Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Home for the Holidays


From ice...
to balmy nice.
He was in the water within 5 minutes of arrival.
Honu everywhere, everyday. 
Lost in story. She's currently obsessed with Arsene Lupin.

We saw a rainbow each day, but the day we flew home.
 Boogie boarding at Beach 69
On the way to Mauna Kea
On Mauna Kea, sunset above the clouds.
Telescopes and astronomy were certainly a highlight of the trip.
Mid-trip, we moved to the east side of the island to be closer to the volcano.
Kapoho Bay and Tidepools
Kilauea Caldera
We quickly hiked the 4 mile Kilauea Iki trail to get Jr Ranger badges before the NP closed!
   Home again, and I'm in denial that Thanksgiving is 2 days away, but we are very thankful! We need to buckle down and do some school, though we did take both math and writing journals along on the trip. We learned a lot about earth science on the Big Island. 

   Advent is almost upon us, a time of reflection, prayer, and praise. Surely, we went to Hawaii praising for her good health and the blessings the Lord has bestowed upon her, and us, in her health journey. 

   Yet, I can't help but wonder: Does a mama truly ever sigh, let go, and release her children to the Lord, trusting for His good care over them? I'm learning. I'm so thankful for what God has done for her, and us, this year. For His presence and graciousness, we are indeed thankful.

*Maybe at some point, I'll write about taking kids to the Big Island, and the locations we chose (we are introverts, but one). For now, we are basking in the memories. That said, I will add that using Costco for gas and groceries is the way to go, but eat at Kona Brewing at least once. The food and beer is great!

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Creative Rest

There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle. ~ Einstein
Every leaf speaks bliss to me, fluttering from the autumn tree
~ Emily Bronte
Those who create, live.
   I have looked through the lens so little this fall. I feel the difference in my spirit. The schedule has at times been frantic. Grief and loss have found us, again. Yet, today the sun shines bright, the leaves rustle in a cold wind. We prepare for Thanksgiving and Advent, soon upon us, with stillness. Thankful for each other, family, and yes, our Veteran's. 

Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others. ~ Cicero