Thank You

Today is not only Thanksgiving but it is also M's birthday. The past 7 years we've been together, I can't help but reflect on how much he has changed my life. Often I wonder why I am so deserving of such an amazing companion, he has surpassed all my expectations. Here are 3 ways he has improved my life in no particular order:

1) M has showed me parts of the world I never expected to see. I will never forget when I saw the Sistine Chapel ceiling or wandered around the Great Wall of China. I loved exploring the small city of Toledo outside of Madrid, Spain and touring the small towns of Tuscany. I enjoyed watching the Beijing acrobats and Le Miserables in London. With his continuous efforts, he has shown a small town girl the beauty all around us.

2) M has always been so supportive of my career choices. Even after I decided to return back to work part time after K was born, he has coordinated his schedule so we can balance his PhD studies and my career. While I am at work, he watches K and get up with her every morning so I can sleep in. We have balanced our parenting schedule so that he is a part of her life just as much as I am. No wonder K adores him so. ;)

3) M always sets goals and continuously works hard on accomplishing them. He balances his life priorities well, managing his time equally between his studies, work, family and church duties. His example of always improving himself encourages me to do the same. His passion to live life to the fullest and not waste a minute of it shines bright.

Happy Birthday M, I love you so much and appreciate your continuous efforts to improve your life and those around you.

Languages 101

M and I are trying to teach K some Navajo, Hawaiian and Chinese words. Let me emphasize trying. With some extra effort, we are attempting to use all three languages. Just this week K started using some of the words.

For example, after she's finished with dinner or lunch, she says, "All pau" (all done, in Hawaiian). She also likes to point to her bellybutton and call it her "piko". Today while we were out in 40 degree weather, K said, "deesk'aaz" (It's cold, in Navajo). Its amazing how much toddlers can learn at this age, so we are going to push forward with our efforts. Who knows, she might come up with a whole new language, a combination of all three. ;)

Its that time again...

Its almost that time of the year again, and this time we want to be ready. Last year we not only didn't order enough holiday cards, but also didn't have all the addresses we wanted. So this year, we figured we'd use our blog to get the info we need. We don't want to forget anyone, so if you'd like our family Christmas card, email us your address (send it to ingohana(at)gmail(dot)com). Not that anyone should be dying to get our card or anything, but... well, alright, I'll just be honest and say we want to show off our cute daughter!

Rice, please!

Growing up in Hawaii, M ate rice everyday, with almost every meal. I, of course, grew up eating potatoes more often than rice (Navajos are more of a potato loving people;>). Over the past few years we've learned to balance our potato and rice meals equally--not playing favorites to either one. I've learned how to make loco moco, and M enjoys my Navajo breakfast burritos.

The other day while K waited for her dinner, she made one small request, "Rice, please." It looks like K's Hawaiian Chinese roots are shining through, and I've been outnumbered. How can I turn down a "please," from this adorable face?

Fall Photos

Fall is one of the most beautiful times in New England; and we'd like to think that K is one of the most beautiful girls in New England. So... combine the two together, and here's what you get.







One of our friends out here, EP, takes wonderful pictures and we've now had her take our family pictures two autumns in a row. Thanks EP!