Fun with Great Grandpa

Fun with Great Grandpa

Nurturing a Strong Family Culture

Nurturing a Strong Family Culture

The Other Side of Heaven 2

Wow, What a Reunion!

Grandma Blogs

I recently started a new blog about my grandchildren and our family dynamics. Check it out at:

Happy Fathers Day to all our wonderful fathers!

Grandma Blogs

Living in Daybreak, South Jordan, Utah

We have lived in Daybreak, South Jordan, Utah since 2013 when we retired. It is quite a new community and we live in the oldest part of it called Founder's Park. There is a lake with walkways and bridges. It is the perfect place to take a stroll or bring your grandchildren to play at the many parks. Our daughter lives on a couple of blocks from us so we feel at home here.

Children in Multicultural Families

Parenting tips for intercultural families

I married a man of a different race and culture when it was not an acceptable thing to do. I do not regret my decision, but that decision has come with interesting consequences. It took many years for us to get used to each other’s customs and traditions. It has been quite an adventure for both of us.

The children that resulted from this union have struggled to find their own identities. Because I was doing most of the raising, since my husband's occupation demanded that he travel quite a bit, the children mostly speak my language and only one child is fluent in the father's language.

I believe our children have tried to choose the best from each culture. They can also change back and forth between cultures in different circumstances to suit their circumstances. We have learned as parents what form of discipline worked and what did not since his culture and mine had very different opinions in this regard.

As the mother of these wonderful children that I feel very blessed to have, I have not tried to push my own culture on them. I can see the good points of both cultures and brought those to their attention. I cannot lie that at times I have been a bit sad that they chose their father's side over mine, but I tried not to let them know that.

My children are very open minded to other cultures and loving towards people. They are all outgoing and have become good citizens of our communities. We lived in my husband's country for 13 years and now live in my country. This has given our children the foundation they need to really know who they are and develop their own families from there.

I have always let our children know of my respect and love for my husband, his family and race. I think this has helped the children in many ways. Even though my son speaks his father's language fluently, he is willing to serve in the Armed Forces for my country. I think that speaks volumes.

All of our children graduated from college and have become assets to society in their own ways. I have learned so much from my husband's culture that I feel adds to the harmony and respect our children feel with one another. I also think the children have had more opportunities in some ways than others since they have traveled internationally and they have friends from different walks of life.

We do tease each other about the traditions that are a bit "out there", and all of our children have a healthy sense of humor, and do not get easily offended. It has not been very easy raising children with two totally different cultures and traditions, but when we have worked together as husband and wife, instead of against each other; it has brought us a home of peace and harmony.

Family Reunion at Willard Bay

Camping Out

I had never really heard of Willard Bay, so I did not have any expectations when told it was the locale for our Kongaika Family Reunion. Not being a fan of camping out, my husband had arranged for us to stay in a Motel 6 nearby. Actually, sleeping in a tent might have been better.

The next generation (our children) had planned the reunion this year. Things were a bit late, but overall it was a success. We enjoyed spending time together with our cousins and learning more about our family history. The mountains nearby were breathtaking and although it was a bit hot, and the mosquitoes joined in, we made the best of it.

The campsite was pretty compact and included picnic tables, BBQ pits, restrooms and some water hookups. Each family took their turn preparing meals. We tried to eat the kind of meals that our ancestors had eaten in Tonga. The youngest generation aren’t that used to it, but we had plenty of snacks to fill in the gaps.

We were supposed to have a Family Home Evening, but because of the lateness and darkness, we decided to have a Family Home Morning the next day. We played a game of trying to see who could memorize the name of some of our chosen ancestors and what they were known for. The teenagers were really into it and did very well.

Afterward, we headed for the reservoir which is located twelve miles northwest of Ogden, Utah. It is part of the flood plains of the Great Salt Lake. There is a man made dike with a natural shoreline. Actually the dike is named after a former U.S. Senator from Utah, Arthur V. Watkins. The reservoir is fed by the Weber and Ogden rivers. 

Near the water was a pavilion, perfect for making our dinner and hanging out. The children ran down to the water and mud (not quite sand). They were not shy, and the mothers were busy counting heads. There are two marinas near the campgrounds. Our daring children had rented a boat, water crafts and some blow up floatees

As one of the grandmothers, I tried to let the parents look after their kids, but got a bit worried when a few of the young ones thought they could float over to a small island in the middle of the reservoir (one floatee and five children)! They actually made it, without my watching.

The food was great and the weather very cooperative until right after the boat left with a mother and a bunch of kids. A big wind kicked up and became so strong all of a sudden. There was thunder and lightening and as I went to take a bite of my food, my paper plate and dinner flew out of my hand together with several other family members.

I became very worried about the boat with some of my grandchildren in it. Quite some time later, they made it back with quite a story to tell. 

Thank you to all who planned and prepared for this reunion. I am getting to be one of the older ones, so I pretty much sit and watch and wait to be fed (sorry). If you are looking for a fine place for a family reunion, look up the Willard Bay State Park in Utah.

http://hubpages.com/holidays/Family-Reunion-at-Willard-Bay 

October Autumn Leaves in Utah

A Great Ride!

We had been cleaning up during a rainy day at my father's in Orem, Utah. There was a break in the rain and the sun came out. I knew it was the best time to hit the road for our annual trip up Utah State Route 92, otherwise known as The Alpine Loop. It is a scenic drive from Provo Canyon to American Fork Canyon or vice versa, a 20 mile breathtaking drive through the Uintah National Forest. I promise you won't be disappointed.

Winding Road

Getting closer to the turn off for the Alpine Loop, we were able to get a fine look at Bridal Veil Falls. Since I grew up in this area, this is a very familiar site for me, but it never gets old.

Sundance

Who hasn't heard of Robert Redford and Sundance? After the turn off US 189, you soon come to one of my favorite ski resorts, Sundance. No snow yet, but you never know when it will arrive, sometimes late October, earlier or later. When I used to ski, it was a favorite place to hang out. But, this time, it was all about the autumn leaves, so on we traveled.

Wildlife

While we were making our way up to higher altitudes, all of a sudden there were two deer right on the side of the road. Lucky I was able to catch a photo of them.

Aspen Tree Forest

You know you have come near the top when you come to the Aspen tree forest. Feels like you just traveled to another world - short, tall, and in between, the aspen trees are mesmerizing. You can catch a few where initials have been carved into the trees. Makes you wonder about the story behind it - were they lovers?

Seasonal

The Alpine Loop is only open from May through October, so it is good to schedule a trip during those months. There are turn offs so you can stop and take some photos of all the beauty.

Cascade Springs can be seen through the trees, and then you can turn off and get a closer view further on.

The entrance to the trail to Timpanogos Cave National Monument is along the road as well. If you want a great hike, this is the place.

Over Too Soon

The ride didn't last long enough, but if you decide you want to stay longer, you can bring your camper and pay $6 pass good for 3 days; a $12 pass is good for 7 days; there is also a $45 annual pass available in case you want to get away from all the hustle and bustle.

http://elayne001.hubpages.com/hub/October-Autumn-Leaves-in-Utah

Vancouver Island Canada

Over 360 million year ago, volcanic activity started the creation of what is now Vancouver Island. It is actually the top of an undersea mountain range. Petroglyphs and large stone figures gesturing toward the ocean have been found. It is estimated that the first migrating inhabitants arrived some 5000 years ago.

Captain Vancouver circumnavigated the island between 1792-1794 proving that it was actually an island. It was first named Quadra and Vancouver's Island since Vancouver and the Spanish Captain Quadra had met there several times.

The Spanish and English later fought to control the island with the English winning. There are still several Spanish named landmarks on the island.

In 1846, the Oregon Treaty established the border between Vancouver Island, Canada and the United States at the 49th parallel. Great Britain leased Vancouver Island to the Hudson's Bay Company after making it a Crown Colony in 1849.

It was not until 1866 that the mainland and Vancouver Island were merged together and known as the colony of British Columbia. Victoria was proclaimed as the capital of British Columbia, the sixth province, in 1871.

A sad story resulted from a sailing vessel called the Valencia bound for Victoria Island from San Francisco. The fog was so thick on that dark stormy night that the vessel drifted off course, unfortunately missing the entrance to Juan de Fuca Strait. It was wrecked just before midnight on the rocky coast. Only 37 out of 173 people survived.

The following year a lighthouse was constructed at the entrance to avoid further catastrophe. Several sightings of life boats reported to be found years later from the Valencia have attributed to numerous ghost stories.

There are 2,150 miles (3,440 kilometres) of coastline on Vancouver Island. Each little community along these shores has a unique character. Visitors to the island never run out of adventures on Vancouver Island.

On of the favorite events in Vancouver's Inner Harbour is called the Symphony Splash. Thousands of guests gather on the water to hear the orchestral performance which takes place on a huge barge.
Another attraction are Butchart's Sunken Gardens. The beautiful gardens were created by the Butchart family and cover a former limestone quarry. It receives more than a million visitors a year (picture above)

Another place worthy of a visit is the Goldstream Provincial Park only twelve miles from Victoria. There are 600 year-old evergreen tress and the Goldstream River Estuary which is a popular sight for bird-watchers.

The MacMillan Provincial Park boasts trees up to 200 feet tall. It truly looks like a photographer's paradise.

Skiiers love Vancouver for the cross-country ski trails (25 miles worth) on Mount Washington.
Fishermen swarm to the Campbell River. It offers salmon, trout, and many other types of fish.
Hikers can enjoy caves, arches, and waterfalls.

Family Reunion at Willard Bay

Camping Out

I had never really heard of Willard Bay, so I did not have any expectations when told it was the locale for our Kongaika Family Reunion. Not being a fan of camping out, my husband had arranged for us to stay in a Motel 6 nearby. Actually, sleeping in a tent might have been better.

The next generation (our children) had planned the reunion this year. Things were a bit late, but overall it was a success. We enjoyed spending time together with our cousins and learning more about our family history. The mountains nearby were breathtaking and although it was a bit hot, and the mosquitoes joined in, we made the best of it.

The campsite was pretty compact and included picnic tables, BBQ pits, restrooms and some water hookups. Each family took their turn preparing meals. We tried to eat the kind of meals that our ancestors had eaten in Tonga. The youngest generation aren’t that used to it, but we had plenty of snacks to fill in the gaps.

We were supposed to have a Family Home Evening, but because of the lateness and darkness, we decided to have a Family Home Morning the next day. We played a game of trying to see who could memorize the name of some of our chosen ancestors and what they were known for. The teenagers were really into it and did very well.

Afterward, we headed for the reservoir which is located twelve miles northwest of Ogden, Utah. It is part of the flood plains of the Great Salt Lake. There is a man made dike with a natural shoreline. Actually the dike is named after a former U.S. Senator from Utah, Arthur V. Watkins. The reservoir is fed by the Weber and Ogden rivers. 

Near the water was a pavilion, perfect for making our dinner and hanging out. The children ran down to the water and mud (not quite sand). They were not shy, and the mothers were busy counting heads. There are two marinas near the campgrounds. Our daring children had rented a boat, water crafts and some blow up floatees

As one of the grandmothers, I tried to let the parents look after their kids, but got a bit worried when a few of the young ones thought they could float over to a small island in the middle of the reservoir (one floatee and five children)! They actually made it, without my watching.

The food was great and the weather very cooperative until right after the boat left with a mother and a bunch of kids. A big wind kicked up and became so strong all of a sudden. There was thunder and lightening and as I went to take a bite of my food, my paper plate and dinner flew out of my hand together with several other family members.

I became very worried about the boat with some of my grandchildren in it. Quite some time later, they made it back with quite a story to tell. 

Finding the Lost Sheep

Finding the Lost Sheep

You may have seen a recent video of fifty-five ducks on youtube
crossing a busy road. As these little ducks waddled in single file
across the highway, all the cars stopped and waited. Each duck was
considered important, and the drivers did not try to rush him or her or
find a way around or between them.

For behold, this is my work and my glory - to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." Moses 1:39

Each soul is precious in the sight of God. How can we assist Him in
His earthly mission, which is to help to bring to pass the immortality
and eternal life of every man and woman? How can we reach the so-called
Lost Sheep and bring them back to the fold?

I know the time of our life that we were the happiest is when we
concentrated on assisting in the Lord’s mission of finding His Lost
Sheep. For three years we had the exhausting but rewarding stewardship
over several hundred young men and women in the prime of their life.

My husband was called as mission president in Tonga when our two
oldest children were in high school and the younger two were in
elementary. So, as a mother, I had to learn to budget my time between my
own four children and the other Saturday’s warriors that we had
temporarily been given.

Finding the Lost Sheep

The Best Father in the World

You may not agree, but I have the best father in the world.
He is a hard working man and quite fit for his 87 years. My Dad is a self-made man. He came from a family who raised sheep and chickens and became educated enough to build a four-story home for his family. I mean literally, brick by brick, electricity, plumbing and all. He bought books and learned how to build a home. He can fix almost anything. All his neighbors, who are highly educated, call him whenever they need a handyman.


My father has worked at many different jobs, sometimes two at a time, to keep food on the table and keep his wife happy (which was not easy). He did get some college in and became an accountant for a little company. He raised four children, my brother, me and my two sisters. My brother is a medical doctor, one sister a nurse, another works withspecial needs children, and I, well, I write amongst other endeavors.



The Best Father in the World