Remembering 9/11

September 11th, 2001... the day that changed America forever. Maybe, on that day, your family suffered a devastating loss. Even if you and your family were safe, things still changed. Did you look at your spouse and children differently that evening... cherish them a little more... make a commitment to your family or friends about living each moment to the fullest? Maybe the biggest question is, eight years later, do you remember? Are the changes that took place that day still important to you... or are they a fading memory?

Happy Labor Day

A message from Family Minute:

How will you celebrate Labor Day?

This national holiday, established in 1882, recognizes the contributions American workers have made to the strength, prosperity and well-being of our country. So how will you spend your day off from work? Maybe you'll take a moment today to give thanks that you have a job. So many others right now do not. If you can pay your bills, keep a roof over your head, and feed and clothe your family, that's a lot to be thankful for.

Spend some time with your family, appreciating the things you have... and appreciating each other. Then consider reaching out with an encouraging note, call or email to someone you know who is unemployed.

HAPPY LABOR DAY!

Congratulations to our Graduates

Last weekend, we celebrated 7 family members graduating from different levels of the educational ladder. Just another reason to get together and enjoy each others company around awesome local food. YES!

The graduates were:

1. Boome obtaining his Associates of Arts in Information Technology from Pioneer Pacific College.
2. Jolene obtaining her Associates of Arts from Chemeketa Community College.
3. Ralston obtaining his Associates of Arts from Chemeketa Community College.
4. Keah completing 8th grade (middle school)
5. Rashawn (Shady) completing 8th grade (middle school)
6. Victoria Mae completing 5th grade (Elementary school)
7. Sydney completing 5th grade (Elementary school)

Here are some pictures from the celebration party.

Congratulations banner on the deck.

Congrats Grads!

Doris explaining, "Get your candy leis and put it around your mother and thank her for supporting you through your accomplishments and Moms....you need to introduce your child and what they accomplished and graduation with...with what degree....or grade. Then, we will bless the food......."

The grads lei'ing da moms.

Did everyone get lei'd?

Okay.....let me share with you, "First, Tori completed the 5th grade and they call it a "send off"......"

Dor and Tor.

Dor and Jolene

Dor and Boome.

Rhonda and her boys, Adrian and Rashawn.

Brenni and her girls, Brittney and Sydney.

Keah and Cang.

Ralston with Mom & Dad (Auntie Janet and Uncle Pete)

Ralston and Clifford
One the youngest of the Hocog-Ogo's and the other the youngest in the Hocog-Aldan's

Mr. & Mrs. Pedro Ogo (Janet)
Our parents out in America

CNMI Represent!
L-R (Clifford, Shady, Ralston, Boome, Inas, and David)

Lovebirds....Jolene and Boom.

Michelle Muna and her nephew.

Shady

Inas, Elohn, and Jolene

Madame Rhonda

Addy boy....this boy loves posing for the camera.

Napu and Bunju

Oh...and forgot to brag about the wonderful party spread.......

YUMMY! The real reason we gather.....lol.

Hot Air Balloon

On my way to work this morning, I saw a spectacular hot balloon in the air just above our neighborhood in Wilsonville. I was drawn to it and drove near to see a better view. And there it was landing in Town Center Park.....wow.

Around this time of the year, in the early mornings, you can get a glimpse of some hot air balloons in the sky around our area. This is the first time I experiencing seeing it land in Wilsonville.

Here's a nice pic of the balloon. I wished I could ride one, one day.

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Below are pics from last year.
I counted 5 hot air balloons in the air....this was in the Tualatin/Tigard area.

I zoomed in to this one. It was pretty high.

Napu Says the Darndest Things.....

I have to say, my kids say the darndest things.....and only recently, I have decided to record some of them. A few comes to mind are words from my son, Napu.

At Church last Sunday
Napu and I were at church and during the collection of the gifts, I handed him the envelope to put into the basket as they pass it around. Napu looks at it and asks me, "Dad, how much did you put in the envelope?" I responded, "Not as much as I would like to give, but it's and okay amount. We need to give as much as we can to help the church help others." He peeks at the envelope and drops it into the basket when it came to us. Moments later, he whispers to me, "Dad, when I grow up and become a NBA basketball player, I will just write a check for $100,000 and give it to the church." I looked at him and my heart sank a bit because my little 8 year old son was learning the meaning of giving. Then I said, "That is an awesome thing to do, I like that!"

At our Father's Day Brunch
We were all gathered around after our meal and I was reading my cards (out loud) from the kids and from my wife. In my card from the kiddos, a little piece of paper with a note on said that my gift was to get new running shoes and shoes for work. The note mentioned that they couldn't just buy my shoes and that I had to go and try on the shoes because my feet were special......how cute? On a side note, a few weeks ago, I went to see the doctor because my ankle was so sore, I could barely walk. When the doctor examined my ankle and foot, he said that I needed new and better shoes.....especially since we weren't 19 years old, any longer. So, I was telling the kids what my doctor said and how I felt I was getting old having this shoe problem......that is why my feet were special......lol.

Then Napu blurts out, "Dad, you're getting old." I said, "What!?! I am just aging." Napu, later, said to his Mom, "Mom, you, too, are aging......cause you use to be HAWT!" Burst of laughter filled the room.....it was so funny and cute. You should of seen the look Dor had......it was so funny. I guess Mom isn't HAWT any longer.....ai adai.

It was nice to recall those moments. Kids or should I say, Napu, said the darndest things!

A Father's Day Poem from my wife......

Wanted to share my beautiful wife's father's day message to me. I am blessed. Hope all the father's enjoy our day and are appreciated like I am. HAPPY FATHER'S DAY....again.

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Good Morning there my Sweetie: I wanted to wish you first a Happy Father's Day. I love you and thank you for being the great father that you are to our kids. I appreciate you so very much!

What Makes a Dad

God took the strength of a mountain,
The majesty of a tree,
The warmth of a summer sun,
The calm of a quiet sea,
The generous soul of nature,
The comforting arm of night,
The wisdom of the ages,
The power of the eagle's flight,
The joy of a morning in spring,
The faith of a mustard seed,
The patience of eternity,
The depth of a family need,
Then God combined these qualities,
When there was nothing more to add,
He knew His masterpiece was complete,
And so, He called it ... Dad

With Love and Gratitude,

DorisAnn