Mosiah 4:27 And see that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength.

Dear Bear,

This weekend was full.  I liked how it kept me busy and my mind active but was difficult to keep up too.  I need to find a balance with staying busy with the kids like I'm doing, but then find some babysitter once a week so I can rejuvenate and take it slow.  Saturday, I took the kids to a craft fair.  Lots of native things sold there.  I like learning about what everything is.  It was weird having them sell Christmas items with booths set up outside in the warm spring type weather. 

We went straight to Emma's dance studio for nutcracker pictures in her angel costumes.  We were there for 2 hours waiting.  I tried my best to be patient (with the other kids).

We left from there to go see the professional nutcracker ballet down in Honolulu.  I left 2.5 hours early so that I wouldn't get lost in the dark and even risk missing getting in.  Once I found it, bought tickets, then the kids and I left to get dinner.  I wonder if the kids will get spoiled eating out so often while your gone to save me from craziness.  hmmm. . .We went to Subway.  I had to order 2 foot long subs and a large dish of takeout of chicken n rice.  I was amazed how much these kids can eat.  They're growing!  Not one crumb was left.  I had no cash for intermission treat so I got 4 cookies there to eat later.  I also bought Emma a nutcracker ornament at the play to give to her after she performs her show next week.
I was proud of myself so being so pulled together and things going as smooth as they could possibly go considering we had been out all day long and so busy.  I'm so glad I get all these homeschool discounts on an account of homeschooling just one kid!  $10 a ticket as opposed to $32 is quite a steal.  Plus I got to choose where we sat!  Since I got there so early I had my choice!  I chose the 4th row back.  I didn't know whether to scold the girls or to laugh with them when they couldn't stop giggling in the car at the prince in the ballet wearing his 'see-thru' white tights.  "Say no to crack" they would repeat together.  I liked how they were enjoying each other as sisters but not necessarily the topic matter.

Today (Sun) we went to Brian McArthur's farewell open house.  I was sitting with a couple of sisters and they were asking if there was anything they could do while you were gone this month relating to Christmas preparations.  I replied no. . .but then said, actually there is a favor you could do for me.  "Could you scratch my back?  I need some touch fulfillment."  I had a nice back scratch for about 10 minutes and she had nails too!  Debbie had told me they're 'just having soup and salad and to not bring anything!' But I knew better!  In Hawaiin language that means, 'I have the main dish of _____ you bring whatever goes with that.   I tested out my knowlege and brought a huge bowl of home-made donut holes.  As soon as I arrived someone snatched it from me and asked 'side dish or dessert?' so they could get it in the correct section of the kitchen.  I stood up taller (even though I'm taller than most already) because I am improving in my assimilation. 
I still find myself on edge about learning the culture though, as today while eating soup I said, "Mmmm this carrot and apple soup is good!  I made this once but it turned out gross!"  Someone asked me, 'Did you just say gross?'  I immediatly was on guard and asked, "Oh is that like a mainlander word or something?"  It wasn't and she just hadn't heard me but look how sensitive I am about it.  Shesh.  Having the babysitter once a week would be better than a girls night in.  That might just put more on my plate.  I'd rather just go to there house anyway.  They always have better things to eat.
Luv, Shan