Melia and her stocking loot

Ready to open

Our lovely tree and the presents below

Melia is ready to go!

Me, opening a present from Melia. A really cute striped shirt.

Honu didn't get anything, but he didn't seem to mind.

Keenan opens a shirt that Melia gave him.

Keenan brings me a COLD Diet Dr. Pepper for Christmas.

Allie loves the denim shirt Melia gave her.

Mel opens and reacts to the purse from mom and dad.

Kamiko gave Keenan a jacket.

the blue ring is from Keenan

Mel loves her socks

Whoa...Allie is stoked about the flannel shirt

Ah, the boots. Mel saw them at Ross, but didn't buy them. Allie and I went the next day and bought them.

Allie made Keenan his very own fleece blanket.

More and more and more presents

wow, really excited about tights.

pants that I might have bought for myself and told Keenan to wrap for me. Same for the red shoes in the background.

Oh, the Elizabeth Smart book

super cute shirt from Allie

Money from Grandma and Grandpa Hunter. Get creative and make skirts.

Cozy, cute sweater from Allie

Allie's loot

Oh, this girl REALLY wanted this red and white striped shirt. From Melia. It is really cute, I must admit.

Honu watches as Melia opens the necklace from mom and dad.

The girls made a yummy breakfast on Christmas morning. Waffles, sausage, eggs, etc.

After Christmas day, we enjoyed a vacation together. We went out to eat a bit. We went to the movie. We rented movies and watched them together. The girls rode the Train into SLC with friends. I went to bed at 10:00 pm on New Year's Eve, so that was a bust. The girls had gone to a dance and Keenan watched "Up" on TV. I read books over the break. Allie read the Elizabeth Smart book in about 2 days. Mel worked on a science project, burning fabric. We went to get burgers once with Grandma and Grandpa. We also had fun sewing. The dress I made for Mel wasn't quite what she wanted. I was copying a dress she had seen at Urban Outfitters. I wasn't upset that it wasn't quite what she wanted. I told her we could re-make it if she wanted. Well, we found the perfect fabric and re-made it on Saturday. Allie and Mel both got money from mom and dad to make tulle skirts. We got Allie's made on Saturday and Mel has decided how she'll tackle hers. I think Mel has a real knack for fashion. I hope she continues to experiment with clothing and design.

Melia and Keenan at 5 Guys Burgers

Mel and her fry photobombing

This is me, on New Year's Eve

Allie and Grandma eating yummy burgers

On their way to Salt Lake City

Picture taken on January 1, 2014 walk

This was taken while parked in front of Kobi Watkin's house. We were in van, facing west. It was really coming down.

Now it's 2014. School started today. I'm getting ready to start a new semester. New students. I hope I can teach them some valuable skills and that they will learn to cook and eat real food. Boy, my students seem to know less and less about food preparation. Speaking of this...we have a theme for our family home evenings this month...life skills. Tonight, I'll teach the girls how to efficiently chop an onion and we'll talk about meal planning and basic cooking skills. I also want to cover budgets, careers, job hunting, home cleaning and maintenance, etc.