We have a fantastic Physical Education teacher (a position that is funded with help of the monies raised by Jogathon), Mrs. Veronica Lum, and she has been training our students on the course of the run. She also teaches them the importance of an active and healthy lifestyle. Students also individually track their exercise in the weeks prior to Jogathon, and we hold a raffle to award lucky students (who turn in their exercise logs) special prizes (including Jogathon shirts generously signed by the UH men's basketball team, UH wahine volleyball team, and signed items donated by the UH men's volleyball team). Last week, we had a Jogathon rally where a Noelani mom, who has run in many marathons across the US, talked to and inspired the students and got them extra motivated to jog!

The run itself is great fun. All of the students receive special Jogathon t-shirts to run in, and this year, it will be a sea of pastel blue flying across the campus. The students each wear a card on the back of their t-shirt, which get stamped by parent volunteers every time they do a lap. Part of the fun for the students is comparing how many stamps they earned at the end of the run! The event starts with warm up stretches, then the music starts, and the third, fourth, and fifth graders begin to jog! They jog for about half an hour, while they are cheered on by parents and the younger students. They enjoy ice pops at the end of their run, then cheer on the kindergarten, first, and second graders as they run.

The students have been collecting donations from family and friends who support them in their run. Our school goal this year is to raise $35,000 in donations, which will be used to continue the supplemental programs (such as music and PE) that so greatly benefit our students. For those of you in the community who have donated (in past or present years), thank you. Know that your donations continue to make a difference in our children's education.

Noelani Elementary School
2655 Woodlawn Dr.
Honolulu, HI 96822

A special thank you to all of the parent volunteers who work to make our Jogathon such a success year after year. We couldn't do it without you!

Now comes the Mama meets Baby part...Baby aWEARness now shares a space with Hot Mama Maternity, which offers "essential resources and excellent products that are better for baby, better for the environment, and best for mom!" At Hot Mama Maternity, expecting moms can get things like Bella Bands (to help you wear those favorite jeans a little longer!), Mama Mio skin products (to help with those stretch marks), and of course, stylish maternity clothes!

In celebration of the new team of Mama and Baby, the store is putting on a contest. The search is on for the Hot Mama of 2010! If you know a deserving expecting mom, a brand new mommy, or a mom of many, you can nominate her for the title.

Taken from the Baby aWEARness/Hot Mama Maternity website:
What makes a mom a Hot Mama?
Being a Hot Mama isn't about being a super model; it is about being a mom that is awe-inspiring, energetic and creative. Most of all it is about taking pride in one's role as a woman and a mother. As the face of the Baby aWEARness/Hot Mama partnership, Hawaii's Next Hot Mama will serve as an inspiration and role model for mothers and families throughout Hawaii.

Not only does the winner get the Hot Mama of 2010 title, but great prizes, such as a professional photo shoot (for Hot Mama advertisements), a spa package, and over $1000 in prizes from Baby aWEARness and Hot Mama Maternity.

I'm a little late in announcing this contest, as the deadline to submit nominations is February 11. Check out this site for more information and nomination forms!

Baby aWEARness and Hot Mama Maternity
Manoa Marketplace 2nd Floor
Monday - Saturday: 10-6pm
Sunday: 10-1pm

Several friends have generously offered me great blog ideas, which I definitely plan on using. First up... Makiki's Evening Farmer's Market! A couple of Thursdays ago, my friend Ai excitedly called me and told me about the farmer's market at St. Clement's in Makiki, which she had just been to and loved. I had been meaning to check out the market for months, and tomorrow, Ai and I are going to have a market date and then I'll write all about it.

I hope to see you there! Check back tomorrow evening for photos!

Makiki's Evening Farmer's Market
Parish of St. Clement's (corner of Wilder Ave. and Makiki St.)
4:30-7:30pm
"This little market continues to grow with patrons invited to eat under the stars! Fresh produce, delicious food plates, and other locally produced items can be found here each week."

***
As promised, here are photos from this evening's farmer's market- it was wonderful! There was such a cozy, warm feel of our strong community surrounding every aspect of the market, from the friendly people chatting at the booths, to the row of tables (complete with little lamps) down the center of the market to sit and eat as the sun went down. The booths boasted fresh and delicious produce and food plates, and my girlfriends and I enjoyed walking through the market, choosing food to share, and chatting over dinner.

Beautiful flowers for sale!

My friends bought eggplant and squash, reasonably priced and oh so fresh!

This vendor was selling sprouts, a big bag of spring greens, and salad dressings

Volunteers from this charter school were selling jams, ti plants, and more

Now for the food! Each booth lured us in with the delicious smells and samples- yum!

Homemade scones!

Cafe Kiba was definitely one of our favorite finds- the dishes were boldly flavored and unique!

The seared salmon with ponzu sauce

This five spice Persian style chicken (served with yogurt sauce) was moist and so tasty!

A generous serving of Pernil (roast pork)

We picked up this Cuban style beef stew for dinner- so good! The capers added that extra kick!

I was really impressed with this booth- tons of fresh produce and products (pickles and jams this week) made with the abundance of what's in season! And for only $5, I got a huge bowl of the comforting North Shore green papaya soup (with brown rice, egg noodles, big chunks of chicken, shrimp, sea asparagus, and kale!)

From the Blue Lotus, we enjoyed chicken long rice and a plate with brown rice, potato salad, and cucumber kimchee

This vendor was selling calzones (savory and sweet) and grilled pizza! I couldn't resist the pizza and even was treated to watching it being made! Here's the homemade pesto going on the homemade whole wheat crust

Lots of fresh spinach, basil, tomato, and cheese went on to the pizza before it was cooked on the grill

This $5 pizza slice was large, filling, and delicious!

I'll definitely go back to try these calzones (which can be heated on the grill upon request)!

I ran into our representative, Della Au Belatti, picking up a refreshing drink (I ended up getting one, too!)

I ordered this Island Ginger Ale and watched it being made

I loved the carbonation of this drink and the strong ginger flavor was soothing

My friends Ai (left) and Denalee with all the food!

I am already looking forward to stopping by at the market again next week! Hope to see you there!

This year is the first for the Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic, and the tournament is an ESPN Regional TV (ERT) owned and operated event. It's a great opportunity for national exposure, as ten of the twelve games will be televised on the ESPN family of networks. There's always a different vibe in the arena when the lights of ESPN are on us- fans are a little more lively, vocal, pumped up. It's a really fun time.

I have to say, there are a few things I miss about the old Rainbow Classic:
1. The singing of the National Anthem before the game. We'd always get a big time local singer to do the anthem on the first night of the classic- but this year, they did the National Anthem before the earlier game and skipped it before our 7:30pm game. It just felt like something was missing.
2. The Classic always meant big contests and giveaways- didn't see that tonight. One year, my name was picked for a free throw contest at one of the timeouts- I didn't make ANY, but still won a Nike gift package and watch!
3. Classic was 4 days instead of 3- giving each team the opportunity to have a night game. This year, the first round was all played today, so 4 teams had to play in the day.

Anyone else notice any other differences?

Tonight we beat the College of Charleston (it was a great game!), so we'll play UNLV tomorrow at 6:30pm. It will be a GREAT game! My husband Matt's also looking forward to a noon date at the arena tomorrow to see USC play St. Mary's. We're counting on cheering on UH in the championship game on Christmas! Hope to see you there!

There's tons of free parking

In this walkway to the restaurant, you're literally among the tops of trees!

The classic entrance of the restaurant

The inside of the restaurant is huge, and includes three large party areas. Our party occupied the middle room, and there was even a screen (provided by Treetops) that projected adorable photos of Raiden's first year

The best thing about Treetops- the food! The reasonably priced buffet is plentiful and delicious!

These are my two favorite dishes- the silky Chinese style steamed fish and freshly fried shrimp tempura

I can't get enough of the miso soup- the wakame, tofu, and green onion are the perfect condiments for it

Happy Birthday!

Treetops Restaurant
(808)988-6838 Phone
(808)988-1623 Fax
Treetopsrestaurant@gmail.com

3737 Manoa Road
Honolulu Hawaii 96822

Open 7 days a week for weekday and weekend buffet brunch
Call to schedule a private party (30+ guests) in the evening

Throughout the school year, the students have learned about how the hot spot under the Pacific Plate formed underwater volcanoes that eventually became our Hawaiian island chain. They learned about the Polynesians traveling to Hawaii with their canoes, about the early life of the Hawaiians and the ahupua’a, and about Kamehameha the Great and the monarchy that followed. The students learned about the overthrow of the monarchy, plantation life and the sharing of cultures, and all of the other major events that shaped what Hawaii has become today. All of these things will come to life when we visit the Big Island in February 2010. The students will walk through a lava tube, stand on an active volcano, and circle the crater of Kilauea. They will relive history as they visit the missionary house at the Lyman Museum, walk the grounds of Pu’uhonua O Honaunau (the City of Refuge), and explore Honokohau Harbor, Kaloko Fish Pond, King’s Trail Petroglyphs, Puukohola Heiau, and the Ahu'ena Heiau. The students also will walk historic Hilo Town and the Pacific Tsunami Museum, and will go to the amazing Imiloa Astronomy Center, where they will participate in hands-on Science activities and see a state-of-the-art planetarium show.

Because this trip is so valuable and we want all of our students to be able to take part in it, we have several fundraisers to help lessen the costs of the trip. Our final fundraiser to raise money for our general fund is tomorrow, TUESDAY DECEMBER 15, and it's one of our favorites- Pizza Hut Pizza Night! Pizza Hut does a fantastic fundraiser- set a date with a Pizza Hut representative, and your organization will receive 25% of all proceeds made on that day when the attached flyer is presented.

Noelani 4th Gr Pizza Night
Above is the flyer that you need to present and additional information from the flyer:
Instructions
1) Call our State-wide One Number 643-1111 or visit your nearest Hawaii Pizza Hut Restaurant during
regular store hours. (Online ordering cannot be used for Pizza Night)
2) Before ordering, please say: "This is a Pizza Night Order." Then proceed with your order.
3) Fill out the claim check below.
4) Detach the claim check and give to the delivery driver or Pizza Hut cashier at time of payment.
Note: Please be aware we must have the claim check in order to credit your school or organization with the sale. Pizza Night purchases excludes use of Coupons, $5 VIP cards, In-store specials, Lunch Specials, Buffet Sales, purchase of Literacy cards, Gift Certificates, and the Big New Yorker. Sales total does not include tax, tip, and delivery charge. Only Second pizza and Literacy Card discounts will be honored. Sales good on dine-in, carry-out and delivery orders during regular store hours at any participating Pizza Hut restaurant in Hawaii. Following stores do not participate in Pizza Night: UH Campus, Airport, Target, Taco Bell Stores that sell personal pan pizzas

Needless to say, I'll be eating pizza all day long and hope you will, too!

This year, my students reflected on what they were thankful for, and I compiled their thoughts into a poem to share with their families. I thought I'd share it with you, too:

We are Thankful
For Thanksgiving,
the time where we can all join together as a family
For life
For food and water
For stuffing and gravy
For our moms and dads
who take care of us when we're sick,
make sure we have clothes and food,
help with homework,
say jokes to cheer us up,
help us relax when we're upset,
make us happy,
and love us for who we are.
For our grandparents
For family and friends,
who are always there for us when we're down,
support us,
celebrate with us,
provide enjoyment,
and take care of us.
For shelter that we live in
For the games we play
and hugs we get
For love

I'm thankful that I have the opportunity to go to work every day and spend time with children who have the most amazing perspective on life. I echo their gratitude for family and friends whose support, honesty, and love lift and complete me... for health, food, and shelter... for education and for a job that continues to challenge and inspire me... for life's simple joys, miracles, and moments to remember.

Here's your after-Thanksgiving chance to share what you're thankful for- I'd love to hear from you!

These are some photos of our family's Thanksgiving lunch- we stick to a pretty traditional menu, how about you?

My Aunty Vivian serving up her delicious leek soup

My sister's fresh strawberry, walnut, blue cheese green salad

Our pupu of ground beef croquettes my cousin made- I couldn't stop eating these!

Sangria!

Our turkey

Ham- tell me that I'm not the only one who searches for the fatty pieces

My grandmother's yams with extra marshmallows

Broccoli casserole

My cousin Amy's special buttery cornbread with full of fresh corn!

One of my favorites of the feast- mom's stuffing!

My contribution of pumpkin crunch

The fair will boast approximately 120 vendor booths, delicious food (everything from Ono Ono shakes and KC waffle hot dogs to fried noodles, chinese chicken salad, teri burgers, spam musubi, and bentos- and fried rice at the Coffee Express if you get there early enough), and fun keiki games and Xtreme Fun's hottest rides and inflatables. I'll be volunteering at the Keiki rides in the morning, but you can bet that I'll also find time to EAT and SHOP! Check back in a few days for photos (in the meantime, here are a few from last year):

Noelani Elementary Craft and Children's Fair
2655 Woodlawn Dr.
November 14, 2009
9am-2pm
Parking available on Noelani field and St. Francis school

***
I can't let this day go by without sending out a very special HAPPY BIRTHDAY and I LOVE YOU, to my mom! Her unconditional love and support mean more to me than I could ever express, and she makes me a stronger and better woman and mother by her example.

Just a little Manoa info you may not know about (Oahu Ave) . You know that part of Oahu Ave that the UH students use for free parking . This will be unavailable for parking from 8:30AM to 3:00PM starting on the 16, of November ... I have taken photos of a hole that has opened up when last it rained...the hole is just 6 feet from a driveway that was torn up years ago from an even bigger rainstorm . The storm-drain is going to be replaced . This will disrupt The Bus from coming down Oahu Ave and the parking of 40 to 50 cars on the street.

The road work is especially a concern for UH students who usually park along this street, and for those who rely on the bus for transportation. Here are the photos shared by Mr. Cagle:

"We are offering three special outdoor tours for children followed by an activity. The tour explores our unique cultural site which features an ancient heiau and native plant garden. Hawaiian cultural and natural history topics are presented in an educational and entertaining format by trained adult guides. Parents are welcome to join the tour. FREE!"

To take advantage of this "Furlough Friday" activity (held from 8:30-11:30am), make reservations by phone or e-mail:
Phone: 988-1287
E-mail: margomhc@hawaiiantel.net

This summer, I toured the Manoa Heritage Center with my mom, aunty, and stepson Kai. I was captivated by this special spot- the power of the restored heiau, the carefully tended native garden, and the interesting stories told by our knowledgeable tour guide made for a very special afternoon.

The beautiful native garden

I appreciated the signs identifying the plants- I learned so much!

The restored heiau, which I found amazing

Cultural artifacts found in the heritage center