Aloha!

We made it safely home. It was a wonderful vacation, one that felt extremely long - the best kind! We have pictures on 4 cameras (including a disposable waterproof one) and it is going to take me a few days to sort through them all. Look for some slideshows soon!

Mahalo (Thank you) to everyone for your sweet comments and anniversary wishes!

Sunday June 2, 1991

We had just a few hours on Sunday morning before our flight home, so we took a tour of the island by air! We went in an airplane (5 seater) instead of the normal helicopter. Of course everything was beautiful!!





Our flight was at 12:30, connecting through Honolulu, then arriving in Los Angeles at 10:30 p.m. I remember walking through LAX, gathering our luggage, and heading to our car. Les said, "Well, I guess the honeymoon is over." I said, "The trip may be over, but the honeymoon isn't!" And after 18 years, I feel the same way!! I love my husband more today than ever. We have weathered storms, had great victories, said goodbye to loved ones, traveled to incredible places, and been blessed by God more than I ever imagined!

We arrive home from our 2009 vacation today as well, I hope you've enjoyed this walk down memory lane! I'm sure I'll have more pictures than you'll want to look at in the coming days!!

Saturday, June 1, 1991

Just another day in paradise!! Polynesian Paralysis had completely captured us and Les was driving 45 mph on all highways!

On our final full day on Kauai we headed to the amazing Waimea Canyon. Often called the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific" pictures do not do it justice. There are numerous lookouts including Mount Wai'ale'ale, the wettest spot on earth averaging more than 460 inches of rain each year at the summit!

We have more than one picture of Les "looking out" at lookouts!

Happy Birthday, Hannah!

Yes, another niece is celebrating her birthday this month! Hannah turns 8 today. She is probably our most entertaining niece. Her giggles are contagious and her hugs wonderful!


Hannah went through an identity crisis when she was about 3 or 4. Her nicknames were numerous. There was the obvious Hannah Banana, Claire called her Hannah Amannah, which got translated to Hannah Molannah! One day she was Pumpkin Hannah, then she was Princess Flower, later she was Doodle Bug. Doodle Bug is the one that stuck, it's been shortened to Hannah Doodle and Hannah Doo!


We were in Indianapolis for the wedding of Shannon and Heidi in 2003. Les and I took the kids home while Lance and Monica were helping with clean up. Hannah jumped on her horse and rode and giggled for about 15 minutes!


Happy birthday, Hannah! Uncle Les and Aunt Kathy Love YOU!

Friday, May 31, 1991

Today we explored the beautiful Napali Coast. There are many hiking options on the Napali Coast. Actually, hiking is the only option since there is no road! We hiked approximately 4 miles round trip to Hanakapi'ai Beach. We really weren't outfitted for anything more than that, but what we did see was beautiful.

Thursday, May 30, 1991

There is so much to see on Kauai. More than just sand beaches. There is the Wailua River, the Fern Grotto, Waimea Canyon, and the incredible Napali Coast. Where to begin?

On Thursday we decided to explore the Wailua River and Fern Grotto. We rented a kayak, strapped it on top of our rental car, and off we went!




We eventually came upon an incredible, secluded waterfall.


This is just one of many pictures we have of my feet hanging out a boat!

Through the years we've been in canoes, kayaks, boats, you name it, and we always end up with a picture of my feet. Poor Les is doing all the work while I'm kicking back taking pictures!

Wednesday, May 29, 1991

We packed our bags this morning, hopped in a taxi and headed to the Honolulu Airport. Next destination - the island of Kauai! We stayed at the Poipu Beach Hotel, which was heavily damaged the following year by Hurricane Iniki.

What a difference an island makes! We hadn't realized how busy Oahu was until we arrived on Kauai. The speed limit on the island is 45 and people drive it!! Kauai does not allow any buildings higher than a coconut tree, so there were no skyscrapers.

The view from our room:



One day during our honeymoon we decided no matter what was going on in our life we would return to Hawaii every fifth anniversary. That worked for a while - we returned for our 5th and 10th, but then 5 years just seemed too long! We came back for our 12th, 14th, 15th, and now our 18th anniversaries! It's that Polynesian Paralysis, you just can't get it anywhere else!!

Tuesday, May 28, 1991

Today we took full advantage of public transportation. Our first stop was Pearl Harbor. If you have never been to Hawaii and are planning on doing so, Pearl Harbor is a must see. The memorial is very sobering. There is a museum, two theaters, a bookstore, and various exhibits detailing the attack. Visitors are then taken by boat to the USS Arizona.




After Pearl Harbor we visited Diamond Head, traveling by bus on our last full day on Oahu.

Monday, May 27, 1991

Today is really Monday, May 25, 2009 - Happy Anniversary to us! 18 Wonderful Years!!

Since we were honeymooners on a budget, we had not rented a car for our entire stay on Oahu. Staying in Waikiki made it very easy to get to most of the tourist attractions and public transportation worked quite well.


On day 2 we decided to be a bit more adventurous and rented a Corvette! This allowed us to drive the entire island and get away from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki. Approximately 75% of the population of the state of Hawaii live on the island of Oahu, with the majority of visitors also staying on this island, so it's not exactly a "getaway from people" place!


We had a funny little incident while we were driving. Of course we had the top down, and as we came around a curve, several teenage boys were waiting on a bridge and then jumped off. They timed it perfectly so they landed in the water and splashed us at the perfect time! I wonder how many times they had done that!

Sunday, May 26, 1991

After our long day on Saturday, we began our married life taking it very easy on Sunday! We slept in big time! In fact, when we finally ventured out for food, it was almost lunch time. We walked from our hotel, the Waikiki Sunset, to Perry's Smorgy Restaurant. We arrived just in time for breakfast, but when Les went back for seconds, lunch was out!!

We explored what we could get to on foot that first day. We were enjoying the beautiful Hawaiian atmosphere and starting to experience Polynesian Paralysis. This phenomenon occurs when one is in a complete state of relaxation, full of good food, with soft Hawaiian music somewhere in the background. Often diners have a difficult time rising from their seats as PP takes over. It usually takes a few days for this to completely take over and the only remedy is returning to the hustle and bustle of real life. But who wants to do that?



Our hotel had a view of the ocean and we were high enough up to not hear the street noise below. Definitely a place for Polynesian Paralysis to begin its work! Notice anything strange about the headboards??


Yep, this room had two beds that were pushed together!!

Saturday, May 25, 1991

What a beautiful day! How do you describe one of the greatest days of your life?? So many friends and family members in attendance. I never stopped smiling! I know many brides cry on their wedding day - I'm just not one of them!! I had too much to be happy about to cry! I think I would have skipped down the aisle, but Dad held me back!!

Our parents were quite involved in the ceremony. Mom made the cake and Dad walked me down the aisle. Les' Mom played a piano solo and his Dad did a great job anchoring down the front row! We are both blessed to have parents that loved each other. Mom and Dad were married 40 years before she passed away, and Les' parents will be celebrating their 50th anniversary this year!

Our wedding party:
Matron of Honor - Kim Fultz, Best Man - Lance McElhaney
Bridesmaids - Yvonne Kimbley, Heather Kimbley, Darla Johnson, and Lisa McElhaney
Groomsmen - Rick Fultz, Jimmy McElhaney, Jonathan McElhaney, and Jeff Harpole
Flower Girls and Escort - Krysten and Lauren Ducusin and Ryan Fultz

A fine looking group, if I do say so myself!!

The ceremony was beautiful, with both of our Pastors officiating. Rod sang "Perfect Union" by Matthew Ward:

There's a love that lasts a lifetime
A love between a man and wife
A love so strong it goes beyond our reason
It flows from God above

And there are times in every union
When hard times and trouble fall
Tearing at the seams of love
Trying to deafen first love's call

A perfect union, formed within His hands
Hands that formed the earth, the sky and sea
Still joins hearts together
Joining them in three part harmony

There You are, You're the light in our darkness
In our troubled times when we can't find a way to carry on
Then You're there, You're the strength in our weakness
With Your loving arms to hold us close and light to lead us on...

Hand and hand we'll seek the Father
And the Father's precious Son
And the power of His Spirit
That will keep our hearts as one

And though the winds blow and the storms of life set in
there's a Captain Who can calm the raging wind
If we turn our eyes to Him
A miracle just waiting to begin

There You are, You're the light in our darkness
In our troubled times when we can't find a way to carry on
Then You're there, You're the strength in our weakness
With Your loving arms to hold us close and light to lead us on...
There You are

After 18 years, I can truly say that with God as part of our union, it's been a perfect union!

We had a unique bit of decorating. Since ours was a Spring wedding, we wanted an "outdoorsy" look. Les built swings and our bridesmaids sat on them during the ceremony.

Little did I know that Les had a surprise for me...

Before our wedding, we had chosen not to kiss. We had decided to control the physical temptations that come with engagement, so our first kiss would be in front of God and everybody!! Instead of the traditional "you may kiss the bride", Bro. Morton said, "Les, you may give your bride a kiss." What followed was a quick toss from Lance, and Les was on his knee holding up a giant Hershey kiss!!!


If you click on the picture above, you can see the laughter of the wedding party! The only people that knew that was coming, was Les, Lance, Dad, and Bro. Morton! We had a "real" kiss after that and were happily pronounced husband and wife! We walked out to "You Are the Sunshine of My Life" and I think we look mighty happy!!

Our wedding was held at 11:00 a.m. because we had a flight to catch! We flew from Fresno to Los Angeles to Honolulu, arriving in Hawaii at 8:30 Saturday night! What a day!

Friday, May 24, 1991

The day had finally arrived. One more day and Les and I would say our vows and begin our life together.

My family was all local, while Les had family members flying in from all over! His dad and sister drove from Tennessee to California, stopping at the Grand Canyon and other sites along the way. His mom, brother, two cousins, one cousin-in-law, and one friend all flew in. My future mother-in-law had flown in on Thursday and drove up to Fresno on Friday with my future pastor's wife to prepare the rehearsal dinner.

The rest of the crew flew in on Friday. The only problem - it was the Friday before Memorial Day. That meant one thing - traffic, traffic, traffic!! The rehearsal dinner was suppose to start at 7:00, with rehearsal at 8:00. 7:15, no groom or his party... 7:25, no groom or his party...

I honestly wasn't worried about him not showing up! Of course way back then neither of us had cell phones, so communication was tough. I found out much later that Les had called to let me know they were stuck in traffic, he talked to Mom but she never even remembered!! The Mother of the Bride was very nervous since she was making our wedding cake and her baby was getting married and moving 200 miles away.

They finally did arrive, we ate our meal, had rehearsal, and were ready for the Big Day!

18 Years Ago

Les and I have a wedding anniversary coming up on Monday, May 25th. In celebration of that grand event, we are leaving tomorrow for Hawaii. We'll be spending five days on Maui and four days on Kauai. I can't wait!! Nine beautiful days of relaxing with my best friend!

Of course we won't be taking a laptop with us!! That is just something we leave at home during vacations. We'll have our cell phones and our families know how to reach us in case of an emergency.

So... what will be happening here on McMoments and Memories for the next 9 days? A walk down memory lane! Starting tomorrow, I've written posts corresponding to our wedding rehearsal, wedding day, and honeymoon - don't worry, it will be suitable reading for all ages! I hope you enjoy the posts as much as I enjoyed putting them together. Feel free to leave comments, I might be able to post them from Les' iPhone.

I'll miss all my blogging buds, but I'll catch up with you sometime in June!!

Pool Invaders 2009

We've had a mommy and daddy duck showing up for the past month or so. Today, Mommy showed up with 5 babies. They are in my pool and can't get out!! Of course Mommy can, and has. I was able to capture one with a net, but the others are too fast! What to do about the other babies??







Okay, the silly things have figured out how to get out. Three have stayed out. The other two were out, then got back in. They need to find their mother!

Vacation Nears...

I need a small favor.... Can you help, please?

I am going away on vacation and need someone to water my plants while I am gone. In this hot weather they'll probably need water twice a day.

Thanks a lot. I'll send you a postcard.

I've attached a photo for your reference. The ladder is in the shed.


The picture posted here has 2 identical dolphins in it. It was used in a case study on stress levels at Loma Linda Medical Center.

Look at both dolphins jumping out of the water. The dolphins are identical. A closely monitored, scientific study of a group revealed that in spite of the fact that the dolphins are identical, a person under stress would find differences in the two dolphins. The number of differences observed matches closely to the amount of stress the observer is experiencing.

Look at the photograph and if you find more than one or two differences you may be experiencing stress.

You may need a vacation, too!

Friday Foodie - Midweek Edition!

I had a great time cooking for our guests last week and wanted to share a couple new things I tried.

I blogged about No Pudge brownies many months ago. Since I had two mixes on hand, I thought I would make them for our company. The only problem - the recipe calls for one container of fat free Vanilla yogurt per mix. I only had one container, but since I was doubling the recipe I would need two. I did not want to go to the grocery store again, so I improvised! I added one container of white chocolate raspberry yogurt, along with the vanilla, and they turned out great!



Since I knew I was going to be gone shopping all day on Thursday, I took the easy route and threw a roast in the crockpot, added one can of cream of mushroom soup, one can of beef gravy, and minced onion. It was smelling great when we got home!

Along with the roast, I made Red Potato and Green Bean Saute by the Deen Brothers, Paula Deen's sons. Side note: If you're ever in Savannah, Georgia, take the time to go to The Lady and Sons Restaurant. Yum-mo!

1 pound baby red potatoes, halved
1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
1 3/4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
Freshly ground black pepper
3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the potatoes; cook about 15 minutes or until almost tender. Add the beans; cook about 3 minutes more or until tender. Drain well. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the garlic; cook and stir for 30 seconds. Add the potatoes, beans and salt and pepper to taste. Cook about two minutes more or until heated through, tossing to coat. Add the basil and toss once more before serving.

Makes six servings. Nutrition facts per serving: 115 calories, 4 g fat, 3 g fiber (2 WW points).

This was very good and easy!


On Friday night I treated our southern friends to chicken enchiladas, Spanish rice, chips, and homemade guacamole. Sorry I didn't take any pictures - I was having too much fun talking and eating!

Good Times!

We had another great visit with the Longs -this time at our place! With Les and Doug working on Friday, we ladies took advantage of the beautiful sunshine and hung out in the pool all afternoon.

Saturday morning we hopped on the Amtrak and rode to Santa Barbara. In Doug's line of work (law enforcement) he meets all kinds of characters, but I think his seatmate on the train may have ranked in the top ten, at least for this month...

The train was quite crowded due to the California Strawberry Festival in Oxnard. There was a four seat booth with one man in it. Doug asked if any of the seats were available and only one was. Then the fun began! The man asked if Doug knew who he was. Turns out, he was Peter Pan. Ahem... He was saving seats for Wendy and the Lost Boys who were currently in the Cafe. It just got funnier as he pulled family pictures out of his wallet. They included pictures of Wendy and the Lost Boys...



His stories were quite entertaining. Especially to Danielle and Lori who were seated directly behind "Peter" and Doug! The best line was, "You know what it takes? It takes Faith, Trust, and... Pixie Dust!" Wooh Boy!! You know, you just can't make this stuff up!

After arriving in Santa Barbara, we made our way down Stearns Warf and the pier. There are quite a few homeless that set up arrangements trying to get money from passersby. One creates sand sculptures, and charges for pictures. Others are a little less creative...




We had lunch at the Beachbreak Cafe. When I asked what the soup of the day was, our waiter responded, "I'll have to ask, they change it everyday!" These kinds of comments just added fuel to our laughter!!

A sea lion made his way up one of the boat ramps Saturday afternoon, blocking a Coast Guard boat that was getting ready to go out. There was a beach volleyball and beach soccer tournament going on as well. And of course, we visited the many shops up and down State Street - more shopping bags!

After a wonderful dinner at the Harbor Restaurant, we headed back to Simi on the Surfliner! Another great day with wonderful friends.

Amidst our times of laughter, we also have serious times. Lori and I were wiping tears more than once as we talked about God's hand in our lives and the lives of ones we love. The Longs are dedicated to the Children's Ministry in their church and also direct the S.W.A.T. team. S.W.A.T. stands for Serving with Anointed Tactics - they use sign language, dowel rods, and drama to minister in their local church and other churches. Both of these ministries are lots of work on their own, but Doug and Lori work tirelessly in both of them.

It's a privilege knowing the Longs. They are faithful, good folks! And it shows in the life of their daughter, Danielle. At 19 she is continuing to mature in God, she is on the S.W.A.T. team and teaches Sunday school. I know she will be an even greater blessing in years to come!

Time to start planning our next visit!