Graduation Parties...

It's time of the year again when families in Hawaii attend Graduation parties that are just as elaborate as weddings. The parties that I attend this year hosted approximately 300-400 people.

Can you imagine that? One of my favorite parties this year had the Hawaiian Honu as his theme. I love the Honu and I was blessed with two Honu key chains and this center piece.

Last night's grad party there was a whole lot of desserts and food that they told everyone to take home plates. Well, I didn't make the dinner plate, which BTW was ranged from Hawaiian, Filipino and American dishes instead I made the dessert plate. I took mostly Filipino desserts because it's a treat to have these items. From top right corner: Babinka (butter mochi), Sticky Rice (IDK the name), Babinka, puto (steamed mini muffins), jello (pink square), more sticky rice, Bout Bout (sweet purple rice steamed in banana leaves).

The Graduation parties are winding down and now the weddings are coming. So goes life a mist of changes, challenges, and CRAZINESS! IDK (I don't know!) what will happen but God will see us through every thing! God Bless!

every little part of you is magical...

Yes, even the parts that hurt, even the ones that are feeling disease right now. It's alright to love what is in pain. More than alright, that's exactly where your love is needed the most. So why not touch that part that hurts and smile at it, at yourself through it, and whisper: ''I love you.''

Got this from "God wants to let you know" face book application. I love this app! Every so often I get these inspirational words and it touches my heart. I'm on the mend and God has healed me. To all of my peeps...You are a blessing! Miss you and love you always!

God wants you to know...

On this day of your life we believe God wants you to know... ... that you are only as free as you imagine yourself to be.

There is nothing ''out there'' that's holding you down, - you are limiting yourself only with your own imagination. And your greatest limits are not even the ''cannot'' and the ''should not'', but the places where your imagination hasn't yet gone at all. There has never been a better time for you to open your eyes, let the imagination soar and see what more is possible.

Wow! I so needed to hear that right now. I've been going through issues in my life that in fact held me down. Thank you Lord! You are so awesome and thanks to Rick for introducing this facebook application to me. You are truly a blessing. Who would have thought that facebook would have such an inspirational tool? Praise the Lord! Now and Forever!

Mochi

My friends and I made some mochi one day. Would you actually believe we cooked it in the microwave well as many would say, "Nuked it!"

We made chunky peanut butter and an (azuki bean) mochi. Both were really good and let me tell you fresh mochi is so ono, it's really soft and the warmness is an added bonus. Here's the pic followed by the recipe. We are going to attempt ice cream mochi another day, waiting for mochi to go on sale. Thanks to my friends for teaching me how to do this. I'm so blessed to have really cool and talented friends!









Mochi

1 box mochiko
2 cups sugar
3 cups water
2 Tbsp. oil

Softer Mochi
(Ice cream or strawberry)
1 box mochiko
1 cup Karo syrup
3 cups water
2 Tbsp. oil

Mix mochiko & sugar. Add water and oil & mix til all lumps are gone.

Spray bowl w/Pam and pour mochiko mix in. Seal tightly w/saran and cook in micro on high for 6-7 min. Remove & flip over mochiko and cover w/saran & cook 6-7 more min.

Spray mixing bowl & hook w/Pam and pour mochi mix in and using hook, knead mochi til it climbs hook.

Sprinkle large pan w/katakuriko (potato starch). Fill muffin pan w/wax paper cups. Need about 36 muffin cups. Lightly sprinkle katkuriko into cups so mochi doesn't get stuck.

Spray mochi cutter w/Pam. Pour mochi into cutter and cut after 2 cranks. Stretch mochi out and fill w/an, chunky peanut butter, lima bean or any desired filling. Put into muffin cups and cool til they hold their shape.

Cool whip w/ a little instant pudding whipped in - cover strawberry & refrigerate until mochi is ready. Mochi has to be cooled in refrig. for strawberry and ice cream. Cut into pieces & refrigerate til cool than cover strawberry or ice cream (ice cream frozen in round balls the day before).

1 pkg white chocolate pieces
12 oz butterscotch pieces
3 oz heavy whipping cream
2 Tbsp butter
(cook above 4 ingredients)
Whip it up and let harden. Make round balls and put mochi around. (Make day in advance)
Do not refrigerate.

Lychee

June through Mid July is the season for lychee and I'm am so blessed to have some of this year's crop. Well I am fortunate to have a co-worker that has a farm on the Big Island. So today I received a 5 pound bag and boy were they good!
Here are the pictures of the lychee the outer shell is red but the inside is white and boy do I love the taste of this sweet fruit. In the middle there is a seed, one day I wanted to plant the seeds and see if it would grow. Yeah one day need to find a home with a big enough yard to plant the lychee first. Enjoy the pictures...I'm going to eat some more lychee!





I had some home made red velvet cupcakes the other day they were awesome! Thanks El's for making them!

Realization...

well it's been a whirl wind of a week and I should be exhausted but I'm not! I think after my run on Tuesday I was able to put everything into perspective. Family means a lot to me and I love them but I can't be the glue that holds them together. I can be there for them but not to walk through every detail of their lives because realistically I have my own life to live too!

Okay not to be sarcastic or anything but I know at one point I have to draw the line. I am working out the details day by day and one step at a time. So as I muddle through each issue my major source of guidance is the Word of God. Yes! It's through my personal time with the Lord that I have found strength especially in my conversations with Him.

I got this verse during lunch and I wanted to share it all with you...

How great is our Lord! His power is absolute! His understanding is beyond comprehension! Psalm 147:5 NLT

God wouldn't give us anything that we couldn't handle. I really believe that. Sometimes what is brought before us doesn't seem right at first but as you work your way through it it ends up being what you really need. It's hilarious God knows us better than we know ourselves! I think God is truly amazing and I don't want to live with out him by my side. Keep the faith and know that you are loved by God and even me.

Thanks to my many prayer warriors out there for being there for me and loving me no matter what happens. You are all truly a blessing!

It's official...

Way to go Coach Sark! The Class of 2010 is looking great! Welcome to Montlake Nick!

Quarterback Nick Montana commits to UW

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Oak Christian Football

Welcome to Montlake Nick Montana! Y-tube has some footage from a ESPN story of Nick and the JV dual Trevor and Trey. Would be really cool if UW offers the JV pair a spot the the team. Well, that will probably be at least the class of 2012. Way to go Coach Sark! Can't wait for college football to begin. Go Huskies!

Nick Montana commits to UW...the class of 2010 is looking mighty good!

I have been tracking Montana for awhile and my prayers have been answered. Nick Montana commits to the Huskies and I'm so excited!

Even more on Montana

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My destination

Ever wondered why things happened? I had a minor set back for the past couple of weeks. I was actually on a high of constantly working out and enjoying the finer things in life. My life was unbalanced I wanted to do this and do that, that some where along the way I lost sight of what God really wanted me to do.

To the point where God had to stop me completely. Well he actually just knocked me down to rest and recoup my thoughts. So I've been home reflecting and reading the Word. How awesome is that He and only He could allow me time for just Him and I. So today as I read the Bible...God gave me this...

Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.

I returned and saw under the sun that-

The race is not to the swift,
Nor the battle to the strong,
Nor bread to the wise,
Nor riches to men of understanding,
Nor favor to men of skill;
But time and chance happen to them all.
For man also does not know his time:
Like fish taken in a cruel net,
Like birds caught in a snare,
So the sons of men are snared in an evil time.
When it fall suddenly upon them. ~Ecclesiastes 9:10-12 NKJV

My friends and I are going through some rough times with the economy the way it is. We are going to face a significant pay cut and believe me many are concerned. It hit me at first but then as I prayed and spent time with God I realized that yes we may fall but God will pick us up and take us where we need to go. The road may not be the one we planned but eventually as we take God's hand we will be lead to the destination He wants us to be.

No job is secured in man but in God all things are possible. I don't know what my future holds but I trust in Him and that's all I need. Here's to life! Here's to the path the Lord will lead me to whether it is to some one or some thing. What ever it may be, God has an ultimate plan and in the greater scheme of things these little pit falls are nothing to what He has in store for us.

Thank you Lord for being my Savior and for loving me no matter what. Praying that all my friends get through this and know that the Lord will never leave you or forsake you.

Trust, believe and hope for the best! I love you all!

Coach Sarkisian welcoming home the Champions!

The beginning of the return of Husky dominance!

Homecoming

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Celebratory plunge into Lake Washington

Okay ladies call it crazy but I would be apprehensive about jumping into Lake Washington. Glad you all got back safely and now we can continue to celebrate your National title. So proud of you all and love all that you did for the school and the state of Washington. Go Huskies!

Huskies welcomed home after winning NCAA softball title

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The Champions return to the Emerald City!

So proud of these women and love them dearly! It's a beautiful day for Washingtonians! Go DAWGS!!!

Huskies Huskies back on campus at 12:15 p.m. Seattle Times Newspaper

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Washington Huskies 2009 Women's Softball National Champions!

Congratulations Ladies! You deserve this and we are so proud of you!

Wow! My friends in Washington and fellow Husky alumni are going nuts at the moment with a National Title and guess what Copper River Salmon is in season! The best of the best in the Pacific Northwest! Life doesn't get any better! Go DAWGS!!!

Huskies win NCAA softball title

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Washington clobbers Florida in Game 1 of the World Series Championship!

As I watched the game I was impressed with every aspect of the players. They went about their business and won impressively. But you know just as much as me that Florida will not give up and today I expect an awesome challenging game.

Ladies we are so proud of you and know that I'm cheering you on all the way from Hawaii. Go get 'em ladies! GO DAWGS!!!

Washington clobbers Florida one win from NCAA softball title

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Go get 'em Ladies....

So proud of these remarkable women. Wish them all the best as they take on top-seed Florida. Go DAWGS!!!

Huskies reach Women College World Series championship round

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Lady DAWGS beat Arizona State in the World Series!

I am so proud of these ladies! Go get 'em girls the Championship is within reach! Go Huskies!

Seattle Times article give a account of the game.

Aged Tires: A Driving Hazard?

Ever wondered if your vehicle tires is good or not. Check this link out from ABC News.

Aged Tires: A Driving Hazard?

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Mama Mia

Okay still raving about the show and wish I could watch it again. To my Hawaii friends if you can see it GO! The last show is this SATURDAY the 30th!