Good days...

We had one of those really good days at the beach last week. The kind where you just feel full inside and wish time could just stop. We were at Flemming beach near our house. Flemming holds a lot of memories for us as many talks have happened and big decisions made, like me saying yes to another year on Maui (now here we are 8 years later and counting...) and we also celebrated Deveraux's 2nd and 4th birthdays there and one of my birthdays, and it's one of Andrew's favorite surf spots. It is special. Well the good thing about good moments is they are not planned or anticipated, that is probably what makes them good. I was also caught without a camera (something hard for me) and so this piece of wood is what I have to remember the day.

We came upon the biggest hole I have seen someone dig in the sand. Well Anderson knew it had been made for him as he ran to it. Deveraux not far behind ran into it as well. Then they just played...running, jumping, sliding, running from one hole to another, crashing into each other. There is such joy to be found in this kind of a moment and sadness. I was reminded that our children won't be children forever, they won't run with abandon as we watch them giggle and tumble and be ours in way they won't be ours one day. Their moment caused me much joy and yet I couldn't help but think, oh but this won't last. This is a good reminder because knowing this helps me to engage and try (a battle) to not always be about the task. There will always be something to do (wash a dish, wipe a counter, pick up a toy) and there will be an ache about wanting more or "when this happens...."or planning the next thing. I have been more in touch with the brevity I have these little ones in this way and I want to savor each moment. They are so eager for engagement, play, attention, love, at any moment and I want to be also!

So my prayer...Lord, help me to just be in the day, content, alive, seeking, some struggle of course, but victory. Knowing these days won't last forever and life isn't just about getting things done. It is about stopping, enjoying, your will Lord, how do you want me to serve. Lord, I want what you want, it's the only thing that makes sense because I know me. Have your way.

Hula Girl!

We have begun a new adventure in island life...HULA!

Deveraux is trying out Hula lessons, mostly Tahitian dance. We have been very proud of her for starting something unfamiliar and being a standout amongst the locals with her blonde hair. Getting the hips to move is challenging but she is there each week ready to join in. Her teachers are friends from when I was teaching at the intermediate school. We had asked them to give her a Hawaiian name at her church dedication when she was month old. They gave her the name, Makana Makamae Maikalani which means the precious gift from heaven.

I also had an adventure of making a "hip" which is the grass skirt (I have included a picture). You know you are in Hawaii when you run out of leaves so you run outside and grab some leafs off the nearest tree to finish your daughters skirt!

Who knows for how long and where this journey will take us..for now we will listen to the drum beat! Anderson might need to wait alittle while before he starts hula.....

Drewy's 40th

The dreaded day came (according to Andrew). The day Andrew celebrated 40 years. I call them blessed days and we tried to reframe the day for him by having an evening of celebrating his wonderful life. We celebrated at our new home which felt meaningful and a good way to continue to build important memories. The gathering was intimate, yet it felt as though we were surrounded as we read all the wonderful words and memories from so many loved ones. This was indeed the highlight. We had so many responses. Each one taking on a life of it's own. The next thing we knew it was time for cake. We laughed, we remembered, we shed some tears and just had grateful hearts for the man in our presence and for all the precious moments shared with so many. Many of you know Andrew's penchant for asking questions to others...well we got him back and he enjoyed every minute of it! We ended the evening with gifts, including two original pieces of art. Turning 40 isn't so bad.

Surf's Up

Just wanted to mark an important event in the Gallagher home...Deveraux catching a wave and engaging with the ocean. Maui has been Deveraux's home with the exception of 6 months in Breckenridge. Of course, we have had the desire that she would love the ocean and the waves but she has been cautious about them and rightly so. But lately she has been starting to enjoy it's tumbles and unpredictability and especially having older cousins helped even more. So Deveraux tried out boogie boarding, paddle surfing, and just has enjoyed being tossed here and there. The highlight was watching dada and Deveraux paddle out on his board and catch a wave together. It was a good day.

Aloha Pacifier!

We recently said Aloha (goodbye and we love you) on July 30th, to Deveraux's pacifier, who we affectionately called paci since she was about 8 weeks old. I resisted the pacifier at first because I did not want her to get to attached. Well....




I personally thought the paci would go when the drivers license came, I honestly wondered when it would happen. Deveraux loved her paci's, she would use them to go to sleep and provide comfort when needed. Deveraux has never had another object (blankie, stuffed animal) that she consistently had for sleeping and comfort, it was just paci. We believe it happened when Noelle, her cousin came to stay with us and Deveraux just forgot about it for the first couple of nights due to the excitement of sleeping together in her room. So we just kept going. Deveraux has displayed much courage. We have had some hard moments, I know she relied on paci for much comfort and to help her with intense feelings. I miss paci for her and for me. It was a sign of Deveraux being my baby and just the look of her with paci in her mouth, well, hard to let go of.


The pictures reflect our paci celebration...a day of saying thank you and moving on. Deveraux got to choose her day, which included the park and yummy yogurt in the evening and cards to paci.





Oh and Aunt Roni (Stefany) bought Deveraux a hula outfit to celebrate...so we went from a paci to a coconut bra...

The Guest Room is Open!

It has been awhile since I have written because our summer took off with family guests! How blessed we were!





My mom (Gigi) came first for 3 weeks. Our time was so filled, we kept her hopping with activities around Maui and projects at home like painting a bed, a dresser, and two mirrors (wow!). Deveraux and Gigi were pals... talking up a storm, sleeping together at night, and coming up the stairs purses in hand ready for the day. When mom left I felt like a part of home was leaving. She is such a blessing to me. I don't think I touched the dishwasher the entire time she was here and I felt like I could have a running commentary on my life with her listening ear ever attentive. I love you mom!


Next was Papa D and Tia who showered us with attention...pedicure and massage for Andrew, hanging out regularly with Deveraux in bed reading stories, celebrating Andrew's birthday, getting to know Anderson(Papa D said Anderson is the busiest boy he has ever seen), time in our house, celebrating 4th of July, Tara cleaning our car (a gift I will not forget) and beach and pool time. We felt cared for and so enjoyed another Gallagher visit as Deveraux said they "overfill the whole family with love!"

One really wonderful moment was seeing Deveraux sit between her grandma's at dinner (Mom flew out the night Papa D and Tia came to Maui). Deveraux just looked so full!


Stefany (or Aunt Roni) and Carter and Noelle came and celebrated the twins birthdays with us. We went to so many pools and beaches in 10 days, probably a world record! We had such a good time seeing the kids explore, try new adventures, and just have fun! The Twins got reconnected with a more grown Anderson and just loved on him. When we weren't in water, they were at the house playing up a storm and creating dances and play kitchen. Stef and I of course enjoyed rich conversation and doing life together! Thank you sweet family for making the journey and loving on us!

We were so looking forward to opening up this new home of ours to those we love! It was the first time we have had a guest room! It was nice to spread out and for everyone to feel they had a place to be and fun to see how the space was used. Although, a couch in our living room might have a place in the future, it was fun to offer a space for everyone!