Rest of wedding renewal

The rest of last week's vow renewal. I know they're no real facing front poses...I have those....but these are my favorite.

I had another wedding on Wednesday but it has been postponed until Wednesday. Oh, boo. Well, maybe more sleep for me. I'm back at work tonight after a lovely weekend (more to tell you later). I'm feeling pretty good. I slept in and watched little Haley for a little while. And when she took a nap, I took a nap. Lovely. Scott is more than a little jealous that I got to sleep so much He's making up for it as we speak. Haley was adorable...she has the cutest toothless smile with all gums. That's my day in a nutshell. We also bought a new mini-fridge...the old one makes a constant thrumming noise that bores into my skull. I think it was giving my fish a complex.

Sneak Peak- Surprise Vow Renewal

I think I mentioned it already, but Scott had a request to do a surprise vow renewal. Never heard of a surprise vow renewal? Well, neither have we. Ross, married for 6 years with 2 kids and one on the way, was taking his wife on a long-anticipated vacation to Hawaii. He emailed me asking if we could help him organize a surprise vow renewal for his wife. He wanted to give her the beautiful wedding in paradise that she never had. It was completely sweet. Scott was in Japan most of the time we were corresponding and only came back the day before. Ross and his pregnant wife, Jeannine, were actually vacationing on the Big Island but were coming to Oahu for one day and one day only. So I forwarded my phone to Scott's phone the day of the event because I would be sleeping during the day. When I woke up, Scott told me that Ross had called. I had been wondering when he was going to tell his wife about the vow renewal. I figured he would when they arrived in Hawaii or even just that morning. You know, give her some time to process and prepare for it. Turns out his plan was to take her to the beach and propose to her all over again right before we arrived. Hmmm, I told Scott "She's either going to love it or she's not going to take the surprise very well."

It had been raining all morning so I prayed for the weather and it was perfect afternoon with a soft sunlight falling on Waimanalo beach. We saw Ross walking on the beach and we introduced himself. I told him I thought I saw a woman in a convertible that I suspected was his wife. His response "oh, the crying woman? yes, that's her." Oh.

She did not take the "hey, surprise, you may've been sightseeing all day, you're hungry, you have raging pregnancy hormones, you're tired, probably feeling like you need to take a shower...but we're going to have a surprise ceremony and take pictures that will last forever." So, initially, Ross told us that she really didn't want to do the ceremony or pictures and was having a tough time. Scott and I felt so bad. We told him it was totally okay to cancel but we would stick around in case they wanted to just take a few pictures to capture their trip to Oahu. We were more concerned that he cheer her up so we told him that we would just cruise on the beach and they should go for a walk along the shore together. This husband had such good intentions, I mean, his emails raved about his wife and how he wanted to pull out all the stops and give her the best day ever. We womenfolk can be complicated. Scott didn't quite get it but I understood and I hoped she would start to feel better. So, Scott and I sat in the sand and talked story and twenty minutes late they came over together. She was such a trooper. We offered to just shoot a few pictures but she actually wanted to have the ceremony after all. She was so sweet. And, he was obviously still head over heels for her after all these years. He was constantly gazing at her and kissing her forehead. I love kisses on the forehead... I wonder why. So, there was a happy ending. Thank goodness.

Up for 27 hours straight!!!

Yesterday, I prepared for the switch to midnight I stayed up til four in the morning and slept until noon. I wished I slept longer because it would be 27 hours before I would get to go back to bed. I worked midnight shift last night and had some laughs at some drunk car thiefs in the cellblock. I have to take pictures to help use as identification photos and that includes taking pictures of identifying marks like scars or tattoos. One slightly intoxicated kid turned and pulled his shirt off his shoulder to let me take a picture of the tattoo...when I had to lean in and inspect it closely before putting my camera down and informing him "Sir, that's not a tattoo, that's just a drawing with pen." *sigh* There's this show on Tuesday nights on channel 5 called "Jail." You should watch it, you might have a lot more sympathy for officers.

Besides that, I was dragging the whole night. I was fighting to stay up on my way home from work and I still had 8 hours to go. At nine, I was up at Hope Chapel finishing up the staff photos with the staff that just returned from a trip around Europe. Actually, it was awesome because the adrenaline woke me up. It's such a rush. I'm checking the display, the light, trying to find different angles. Plus, they're such a fun group, I just had to get them talking to loosen them up and then they were making each other laugh with jokes and stories. This is a sample of the shoot, sweet Auntie Colleen. I actually had to work hard to get her to stop talking to Uncle Al over my shoulder and to look at me. Apparently, according to her husband and Pastor Ralph, she broke a few hearts in Italy. Of course, I am a believer.

Kind of reminds me of those "got milk" commercials.

Then I watched Haley for a few hours just while Mike was getting some training done in Kailua. Now Haley is the most easy-going, mellow baby, but she had a rough spell. I think it just hit her that she was tired and that she wasn't at home because she started crying and nothing would console her. It broke my heart. Poor thing, cried until she finally fell asleep and then her sleep was accentuated by these little shuddering hiccups...you know the ones you get after a long hard cry.

Once she woke up, it was *snap* and she was the smiling, giggling Haley. I would have taken pictures of her then but then Scott called from his last night in Japan so she just sat on my lap and amused herself with her hands while I talked with Scott. After she left, I went to sleep but only slept for four hours. I couldn't help it, I just woke up feeling rested so that was that.

Scott comes back tomorrow...so excited. So much has happened while he's gone and it's always a comfort to have someone to share these things with. That's why I'm glad you're here too. (YES YOU)

So Excited about a Destination Wedding

We just booked a small destination wedding on Thursday, actually, a vow renewal. We don't have too many vow renewals. Scott had his first vow renewal about two months ago and he came home beaming, he loved the couple. He was re-inspired by their love and their dedication to each other after years of being together. So, I was really fired up when I received an email from Ross. He's been married for four years and he's taking his wife on a well-deserved vacation to Hawaii. He came up with the idea of giving her the wedding in paradise that she never had as a surprise. Isn't that the sweetest thing you've ever heard. They are actually vacationing on the Big Island but are visiting Oahu for the day. For selfish reasons, I'm also getting so excited to take pictures. Wedding season slows down after summer's ends and I miss the thrill of photo sessions. I wish it was Thursday already.

Now what?

The past two days, my mantra was "If I can just make it to sunday afternoon...If I can just make it to Sunday afternoon...If I can just make it...." You get the picture. Well, it's sunday afternoon and now my mind is confused and rambling "...now what?....now what?...."

I'm so mad I couldn't find my video camera....I have no idea where it is. This is when I need Scott because he always seems to know where my stuff is. We had our rehearsal for our children's worship team and I wish I could show you a video. I keep calling them the "choir" but they're actually called the AllStars Worship Team. Can I first give props to my angels, Kevin and Joy!!! I mean, Joy's a little more obvious as an angel but you might as well stick a halo on Kevin's head and glue some wings to his back because he was an angel today. Kevin ran the sound which means he set up and broke down all the sound equipment (even helped me carry Scott's amp from the car). Joy was my kid-herder and gave me constant feedback. Scott wasn't here so I had to play the guitar which put me on the stage behind the kids so I kept having to yell "What does that sound like, Joy?"

It was a loooonnnggg rehearsal. I think they're a lot better with the mics than they were at the Mother's Day Rehearsal. And Joy gave me a lot of ideas because my whole vision went out the door, it was just too complicated. So we tried four different ways and then we just made a line. A line. All my plans (I even drew a formation diagram) and we're just making a line. *sigh* But the simple way is so much easier. And Kevin, what would we do without Kevin? He's always so willing to help and always with a smile.

Come to church next weekend to see their performance: Try come on Sunday, Friday might be a rough one since it will be their first real time.

Manoa raindrops falling on my head

Be careful, if you open the door and say "hey keao, what do you want to do?" I'm most likely going to jump on that opportunity and involuntarily sign you up for a beautiful hike through a hot and muggy forest. With Scott being 55% complete with his trip away in Japan, Abbey has been offering to keep me company while he's gone. Hah, little did she know what she was signing up for. I think she partly expected leisurely hours spent window-shopping or friendly girl talk over coffee (I hate coffee)...nope, she asked...and I said " all right, let's ZUMBA!!!"

So Monday we went to the latin music inspired exercise class "ZUMBA" (you have to shout it everytime you say it) at hope chapel. We managed to survive and Abbey even attended on Wednesday....hey, hey I see a future ZUMBA instructor. Today, I took Abbey and Joy(see her blog for more pictures and her side of the story) to the other side of the island to my favorite hike on the whole island, the Manoa Falls Hike. When I went to UH, I used to go up and do this hike on just a whim any time I wanted to see some beautiful natural wonders. I convinced them it was an easy hike...which wasn't a total lie, it is considered a beginner level hike. It starts with a beautiful open field in the beginning, then it leads you through the forest, you wind through a bamboo grove, before you finally end up near a tall waterfall emptying into a placid pool of water. See, *sigh* doesn't it sound dreamy.

I agreed to drive because the only downfall is that it is not the most safest of places to drive your car. I was willing to risk my ride. It was definitely a muggy day, it was hot and humid. I remember I used to run this trail in college for exercise...I am definitely not in that kind of shape. Luckily, we took a lot of photo and "oooh" and "aaah"-breaks.

(just the beginning of a bit of stairs and climbing)

(the real waterfall is much taller but this one is just as cool)

(this one is not focused well but the light is so pretty)

(my favorite picture of the day...a bamboo heaven!!!)

(They were such good troopers...they even sat on wet mossy rocks for me. Thanks girlies!)

I met Abbey in my couples minichurch. We've met so many cool new couples. Kelli started a tradition of preparing a dinner for us so we can fellowship before minichurch and now we've all started to chip in as we jump in on the trend. My friend, Leilani, and her minichurch have wonderful traditions as well. But, besides just hanging out, they have moved into doing something with more purpose. Inspired by the amazing acts of kindness we saw in this movie called "Lord, Save Us From Your People," their minichurch was moved to mend the problems we walk by sometimes in our daily lives. They are creating and organizing a benefit dinner with a silent auction, and ALL of the proceeds are going to the River of Life Mission. They've created a website with more info (www.hopechapel.com/livingthroughfaith). Please check out information on how to purchase tickets and donate services/gifts for the silent auction. And send the link to friends and family!!! I'm so amazed at their passion and determination to create change.

The twins at 4 months

So, Scottie has gone to his native land, Yapan as he likes to call it. It was complicated by the fact that I lost my license and credit card about a week ago. Figured it was just somewhere but I just really couldn't find it. Worse, because they were doing inspections at work and they check your work ID and your license. Thank God they must have overlooked my watch because they didn't show up in the three nerve-wracking days they were supposed to come. So Scott left me with some cash to survive on while he was gone...with questionable concerns about how I would get more money since I have no ID for the bank. To get a new license, my birth certificate and passport are in Scott's safety deposit box (I'm not on the account, his mom is...but she's on a trip) and they're both in my maiden name anyways. Sheesh. Yesterday, my sister needed me to take Lauren for the night while she went to a birthday dinner.

So, Lauren's in my car, I'm trying to run to church...stop by the in-laws to feed the dog...run back to my house to get candles and matches for Pete's birthday cupcakes...trying to call Jasen to see if Pete is really at church...and suddenly, I can't find my cell phone. WHAT? No license, no credit card, and now no phone. If I could have called Scott, I am sure he would have had a better idea of where my stuff was than I did. I'm using the house phone to call it, running around in the dark of night and... nothing. Then I whacked my head trying to get in the car (I must have misjudged my own height) and my vision did get a little gray for two seconds. On the short chance it fell out of the car at the in-laws, I take a flashlight and I'm searching their driveway with Lauren sitting in the car. This, of course, draws the attention of their neighbor whose house is five feet from their house. I must have looked like a maniac. I found my phone after church. It was in my car...the ringer wasn't off, it had just acquired this weird red circle sign that I never saw before.

So found my phone, and today, while meticulously cleaning my room, i found my license and credit card in our closet. What a turn-around from last night. I think the wind is changing.

The twins turned 4 months old a week ago. I always take pictures of them in Darilyn's room because she has the most light. This week, I was a little surprised to see she had a black sheet on her bed so it was a new background for me. I used Darilyn's hot pink laundry basket with a pillow in it and a white puffy "winter coat?" she had. Why does she need a winter coat? She lives in Waipahu!!! Well, it worked in my favor.

(Cheyenne)

(Chayne)

I think sibling rivalry is setting in a little more as the twins get older. Lauren, who for a year and a half was my only photography subject now finds herself sharing the spotlight with not just one, but two more girls. I think she misses being the center of attention, what do you think?

I said "WHAT!!!" at the vet

Our dog, Charlie, had a lump on his toe. We noticed it about two months ago when we saw that he was favoring his foot when we took him on walks (hey it happens once in a blue moon). My auntie, Sally, is an avid "Dog Person." She used to breed and train dogs in North Carolina. Her and girlfriend are crazy about dogs, they are taking care of like 8 dogs right now and I go to them with all my canine problems. My auntie Sally had raving reviews of a vet she recommended in Kalihi. She said to drop her her girlfriend's name and we would get in.

So Scott and I took Charlie in to the vet. The vet examined him and told us that it was a tumor on his foot and would need to be removed. She insisted it was probably benign, but I still teared a little when no one was looking. As she was finishing his physical exam, she asked who referred us and I brought up my Betty's name. The vet asked, oh, I've known Betty for a long time, how do you know Betty?

Me "Oh, my auntie sally is dating her."

Vet: "What?"

Me: (LOUDER) My auntie Sally is dating her."

Vet: (now looking at me weird) "What?"

Me: (quieter, unsure) My auntie Sally is friends with her?"

Hmmm, could I possibly have shoved someone out of the closet in a most inappropiate way. I can't believe it. It's clearly not a secret. But, even Scott gave me the eye. Oh, boy. Hey, let me know if I'm not supposed to mention things or if certain things are supposed to be a secret. Otherwise, who knows when it will come flying out of my mouth.

Lauren at 20 months and the Hope Chapel Kids Worship Team

My sister and I tried to take my niece Lauren to the Discovery Center, but it was closed. So we took her to the Waikele Community Park Playground.

On Sundays, I have a group of cute kids that sing together as a choir. Yes, we spend half our time playing musical chairs, but they are quite the characters. Can you tell?

Roommate Wars

Stanton, Scott, and I were in the kitchen...I should give myself an "S" name too...how about "Seao?" Very samoan sounding...it might fit. Anyways, Stanton went to wash his dishes and Scott protested "Put the dry dishes away before you put wet dishes in there." I chimed in "yah, Stanton, you know that's his pet peeve." Stanton insisted he had no idea. But it got me thinking. It's been over a year of marriage, and thus, over a year of living together as one big happy Sunaoka 'ohana.

Scott's biggest pet peeve (he may be more of an expert on this):
1. Putting wet dishes in the strainer (or dish rack as some call it) when there's dry dishes in there already because now it makes the dry dishes wet all over again.

Vying for the top spot is also.
2. Hanging up your bath towel on a fan.
3. Putting other dishes to soak in the water already being used to soak a dirty rice cooker (that's a big no-no)
4. Not resetting the microwave clock/timer to zero when you're finished using it.

How do I do with these? I pretty much bomb on all of these but at least Scott usually blames Stanton first.

My pet peeves:
1. Hair...I hate it. I spend a lot of time every day cleaning it off of things. I sweep often, I wipe down the sinks, clean the hairbrush on the counter every day, and even use a lint roller on our bed and pillows every day. I clean the bath soap every day too. Yup, I even quickly swept up someone's bathroom floor on an impulse while at their house.

2. Fluffing up my rice in the rice cooker. GIVE ME MY WEDGE.

3. Not bringing in my laundry basket when you bring in all the clean dry clothes.

Stanton's Pet Peeves:

Nah, I have no clue.

But, all in all, I hope the two other boys can say the same but I've had a pretty wonderful living experience in my new home. And I'm glad, after living with roommates (not counting my family) since seventh grade (Boarding at Kamehameha followed by college followed by pure living)...I"m glad to say good-bye to the roommate dramas that I and everyone I know has endured in our younger years. Hooponopono's with crying and confessions. Silent treatments...one particular bad experience where campus police was called to my dorm room. Yup, so glad it's over. I have tried to learn from all of it, but I know I probably drove some people crazy. What peculiarities could I possibly have? I know, there are some...hard to believe.

I can't go to sleep unless I'm sufficiently cold enough. At Boston College, with heated rooms, it meant that I had to open the window at least 4-6 inches to cool the room down enough for me to slumber. My roommate HATED it. But I still did it...well, she fell asleep first so it was super easy to avoid arguments about it. Of course, sufficiently cool 60 degrees very quickly drops to a freezing 30 degrees by dawn and you could probably hear the crackling of my leftover can of Coke slowly freezing in our dorm room. Course, it didn't concern me too much because my roommate had to get up first and would close the window, thus allowing the room to warm up before my awakening hours later. I could see why she might have been tempted to warm my face up with my own pillow.

That wasn't mean intent on my behalf, simply selfish intent. But I did have some slightly more sinister methods for dealing with unlikable roommates.

1. My dorm phone ringer was obnoxious (we all had our own phone lines)....so I used to call myself from my work place just to irritate the heck out of my roommate. When she turned the ringer off (even when I was home), I glued it so it was permanently on. Yah, she just unplugged my phone...but it was a small victory.

2. Our suitemate was never home on weekends and her phone rang constantly. So my roommate and I forwarded her phone to an unusable extension. I don't think she even noticed that her phone never rang anymore.

Stupid...but that was just the drama that was my life. Dorm life it seemed. I knew a girl freshman year of college that put a tape down the middle of the room...trash can, door knob...etc. Was that in a Brady Bunch episode? I'm much better now..you might almost say more mature. I would never call my phone anymore to bug Scott. Heck, I don't even know where my phone is half the time. Anyone ever had a horrible roommate? Or been the horrible roommate?

Warrior Football Season Has Begun!!!!

If you have seen the glowing anticipation on particular faces and been reading Scott's blog, you know that UH football season has begun. As Scott informed me while we were doing our pre-marital sessions, he said "keao, when you marry me, you marry UH football." And, yes, UH did get trounced in their first game away against the Florida Gators (was that really such a shocker?), my marriage vows did promise through better or worse.

To welcome Scott back, we spent our first morning babysitting little miss "Haley." Her dad, uncle, grandpa...well, she comes from a heritage of UH football fans. So, Scott and I set up this shoot as a gift to "Grandpa Rob." Little Haley was a little tired so she didn't stay too long in our set-up. She doesn't quite cry, she makes disgruntled grunts...until eventually she cries. And it was so stinking hot today...when does this heat go away? I can't wait until winter.

She seems to love the taste of plastic. She sampled all our remotes. This is my lens backing.

In Photoshop, I experimented with Filter>Sharpen>Unsharp Mask. On the last picture, it gave her shirt all that beautiful texture. Then I just masked the rest and removed the sharpening effect on the rest of the photo. On the first photo, I used the "unsharp mask" to accent her eyes and I really like the effect.

Scott leaves for Japan in a week so I took a few days off for this weekend. So I have five whole days to relax and enjoy myself while Scott apparently goes to the UH football game this Saturday. Tomorrow, my older sister and I are taking the toddler, Lauren, and one of the twins to the Children's Discovery Center. Tonight, we got some news someone in our family is having a tough time so pray for my family, it's not a good week for us.