# 23 - Holiday decorations

 I'm one of those persons who doesn't mind that the stores put things up super early for Christmas, while Halloween and Thanksgiving are still on the horizon.  It just reminds me of at least 3 fun things to look forward to.  And marketing is not the only reason you see holiday decorations around town - I've noticed that banks, the doctor's office, and lots of places in the neighborhood get into the spirit with holiday decorating (although they tend to stick to one at a time).

We like to decorate the house for the holidays too.  I admit, we don't take the time or money to put lights, etc. on the outside, but we do our best inside, with the living room window, etc.  One of my favorite things is to check out holiday books from the library and display them, facing the front, on the piano.

So anyway, we hope you are all having a very Happy Halloween.  This is the first in 27 years that we have not had a child dress up for Halloween.  Actually, Luke would disagree - he dressed for school, as usual, but made himself a sign that he wore around his neck that said "Nudist on strike".  Ha Ha!  He also did not trick or treat, but after we all helped at the church's carnival for the kids, some of the teenagers came over to play games.  And I made them watch Thriller.  I have taken it upon myself to give them a proper 80's music education.

Here is #22

Conditioner - Yesterday, as I was "mixing potions" I started thinking about how much I love hair conditioner.   One of the highlights (ha ha) of becoming older is that I am now, once every few weeks, trying to dye away the gray.  I almost have the color I want, but it requires mixing different proportions of 2 different colors, with the stabilizer.  It works, but is very hard on the hair, and if I didn't have conditioner to use after the shampoo I wouldn't even be able to run a brush through it.  Conditioner is like a rejuvenating, fresh drink of cold water for very clean but thirsty hair.  I don't know, I really admire the pioneers and people who lived in different ages, but I guess I really wouldn't survive without modern conveniences like hair dye and conditioner.

# 21 - don't judge (insert smiley face here)

SCRAPBOOKING!  I love taking a break from my family every once in a while to spend time looking at their cute little faces while scrapbooking.  Pictures just make me happy, and having them in a photo-album that I can grab whenever I want makes me even happier.

On an unrelated note, content wise, but a related note, scrapbooking wise, I am including this video.  It is the best break-up song ever - almost a little evil, but probably therapeutic for someone who realizes that moving on is best for both parties.  The reason I am including it on this post is because the design of it kind of reminds me of scrapbooking.  So check it out, in the silly/non serious tone it was intended.  (p.s. I noticed YouTube is sometimes including 2 minute commercials before they let you see your chosen video - irritating!)

50 people and things - My Mom

One of the sweetest moments of my life, which I never could have predicted, was standing by my mother at the bedside of my father as he took his last breath.  Being the youngest of 6 kids, I don't think there were a lot of moments where it was just me and my parents, except maybe in the hospital when I first entered this world.  And here we were again as my dad was leaving this world.  I will always treasure that moment.

 In spite of our family's size I never felt slighted or neglected.  I've always felt especially close to my Mom, and have never stopped needing her.  The older I get, and the more stages of life I go through, the more I realize how patient and loving she has been to me and my siblings through everything.  There are so many times I want to call her and say "by the way, when I was a teenager and did this or that, thanks for being so patient". or "When I was a young mom and this or that happened, thanks for being so nonjudgmental".  It goes on and on and on.

I think that our family has been thinking and talking about my Dad so much in recent years, as we said goodbye to him, came together for his funeral, and are relishing in his book, that I hope my Mom doesn't feel any less appreciated.  We all love her more than ever as we watched her have such strength in taking care of him, such pleasure in compiling his book, and as she is now still finding joy in life as she lives out her senior years while missing him, all at the same time.

 But besides that, we have always known what a strong, determined, talented and beautiful woman she is.  Her stories of growing up during World War II, of being the oldest of 7 children, of braving the move from a small Idaho town to huge San Francisco and then loving it, from working in the temple in Argentina for a year and a half are all so fascinating.  I hope she is writing her own book!  I love spending time with her.  I am well aware of how lucky I am to be her child, and I know that all of my siblings, and all of her descendants, feel the same.

history

I love history - I find it fascinating.  It was always my favorite subject in school and, thanks to Reggie who is always finding great documentaries on Netflix and PBS, it is one of my favorite subjects of life.  I think that every person, whether famous or not, has an interesting story to tell.  I also find great strength in other people's stories.  I feel like I can face my fears and the things I don't want to do when I remember how others have faced their fears.  We can also learn from people's triumphs and weaknesses.  So if you are a blogger, or historian, or story teller in any way, thank you for sharing your history.

One of my favorite shows, Avonlea; Christopher Lloyd played a teacher
in an episode who gets his students excited about history.

#18, sorry, it's a long one

The Paredes family - I think I have blogged over the years about the adventures and mishaps and just general fun that happens when my sister Marianne and I get together.  For the most part I think our families are pretty supportive, but I wonder if secretly they think "oh here we go again" when we get together.  Actually I know they have used those exact words when we find ourselves uncontrollably laughing at something only we seem to find funny.  But I have thoroughly enjoyed going through life with her and her family.

 Marianne's husband, Sergio, is a wonderful brother in law and we are so happy that they chose each other 30 something years ago.  Reggie and I have enjoyed such quality time with them over the years.  In fact, I think Marianne and I have also thought "oh, here we go again" when Reggie and Sergio and the kids start in on their special brand of humor.  But besides the fun, I treasure the fact that we've been able to talk about serious issues like religion, concerns for our children, etc., and always come out of it with our family bonds stronger than ever.

The fact that our kids know each other so well has also been a blessing, from baby Julia laughing for the first time while watching her cousins play, to Mariah and Natalie being teenagers during a family camping trip who slept in the car because they were too good for the tents, down to Luke and Joel spending time together each summer - and a whole lot of moments with all of them in between.  I could go on for pages and pages.

But I'll just finish this off by saying that we love our Paredes family.  And I'll bring it back to me and Marianne with one of our earliest pictures.

#17 - black and whites and British

I love old black and white movies.  Believe it or not, I am at a loss for the words to explain why - they just make me happy.  The same goes for British, or more specifically, Jane Austen movies.

On a side note, I found a new show to love on Netflix - "The Great British Bake-Off".  It is a cooking contest that makes me want to run in the kitchen and make some really good bread or something.  Also, though I enjoy other cooking shows, this one doesn't need to rely on drama between the contestants to make it interesting. They are all doing their best while being empathetic towards each other at the same time.  The judges are brutally honest at times, but each contestant takes it honorably, which is a nice lesson for all of us in constructive criticism.

# 16, no surprise

Writing:  The fact that I am doing this project - writing each day, for 50 days, about something or someone I love, as a way of ringing in my 50th birthday, is proof that I love to write.  Reggie says it is a very "Chandler" thing to do.  I know thats true, and its fine with me.

#15 - B&B works

The candles, the lotions, the soaps - I love Bath and Body Works products!

#14 - let's throw some of my kids in here - Julia and Lester

Recently I blogged about each one of my children, so I don't necessarily want to repeat myself.  But if we are talking about people and things that I love I certainly need to add them to the list.

Julia and Lester - Julia is leading a double life!  She is walking around this house being an amazing mom, yet everyday I also see her little 3 year old self walking around in Addy.  They have a lot of similarities: in looks, as far as a big smile and bouncing curls - Addy is a slightly darker version of 3 year old Julia; and in personality - Addy has such confidence, just like Julia did and does.  I am having daily de-ja-vue moments because of these two! 

 Here's a confession - it is almost hard to watch when Addy gets in trouble.  I know that discipline has to happen; I'm afraid Addy, and any child, would be such spoiled little things if they didn't have rules and consequences.  Fortunately Julia and Lester are very firm and reasonable and loving, all at the same time, when Addy needs a time out.  And I don't know what they would say, but I think that Reggie and I are doing really well at staying out of it whenever she is being disciplined.  But part of me feels like I'm experiencing my little Julia's ups and downs all over again.  I want to scoop them both up in my arms and promise them it will all be worth it.  And you know, I guess I can and should do that more often - scoop up little Addy and especially grown-up Julia into my arms and promise them that it will all be worth it.

And here is something I appreciate that Lester has brought to our household - a personality that I can relate to.  I think that all of my children have gotten Reggie's personality, in being outgoing, etc.  The observation has been made, since Julia and Lester moved in, that Lester and I are more quiet - not that we don't get loud, etc., just not as quickly.  I would call him a kindred spirit, but that is probably too feminine of a word and he would "have to turn in his man card" if I did; and he's not interested in watching Avonlea with us, and I have to trick him in to watching I Love Lucy, so let's just say that I enjoy having him around.

So as far as Julia and Lester and family goes, I am so glad they are part of our lives - for everything they bring to our family, collectively and individually - I love them so much.

For Samantha and Luke, from The Piano Guys

Tonight "The Piano Guys" did an interview on the roof of The Conference Center in Salt Lake City.  They were surrounded by teenagers, in person, and through streaming from all over the world.  These guys told of what it is like to stay strong in their LDS/Mormon faith while being in the music industry.  They performed some songs as well, like this first one, which Samantha would love, because it is a One Direction song.  Luke knows who they are because they play a great version of the Jurassic Park theme, as seen in the second video.

So, I wasn't going to count this as a "50 things I love" post, but I've changed my mind.  I will count it because, though I didn't love my years and years of piano lessons, and I always hated to perform in recitals, etc., I do love the piano and am grateful for the outcome of the lessons.  I can play the hymns, which is useful, and I think I understand music in general because of the lessons.  I understand timing, how to lead, etc. which has made it easy to do this music time for the kids in my school.  Such a little thing, but the kids are enjoying it, and I hope that makes the years and years of paying for piano lessons worth it to my parents.  I'm sure they would agree; I know that the reason they wanted their children to learn piano was to use it to serve others.

50 things and people that I love - road trips

Though I am EXTREMELY grateful for the plane trips we've been able to take because of Reggie's frequent flyer miles, I do still and have always loved road trips.  This must be because my parents took us on one every summer of my childhood.  I do regret being grumpy when it came to stopping at national parks, etc. - I just wanted to get where we were going.  But now I love every side adventure along the way.  I also love/d the wide open road, especially in the desert, where you could see miles and miles in the distance.  Something about having your favorite music on as you hit the road just appeals to me.  But I have also come to love the trees and driving in the mountains as well.  I am very grateful to my parents for raising me on road trips.

And back in the day it was all about the station wagon: no seat belts, laying down in the back with
the luggage tied to the top.  

Samantha enjoying a tunnel on our recent Yosemite trip

Luke enjoying the wind on our recent Yosemite trip

volleyball

When I met the Laeha family in my teen years I had no idea how it would change my life.  They taught me how to play volleyball.  Such a small thing, but I took to it like a - well, some kind of catchy comparison belongs here.  I loved it.  It was something that I was good at, or so I was told.  And I guess I have the trophies, or as we now call them, door stops, to prove it.  From volleyball I gained confidence and friendships and exercise.  Even now, on the edge of turning 50 years old, I feel alive when I bump, set, or "pepper" the volleyball.  I can't imagine I'll ever be on the court again, and I don't talk to my volleyball like Tom Hanks did in Castaway; but it is has been an important part of my life.  I will always be grateful to the Laeha family for that.

50 things and people that I love, #10 - scriptures

I guess you're never too old to improve yourself, or take up new interests.  It wasn't until just a few years ago that I fell in love with the scriptures.  I remember my Dad's way of leading family scripture reading: he was always able to make it interesting/to find the good story in it, and then to discuss the true point of it.  When I approached it that way, out of necessity because I was the seminary teacher, it all just came alive for me.  I wasn't just fulfilling a goal anymore of reading verses - I was truly understanding the stories and finding meaning in them.  Since then they have become a passion for me.  And I completely believe that they are true.

#9 - Libraries

Growing up, libraries were my playground after dark - a wonderful place to explore.  And even though I am not much of a reader like so many in my family, I do love libraries.  I enjoy checking out books on CD to listen to as I drive.  I like being able to get most any movie I can think of, because the libraries in our county are linked together (a big project in my Dad's career as City Librarian) , so you can put whatever you want on hold and have it sent to the library of your choice.  And I have never outgrown children's books, partly because of my short career as a school librarian. . I guess it's in my blood.

(p.s. Have you ever listened to the Harry Potter Books on CD?  The narrator, Jim Dale, is AMAZING!  He does every voice so differently.  He's won emmys for this work, which isn't saying enough about his talent.)

Eighth entry - Sinbad

This story is too long to tell over the blog.  In fact, I have fantasized about writing a children's book series all about my dog, Sinbad.  But I want to add him to the list, and say how much I loved that dog.  I was kind of an introvert as a child and Sinbad offered me friendship, fun, love, and my first opportunity of caring for someone else.  He was a stray dog and came to us when I was in the 5th grade.  He lived until I was pregnant with Hillary.  I held him as he was put to sleep - he just drifted away in my arms.  I am thankful that he was a part of my life.

50 people and things - Lloyd

Being the youngest has it's perks.  As with my sister Lynette, my brother Lloyd was someone who spoiled me as a child.  I remember riding on his shoulders as we played hide and seek throughout the house.  He gave me my first political memory and I was convinced that he was either the smartest person in the world or that he had the ability to see into the future.  This was because I clearly remember that, at the outcome of the Nixon/McGovern election he told me that the country had made a big mistake and that we would all regret electing Nixon as president.  Not long after we all gathered around the t.v. to watch Nixon resign his presidency over the Watergate scandal.  Besides his politics, Lloyd has always been known to all of us as having a very witty sense of humor.  He definitely keeps us laughing whenever he visits and has always been a very fun uncle to all the kids.  We usually get to see him twice a year, over the summer and for Christmas.  We cherish the time with him.

If I can find the time to scan over more old
pictures I will add a more individualized one of Lloyd -
but here he is, furthest on the left.

50 things and people #6

Walking -   Recently I have blogged a lot about my enjoyment of taking walks.  So for this post I just want to add some pictures of our recent weekend in Yosemite National Park.

Our tent - we stayed at Camp Curry, where our tents were furnished
with comfy cozy cots that were more like legit beds.  The tents
were directly below Glacier Point.

After an evening walk we decided to go back to this meadow, in the complete darkness, and look at the stars.
In fact, we layed down in the meadow, which was so soft, and viewed the stars, which were amazing.
But we didn't stay as long as we should have because I was scared to death that we were going to
run into, or get trampled by a bear.  Of course we never saw any bears, and I think that maybe
they are a myth!  Ha! Ha!

50 people and things - Lynette

Some of my earliest memories in life are of time with my sister Lynette.  I thought she was the prettiest, coolest teenager ever.  She let me watch Betwitched with her, she let me visit her in her room which was decorated with hippie types of flower stickers and she defended me when I got in fights with my other siblings.  I remember clearly the day she went away to college - actually even the day before.  She left on a Monday, and I was fighting back the tears all day on Sunday.  I remember sitting with her during church with my head on her lap.  The next day, during recess at school (1st grade I think) I looked towards our street and burst into tears because I knew she was gone.  I couldn't wait for her to come home for Christmas.  In my adult years Lynette has been a wonderful aunt to my children and a wonderful source of strength to me and Reggie.  She got her doctorate in child psychology, and so whenever we needed help with major things happening in our children's lives we would call her for advice.  She has always freely given it in a non-judgemental way.  I love my sister Lynette.

#4 - country music

For several years my oldest brother was a country music d.j. in Ogden Utah.  I loved to spend weeks at a time with him and his family during the summers, which is when I became hooked. I think that country music is appealing to me because so much of it is about family and about things that I can relate to.  Of course, a lot of it is about things that I can't relate to as well.  For example, I've always wanted to live in the country, maybe on a farm or something, and I've always wanted to at least visit the deep south.  But, I have a feeling that it wouldn't take long before I would end up feeling totally out of place and want to run back to the city.  So, I will be satisfied with enjoying all of that through a good country song.

#3 - butter flavored crisco, chocolate chips and air bake cookie sheets

I like to cook and bake.  I don't consider myself a great baker, though - there are plenty of people that make stuff just as good or better than I do.  But I realize that a big part of my identity - something that I am remembered for, is chocolate chip cookies.  This is probably because I do have a good recipe and I choose to make it whenever anyone visits.  Or whenever the sun is out or the moon is out.  I remember making my first batch of cookies by myself when I was 9.  Over the years I've experimented with the recipe, which is another reason why I like to bake - I find it to be a creative outlet.  Then in . . . . well, whatever the year was, when the first Bush and Clinton were running against each other for president, I came across my current recipe that I love.  There was big talk back then about which impending first lady was a better homemaker.  Barbara Bush pretty much owned that identity, but Hillary Clinton wanted to show that she had some "traditional mom" skills herself.  So the newspaper printed each women's signature recipe for chocolate chip cookies.  One of them used shortening and one of them used butter.  I tried both recipes and realized that I liked the texture of the shortening and flavor of the butter.  Then I remembered that there was such a thing as "butter flavored crisco".  So wallah, that became my favorite recipe.  So I thank both political parties for their compomising!  I also realized that I love to use air bake cookie sheets.  So yeah, something as insignificant as these items have had a big influence in making me me.

50 things and people that I love #2 - my in-laws

When Reggie and I were first dating I was scared to death to meet his family.  Actually, I already knew his brother Matt from school, and his sister and I had mutual friends.  But I was shy by nature, and meeting all of his family seemed overwhelming.  His Mom was instantly wonderful - she made me feel welcome and accepted.  His older brothers were kind as well - they never followed through on the tricks they told Reggie they would play on me, like baking a little something extra into my brownies, etc. Ha! Ha!  It actually didn't take long for us too feel comfortable around each other as well, and even when Reggie went away on his mission for 2 years I enjoyed going over to the house by myself to spend time with all of them.

I didn't realize then, however, how much we would all end up having in common.  Reggie's younger brother and sister ended up marrying their high school sweethearts, just like us.  We ended up having our children at the same time and raising them together.  Every birthday was a family event.  The older brothers have always been wonderful uncles. They have always come through for each other - always called each other for help with the small things and big things in life.

I am so happy to be a part of the Hanaike family.  I hope Reggie's Mom knows what a great job she did in raising them - I think their unanimous love and devotion to her is testimony of that.

50 things and people that I love

Recently I blogged about how 2 of my siblings celebrated their 50th birthdays by making a list of 50 important things and people in their lives.  I've decided to do the same.   The easiest and most lasting way to do this, for me, will be to make my list on the blog - one thing or person, one day, up until my birthday. They will be in total random order - some very significant, some not. It will be a BLOGGING OVERLOAD!  Anyone is welcome to read it or ignore it.  I am happily un-aware of  how many people read or don't read this blog.  Since it is a public I try not to make things too personal.  But in the end, I know that I am blogging for me.  So here we go!

#1 - Reading glasses - It wasn't until my mid 40s that I started noticing that papers and books and the computer were getting harder to read.  I was squinting and getting headaches.  I had never needed glasses before.  Now I am lost without them!  Luckily I don't need a prescription.  The doctor said that my vision, however flawed, is the same for both eyes, so any cheap, drug store pair is fine.  So I have them all over the house - that way when I misplace one pair I can usually find another.  Seems like a little thing, but if I am ever without them there is so much I can't do.  Getting older certainly has it's inconveniences, but I do take comfort in knowing that I'm not in this alone.  I get a kick out of growing old with my husband, brothers in law, and many people of my generation who need reading glasses.

Happy birthday to Luke!

My boy is turning 14 this month!  Ah!  We want to wish him a very happy birthday - in fact, we want to wish it to him more than he wants us to.  What I mean by this is that Luke is very low key when it comes to his birthday.  He kind of doesn't want a lot of attention about it.  When he was turning 10, I think it was, I saw this trend in him, and as I stayed up super late decorating the house for his Harry Potter party, I had a feeling it was the last birthday party I would be throwing him.  That has turned out to be true - he just wants a few presents, a giant cookie, or this year a "pazookie" (which is ice cream on top of a pie shaped cookie) and time to not be busy - time to hang out, or be lazy, or go to a movie or whatever.  So that is what we are giving him this year.  Who knows, maybe some year he will change his mind and what a party or something.  But either way, we sure do love that boy.

And now, here are some random pictures from the picture files:

Cornbellies

 When Julia went to school in Salt Lake City she had some friends who lived in Lehi.  We went with her to meet them once and boy, what a small, rural town it was.  I remember the only place to eat was a really good burger joint.  Since then Lehi has grown and grown and grown - it is full of nice restaurants, a Marriott hotel, a high-end outlet mall with the nicest public bathrooms I have ever seen - ha ha!  Not to mention all the brand new houses.  And, what has been there since I can remember is Thanksgiving Point.  We keep happening on such fun activities ever time we visit - a county fair, a pumpkin weighing contest, a medieval fair, not to mention the dinosaur museum.  So right before this trip I looked up the website to see if anything was going on.  Turns out the day I flew in was opening day for "Cornbellies".  Hillary, Mariah, Audrey, Hannah and I went and had a great time!  It was like a harvest fair/carnival, made up of corn mazes, bales of hay, etc.  I loved the country feel of it all.

This attraction is called the "rat race" - we had fun just
watching the people walking inside of them to
make them go.

I love that Audrey is ready to catch Mariah.

There were 3 different hay rides, but we only had time for one.

Heading home to California!  Actually, it was fun to get
an idea of how our ancestors traveled to Utah.

The "corn beach".  This was our favorite attraction!
Kind of like a ball pit because you would sink in as
you walked, but definitely like a beach because you could
use buckets and shovels, make corn angels, bury your feet, etc.
And it was huge, like a beach.

The corn maze

Loved these tire swings

Really loved this pumpkin coach in the Princess Playland

Mariah & Audrey having a tea party
"inside" a pumpkin.  (Mariah is such
a fun Auntie!)

Besides pumpkins and such, the decorating theme this year was Minions.

The bouncy pillow - much bigger and better than a bouncing house.

There were some things geared to older kids, like this strange
walk in creature, and the haunted corn maze.