A Cold Front...

...has hit Hawaii. It was 62 degrees when I left the house this morning, which feels FANTASTIC to me! Others...not so much. I can't even count how many students came in today wearing jackets, long pants, and complaining about the cold! Seriously? I also heard that one of the weather forecasters here was on TV yesterday, wearing a North Face jacket and gloves! I find this all to be slightly humorous. :)

In other news, this week is Teacher Appreciation Week! I have been getting fruit (yes, lots of apples), stationary, flowers, and leis all week. But today takes the cake for being the best...hand-written notes of thanks from students. :) I have been getting the sweetest cards and drawings...some from students I never imagined cared or thought of me any more than the time we spend together in class. Who knows, maybe I will be one of those memorable teachers in some kid's life?! I am very humbled (and have shed a few secret tears) at the thoughtfulness of my students and the power I have to leave a positive impression on them. What an awesome day!

Who was your most memorable teacher or mentor? WHY did that person leave such an impression on you?

I'm Making Our "Good Luck" Meal...

...of pork tenderloin, black-eyed peas, collard greens, and cornbread today. Our good luck meal means one thing...it's a new year! Which also means I'm feeling a bit anxious today for all that 2012 will bring.

Today is January 1st. We will be leaving Hawaii in July. That's SIX MONTHS away! I know from previous moving experiences that six months will FLY by in the blink of an eye. And I'm kind of freaking out about that today. I'm not sure why it just hit me today, but it has, and now I'm thinking of all the things I want to do in the next six months. Rather than make resolutions that I know I won't keep ;), I'm making a list of things that will make me feel I have enjoyed Hawaii and won't leave this beautiful state with any regrets...

1. I changed my blog background to a "beachy" one...I figure I should enjoy this background while I still live at the beach. :)

2. I want to revisit some of the other islands. We've been to Kauai, the Big Island of Hawaii, and Maui. However, I don't feel that we enjoyed all there is to offer on each of these! So, I'm thinking some long weekend trips and perhaps a Spring Break island-hop is in order. We also have yet to set foot on Niihau, Molokai, or Lanai, but we have seen them from afar.

3. I would like to travel to one (or ALL) of the following: New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, Bora Bora, Tahiti, and this list goes on and on. Maybe in June? After I'm done with school and our household goods are long gone?? So many places to see...and so little time to see them!

4. I have 87 teaching days left. A couple of weeks ago, I would have sighed at the thought of having SO many days left. But, the new year (and much needed break) has provided a nice reset for me and I now see this number as ONLY 87 days left to shape, mold, and leave an impression on these awesome kids who deserve love, patience, and more patience. ;) If I set any resolution, it will be to take deep breaths and remember that these kids are LEARNING and it's my job to TEACH them to be the people I want to associate with in the real world. I also hold the great responsibility of leading them to a love (or, at least, something beyond a hatred) for science and math, as these kids have the potential to do great things for future generations!

5. I want to enjoy Hawaii's beaches, culture, people, cuisine, and music every chance that I get...I've become desensitized to hearing "aloha" and "mahalo", but I know I'll miss this dearly when it's no longer at my fingertips. The Hawaiian people are among the friendliest we have ever met. Sure, there are bad people and areas...but bad people and areas exist everywhere! The Hawaiian/local people have been wonderful to us because we have been respectful and kind to them. I'm not sure how some of the military community has come to the conclusion that "Hawaiians don't like military people"...what an unfortunate stereotype. This assignment is so much more than living in paradise, enjoying Mai Tais on the beaches, and wearing shorts year round...it's about embracing another culture and keeping an open mind while learning about something bigger than you. And that's what I plan to continue to do for the next six months! I'm going to miss the kama'aina!

6. I also want to enjoy quality time with the amazing friends we have here. I never thought Hawaii would feel like a home to me, especially when we were living in TLF, had no friends, and I was crying and missing my Charleston friends (whom I STILL love and miss dearly)! Now, I know I'll have the same reaction as we fly back over the Pacific to a new home. Okay, I'm done thinking about that for now...

7. Lastly, I want to slow down...I want to savor each moment of each day, no matter how small it is. I went to the beach for the first time in MONTHS recently and just laid there, ran my fingers through the sand, and soaked up that day along with some sun. As I cleared my mind and just thought of what a blessed life we live, I felt a rush of happiness run through me. I want to feel that every day...so I must slow down to feel those moments and to take those opportunities to give thanks.

And with that, I wish you all a blessed and happy 2012!

Mele Kalikimaka...

...and Hau’oli Makahiki Hou! (Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!) I still have a hard time saying that with a straight face, but figure I should take advantage of it while we still live here in Hawaii! :)

We kicked off our Christmas break this year with an overdue trip to Maui! School let out on a Friday, I went straight home to get ready for our squadron's Christmas party, and then it was back home to pack for our 8 a.m. flight the next morning. Quite a whirlwind, as I don't really remember even being in the airport that morning! But it was all worth it as we began our relaxing drive around the beautiful coastline of Northwest Maui. Ahh, what a gorgeous island! All of the Hawaiian islands are SO different from one another, Maui having it's own unique features, too. As we traveled to our resort, we couldn't help but notice how rural and untouched Maui is, and there aren't many people! I pictured an island with big cities, where Hollywood's rich and famous come to vacation...kind of like a "Hawaiian Beverly Hills". Maui is NOT like that at all!

Our first stop was Kaanapali Beach for a couple of nights in a resort. We enjoyed doing a whole lot of NOTHING, a nap on the beach, some awesome snorkeling...I saw my first spotted eagle ray, several turtles, and we heard TONS of whales in the distance, and we enjoyed dining at several nice restaurants. Unfortunately, we both came down with colds while at the resort, but we were determined to make the most of our vacation!

Rainbow along coastline drive

The first of many cute little churches we would see in Maui!

Nakalele Blowhole

Molokai, another Hawaiian island, in the distance

Another cute church!

Our view from the resort lanai...and Lanai, the island! :)

Not feeling very well, it was a tough decision to check out of the resort on Day 3, as we decided to CAMP our third night in Maui! I know, you must think that we lost our minds, but we had a good reason. We drove the Road to Hana, a winding road along the coastline through beautiful rainforests...this drive takes 3-4 hours one way (Maui is BIG) and we didn't want to feel rushed to drive back that night. So, taking advice from some friends who had recently done the same, we camped at a beautiful beachfront campground just on the other side of Hana. I think we were the only ones there who were camping for leisure and not living out of our car, but our fellow campmates seemed to be enjoying life. ;)

Road to Hana...driving through lush, tropical hills

One of many valleys along our drive...Maui is known as the "Valley Isle" (I can see why!)

Looking back at the Road to Hana (you can see it in the hillside)

With rain, you get waterfalls. With LOTS of rain (throughout your entire vacation) you get LOTS of waterfalls. I have seven pictures of different waterfalls, and those were just the ones we saw from the road while driving!

There are several roadside fruit stands along the Road to Hana...

...and they operate on the "honor system"! I love it!!

Our awesome camp set-up, with crashing waves nearby!

After a somewhat sleepless night due to the pouring rain, we packed up on Day 4 and continued our drive around the Southern coastline (BEAUTIFUL, we liked this drive better than the Road to Hana). Perhaps the best part of this hidden gem of a road is the little church and graveyard, tucked away in the rainforest, where Charles Lindbergh has been laid to rest! Blaine was beyond thrilled, and humbled, to be in the presence of this amazing pilot. This drive took us around and back up towards Haleakala, the big crater on Maui. We made last minute plans (two days prior) to stay at Kula Lodge, a charming log cabin lodge up on the mountain. So cozy..and it felt like winter as the temperatures were in the 40's and 50's! Yes, it gets cold in Hawaii! This is also the point in which I realized Blaine left all of my winter clothes packed in the resort dresser! The resort has since mailed them to me, and I have since forgiven Blaine. ;) We positioned ourselves at this lodge so that we could be close enough to make it to the infamous sunrise at the summit of Haleakala. Of course, the weather did not cooperate, so we didn't see the sunrise, but we loved the lodge and will go back again!

Seven Sacred Pools...I'm sure they're more glorious when a monsoon hasn't turned them into a muddy mess!

Charles Lindbergh fell in love with Maui after a visit and decided to make it his home. He was diagnosed with lymphosarcoma, was getting treatments in New York at which point he was told he didn't have much time left, and so he decided to stop treatments and return to Maui because he wanted to die here.

Haleakala Crater

My favorite little church! I think Maui should be known as the "Island of Adorable Little Churches"!

After a wet and cold night of camping, we needed and appreciated this warm, cozy fireplace at the lodge!

We spent Day 5 checking out the area near the lodge before heading to the airport to return home. We visited the Kula Lavender Farm (awesome!) and the Tedeschi Winery, where we stocked up on yummy wines! After every trip to the other islands, we have returned home wanting more, so I'm sure we'll head back to Maui before we leave Hawaii.

Lavender farm overlooking West Maui! Gorgeous!!

Lavender...the air smelled so wonderful!

I love lavender. :)

Our chameleon friend at the winery!

We returned from Maui four days before Christmas, enough time to get together with friends and neighbors for Christmas celebrations! We hosted a small Christmas Eve EVE celebration, baked SO MANY goodies, joined our friends at their chapel Christmas morning, and wrapped up the season with a perfect Christmas potluck out back with friends and neighbors. This was our first year away from family, whom we missed so much, but our wonderful friends are just like family to us and we enjoyed every second spent with them!

Baby Taylor didn't find it nearly as amusing as we did to put her in the Christmas top hat!

Gabe and Diana scored the most coveted gift in the gift exchange...a "Christmas Vacation" ornament! It was stolen three times!

The boys made a ruckus outside...

...while the girls played a game of Apples to Apples!

Jewlee decorated the tables for Christmas...perfect for our Hawaiian Christmas potluck!

Jewlee and I both donned our sparkly Christmas shirts! :)

A wonderful Christmas break so far, and we're only half-way through!! We hope you are enjoying this season with friends and family and feel as blessed as we do.

Beer and Chili...Staples of Fall

We hosted our First Annual Baker Beer Bash and Chili Cook-off last night! This event combined our love for good beers and spicy chilis into one epic party. ;) We've hosted beer tastings and chili cook-offs before, but never together...so was born an annual event in the Baker household!

Despite the rain yesterday, we had a great turn out of 40 friends! Wow, just writing that made me smile at how blessed we are to know 40 people who love us enough to attend our party. Or maybe they came for the beer and chili... :) Blaine and I spent the last couple of weeks getting ready for last night, and I think it paid off in the final product. We had a beer tasting competition in which guests brought their favorite beers, I poured them into unmarked bottles, and away we went at scoring each beer (11 total) on taste, texture, smell, and type of beer. We also had a total of nine pots of chili for the chili cook-off, which were all scored based on favorites. We crowned three winners after all was said and done and I think a great time was had by everyone!

Enjoying good beer, great chili, and AWESOME friends!

Our set up...very warm and cozy!

We even had a tent...which was a great decision considering that it rained on and off all night!

Beer tasting station #1...with beer-ritas for the non-beer drinkers

Beer tasting station #2


Dessert and cornbread spread!


Chocolate Stout Cake Shots...mmmm, chocolate cake made with chocolate stout beer!


Grand prize for the favorite chili...a chili cookbook, a set of Williams Sonoma kitchen towels, three different Williams Sonoma spices, a Rogue Chipotle Ale beer, and a blue ribbon made by yours truly! ;)


Scoresheets and pencils...yes, Blaine insisted on buying 20 clipboards.


Enjoying the beer sampling!


Is Steve eating chili directly from the pot?! ;)


The girls from our 'hood!


Linsey and Erin...the same sweet girls that surprised me with a birthday cake last year during softball season!

Rain, rain, go away...Crystal is not deterred!

Blaine announces the winning favorite beer...Alaskan White Ale!

Thanks, Jon and Ashley, for the winning submission! The prizes for the beer winners were Rogue Chipotle Ales and gift cards to our local liquor store.

Bobby guessed the most types of beer...8 out of 11!

Jason and Linsey take the chili prize! Yummy chili!!

The sign of an awesome party...

Looking forward to our Second Annual Baker Beer Bash and Chili Cook-off! I hope our new neighbors in Alabama are ready to party!! :)

Sweet Home Alabama...

It's a pretty catchy tune, you can go ahead and sing it!

I can't even count how many times I've driven through this state on the long trek from Charleston, South Carolina to Austin, Texas. Alabama was our "half-way point" and where we stayed the night on most trips. I didn't pay much attention to it then...but I should have! We just found out Blaine will be attending Air Command and Staff College in good 'ole Montgomery next August! Come July, we will make Montgomery, Alabama our new home for about a year or so. Of course, this is a bittersweet time as we have made Hawaii our home and love it here...what an amazing island rich in history and culture! While I'm sad to leave paradise and the wonderful friends we've made on this journey, I'm really excited about this new adventure and the pros that come along with it...

1. We will be within ONE day's drive of BOTH of our families and LOTS of close friends!

2. We will be back in the South...I love the South. :)

3. We will have somewhat normal fall and winter weather...it's just not the same sipping pumpkin spice lattes when it's 85 degrees outside.

4. Charleston and Austin, two of my most favorite cities, are only a day's drive away.

5. We can watch college football (Clemson and Texas) again as I'm sure it will be televised in Alabama much more than it is in Hawaii! And the games will be shown at normal times and not at 5 a.m.!!

6. I will have access to real shopping (and fave restaurants) again...I can't wait! I've already researched the area for a Hobby Lobby, a Home Goods store, Potterybarn, Chick-fil-a, and Olive Garden. These are all things I never knew I'd miss so much until living thousands of miles from them! My first stop will be Hobby Lobby, followed by lunch at Chick-fil-a.

7. Above all, perhaps the top pro is that Blaine has been given this opportunity to attend school...something we are so very grateful for! Thank you, Air Force, for being so generous to us.

So, Alabama, here we come! We look forward to seeing where this chapter in life takes us. What else does this all mean for YOU? Our time in Hawaii is quickly dwindling down...we hope you'll find the time to visit us and enjoy all that this amazing island has to offer!

Some October Happenings..

Ahh, what an amazingly beautiful sunrise on the North Shore! Why was I standing on the beach at 5:45 a.m. all the way up on the North Shore last Saturday morning?? My first senior class camping trip, that's why!

I am a senior class advisor at school and last weekend was our first camping trip. The trip is meant for bonding and fun around a campfire, which is what happened for the most part. The other part...well, you can imagine what it's like camping overnight with 20 teenagers. Lots of laughing, little sleep, and some whining from all. ;) It was such a neat experience as we, the four advisors, did not intervene much and allowed for this to be a learning experience. The students were completely responsible for organizing this trip. Great examples of teachable moments...when you're feeding 25 people (principal included), you should make sure you have enough food. 50 hot dogs are great...but not with 24 buns. Also, if you plan for scrambled eggs and bacon for breakfast, you should probably think to bring PANS and cooking spray in order to cook them!

The best part, I thought, were the activities. Not because I was in charge of the activities committee ;), but because the students planned some fun things! We played Hide and Seek and Capture the Flag in the dark with glowsticks...and we also did an improv-"Whose Line is it Anyway" game around the campfire! Our students have such creative minds...we were laughing all night! Another favorite moment for me was roasting marshmallows and making s'mores. One of the students had never made s'mores before and I really enjoyed teaching him to make them. I felt the bonding! Aside from the whining when it came to cleaning and packing up, we had such a great time and I think we achieved the bonding piece!

Back at school the following Monday, my Chemistry classes celebrated Mole Day! I'm sure you all celebrate this well-known holiday each year, as well. ;) Mole Day is a Chemistry-holiday, only celebrated by the nerdiest of the nerds, I'm sure, to bring awareness and fun to Chemistry...namely to Avogadro's number. Ring a bell? I had to refresh my memory, too. Avogadro's number, or the mole, is a HUGE number used to measure quantities of atoms. A mole is 6.02 X 10^23 OR 602,000,000,000,000,000,000,000! A mole of anything has this many things, if you will! So, I asked my students how much paper you would have if you had one mole of sheets of paper. They all guessed, some said a football field length and some guessed a skyscraper high. I then asked, "Would you believe me if I said you would have enough paper to stack from here to the moon and back?" Some jaws dropped...and then I said, "Would you believe me if I said you would have enough paper to stack from here to the moon and back 80 BILLION TIMES?"! To which their little minds started to spin. ;) That's how huge this number--a mole--is! I followed this up by showing them an aluminum foil sculpture of a mole (the animal kind) that I sculpted and held in the palm of my hand. I then told them that I had exactly one mole of aluminum atoms in the palm of my hand. The SAME number of sheets of paper from my previous example! And now YOU, too, have had a Chemistry lesson! :)

The point was to show them just how BIG Avogadro's number is and just how SMALL an atom is. For our activity, all of my students weighed out one mole of aluminum atoms (aluminum foil is pure aluminum)...one mole of aluminum atoms (foil) weighs 27 grams. Then they all sculpted their very own aluminum foil "moles" (the animal kind). Of course, no celebration would be complete without treats...mole cupcakes and leMOLEade! ;)

I decorated my classroom with balloons to get in the "celebration" mood! My students do have faces in real life instead of black circles. ;)

Students making their mole sculptures...I was surprised at how excited they were to make these!

And, for fun, here's a picture of what my classroom door looks like right now. I have some very artistic homeroom students (six boys!) who insisted our door needed to look like this. A far cry from the bright, pretty colors I use inside. ;)

Last, but certainly not least, Blaine and I recently ran in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. You may remember that I wrote about my aunt Diana, who was battling breast cancer, a couple of months back when I first mentioned this race. I'm sad to report that she passed away on September 15th, a couple of weeks after I wrote that post...all the more reason we were so honored to support such a worthy cause. One day, there will be a cure!

So, that's what we've been up to lately! Tonight marks our neighbor's second annual Murder Mystery dinner party...more pics on that to come soon!