Missing my kids

I was just thinking as I did my Saturday work today, that I really, really miss my kids and Grandkids. We get to see Megan, Charlie and Kalie quite a bit and for that we feel very grateful. However, it is just too long of time between visits for all the others. Every time we go visit Marchelle or Nathan it is so sad to leave them and their families. I guess because they are sooo far away and we don't see them very often. We always hate to see Derek and Rebecca and Shaun and Jamie leave also. Those of you who live close to your families, be GRATEFUL. So, Rahul, if you ever read this, just remember that by the time you leave Indianapolis you will have lived close to your family for 10 years. I think it is our turn for 10 years. (Maureen)

Love you all

As you are all probably aware, Dennis is the one who writes on our blog. It was his idea and it gives him a chance to write. He has always been such a talented writer and can always express himself so well. I don't have that talent, so most of the time you will be reading his entry's. I have spent the last hour reading everyone's blog and I just wanted to tell you all (whoever reads this blog)--niece's and nephews and brothers and sisters--that I love you all. I feel very blessed to have the extended family that I do. I give thanks to Heavenly Father for my husband, my children, my grandchildren, and all our extended family.
Maureen

Memorial Day

Today, Maureen and I are getting things together to start re-doing our front yard. We've pulled out the shrubs that we used to have and taken out the grass so that the front looks completely bare. We are converting it to some kind of modified desert landscape because I'm not completely into the desert thing. Hopefully, when we're through, it will look different than what we've typically seen in our neighborhood with some turf, some desert and maybe some disneyland! Anybody ready for an "E" ticket ride??? Since it is the kick off holiday before summer,...we all know what summer brings...the annual Bear Lake family outing!!! Where mosquitoes rule and fun is the order of the day and evening whether you like or not!! Sunburns are dished up on platter every afternoon and generous portions of sore muscles, aches and pains accompany the nightly games at the tables. And added to the mix are by the minute warnings of, "don't get too close to the fire!", "watch where you're walking!" and "the sand goes in the bucket not down your pants!!!" So I thought I would just take everybody down 'happy memory lane' and post a few pics of those "blessed days". Enjoy!!!

I know...you just can't wait!!! The excitement is getting too much! The mere thought of sand all through you clothes is more than you can stand!!

But wait a minute!..........there is a golf course there too!!! Now we're talking!!!!! Can't wait!!!!!!!

Memorial Day

I really don't know why I am but today my thoughts are on my parents John and Gladys Muaina. Perhaps it was a block of scriptures that I was reading in Mosiah or maybe it was the Spoken Word by the Tabernacle Choir or because tomorrow is Memorial Day that reminded me of how much I miss my parents. I miss the strong embrace by my dad and the smell of his aftershave and I miss the warm knowing smile of my mother and the enthusiastic manner in which she encountered life even with it's trials. To me, they were all that I ever wanted to be even though in my youth you would have never known that. I am reminded that through my veins courses their blood and the blood of all my forefathers and that I have been blessed by great examples of faith and sacrifice both physically and spiritually. My emotions are really close to my heart but I just wanted to remember this Memorial Holiday my mom and dad and hope that I can bring honor to them in all that I do. I love you...Mom and Dad.

Indiana Maureen and the "Lost Love"

Maureen, Megan and Kalie went to Indiana last week and spent Mother's day with Marchelle, Rahul, Maya and Ethan. They had a great visit and was able to go to a few places while there. Of course, there was a question as to how the cousins would get along for a week together. Kaile was kinda like a smart bomb seeking out her target, Ethan but Ethan was already practicing his diplomatic skills by exclaiming upon visual contact," No, no, no!!!"

Maya was pretty much the leader of the gang since she was the oldest and "biggest" and so she had a shadow most of the time but curiously her shadow had glasses and reddish hair!

Taking a break after a long day at the Zoo and the museum, whew!!

Maureen said that there were sooo... many kids at the zoo that they could barely move around. Fortunately, They were able to keep in a small tight group and not lose anybody. Is that a smile or is it a "hurry up and take the picture! kinda smile!"

There is nothing quite as gratifying as to have moments with your children and their children. Your blessings are realized as you assess the manner in which your children embrace the love of the gospel and the teachings of our Savior and then they in turn do likewise with their children.

Over the River and Through the Woods

Well, Maureen and Megan & Kalie have been in Indianapolis for the last week and they've had a great time. We'll get a detailed description of their trip tonight! Hopefully, we'll be able to post some pics tomorrow. Derek and Rebecca are down this weekend and we were able to go out for dinner last night. They will be leaving Monday some time so we may be able to see them tomorrow as well. Of course, we had to get home in time to see the basketball game which we wouldn't want to miss since the Laker's were playing the Jazz! Sorry Jazz fans...it was indeed an exciting game and the outcome was still in question with just a few seconds on the clock but like Sayesha on American Idol there just wasn't enough staying power to make it to the end!