Ringing in the New Year 2010

Her finished "volcano" masterpiece.



Anna and her Volcano


"Mama, do you know how much I love you?" you ask. I reply with a nod of my head, followed by a shy "no". "1,000 infinitys" and just yesterday it was "more than the sun and the moon, even MARRRS!" It took all I had to withhold the joy and excitement from coming out as a laugh. :)

Monday we had a momma and daughter day. You made a list of things we would do and made it clear, it was just "you and I". We went to Honey Nails and got our feet massaged and painted, followed by our manicures. You chose silver for your nails and I asked you to pick out a color for me. It was a cool lavender which actually brought me quite a bit of compliments from others. Thanks Anna! :) We had lunch at Olive Garden, followed by the trip to the library for your favorite books and pokemon videos. We painted your volcano from the science kit we purchased while at Yellowstone National Park last year summer vacation. I suppose now is as good a time for it. You said this day was the best ever. I'm glad I'm making memories for you. Always remember, "I love you" :D and be good.

I love this picture of you. Everyone always talked about how big and round your eyes were. It's one of the reasons why I gave you the name Kamaka (meaning, the eyes). My grandmother on papa's side gave me my middle name "Makapumehana" which means "warm eyes". I was the only one in my family with a Hawaiian name. Grandma Sarah saw me and told Grandma Pola that my name would be that. It was a tradition that Grandma Sarah was to look at the child and give a Hawaiian name. No one got one but me....pretty special, wouldn't you say? And now I pass this on to you. Choose wisely my love. A name is forever. It defines the person who possesses it.

Dear Anna Principesa,

I think it's wonderful to have you. You're six years old and this Halloween, you say you'll be a "batterina" :D pretty funny if you ask me, but once you make up your mind, you're pretty much set on doing just that. It's one of the beautiful qualities about you that I adore so much.


You remind me so much of myself. For instance, you don't like or feel the need to brush your hair in the morning. Did you know my mother used to get after me about that, just like I'm doing the same about you! hahaha Not to worry, I guess I understand where you're coming from. But one day, you'll understand my side, just as I understand my own mother now.


You attend Valley Crest Elementary. Before that, we had you in Dancing Moose Montessori which you loved and enjoyed. You tend to adapt rather quickly no matter where you go and that is excellent! You also make friends fast or rather, they seem to flock to you almost naturally. I know why though, you are a very nice person and welcome nice people to be your friends.

Racho Racho if you hungry
go behind the chicken coope

scratch, scratch, scratch
da worm pop out

eat em' up
poop pe doo poop pe doo
tank you