Dad left yesterday. His flight left the island at 10pm Michigan time- he flew all night making a connection in Minneapolis and Detroit before making it home to Grand Rapids.; (and then of course the hour and 1/2 drive home to Edmore! But thats what you have to do when you live in the STICKS! Dad was So very much looking forward to his 11 hour commute back home- the lovely teeennnyy tiiinnnyyy airplane seat- the wonderfully delicious airplane food!  It is always such a pleasure to fly the friendly skies!

Chris is now on LEAVE! No work for TWO weeks! What is he going to DO with himself? Don't worry- he is finding a way to keep busy. First we are doing a landscaping project in the back yard- involving removing sod, laying bricks and planting flowers. Chris also mentioned something about a fountain? I personally think he is getting a little bit ahead of himself, but we shall see.  I have posted a picture of him working in the back yard on the right.

Today I have been doing copious amounts of laundry, spent our life savings at the grocery store because our cubbords were bare and I did my most favorite chore of ALL- cleaned the bathrooms! (yes, I scrubbed the showers too, most of the time I just close the shower curtain and pretend that I cleaned it but today I actually did.

I have been wanted to take Dad hiking since he got here, but with it being Christmas things have been very hectic.  Finally yesterday was the perfect opportunity- Chris had duty all day and night so it was just Dad, the kids and I.

First my plan was to take him to Diamond head- Its very touristy and crowded- which is a big negative- but it's Diamond Head and a lot of people know about it. We drove there and it was a ZOO! I forgot that it was Saturday and EVERYONE was hiking Diamond head. There was no parking and swarms of people everywhere. We just drove right by to my second hike choice- and actually the most beautiful hike- Makapu trail. Its a mile up and a mile down to the most beautiful scenic look-out.  It was also crowded at this hike, but not so bad that we couldn't find parking.

Dad got in a good workout and saw how beautiful this island is. The kids also had a good time and complained minimally.  I got some good pictures!

This morning Chris gets home from work- We are going to the movies upon Papa's request to see Avatar.

Yesterday was a success here at the Schmitt house. Chris and I were awoken at the not-too-ungodly hour of 7am. I could here the kids in the hallway "You wake mommy and daddy up, no YOU wake them up!" Finally they sent Evie in and she climbed up in our bed and yelled  "Get out of bed! Santa came!"

Then I told them to go wake up Papa so I could here them all scamper into his  room and yell "Get up!, Get up!" So we all came downstairs and Santa DID come! Presents were all under the tree and the kids were about to burst with excitement. I made them wait as long as I could while I made coffee- Then we opened up our presents. It was so much fun! Joeys big gift was a bike- his old bike is wayyyyy to small and broken and he has been riding  Evie's  bike! So now he has an awesome BIG BOY bike! (He IS almost 7!)

Sophia loved her make-up and Jewelry box- she is such a girly girl at heart! All day she applied make up on me and vangie and stella! I also painted her nails yesterday- she was in heaven.

Vangie go the greatest Tinker Bell Bed tent! She saw this MONTHS ago in the store and went crazy for it- I bought it for her and its been in hiding ever since.  She also got two Tu-Tu's that she has been wearing ever since.

Papa also must have been really good this year! He got a Hawaiian tie, t-shirt, movies, chocolate covered macadamia nut clusters (okay, so I have been eating most of these!)  It was a very good Christmas. I even got an electric tire pressure gauge from my true love.

Today I am heading to Target as soon as it opens in 1 hour!  to buy some Christmas decorations for next year. We are then taking Papa on a hike later today- something with a great view!

This past week has been so much fun here with Uncle Greggie, Aunt Nicole and Papa here. Tuesday we visited the Arizona Memorial- it was very interesting and educational- I am glad we got there EARLY- tickets for the whole day were sold out by 11am. We got there at 7:30am and our tickets for the Arizona Memorial were for 9:15am. In the mean time we toured the Bowfin Submarine and also toured a submarine museum they had on site.

After the memorial we ate lunch at the "Dixie Grill"- what a good restaurant!I think it will become one of my favorites! They offer a CRAB salad, burgers and Peanut Butter and Jelly Kids meal! (Vangie was very happy about this!) After lunch we drove to Waikiki so Nicole could buy some souvenirs for the family back home.

Yesterday was Uncle and Aunts last day here in Hawaii- what better way to spend it than at the Beach? We went to the Beach on the Hickam Air-force Base and had some fun in the water and laid out in the sun- well, papa laid out in the SHADE, because his shade of white will burn to a crisp very easily! I also made sure to buy him a big floppy hat and cover him is SPF 1,000.

Today is Christmas Eve. Chris will be home soon after having duty yesterday and over night. We are going to Christmas Eve service at our church, Hope Chapel at 6pm tonight- Santa is on his WAYYYY!

I am having so much fun with my family here in town!  Yesterday was Saturday and Chris took my Dad, Greggie and Nicole  and Joey to the tour the submarine USS Key West. They couldn't view  Chris's sub (the Uss Chicago) because it is tore apart and getting refurbished in the ship yard. They had a great learning experience and cannot believe that Chris (or ANYONE for that matter!) can live in such a tiny space!

In the afternoon Nicole and I went for a 3 mile run, and then went to the USS Chicago Children's Christmas party. There was cookie decorating, a bounce house and a visit from Santa himself! The kids (and all of us) had SUCH a good time! My family loved meeting all of the wonderful people from the USS Chicago.

After the Christmas party we went to a LUAU! We drove out to Paradise cove to get the whole LUAU experience- hula, good food and exotic beverages! It was a super fun time. Paradise Cove is right on the ocean and is soooo beautiful.  It was so nice to sit and relax and enjoy the show. Only one sad thing happened. The MC at the Luau asked who was newly weds- all the newlyweds raised their hands (I tried to get Chris to raise his hand, but he said 8 years is not newlywed, but I disagree!) And then she asked who has been married a long time- and my Dad started to raise his hand --- and then he quickly put it down." I almost raised my hand...." he told me. " I forgot that I'm not married anymore..."  The next song was dedicated to those married a long time and my Dad sat there and cried silent tears. I cried with him.....   Mom was his best friend and partner for so long, of course it is going to take time to get over.

I realize that I haven't posted in days. I am so lazy. So, I thought I would update everyone that my Dad arrived last night from the mainland- the kids were super excited to see him- and they each gave him a flower lei. We brought him back to our house where we just relaxed and went to bed early- Chris had duty last night so I have not seen him since Wednesday night (I was too lazy to get up with him super early on Thursday).

This morning I woke up with what I thought was the flu- I felt hoor-i-ble!!! In fact, I felt so bad that I nixed the hike I had planned for us and let the kids fun wild under Papa's supervision while I slept on the couch for 2 hours. I got of the couch at 11am and we drove to McDonald's for Happy Meals and Blockbuster for movies (this is my Dad's kind of vacation!)  Then back home where I relaxed on the couch while the kids napped from 12noon-2:30. Then at 2:30 I drove to the airport to get Uncle Greggie and Aunt Nicole who are back from Maui!

I started to feel a lot better after my lunch of raisenetts- it was the only thing that sounded good to me and it saved me so yeah! Then I made Nicole jog 3 miles with me. I feel 98% recovered now, which is good because we have a Christmas party to go to tonight it my husband ever gets home.

This morning after the big kids went to school Vangie, Greggie and Nicole and I prepared for our Koko head hike. I had yet to do this hike, and we were all really excited. (Okay, maybe Uncle Greggie really wasn't excited....)  We packed water , applied our sunscreen and drove the 30 min out to Hawaii Kai.

Koko Crater is a cinder cone remaining from the last active volcano that occurred on O'ahu approximately 10,000 years ago. This crater is the tallest tuff ring in Hawaii, measuring 1,207 feet in height. The trail up to the top  follows an abandoned World War II era railroad track straight up to the side of Koko Crater which is 1206 feet above sea level. It consists of around 1100 steps.  It took us about 2.5 hours to hike to the top (and take plenty of breaks!) and some time to enjoy the amazing view at the top. 

The way UP may have been hard, but the way DOWN was a little bit scary! Uncle Greggie even fell down at one point! He fell right behind me and in his haste to avoid sending Vangie and I flying off the mountain he ended up sprawled all over and Nicole and I were worried he broke his leg! Thankfully he is very flexible for a big person and is fine.  He was fine with only some scrapes. I saw a couple other people fall too, the rail road ties that serve as steps are very slippery.  

It was a really, really great workout- I think Greggie made the comment he hadn't had such a workout since playing football in college! And the views were awesome. It is my favorite hike that I have done so far!

After our hike we came home and enjoyed a much deserved shower and meal. Then Vangie and I drove Uncle Greggie and Aunt Nicole to the Airport- they are off to Maui for 4 nights and then they will fly back here and spend 5 nights with us. Grandpa Perkins will also be here on Thursday!! We are so excited!

Also, this is pretty funny. As you all know Chris and I call Vangie well, Vangie. Papa Perkins, Uncle Greggie and Nicole call her "Evie". Which is fine, her full name is Evangeline and you can get a lot of nicknames out of that. Well, they have been calling her "Evie" the past couple days and today she told me I can't call her "Vangie" anymore, I have to call her "Evie"!

Chris and I had a fun time at the USS Chicago Christmas Party. The kids had a great time being babysat at Jen and , playing with their girls and Chris and I were able to enjoy some "Adult time".

Saturday our first visitors from the Main land arrived On-Island- Uncle Greggie and Aunt Nicole! They arrived here at 3:30 and we made the 1 mile drive to the airport to pick them up. Greg and Nicole had great luck and were upgraded to a direct flight from Chicago instead of flying to San Francisco and enjoying a 4 hour lay-over. Yeah! However, there luggage did not make the direct flight! No worries, it arrived on-island at 9pm so we just drove back to the airport and picked it up.

We took Uncle Greggie and Aunt Nicole on our weekly tradition- 5pm Saturday night church followed by dinner at IHOP-Yum! 

This morning we took our visitors to a beach on the North Shore. We swam, snorkeled, tried to boogie-board but the beach we were at was too rocky- and we all got some sun. The weather was perfect! 83 degrees and sunny.  After the beach we drove around the island to show them the beautiful Hawaiian  coastline. We stopped at the famous original "Giavani's Shrimp Truck" for dinner and then brought it home to enjoy- delicious garlic butter shrimp!

Tomorrow our plans are to Hike Koko head!! Well, Nicole, Vangie and I plan on hiking, Uncle Greggie is still indecisive, but I think I can talk him into it!

Yesterday afternoon I walked to get the kids from school,and I told them we were going on an exciting "field trip"!! Joey is old enough to be a little wary of my "field trips" and skeptically asked me where we were going--- I told him to the super fun Nail Salon! But don't worry, you'll get a snack out of it, I assured him. You can go ahead and judge me if you want, I use snacks to bribe my kids. There is NO WAY Vangie would sit still in the Nail salon lobby for an hour unless she had some sort of junk food!

They each had a bag of chips and I told them to sit and "Be good, be quiet, OR ELSE" (and gave them my most scary mom warning look)  as I went back to get my pedicure-- which was NOT at all relaxing since I was worried how good the kids would be the entire time, but I NEEDED to get my nails done, Our Christmas Party is tonight and I wouldn't have felt very festive showing up with skanky toes-- and this is HAWAII people, no closed toed shoes here!  All was going well at the nail salon- the guy was half way through and the kids were being a bit loud maybe- talking and laughing with one another- but being very good. Then I hear "Vangie, pull your pants up! You can't do that in Public!" NICE.  Immediately all the nail salon employees start laughing. I called my little stripper back to sit with me for the remainder of the time!

Another way I get the nail salon people to accept me is I shamelessly tell them my Husband is half Vietnamese.  (Because all nail people are Vietnamese! I don't care if you live in Michigan or Orlando or South Carolina or RHode Island, or Hawaii, all the good Nail people are Vietnamese!) So I use my connection and they immediately like me and are enthralled by my kids (who are 25% Vietnamese) which, by looking at Sophia with her long blond hair and blue eyes, you would never know! 

Today is a furlough Friday. I decided not to hike today, as I have been exhausted all week-- yesterday I took a nice nap that helped, but I just need a relaxing day. The kids and I are going to the Mall to sit on Santa's lap: The REAL Santa, not like that imposted Santa at the kids Talent Show! ; and  maybe I can get my hair trimmed up real quick- depending on how my children are behaving! Chris should be home early today! (maybe by 4pm??) And we are going to the Boats Christmas Party tonight, I am looking forward to it! The kids are being babysat by our good friends Jen and Leland : Thanks guys, you ROCK! 

Our Christmas Letter is posted! Click on link to the Right, and make sure your speakers are on.

Chris did, in fact, get home in time to go to our Bible Study Christmas party last night. It was a fun time. We each brought a "white elephant" gift and there were lots of cookies.

This morning Vangie and I did our usual 6 mile run and then I was excited because I had a hair appointment- I just need some shaping or something- my hair is driving me crazy! So I get Vangie in a cute little dress and off we go- well, I get to the hair salon in the Naval Exchange and after I walk in I am informed that children are not allowed. What?? This really made me angry. I am going to pay to get a haircut- just a cut, its not like I'd be there for very long! And I am not allowed to bring my kid? And Vangie is so good- she would sit on my lap the whole time anyway. But whatever. Only the military would have some crazy rule like that.

So I left. The receptionist asked me if I'd like to reschedule and I said NO! When would I like to reschedule? Well gee, since I can't bring my child I'd say NEVER! SO THERE!!!!

So, after the hair debacle I was feeling really ANGRY inside. Normally I would call my mom to VENT but I can't do THAT ANYMORE EITHER! So I did some returns and drove to Pearlridge shopping center to find a place to get my hair done OR a nail salon- either would work. I have Chris's ship Christmas party tomorrow and would like to look presentable. Well, this is the first time I had been to Pearlridge- its like a huge mall. I think its actually 3 malls connected by a monorail?? Whatever it is, its too big- Vangie and I walked around aimlessly for about a hour without finding either a hair salon OR a nail salon. So we left, came home and took a nap on the couch.

Now its almost time for me to get the big kids from school. I don;t have either my hair done, nor my nails but whatever, If I look like trash tomorrow so what. Maybe I can find someplace tomorrow that will *gasp* allow children in the door so I can get something done.

The picture on the right is when Santa and Mrs. Clause came to the talent show at the kids school. I am in the picture because Vangie was terrified. 

Tonight is our Bible study at our friends house across the island. Last week we didn't go because Chris did not make it home in time, we'll see if he makes it home in time this week. If not we'll just hang out here. The girls and I made sugar cookies today- in some of them I crushed some candy cane and mixed it into the batter- pretty yummy!! I am saving all these cookies for when Uncle Greggie, Aunt Nicole and Papa come to town--   I am also trying to get into the holiday spirit despite the 80 degree temperatures and the blinding sunshine.

Today the girls were exhausted. Vangie was horrible the majority of the morning and finally around 2pm I couldn't take her anymore and made her nap- she put up a good fight- screaming, crying... but she could not win and she took her nap! In fact, she is still  sleeping 3 hours later. Sophia also put up a fight but she has been asleep for 2 hours! I wish someone would come over and make ME nap! And while I was napping that same someone could fold the laundry, put it away and make dinner too!

Joey had his first basketball practice last night- he is on a team that practices 2 times a week and starting in January they will travel to the other bases on the island and play their team; he likes it a lot and it is so good for him. His games will be on Saturday so Chris will be able to make some of them.

Joey said something to me a few weeks ago that I still think about everyday. We were driving somewhere, all the kids and me in our mini-van. Chris was still deployed so everyday was very busy and I was a little bit stressed out. Something funny happened and I laughed. Joey looked at me in surprise. ""Mommy" he told me "You never laugh or smile!" I actually shocked him by laughing. How sad is THAT? To be that grouchy all the time your kid is shocked when you smile.

Since he has said that I have found myself paying a lot more attention to when I am happy- not as often as I would like- and when I am grouchy- more that I would like to admit. This is something that I really have to work on. I am not naturally a smiley, happy person. I can be a bit of a grouch. I get stressed out easily.  I freak out over silly things. I tend to be a yeller and a screamer.  Sigh. Not good traits to have.

I guess the first step in changing what you don't like about yourself is to realize and admit what you don't like. So, I don't like that I am grouchy. I don't like that I don't smile more. I don't like stressing out over silly things and letting things get to me and make me sad and angry.

I am trying to change. I know change does not happen over night, I know that it will be a process. But, today is the first step of "Operation Happy Mom". When I find myself scowling (like, all the time!) I will put a smile on my face. Like my mom used to say "Fake it 'till you make it!" And maybe in while I won't have to fake it anymore and my smile will come around more often naturally.

When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears, and rescues them from all their troubles. (Psalm 34:17)

This weekend flew by! Chris was home for about 1/2 of it, which was nice. He worked all day Saturday but the kids and I stayed busy. Sophia had her first "Cheer" class. It was quite adorable. The teacher stretched them out, ran a couple laps an then worked on some cheers.Sophia is definitely not the most coordinated thing. She can't seem to work her legs and arms together at the same time- a definite hindrance for a Cheerleader. BUT, I believe with enough practice she will be able to jump and clap at the same time.

After Cheer we went to a birthday party at McDonald's for one of Sophias school friends. It was a lot of fun! Joey and Vangie even got to sit in on the party and got a happy meal and cake along with everyone else! I thought that was really nice. We rushed home from the party at about 4:20 and Chris got home from work at about 4:30- we rushed around a bit getting ready and then went to the 5pm Sat night church service. I really like this service because it is about 80% less crowded than the Sun morning one. The kids also have more fun in the children's church when it is not so crowded. After church we went with some friends to eat dinner at IHOP- yummy!  Then home and in bed!

Chris got up on Sunday at 2am and went into work until 9am so he could be home with us on Sunday. Sunday we went for a family hike and just hung out and had fun.

Now it is Monday at 3pm. I am exhausted! Vangie and I climbed Diamond Head this morning and went to the Zoo, then I picked the kids up from school. Chris has duty so he will either be home late tonight or tomorrow night. I need to fold the laundry and go to the grocery store for milk and bread. I also promised Sophia we could make Gingerbread cookies tonight. First the store, then chores, then COFFEE!!!

Today is yet another Furlough (i.e. no school) Friday do the the horribleness of the Hawaiian public school system (is horribleness a word? )  So the kids and I , along with my friend Allison and her two kids are going Hiking to Waianee Falls - I will post pics upon our return later this afternoon. I will pack a picnic lunch and we will make it a fun day.

Chris had duty last night so I have not seen him since  Thursday Morning at 5am. He should be home this evening.

Joey can now read- very, very well. He gets his super reading ability from me. I am taking full credit on this one. Anyway, so since he is super reader I have to be careful what I write on my dry erase board that I put notes to myself on. Especially now that I am Christmas shopping for the kids. I have to write in code. But even this he can sometimes decipher! For instance, Joey really wants a pillow pet for Christmas- Its a stuffed animal that can be a pillow or an animal- we saw them at the Mall last weekend and suddenly its his #1 thing he wants. So, on my dry erase board I wrote "Mall-pllpt" I was writing in CODE. But he STILL asked me "Mommy, why does it say Pillow pet on there??" I had to make up a lie "It doesn't say pillow pet, it says pillet. I have to go to the post office and get a pillet". I know this makes no sense, but when you are lying to a 6 year old you need to be quick and then move on.

Yesterday while the older kids were in school Vangie and I got the pillow pets and some other gifts for various family members and then came home and stuffed everything in my closet. This creates another dilemma! My kids often play hide-and-seek and go into my closet. Yesterday I told them that my closet is now off limits. I know this is raising suspicion! I don't worry about Joey, if I tell him to stay out, he will. However, If I tell Sophia to stay out this will make her want to go in even more! I am banking on Joey keeping her in line. Next year when Vangie is older I will need a lock on the door- because I can assure you once Vangie is old enough to become Sophia's "accomplice" I will be in trouble!

Last night the kids school hosted a "Family Fun Night". There was a book fair, pizza and a talent show! We bought books and pizza and squeezed into a very crowded lunch room to eat out pizza a watch the talent. I am posting a video above of one of the dance numbers. Only in Hawaii!

Tonight is Bible study, which means the kids will not go to bed until 9:30pm- 2 hours after their normal bedtime, so they are NAPPING right now. Joey is too old to nap- he doesn't get cranky/grouchy/crazy like the girls do.  I promised him we will make cookies, and he is waiting for me. "Mommy! WHEN are we going to make cookies???" he will come and ask me every 5 min. SO, this post will be short so Mr. Joseph and I can bake together. Maybe I will make him wear his Chef hat, I think I will. And I will take a picture and post it later.

This morning was clean the house day- every Wednesday morning the house gets it's "deep clean" you know the one- where the toilets get scrubbed and the floors get scrubbed and the couch gets vacuumed. The kind of cleaning I hate to do, but love it when its all over and the house smells like pine sol. Yummy! And then of course Vangie will take her bowl of goldfish crakers into the living room even though she knows  it is against the rules and leave crumbs all over the place. 

 I also have been addressing Christmas cards- and if you want a Christmas card and you are unsure if I have your address or you knowI don't have it LEAVE ME YOUR ADDRESS in the comments section!  Then and only then can I guarantee you will get an awesome Christmas card from the Schmitts. (You know you want one!)

I finished the morning off with some Christmas present wrapping! I have started already as to not be suddenly ambushed by 6,000 things that need to be wrapped on Christmas eve, thus taking all the joy out of my Holiday. If I do a little bit each day then it won't seem so overwhelming.

Oh, and just so you know, Chris gets promoted to Lieutenant (Junior Grade) in 13 days!!!!  He works very, very hard to take care of his family, I am SOOOOOOO Blessed to have him as my husband.  Okay, off to make some coooookkkkkiiiiiiieeeeeessssssss.