Aloha friends and family!
Okay, this is four months late, but I did want to tell everyone about Noah's 1st birthday experiences! Yes, there was more than one!
In Hawaii, it is traditional to celebrate the first year of life with a baby Luau, which is a big party. Families usually spare no expense to do this, because at one time many children did not live past a year. We did not take on this tradition because of the expense and the effort to do this is enormous. So, Noah had quite a few parties to celebrate!
First, Noah had a party with a few of his close friends over on Thursday, July 12 at our hale (house). We tie-dyed onesies and ate brunch food and played. It was really very sweet!
Then, Friday at our "Baby Hui" Playgroup, the day of his birthday, I brought in cupcakes that said "Happy Birthday Noah" and we played and had our usual gathering of friends.
All the way from Woodstock, IL. Noah received his first Birthday package from his Aunt Erin --which included a birthday hat, bib and toy cell phone so he could "call" his Auntie and say thank you. This was such a touching gift and we felt very connected to family all the way in the Midwest.
Noah also received gifts and cards from others. Mahalo to all!
More later, Noah is trying to turn off the computer! Do you think he's trying to tell me something?
Love, Rachel, CHris and Noah
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Superstar!!!
Superstar..well, not really, just a chance to see a new film being shot here in Kauai. Noah and I and friends went to the see the set of the upcoming movie, Tropical Thunder . The movie is starring Ben Stiller, Tom Cruise, Robert Downey Jr. and others....pretty cool! Never a dull moment here in Kauai!
Monday, June 25, 2007
From Coast to Coast --Part 2
Aloha and hello from Maine!
We have a few more days here and then we journey back to the Chicago area and then home to Kauai. It is hard to belieive that our time in Maine is almost over. We have experienced the "controlled chaos" of Chris' family gathering together. It is fun to see how everyone has grown and changed over the past two years since Chris and I were here last. All the children big and small running around -- Noah has loved it. he does not get overwhelmed with the crowds of people and has been great. He has just been observing each family member and loves to study faces and listen to the different voices.
We have also been visiting other friends and relatives along the way -- but please understand that because of limited time and energy, we cannot see everyone. We do hope however, that you will visit this blog and "travel" with us, as well as keep in touch so we can stay connected to each and everyone of you. We probably will not get back to the Mainland again for another couple of years. Know that each of you are welcome to visit and join us along the journey as we build memories and learn how to live aloha.
We have a few more days here and then we journey back to the Chicago area and then home to Kauai. It is hard to belieive that our time in Maine is almost over. We have experienced the "controlled chaos" of Chris' family gathering together. It is fun to see how everyone has grown and changed over the past two years since Chris and I were here last. All the children big and small running around -- Noah has loved it. he does not get overwhelmed with the crowds of people and has been great. He has just been observing each family member and loves to study faces and listen to the different voices.
We have also been visiting other friends and relatives along the way -- but please understand that because of limited time and energy, we cannot see everyone. We do hope however, that you will visit this blog and "travel" with us, as well as keep in touch so we can stay connected to each and everyone of you. We probably will not get back to the Mainland again for another couple of years. Know that each of you are welcome to visit and join us along the journey as we build memories and learn how to live aloha.
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Coast to Coasted
Aloha family and friends!
I cannot believe that Chris, Noah and I have made it to Maine for our summer vacation. We began our journey back to the mainland from our home in Kauai on June 5, flying from Honolulu to Chicago. We stayed with Rachel's sister, brother in law and niece in Woodstock, IL and visited Rachel's folks in Chicago. Noah has experienced most modes of transportation up to this point. We took a metra train into the city, took a taxi to my parents apartment (btw, the taxi driver's name was Noah also!).
Wednesday night, we met up with a friend from seminary, Bob A., and enjoyed dinner with him in Woodstock, IL. Then, we began our journey east on Thursday morning toward Maine. We stopped a few times as we normally would for meals and to stretch our legs. Noah has been such a trooper! He kept to his schedule quite well -- despite the many new environments he has encountered thus far.
So here we are on Saturday night writing to you from the beautiful South Bristol, ME. The seagulls are having a convention of sorts on the oceanfront which is literally right out the front door (and every door) of the house. Noah and all of us -- are glad to not be moving in a car and ready to relax now for a few weeks.
Another friend of ours, who who met in Indiana on Thursday for lunch has a blog also. The title of it is "Live like a traveler". I believe this is very true for us -- we kept our luggage as light as we could -- and didn't bring a lot of stuff for Noah. The best thing has been to depend on the kindness of family to help us with the other "stuff" needed. It is amazing how adaptable we have been and how much you really DONT need to travel or live ....
We hope you enjoy our pictures and blog -- please send us your responses and share your stories with us.
Love from Rachel, Chris and Noah
I cannot believe that Chris, Noah and I have made it to Maine for our summer vacation. We began our journey back to the mainland from our home in Kauai on June 5, flying from Honolulu to Chicago. We stayed with Rachel's sister, brother in law and niece in Woodstock, IL and visited Rachel's folks in Chicago. Noah has experienced most modes of transportation up to this point. We took a metra train into the city, took a taxi to my parents apartment (btw, the taxi driver's name was Noah also!).
Wednesday night, we met up with a friend from seminary, Bob A., and enjoyed dinner with him in Woodstock, IL. Then, we began our journey east on Thursday morning toward Maine. We stopped a few times as we normally would for meals and to stretch our legs. Noah has been such a trooper! He kept to his schedule quite well -- despite the many new environments he has encountered thus far.
So here we are on Saturday night writing to you from the beautiful South Bristol, ME. The seagulls are having a convention of sorts on the oceanfront which is literally right out the front door (and every door) of the house. Noah and all of us -- are glad to not be moving in a car and ready to relax now for a few weeks.
Another friend of ours, who who met in Indiana on Thursday for lunch has a blog also. The title of it is "Live like a traveler". I believe this is very true for us -- we kept our luggage as light as we could -- and didn't bring a lot of stuff for Noah. The best thing has been to depend on the kindness of family to help us with the other "stuff" needed. It is amazing how adaptable we have been and how much you really DONT need to travel or live ....
We hope you enjoy our pictures and blog -- please send us your responses and share your stories with us.
Love from Rachel, Chris and Noah
Friday, May 11, 2007
A poem from Chris
Chris has been reflecting on our journey here in Hawaii through Poetry...here is a sample for you.
Time composed 1/27/07
In this place
Time is not the case
Life is grand
More than you can stand
If you only visit
Then you will miss it
When it is here you live
Receive you will and give
Life is not standard in line
Rather your view refine
Circular is every day
Especially when you stay
Time does not fly
Rather rolls by
Some may say humbug and bah
But best to live aloha
Time composed 1/27/07
In this place
Time is not the case
Life is grand
More than you can stand
If you only visit
Then you will miss it
When it is here you live
Receive you will and give
Life is not standard in line
Rather your view refine
Circular is every day
Especially when you stay
Time does not fly
Rather rolls by
Some may say humbug and bah
But best to live aloha
We are Family!
ALoha!
The cats arrived safe and sound on Monday May 7. CHris picked them up in Honolulu and then they flew to Kauai -- just in time for dinner together! It is so great to be complete as a family! It may seem strange to those that don't have cats -- but we are so glad we have them here.
However, the homecoming wasn't exactly as smooth as you might think....Lillith decided to chase a gecko out the window and fell out of the screen in the middle of the night.. we didn't realize she had fallen out until the morning when we got up and couldn't find her anywhere -- until I saw fur and a pushed out window screen! We thought we had lost her until Chris found her under the house. Chris -- the brave soul that he is -- braved the unknown territory under the house to retreive Lillith which took about an hour to complete. Chris and Lillith came out unscathed yet certainly a little emotionally wracked! Noah and mom waited anxiously in the house until I heard Chris grunting his way out from under the house doing the army crawl with Lillith wrapped in his sweatshirt! At least the climate is right!
Since then no more escapees. Lillith and Buddha have acclimated quite well back into our lives -- its like they never left.
The cats arrived safe and sound on Monday May 7. CHris picked them up in Honolulu and then they flew to Kauai -- just in time for dinner together! It is so great to be complete as a family! It may seem strange to those that don't have cats -- but we are so glad we have them here.
However, the homecoming wasn't exactly as smooth as you might think....Lillith decided to chase a gecko out the window and fell out of the screen in the middle of the night.. we didn't realize she had fallen out until the morning when we got up and couldn't find her anywhere -- until I saw fur and a pushed out window screen! We thought we had lost her until Chris found her under the house. Chris -- the brave soul that he is -- braved the unknown territory under the house to retreive Lillith which took about an hour to complete. Chris and Lillith came out unscathed yet certainly a little emotionally wracked! Noah and mom waited anxiously in the house until I heard Chris grunting his way out from under the house doing the army crawl with Lillith wrapped in his sweatshirt! At least the climate is right!
Since then no more escapees. Lillith and Buddha have acclimated quite well back into our lives -- its like they never left.
Saturday, May 5, 2007
the cats are coming! the cats are coming!
It is hard to believe....the cats are coming! Lillith and Buddha will join us on Monday, May 7. Chris is flying to HOnolulu to pick them up and then fly with them back to Kauai. What a journey! We are excited, anxious and relieved to get this process FINALLY done! Why did we have to wait so long to get them? Well, its a LONG story...but they had to be quarantined back in Wisconsin due to the strict requirements that Hawaii has for pets and rabies concerns. There is zero rabies on the island because of these strict rules -- but it makes our part of the journey frustrating... The cats had been staying with "friends" in Wisconsin, and then were moved to the American Animal Hospital in Neenah (which we highly recommend!) for the final leg of their journey in Wisconsin. Then the kind hearted souls at the AAH are driving the cats MOnday morning to Chicago from Wisconsin. We are so appreciative of them!
Stay tuned for more... we need to head to the beach on this beautiful Saturday afternoon!
ALoha -a hui hou! Rachel, Chris and Noah
Stay tuned for more... we need to head to the beach on this beautiful Saturday afternoon!
ALoha -a hui hou! Rachel, Chris and Noah
Monday, April 30, 2007
A not so "stay at home" mom... and dad's green thumb
Good evening friends and family!
Just thought I'd take a moment and share some other updates about Noah's mom and dad!
Sundays are "work" days, as Chris continues his good work as the Pastor at both the Kapaa Hawaiian Church and counselor at Personal Parenting. Rachel is keeping busy with Noah, but also is preaching occassionally at Hanapepe Hawaiian church --about 40 minutes from Kapaa. Today, was one such day! Noah and Mom and our friend "Auntie" Debbie travelled to Hanapepe to preach. This is a beautiful, small open church and the membership consists of mostly one family -- we don't think there are more than 30 members -- a friendly place --full of the aloha spirit. Then afterwards we go to lunch and Noah shares mom's chow mein noodles and beef and broccoli!
Speaking of food....as a family we are enjoying the variety of fresh fruits and veggies here. Noah loves papaya and avocados.. Did I mention that CHris planted Papaya trees in our backyard? Yes! We have truly gone native!
We wish you all peace and many blessings ....don't worry, more pics and updates to come!
Just thought I'd take a moment and share some other updates about Noah's mom and dad!
Sundays are "work" days, as Chris continues his good work as the Pastor at both the Kapaa Hawaiian Church and counselor at Personal Parenting. Rachel is keeping busy with Noah, but also is preaching occassionally at Hanapepe Hawaiian church --about 40 minutes from Kapaa. Today, was one such day! Noah and Mom and our friend "Auntie" Debbie travelled to Hanapepe to preach. This is a beautiful, small open church and the membership consists of mostly one family -- we don't think there are more than 30 members -- a friendly place --full of the aloha spirit. Then afterwards we go to lunch and Noah shares mom's chow mein noodles and beef and broccoli!
Speaking of food....as a family we are enjoying the variety of fresh fruits and veggies here. Noah loves papaya and avocados.. Did I mention that CHris planted Papaya trees in our backyard? Yes! We have truly gone native!
We wish you all peace and many blessings ....don't worry, more pics and updates to come!
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Poi Communion at Poipu Beach
Hello friends and family!
I have to share a story with you all about Noah and mom's great adventure. Noah is part of a program that meets two days a week, called Tutu and Me. Tutu means grandmother in Hawaiian. The class is a travelling preschool that meets at different sites throughout the island and also throughout the state of Hawaii. Our class meets Mondays and Wednesdays at the Kapaa Elementary school from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM. Noah just loves it! He has met some friends and so has his mom! It has been a great way to connect with our extended 'ohana (family).
Sometimes, Tutu and Me plans field trips for the keiki (children). Noah and his friends decided to carpool to our field trip a few weeks ago to the Botanical Gardens, which is about a 45 minute drive. So, off we went with our babies strapped in their carseats lined up in the backseat of the car. We made it to the site with our sanity still intact and enjoyed the grounds with the rest of the class. If any of you ever come to visit -- please check out the Botanical Gardens.
Of course, the BEST part of the trip was when two other moms and babies that we "hang out" with decided to go to Poipu beach afterwards and "hang loose" as the saying goes here. We climbed back into our car and off we went. We stopped at the local family grocery in a town called Koloa and grabbed out Bento Box (lunch) and bag of poi, a soft form of the plant Taro, and headed for the beautiful beach.
We spread out mats and blankets, and we put our babies and lunch in the middle of our space, and fed our babies poi with our fingers and watched the tide roll in. It was as if time stood still and we could celebrate communion together --Hawaiian style!
I have to share a story with you all about Noah and mom's great adventure. Noah is part of a program that meets two days a week, called Tutu and Me. Tutu means grandmother in Hawaiian. The class is a travelling preschool that meets at different sites throughout the island and also throughout the state of Hawaii. Our class meets Mondays and Wednesdays at the Kapaa Elementary school from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM. Noah just loves it! He has met some friends and so has his mom! It has been a great way to connect with our extended 'ohana (family).
Sometimes, Tutu and Me plans field trips for the keiki (children). Noah and his friends decided to carpool to our field trip a few weeks ago to the Botanical Gardens, which is about a 45 minute drive. So, off we went with our babies strapped in their carseats lined up in the backseat of the car. We made it to the site with our sanity still intact and enjoyed the grounds with the rest of the class. If any of you ever come to visit -- please check out the Botanical Gardens.
Of course, the BEST part of the trip was when two other moms and babies that we "hang out" with decided to go to Poipu beach afterwards and "hang loose" as the saying goes here. We climbed back into our car and off we went. We stopped at the local family grocery in a town called Koloa and grabbed out Bento Box (lunch) and bag of poi, a soft form of the plant Taro, and headed for the beautiful beach.
We spread out mats and blankets, and we put our babies and lunch in the middle of our space, and fed our babies poi with our fingers and watched the tide roll in. It was as if time stood still and we could celebrate communion together --Hawaiian style!
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Christmas 2006 Rachel, Chris and Noah’s great adventure….
Aloha family and friends!
…we’ve moved….to HAWAII!
We are still trying to comprehend our wonderful, crazy, anxiety-producing and spirit-filled year. Here is what has happened:
First, Noah Julian Schwab was born July 13, 2006 over a very hot weekend in Neenah, WI. Yes, the Julian part is in honor of Chris’s godfather, Julian Stein. Noah is the Biblical part! (Would you expect anything less from two pastors as parents?) It is hard to believe that he is in his fifth month of life on this earth – and he is fabulous! It is amazing to watch him grow and change before our very eyes. Our families are proud and excited about their new grandson, nephew, cousin! We want to thank everyone who gave us gifts, meals, cards, phone calls and prayers and visits that kept us sane, fed and feeling whole.
After two years of actively searching nationwide for a new position as a pastor, Chris received a call – a phone call - around the time Noah was born to come and see about a church on the island of Kauai, Hawaii. Chris said – why not? After much deliberation and sleepless nights (or was that because of Noah!?) we decided that we could not just have ONE adventure (i.e. a new baby), but we must have another great adventure – in a completely new location! We did not make this decision lightly and ask for your continued thoughts and prayers as we live into this new life and cultural experience! It is difficult being so far away from all you but we knew that this was not an opportunity we wanted to let pass us by! Chris is now the permanent pastor (Kahu) at the First Hawaiian Church in the town of Kapa‘a. It is a church affiliated with the United Church of Christ of approximately 120 members strong. The ethnic makeup of the church is predominately Hawaiian. It is still hard to believe we live here—lots of different subcultures (surfers, new-agers, etc.) and ethnicities (Hawaiian, Japanese, Filipino, etc.). Chris’ drive to work includes a view of mountains, ocean, the spectacular Opeaka‘a Falls, and miles of curving roads. If you are ever in the neighborhood, please stop in and visit with us!
As for Rachel, she is enjoying being “just a mom” and exploring the possibilities that Kauai has to offer. Rachel will be working as a pastor in time on the island. There are twelve United Church of Christ churches on Kauai– and Chris and Rachel will be serving at two of them – what a deal! The people here are welcoming and hospitable and we truly feel as if we are part of the family. Rachel misses having the day-to-day contact with co-workers, but enjoys receiving all of your emails, calls, cards, etc.
This year, Christmas in Hawaii will include just the three of us, as we still are waiting for our cats to arrive after they have completed their quarantine back in Wisconsin – they should be joining us in the new year. We wish you all a wonder-filled holiday – enjoy your time with friends and family! Aloha a hui hou (Goodbye until we meet again)!
Our contact info:
Home Phone: 808-822-4070
Email: noah_and_3_cats@hotmail.com
Address: P.O. Box 902
Kapa‘a, Kauai, HI 96746
Aloha family and friends!
…we’ve moved….to HAWAII!
We are still trying to comprehend our wonderful, crazy, anxiety-producing and spirit-filled year. Here is what has happened:
First, Noah Julian Schwab was born July 13, 2006 over a very hot weekend in Neenah, WI. Yes, the Julian part is in honor of Chris’s godfather, Julian Stein. Noah is the Biblical part! (Would you expect anything less from two pastors as parents?) It is hard to believe that he is in his fifth month of life on this earth – and he is fabulous! It is amazing to watch him grow and change before our very eyes. Our families are proud and excited about their new grandson, nephew, cousin! We want to thank everyone who gave us gifts, meals, cards, phone calls and prayers and visits that kept us sane, fed and feeling whole.
After two years of actively searching nationwide for a new position as a pastor, Chris received a call – a phone call - around the time Noah was born to come and see about a church on the island of Kauai, Hawaii. Chris said – why not? After much deliberation and sleepless nights (or was that because of Noah!?) we decided that we could not just have ONE adventure (i.e. a new baby), but we must have another great adventure – in a completely new location! We did not make this decision lightly and ask for your continued thoughts and prayers as we live into this new life and cultural experience! It is difficult being so far away from all you but we knew that this was not an opportunity we wanted to let pass us by! Chris is now the permanent pastor (Kahu) at the First Hawaiian Church in the town of Kapa‘a. It is a church affiliated with the United Church of Christ of approximately 120 members strong. The ethnic makeup of the church is predominately Hawaiian. It is still hard to believe we live here—lots of different subcultures (surfers, new-agers, etc.) and ethnicities (Hawaiian, Japanese, Filipino, etc.). Chris’ drive to work includes a view of mountains, ocean, the spectacular Opeaka‘a Falls, and miles of curving roads. If you are ever in the neighborhood, please stop in and visit with us!
As for Rachel, she is enjoying being “just a mom” and exploring the possibilities that Kauai has to offer. Rachel will be working as a pastor in time on the island. There are twelve United Church of Christ churches on Kauai– and Chris and Rachel will be serving at two of them – what a deal! The people here are welcoming and hospitable and we truly feel as if we are part of the family. Rachel misses having the day-to-day contact with co-workers, but enjoys receiving all of your emails, calls, cards, etc.
This year, Christmas in Hawaii will include just the three of us, as we still are waiting for our cats to arrive after they have completed their quarantine back in Wisconsin – they should be joining us in the new year. We wish you all a wonder-filled holiday – enjoy your time with friends and family! Aloha a hui hou (Goodbye until we meet again)!
Our contact info:
Home Phone: 808-822-4070
Email: noah_and_3_cats@hotmail.com
Address: P.O. Box 902
Kapa‘a, Kauai, HI 96746
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