Tollefsen Ohana

Day 12.... 11 year of being grateful .... Happy Birthday Pomai!

2011-01-13T08:21:00.000-08:00

Pomai.... how grateful I am that the Lord sent me to you! Especially as my first. You have brought me sooo much JOY in soooo many ways! I am grateful for the young women you are turning out to be. I watch you and am amazed that you are mine. I love your laugh, your sense of humor, your ability to write, your love of learning, your desire to do the right thing, your love of cooking and crafting, your ability to be a peacemaker, your willingness to help with the children, your faith in the gospel and in prayer, your thoughtful nature, your desire to make those around you happy, your golden hair, your beautiful smile, our going to bed moments... talking in your bed... singing you your song...I see my mother kneeling...love all the moments. You are an amazing 11 year old and I hope you know how proud I am of you and so is the rest of our family.

Speaking of which.... your birthday has been quite fun today. It started with our tradition at 5:30 this morning. Every birthday we put balloons up - meaning we blow them up and stick them to the ceiling. So at 5:30 when I got up to do it ... I could not find the balloons I had asked Namu to buy. I went in and woke him up... he name several places (nothing) and then finally got up to help me look. He got dressed and went to his car to look... I offered to go knowing how frustrated he was but he said he would go to Foodland if the balloons weren't in the truck. I heard the truck leave. About 15 min. later he returned. He said, "They didn't have any balloons" (Me: Awwww, really?) "So I got these, he held up 4 punch balloons and a package of water balloons" Smiling I said, " We, can make that work."
We got to work first trying to blow up the punch balloons... to thick, neither of us could blow them up. Water balloons.... can I tell you I have never been able to blow these up... and today it was the same. Namu was blowing them up.... meanwhile Nalia and Helaman show up and then Ammon .... who quickly learns that if he squeezes the water balloons they will *pop*. So then it looks like this ... Namu blowing up balloons and hearing *pop* *pop* with Nalia and I trying to distract Ammon from popping more balloons *pop*. A few minutes later Namu has finished blowing up 1/2 the bag and goes downstairs to blow up the punch balloons with the air compressor ... *pop* *pop* (still trying to distract Ammon). Helaman runs into the bedroom to take Pomai the balloons. Me: Helaman come here. No, wait don't go in the room yet... let's wait till we are all ready (He is in the room now) Me still (whisper): Come on out... lets wait. Helaman scream: NO, I WANT TO DO IT NOW! (carrying him out.... is she really still sleeping?) I hear the air compressor going and then **POP**. The punch balloon EXPLODED (it was soooo loud!) Meanwhile Pomai is still sleeping (or we think so :p). (Me: hmmm that balloon must have gotten REALLY BIG). A few minutes later Namu walks in with 3 of the HUGEST punch balloons I have EVER seen. The nub to tie the rubber band on the punch balloon was almost gone. Me: "Namu we gotta make these smaller or they are gonna pop. Nalia, (as I am holding two in my hand now) hold this one carefully while we let the air out (handing it to her, she grabbing it with a little too much...) so they don't ...." **POP** (in her face and mine...lol... and I thought the first one was loud...Pomai still sleeping) (really not wanting to ruin the surprise...sweet girl)). (Me thinking .... K, we are down to two balloons) *pop* *pop*. Before Ammon can pop anymore... Me: "Nalia, just grab all these balloons and take them with your brothers and put them on her bed and wake her up with Happy Birthday.!" *pop* Namu and I finally get the punch balloons deflated and we go to hang them on the ceiling before she walks out..... lol.... to see something like this....

and that was just the first hour of the day. We had a lovely breakfast birthday thrown together in 30 min. (because I just found out Namu is working till 8 tonight) with me making chocolate chip waffles (Pomai's request) and trying to make her birthday party invitations... (yes I was working with the laptop on the stove... while making waffles)... because she is frustrated about them not being done (suppossed to be done the night before along with her Science Fair Project that is due tomorrow.... both are postponed because I fell asleep with a migraine). Somehow we made it.... kids ready for school and a birthday breakfast on the table.

Off to school at 7:45... they will be late ... some things are just more important :) Happily when I got home I was able to also show her these lovely gifts from her aunties....

Nia: Top 11 reasons why she love Pomai
Kahi made this:

Aunty Pua made this:

and Aunty Hanu made this:

Kekauoha Cousins Playlist

Don't I have the coolest sisters.... :)

I put Pomai's video on Facebook and she got lots of responses and Uncle posting videos from their trip 3 years ago...

Pomai I hope you know how loved you are and how special you are!!!! Love you lots... plus one x 2....lol

Day 11 - A flexible job

2011-01-11T16:32:00.000-08:00

So I am learning not to procrastinate. I want to wait till the end of the day to write however, I find myself so tired and busy it doesn't get done all the time. Tonight I will be working on Science Fair project so I will probably not have a chance to get to this.

I am so grateful to work at HTA. It definitely has its good and bad however the flexibility in my hours and ability to work from home make it sooo worth it! I really do love teaching... today was the first day back at the LC. It was fun and I do enjoy being with students. Today we made atom models :) What I am most grateful for though is that I can work from home. I can do house cleaning and then get to work in 30 seconds. I don't have to pack a lunch. I don't have to get dressed up. I don't have to run out the door and sit in the classroom all day. Some days it is not the easiest. However I still get to be in my kiddies space. It really is such a blessing and truly priceless!

Day 10 - FHE

2011-01-11T16:20:00.000-08:00

I know I said FHE already... still it was soooo fun! We had the best time laughing and playing. I was teaching them how to lead music. Nalia and Pomai were laughing about how Namu was leading. And then the jokes about big triangles, small triangles, squares and circles. I know it doesn't make sense to you .... it was one of those had to be there situations. Anyway the laughter made it sooooo fun!

Day 6, 7, 8, 9 - Diligence... lol

2011-01-10T03:07:00.000-08:00

Still working on diligence ... obviously... that is ok. I am picking myself up again and even though I want to change the date as I input I won't cause this is a lesson for me as well. :)

Day 6 - Thursday

Having a best friend here that is like my sister! I have been so blessed to have 4 sisters and best friends on top of that ... unfortunately my soul sisters all moved away (or I did as they might say). This past year I found a sister friend in someone I had not expected. I have wondered and watched Kyndra for many years... wondering what made her tick and how she moved with such confidence. I felt so blessed when I was called as her counselor and if I am honest a little intimidated because I saw all she had done. Then at our first presidency meeting I remember distinctly feeling like I had soooo much to learn from her and that I would have to work hard to keep up with her. Well little did I know. We became soul sisters last Feb. and man what a blessing she is in EVERY aspect of my life! I have learned sooo much and I am truly a different and better version of myself because of her (hopefully she would say the same about me... lol) I am grateful everyday that the Lord saw fit to bless me with a friend who could love me despite all my inadequacies and just accept me for who I am and still make me want to improve and be a better mother, wife, member of the church and friend. Thank goodness the Lord knows what I need better than I do :)

Day 7 - Friday
This has been the longest week of my life at work. 3 nights getting home after dark ... grrrrr. However here was my very happy moment. I fed my family peanut butter sandwiches (my favorite meal ... lol ... not theirs) and after showers we all piled into our King size bed and watched a movie. I was so exhausted that I slept for most of it ... however the BEST part was having my family all there, reaching across the bed and finding my hubby's arm amidst the bodies. JOY... PURE JOY! We haven't done that for so long... it was pure BLISS! Pictures later .... even if they are ugly... lol

Day 8 - Saturday
Date Night - Oh this blessed thing!!!!! I am so grateful that my hubby loves it as much as I do! We start to get cranky with each other when we don't have it ... of it is such a blessing! We went out to Kaneohe with the Smith's for a quick meal at a wonderful little Mexican restaurant.... YUM- O. So good. The best part was time with my hubby and that the Smith's were willing to come home by 9 so Namu could work.

Day 9 - Sunday
Lots to be grateful for... today, my calling ... I do love it and it is such a blessing in my life. The Gollayer's talk in church about sacrificing our lives to build the kingdom and how important temple attendance is. I loved their talks! Ana putting Ammon to sleep ... I got to enjoy the lesson. Namu cooked dinner and made fried rice. YUM-O again. The WHY book and reading about the sacrament. Set the tone for the day! Blessings all around :)

Day 5 - My Parents

2011-01-05T23:30:00.000-08:00

My parents.... If ever there were two people that sacrificed for their children and gave everything to being great parents ... it is them! I am so grateful for the daily sacrifice they make on behalf of me and my family. My parents watch my two boys everyday I have to work in town and this week that is everyday. Never a complaint ... can you imagine! They love and care for two rambunctious little boys and my boys LOVE them. The list of what they do for my two boys would be endless. Walks, reading, playing, listening, diaper changes, poop clean up, lunch, snacks, naps, movies, tantrums, timeouts, hugs, kisses, and lots of love. Thank you Mom and Dad for ALL you do!

Day 4 - My Girls

2011-01-04T00:57:00.000-08:00

Pomai, Nalia, and Anela.... Unfortunately today I did not get home till 6:30... It was getting dark outside. I came home to the kids all wanting hugs, time and food. I did what I could ... rushed upstairs to get food on the table and started asking my girls to help me out. I didn't hear one complaint (I know that is not normal ... however I soooo grateful that it wasn't cause I was so tired. Nalia helped with the table, grating cheese, getting out chicken, Pomai helped with the boys and dinner. Anela stirred food and helped with the table. I was so grateful because they helped so much I was able to get the other things done AND maintain a happy spirit in our home! Thank you girls!

Day 3 - Family Home Evening

2011-01-03T23:45:00.000-08:00

Can I tell you how much I love Family Home Evening. I must say I never really enjoyed FHE growing up. I had a moment that changed my life ... when I was a YW president in Utah I was in a PPI with my Bishop ... He asked me about our family home evening and if we were having it every night. I was full of excuses.... It is only Namu, Pomai and I... Namu is working 3 jobs and is never home.... It feels funny doing it alone.... etc. He looked me in the eye and said, "When are you teaching your daughter the gospel? How does she know you have a testimony?" His words pierced my soul. He said, "It doesn't have to be a big deal ... just you teaching your daughter.. keep it simple. The important thing is that you are doing it." I have tried to use that council in my life and apply the simplicity of FHE.

Tonight was one of those nights ... and still so fun. We didn't have much time because I got home late and Namu had to work (driving). So Anela chose a lesson using a ready made FHE lesson books ( her lesson was on the Second Coming). Love those kits. :) Then we sang the new Primary song "If I Listen with My Heart"... The kids love it ... We sang it 3 times. I love Family Home Evening ! :0)

Daily Tidbits:

I started back at school today. Grateful for the job I have.
Conversation with Helaman - Mom, my neck hurts. It hurts. I feel sick. I need water. Mom: Does your throat hurt?" Helaman: Oh yeah, that is what that is... I must have swallowed a bee."
Anela's best part about her day was basketball
Kyndra fed the girls and I pizza ... after my car had problems and was smoking

Day 2 - Why?: Powerful Answers and Practical Reasons for Living LDS Standards

2011-01-02T23:30:00.000-08:00

Well I know I have so much to be grateful for ... today I have especially enjoyed a new book I just bought. It is meant for LDS youth ... just my style ... lol ... however I have found it to be full of great reminders as to why we live the way we live. I am loving it! I am also loving that Pomai is enjoying it and quoting the book already :). It was well worth the money I spent! I got my copy at the BYU bookstore ... you can get it online. The authors are John Hilton III and Anthony Sweat. I have the follow-up book on order ... I can't wait! :)

Daily Tidbits:

Family Council today - Grateful Journal for the family

Helaman - Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ and the Temple
Anela - Christmas and celebrating the birth of Jesus
Nalia - Christmas and the Ranch
Pomai - Seeing the prophet and the Temple Open House
Lilia - My family
Namu - all the extra work - Turtle Bay and driving for Gaylene

Namu - PPI with the girls
Church time changed to 12:00 - ugh... hard with the boys... will have to work out :)
Reminded about fasting in book and the purposes of fasting... just what I needed to hear today as I was fasting. So grateful for his tender mercies.

Gratitude and Diligence (Day 1)

2011-01-01T23:30:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!!! What a wonderful thing... the new year. Somehow it makes everything feel new again. It brings me a renewed hope and excitement for the things to come.

I have decided to blog again... mainly because I want to enjoy a blog book at the end of this year. I think how wonderful it will be to look back on the memories created. I lack diligence in sticking to a goal like this... well ok many goals. I often get caught up in the newness of the situation... set unrealistic goals for myself and family I might add and then spend a whole lot of time over-planning. Yup! That's me ... lol. What I often forget is that goals like this require daily effort and diligence (careful and persistent work or effort). I started reading 7 habits a while ago... ok many times ago if I am truthful, and would always get stuck on the part about "law of the harvest". I would often think about my ability to cram and do everything last minute and how I often didn't receive "inspiration" till the last minute.

Well in this past year I have made a new and dear friend, Kyndra. She and her husband own and run Gunstock Ranch. Yes, a ranch! And over this past ten months I have learned so much about how many little things have to be done EVERYDAY to make that place run. It is soooo much work. And yet they do it... day in and day out. I have learned how good it is to live this way and how much nicer it can be when you plan ahead (not overplan) and do a little bit at a time ... as you can. I have also learned to listen better and move with the spirit in the daily tasks. I am so much happier living this way... not great at it, by any means, however I just found my planner from last year and I simply stopped using it in April. I spent so much time planning and thinking about things and then would get lost in the doing.

So my goal is to be more diligent this year. To be persist in moving toward my goals and to work at it a little at a time. I am hopeful this blog will help me to become that... as it will be evident in my daily posts. I will obviously have to write less... however it will be fun :0). I also have this friend I admire a great deal and she started doing a gratitude post everyday since Thanksgiving. I have wanted to do this for some time so... I am going to join her and my sweet sister in the quest to express my gratitude daily.

So for today my gratitude begins with the man I love! I am so very grateful for him! This past year has been a trying one for us in many ways and yet we have seen it through. Yesterday we just hung out. Something we rarely get to do anymore with 5 kids, both of us working full time, his two side jobs, our callings, helping to build a house and the list goes on and on. However yesterday was one of those days where we just hung out. Talked about two books we were reading, our children, watched an episode of Lie to Me, and played with our boys. Such fun being in his space and both of us enjoying the little moment for what it was... a moment to reconnect and enjoy the simple and most important things... us and our family. Love you dearly my love!

Daily Tidbits:

Helaman went to the potty today... all by himself. I have not dared take on potty training again.. since last year. He was not ready then and making it an issue has only led him to do the opposite. So when he announced .... "Mom, I'm gonna go pee" I said ok ... and played it down. ... till he came running out of the bathroom .... "Mom! I pooped! I pooped!". Only to find out he really did. :) (it was the two smallest pieces of poop ever.... lol... but we all made a big deal about it!) So fun! Congrats Heman.
Girls played in the very large ranch puddles... again. :) The water was chest high on Nalia. SUCH FUN!
New Year's dinner with Mom, Dad, Kyndra and 3 girls. We popped the last of the fireworks... cause this is the last year for fireworks on Oahu :(

Happy Birthday Kalani!

2010-02-09T23:03:00.000-08:00

Kalani

We love you ooooooodddddllllleeeeesssssss!

We wish you were nearer so we could all give you hugs and kisses

- he he he -

( just what you want when you are 10- right. )

We sure love you and can't wait to see video of you playing the uke.

Love, The Tollefsen's

Ammon - 4 1/2 months

2010-02-06T13:12:00.000-08:00

The more kids you have the faster they learn. This little guy is determined to catch up to his brother and sisters. Not ready for him to crawl yet. I just want to scream slow down!

loving the iFlip - just easy fun! Helaman is cute too.

One more

2010-02-06T13:09:00.000-08:00

Here is one more funny video of Ammon - He kept trying to get the ring on the swing with his hand and then moved to doing it with his toes, He got hold it a couple of times with those toes (didn't catch it on video). He had me cracking up.

Homesick for Sisters

2009-12-28T20:56:00.000-08:00

Is this possible? My heart aches.

Nia went home today. It was so nice to have her here. I didn't want her to go. There is nothing like having a sister. The trip was full of fun moments my favorite though is the hour of laughing about jingle bells ( I know that means nothing to you but the truth is we were laughing about nothing anyway). I was so impressed at how much Nia had grown up. I know, I know, she grew up a long long time ago but I have had the hardest time getting to know the grown up Nia. Poor thing, I was her 2nd mother for so much of her life and then I went to college and moved away and unfortunately I kept being her 2nd mother instead of her sister. But both of us have worked at it slowly and I felt like this trip I got to see so much of the grown up Nia. What an amazing person and so insightful. She listened and understood like only a sister can. She was lovely with my children (Pomai just came in crying all over again because she misses her). Children need aunties and uncles. Moms and Dads and even Grandparents can't do what a good aunty and/or uncle can do. My heart aches to have her near. She reminded me how lovely it is to have sisters near and made me ache to have any of them near but preferably ALL of them near. But lest I leave this post in such a negative light I will remember to be grateful. Grateful for the time I had with her, grateful for 4 sisters, grateful that I have my parents near and grateful for FREE mobile to mobile minutes. :0)

Tahitian 2

2009-12-17T21:50:00.000-08:00

Great job Nalia!

Tahitian 1

2009-12-17T21:11:00.000-08:00

The Samoan blood comes out

2009-12-17T20:43:00.000-08:00

Nalia's Performanace at HTA

2009-12-17T14:15:00.000-08:00

Don't you love when you see your child LOVE what she is doing. Nalia loves to dance and was very upset with me this quarter because I did not let her come in as much to take classes because it didn't match my schedule. Anyway this is the result of 2 maybe 3 classes this quarter. I love her confidence (even when she doesn't know what she is supposed to be doing). Proud of you!

I will get to it later when I have time . . .

2009-09-18T01:41:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately this has been my excuse for every journal I have ever started (and there have been many). I don't know why I feel the need to catch up on everything (this blog) and then it gets worse and worse and then I become paralyzed by the mere idea. Thus I have not written a blog since April. Isn't it ridiculous. All the things I missed because I kept wanting to catch up. It is just silly.

So anyway here I am. I may catch up on a few things but not too many because I might stop typing. The good news is I am writing through contractions. Yes today is the due day. I have learned that "due date" really doesn't mean anything for me (usually late) so it is kinda fun to have a few "ouch" contractions on the actual day. Hooray! We have no name for our new boy though and I really don't have any ideas -- suggestions anyone? We are so excited to have a brother for Helaman - who got a haircut on Monday. It is short and I will have to put up pictures later.

So here are a few things that have been fun and exciting at our home lately:

Building - Mom and Dad are going to build downstairs and we are going to fix the upstairs. We are so excited to have a place to call our own. The top half is in desperate need of repairs but it is really nice to feel like we have something to invest in and to call our own. I got a little crazy and bought a dishwasher. Only to find out that means we need a new sink, countertop and disposal. So it was fun to go to Home Depot and look at colors and get some pricing done. At least we have a start. We are also trying to get rid of our week stay in Maui and use that money for wood floors so that is exciting too.

Hawaii Tech Academy - I am sure most of you know that I quit Kahuku Elem. in the middle of the school year (Jan) and moved to HTA. It was the best thing for me. It has helped me have the time to put my priorities back in line and remind myself what matters most to me. This year we moved Nalia to HTA with me. It is an online school and I have to be there to monitor and teach the curriculum so only one at a time. This has been the best and hardest thing I have ever done but so worth every moment and Nalia is so much happier.

There is so much more but I must get shut eye.

thank goodness for the DVR!

2009-04-05T22:04:00.000-07:00

Well I was looking forward to conference for so many reasons. BUT it did not work out for me so well because of the football game going on Sat. and Helaman being very sick today. So share with me your favorite talks so I can go back and listen to them. I am soooooo grateful for the DVR so I can go back and listen to the talks. OK and I will just say that I am also grateful for 6 am conference because I was able to listen to some of the talks in the morning session because the keiki were still sleeping. Tell me your favorites . . . thanks.

Announcing . . .

2009-03-30T13:47:00.000-07:00

Happiness everywhere! We are so excited! Gotta love Nalia!

Anela

2009-03-24T00:07:00.000-07:00

Today Namu took Pomai and Nalia to Haleiwa Surf Center for a day of fun with Parks and Recs and Helaman magically slept for four hours. That allowed me to spend some quality time with Anela. FUN! She grows everyday and is getting so smart. Preschool has been such a blessing for her (and us). She has grown leaps and bounds in such a short time. It was so much fun just to hang out with her and watch her trace her hand, color, glue, and pretend cook. After that decided to "write words" and started asking how to spell different family members names.

"Mom how do you spell your name?"

"M-O-M" As she is writing it out -

"Pomai has a M." "How do you spell Grandma?" Again as she is writing G-R-A- . . . "I have an A. No, two A's and Pomai has and A and Nalia has an A . . . "

It is just so fun to see how smart she is becoming and I loved being able to spend time with just her (for more than a 3 minute stretch). Thanks for playing with me today Anela - I LOVE YOU!

Grateful for. . .

2009-03-22T19:08:00.000-07:00

After many months of not blogging I realized I have been avoiding blogging (my journal) just because I felt there was too much to catch up on and where would I start. So I resigned that I will just catch up later. But for now I want to talk about the things my family and I are grateful for. We have again resumed our weekly family council. I have missed it desperately and realized that we slowly got off track as a family without it. But anyway one of the components is what each of us is grateful for so here is the list - Anela - Mommy - why? because I love you. Nalia - my family why? because I love them. Pomai - my cousins and playing with them at the family reunion. Mom - all the support I got during the family reunion especially from Namu who took care of the children and cooked while I took care of business. Dad - being able to be a missionary. Kena (a volunteer from his work) will be taking the discussions next week. There are so many things everyday to be grateful for . . . seek and ye shall find.

Recycle, Repurpose, Renew, Repair

2008-11-22T18:55:00.000-08:00

What do you get with an old tire, an old table, and a free umbrella . . .

Namu took all this stuff (that I was ready to take to the dump) and made a lovely backyard oasis for the kids and I. Before this we rarely used the backyard but not anymore! It makes me SMILE everyday and somehow that it didn't cost a thing makes it even better. My favorite thing- that Namu drilled a bigger hole in the table so the umbrella could fit. He also fixed the bikes that were also headed to the trash as well as the two strollers that were broken. So here's to saving money and using what you have. Good job Namu!

Halloween Pictures

2008-11-02T16:51:00.001-08:00

HOLY SMOKES BATMAN how did you get that LOLLIPOP?

GLAMOUR GIRL and CINDERELLA

Check out HANNAH MONTANA!

(more pictures later)

My LOVE/HATE relationship with costumes

2008-11-02T16:03:00.000-08:00

(this is the long version) Every year I resolve to make Halloween fun. Honestly, I dread it but don't want my kids to dread it so I put on a brave face and do my best. I try so hard to do anything to make it fun including hosting the annual "get together" and buying decorations to fill both the outside and inside BUT I always get stuck on the costumes. Sadly, this year was extra crazy so I let someone else host the party and never got around to doing decorations (so sad) but the cosume dilema was still hanging over my head. Pomai wanted to be Hannah Montana (all I could think of is YES! I don't have to buy a wig) but then Nalia wanted to be Hannah too. I tried to convince her to be Miley but she didn't like that because she is all about the GLITTER. Anela wanted to be a princess but I had a BYU cheerleading costume so I worked at convincing her that a cheerleader would be more fun.
So last Saturday we hit Saver's to find something, I kept telling myself I could make the costumes myself instead of buying them (the last two years I have left the costume shopping to Hanu and my girls did ask what they were going to get from Aunty Hanu this year). We quickly found a princess costume that Anela had to have - so much for cheerleading. We searched for all things sequined for Pomai's outfit but not much luck in her size. We did find a cute jeans jacket, a purple and black short skirt, fish net stockings, a glitter microphone and a bedazzled cap - ok that might work for Pomai. I could not find shoes for her but thought maybe we could figure something out later. Meanwhile Nalia was still whining that she couldn't be Hannah. But then she found a "dog house purse" (see pic) and I had found a pink sequin vest that matched the house and thought Paris Hilton (not the role model I want for my child) which led me to MOVIE STAR/GLAMOUR GIRL. Nalia LOVED the idea!
I was still uneasy about Pomai's costume (always listen to your gut) so I showed Mike and Kahi the pieces via the video phone. Mike hit the nail on the head when he said "Man if you just add leggings, Pomai could be Debbie Gibson" AAAAAHHHHH it was true that was the costume I had. I desperately tried to figure out how to get to town with everything else goin on. Luckily, Mari came to the rescue! She was going to town and found a pair of black boots, bracelets and makeup . They worked perfectly.
I was so happy with all the finishing touches I was able to make despite being costume challenged. I cut Pomai bangs (Yep - thanks to You tube) and took apart a pair of earrings to make her a pair of clip-ons, cut up a old onsie to cover Anela's pink headband and make it blue, and bent my earrings so they clipped on Nalia's ears. I got great satisfaction creating costumes this year instead of buying them all so surprisingly I hope I get to do it again next year.

Haunted Houses

2008-11-02T09:26:00.000-08:00

I have a very vivid memory of the haunted house at the Lua's. I must have been 8 and I was dressed as a princess (yellow holoku) for the 3rd or 4th year in a row. I also remember being so excited to go in the haunted house. The next memory is STARK FEAR! I remember screaming and crying so much that everyone was taking their masks off for me -- no offense but it did not help. Mom walked me slowly through (past the trolls, and the coffin and the vampire but it did not help) Hated it.
FAST FORWARD - Junior or sophmore year in high school - Haunted Lagoon. I went with some of my friends because if I didn't I would be lame. I remember being scared but making it through.
FAST FORWARD 1996 - Namu and Ikuna invite Collettey and I to go to Haunted houses with them. (Can I just say I suddenly felt 8 again). Despite my protests no one seemed to think I was really serious about being scared. (I even asked to wait outside-right at the door. The real problem was that I had only met Namu and Kuna a few days before that and I felt silly trying to explain to them how scared I was.)

It started with the Haunted Forest, then the Haunted Hay Maze, and finally the Nightmare on 13th. The next night it was the Park City Haunted Mine. I must say going to one haunted house after another actually made my fear disapate and just resigned to the fact that I was not going to get out of going. The BEST thing that came out of the haunted house experience -- MY HUBBY. Well I needed someone to hide behind and claw and when Colette wanted to share Ikuna's arm I drew the line there and grabbed Namu's arm (no sharing for me). (This was the beginning of a beautiful relationship). Haunted Houses became an annual event until . . . Hawaii.

It was a drought until 2008 with the Haunted Lagoon. What fun we had! PCC pulled out all the stops - walking on water, chainsaws, skeletons popping out of nowhere, monsters in the bushes and in the water. We took our 3 girls the other night. And even though I didn't get to claw at my husband this time it was still a blast. Pomai buried her face in my legs and cried hysterically when I would scream, Nalia sat on the floor of the canoe (in between all the big people so no one would know she was there), and sweet Anela took a nap halfway through (she was no phased at all). The girls loved it after the fact but I told them of my history with Haunted Houses and they felt a little better. I must say it was so fun to be scared again - whoevever thought I would say that?!!!!

Elder Bednar

2008-10-26T12:12:00.000-07:00

I love Elder Bednar. His talks over the last two conferences have resonated deeply within me. I have worked at implementing the changes he suggested. Despite my less than perfect attempt even small changes have resulted in miracles. Although I don't have time to go into depth right now here are the links and favorite quotes from his talks.
Pray Always- Oct. 2008
"Simply stated, prayer is communication to Heavenly Father from His sons and daughters on earth. “As soon as we learn the true relationship in which we stand toward God (namely, God is our Father, and we are his children), then at once prayer becomes natural and instinctive on our part” . . . "(Moses 3:4–5). We learn from these verses that the spiritual creation preceded the temporal creation. In a similar way, meaningful morning prayer is an important element in the spiritual creation of each day—and precedes the temporal creation or the actual execution of the day. Just as the temporal creation was linked to and a continuation of the spiritual creation, so meaningful morning and evening prayers are linked to and are a continuation of each other." (Pray always - www.lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-947-14,00.html)

Ask in Faith - Apr. 2008
True faith is focused in and on the Lord Jesus Christ and always leads to righteous action. The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that “faith [is] the first principle in revealed religion, and the foundation of all righteousness” and that it is also “the principle of action in all intelligent beings” (Lectures on Faith [1985], 1). Action alone is not faith in the Savior, but acting in accordance with correct principles is a central component of faith. Thus, “faith without works is dead” (James 2:20).
The Prophet Joseph further explained that “faith is not only the principle of action, but of power also, in all intelligent beings, whether in heaven or on earth” (Lectures on Faith, 3). Thus, faith in Christ leads to righteous action, which increases our spiritual capacity and power. Understanding that faith is a principle of action and of power inspires us to exercise our moral agency in compliance with gospel truth, invites the redeeming and strengthening powers of the Savior’s Atonement into our lives, and enlarges the power within us whereby we are agents unto ourselves (see D&C 58:28).
(Ask in Faith - www.lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-851-31,00.html)

ENJOY!

Gratitude for the women around me

2008-10-26T01:22:00.000-07:00

Lately, I have been filled with gratitude for the women that are around me. I find myself always watching and learning from those around me. There are so many moments when I am struggling with a situation and I am able to think of someone else and their response to a similar situation and I think oh yeah I can do that too. I know that some of you will say "please, if you only saw the real me . . ." but the point is that I have seen these things and your actions continue to bless my life. Here are just a few:

1. My Mom - so many wonderful things but lately it has been her constant example of reading the scriptures and being prayerful . She never misses a day.

2. Pua - a working mom (and amazing teacher) who still manages to find time for her family as well as her friends and doing things she loves.

3. Hanu - I was so impressed by the spirit in her home. I know that doesn't just happen. She is so patient with her children and talks things out. I also admire her ability to make friends and to be a great friend.

4. Kahi - I love Kahi's ability to be "in the moment" of her children and those around her. She also as an incredible ability and courage to always speak the truth without hurting anyones feelings. I know it is because she is being true to who she is.

5. Nia - Nia is so outgoing. I love that she keeps in touch with everyone and manages to be in contact with so many people. She never lets time and distance come between her and her friends and family.

6. Emily - When Emily disciplines her children it is with a sweet "awww don't do that, that is not good". I have never heard her yell or be short.

7. Grace - Even though she works, she still makes time to play with her kids. Her children are obviously her first priority. I love the way she "plays" with her kids and even when she gets home late you can still find her with her kids at the park.

8. Halona - she is a leader's leader. Her ability to read into what people are really saying and find ways to motivate each person amazes me daily.

9.Ui-she fits into the not quite human category for me mainly because I am always amazed by the many things she can do and do well. What I have learned from her especially recently is that she is able to quickly adapt to different situations and make it work. She is also excellent at being involved in the community and finding time to do the things she loves. But what impresses me most is that even though she has an insane schedule that makes me exhausted just watching, she still is savors and enjoys each moment.

10. Meilani - I admire Meilani's insight about each of her children. In conversations she will say a little comment that makes me realize that I don't know that about my children. I also admire her faith in Heavenly Father and that her will take care of each of us.

11. Kaui-her ability to make anything a party. To be friends with everyone and no matter what the occassion might be Kaui has invited at least 10 families. She is so easy to be with and manages to keep everyone around her real too --especially me.

12. Diane - I have never met another person than serves more people silently than her. She quietly goes into the lives of so MANY people and finds a way to quietly serve. The acts are simple but always just what is so important at the time. She is quiet about her many, many talents but when it is time to serve they suddenly manifest.

13. Nue - So she is one of those all of the above women but she recently taught me another great lesson. Nalia and Azure decide to little "entrepreneurs" and pick the plumeria and sell them. They put the flowers in a laundry basket and were yelling at the cars as they passed by "Flowers! Flowers for sale". I was watching them and shaking my head. At one point I even told them to stop. Well a little later it was time to come in so I told her to walk Azure home. A little later Nalia shows up with 2 quaters. I asked her where she got it. She said , "Aunty Nue."
"Why"
"I sold her the flowers. At first I told her .10 cents a flower but she said that was too expensive. She said she would buy the whole basket for a dollar."
Embarrassed I called Nue back and apologized that she had to pay for the flowers. She said "No, I was just playing along. Next time though I will teach them how to make a lei so they can make some real money." Why didn't I think of that?!

OK so I will have to continue this post another time. So many other people came to mind it was difficult to stop (I am so blessed to be surrounded by so many amazing people). So thank you to the many women that bless my life just by being themselves.

Hawaii Fi-Do

2008-10-15T14:58:00.000-07:00

What fun we had yesterday! Pomai had a project on animal and human teams and since Grandma works with a company, Hawaii Fi-do, that trains service dogs - she called in a favor. Susan Luehrs, the owner, was so kind to let us come last minute. She had Marie, a caretaker and service dog owner show us around. Marie was awesome and so patient. She answered all of Pomai's questions and showed her around. Nalia and Anela both have a fear of dogs (Nalia has gotten chased on more than one occassion) but it was fun to watch them go from stark fear to playing with the dogs.

These dogs are amazing and it was cool to learn the ins and outs of selecting the dogs to training them. We heard some amazing stories of the independence these dogs are able to provide for their owners. Everything from retrieving to warning them of possible seizures or food burning on the stove. You name they can do it. It was a wonderful way for Pomai to learn and as much as I love the internet - you just can't beat the real stuff. Please check out their website http://www.hawaiifido.org/ and see all the great things this non-profit organization is doing. I hear they are always looking for puppy raisers and donations. Thank you Susan and Marie.

MAYBE

2008-10-14T01:25:00.000-07:00

So I was modeling, for my family, the new shirts I bought. We were deciding whether to keep all of them. Nalia was assisting me by making a list and writing down what decisions were being made. I was just about done when she had to go and rinse the dishes - so she handed me the list with the following instructions:
Nalia: Mom just finish marking the list. If it is Yes (keep) then put a check; if it is no (return) then mark an X; and if it is a maybe mark it with a "P".
Me: Why am I marking a "p" for the maybe ones
Nalia: You know Mom, mayPee (sounding it out for me) don't you hear it? mayPee

10 years of happiness

2008-10-05T11:07:00.000-07:00

Today is our anniversary. Ten years have flown by! I am still in awe of the man that I married. What an amazing man he is. He is still my best friend and loves me unconditionally. He is an amazing father and works diligently to connect with each child. I love his insight about each of our girls. Here are the top ten things I love about Namu:

10. I love the way he rubs his feet back and forth between the sheets when he first gets into bed. His snore.

9. His cooking - Namu is the best cook I know. I LOVE everything he makes. Even before we started dating he made dinner for my roommate and I - peanut butter thai chicken and fruit pie. I distinctly remember how yummy it was and thinking man this guy is a good catch.

8. His confidence in himself. I love that Namu sticks to and does what he feels is right. He does not waiver from what he knows to be true and does not worry about what others think about him.

7. I love that any comment can bring on a song. Namu loves to take a word from what someone has said and break into song that uses the word. I love his voice. I remember when I made my list of what I wanted in a husband singing was in the category of "would be great if". I love that he is always willing to share his talent.

6. That we still go on "dates". We love movies and curling up to a good movie with mochi crunch, popcorn and m & m's is one of our favorite things

5. Namu is also the BEST listener. He is attentive and has great insight in every situation.

4. All the little things that he does to take care of me. Namu has always been a DOER. I learned while dating that this is how Namu shows his love for me. It is in making sure the car is safe, washing the dishes, folding the clothes, taking the kids out to give me a break, the list goes on and on.

3. His ability to make me laugh all the time. There is not a day that he has not made me laugh. Even in a disagreement Namu is able to difuse the situation with a joke. I don't know how he does it but I am so grateful for it. Namu also has this ability to give the punch line with straight face. I remember the night we first met after he left Colette said what did you do. I have never heard him say more than two or three words and yet the two of you laughed and talked. I remember even that first night thinking how funny he was. The rule is that 90% of what comes out of Namu's mouth is some sort of joke.

2. The father he is. When Namu and I were dating he told me he might not be able to have children. I remember being worried for 1/2 a second and then realizing that if that was the Lord's plan for us it would be ok. Well 4 children later we have been blessed in so many ways. Namu is a wonderful father. He takes time to know each of them personally and I love his insight about each of them. The girls love the many times that he takes them out to play with them. He makes them laugh too and they know that he is always joking too. They love that he is fair and kind and unconditional with his love.

1.His unconditional love for me. Namu is loyal and loves me despite my MANY idiosyncracies he still loves me. He always makes me feel like I can do anything! Sometimes he has more confidence in me than I have in myself. He always encourages me to do what I feel is right. He trusts me explicitly and he will do anything for me.

Namu I love you more today than yesterday. I am grateful everyday that you are my eternal companion and that the Lord put us together. I will be forever grateful for "the thousand tiny miracles". I love ya!!

Back Bending

2008-09-30T21:55:00.000-07:00

Pomai's new favorite thing is backbends. She practices every moment. She is not in gymnastics right now but has been determined to learn how to do it anyway. She almost has it down but wants to learn walk over too. Needless to say gymnastics will be on the docket in Jan.

Spaghetti anyone?!

2008-09-30T21:48:00.000-07:00

I love the spaghetti dinner picture. Helaman sure loved it.

Last night . . .

2008-09-28T23:40:00.000-07:00

So after a week of sick children (Helaman and Anela) Namu and I finally made it to our bed last night (mainly because we have had to sleep sitting up on the couch with the sick children so they could breathe. But this is how the night progressed:
10:30 - We started a movie- Helaman woke up. We put him in bed with us
about 10:45 -
Anela came into the room crying. Added her into the bed with Helaman.
Few minutes later Namu stood up to sway Helaman to sleep.
Anela falls asleep. Put her in Helaman's co-sleeper so she won't kick Helaman and wake him up.
Minutes later Nalia comes in crying hysterically because of a bad dream. (Pomai was swirling the bunkbed and she almost fell off) Calmed her down. Add her to the bed
5 minutes later - Pomai comes in. She has been bitten by a mosquito and has 3 very large bites on her leg. She wants to sleep in our room but since there is no room I put medicine on it, have her to put on pants and send her back to her room.
Back in our room. I set a bed up for Nalia on the floor so she will sleep and not watch the movie.
Namu climbed into bed with Helaman sleeping in his arms.(so adorable because Helaman is laying next to him hanging onto to Namu's ear)
12:30 - just before the movie finishes we have to pause the movie to give Helaman his medicine. (he hates the medicine and spits it up or gargles it as long as he can BUT tonight he took it easily as long as he was holding onto Namu's ear)
Movie is done. Lights out. (all except for mine; can't stop thinking about my big project at school and all the things I have to do.)
1:18 - I am still up and can't get my mind to slow down
1:38 -STILL UP. Pomai comes in. She has 3 more bites on her arm. (mean mosquito - it must be huge by now). Make a small spot on the floor on the other side of the bed (mind you there is a little more than two and a half feet on either side of our bed). Spray her bedroom and hall for mosquitos and close the door to our little room.

I climbed into bed. I was so tired BUT I had to smile that I managed to fit everyone into our little room and the people that are most precious to me are all right here. At least I fell asleep with a smile on my face.

LOSING AND GAINING

2008-09-23T01:51:00.000-07:00

No it is not about my weight. Right now it is all about the teeth. Helaman now has 7 teeth (just turned 8 months) and for some reason they just keep coming! It has been non-stop teething for the last month. I am grateful for EVERYDAY that he is so good natured because when he does get fussy it is not that bad. Bad for him but not for me : ) Meanwhile Nalia has lost 4 teeth and with no new teeth in sight . . . she just might be singing all I want for Christmas is . . .

Back to blogging

2008-09-22T00:13:00.000-07:00

So after a 3 month hiatus I am back to blogging. I have missed blogging and reading others blogs BUT I didn't dare get started because I often get "lost" in the blog land. However I have realized (as I am sure most of you already know) that blogging gets me to focus on all the "little things" and the FUN in life. The act of writing and sharing my gratitude and JOY for these things changes me. So I am super happy that life has settled down enough that I can squeeze this in.

There are so many fun things to share but since catching up is kind of like catching up on scrapbooking - I will take it slowly. I did want to share my new mommy organizing tricks. I found the ideas on http://www.meckmom.com/ (thanks pua). These 3 ideas not only kept me sane, during all the changes with my job, BUT it changed the tone in our home too. YEAH!

"Job" Charts -

So I took her idea and tweeked it a bit. I made one chart for each girl with their daily routine (prayer, making bed, packing backpack, setting out clothes, homework - you get the idea). I just felt like if I called this "the job chart" my girls would hate doing the necessities. We just use it as a checklist. Then I made a seperate chore chart. They are made on foam board and with velcro. The girls move the icons from one side to the other. Most of the icons are on Meck Mom but I made a few of my own just by dropping my image in her chart. It was so easy and the girls enjoyed helping me making them and personalizing their chart.

Stacking Baskets -

So everyday either before or after dinner (depending on the hunger level of my family) I call "stacking baskets". My girls get the baskets (everyone has one except for Helaman) and spread them out in the living room. Then we run around the house and pick up anything that is not where is should be and it gets put into the basket of the person that left it out. When everything is picked up we count up the number of items in each basket. We keep track of each person's amount each day and at the end of the week the person with the fewest amount of items gets 1 dollar (totally worth it). I love this because the cleanup is less and less, it holds each person accountable for what they left out and it is a FAST and FUN way to get the house clean. I found these baskets at Walmart for about $2.15. (called stash box on meck mom)

Sticker Rewards -

This is the BEST idea of all. I can not tell you the number of "reward systems" I have tried. However it always seems to fizzle mainly because stickers get lost or the chart gets played with or it is too much work. This has eliminated all of that and still allows me to focus on all the great and wonderful things my girls do. I reward them for anything and everything - assisting a sibling or me, random acts of kindness, etc . . . I also use it to break bad habits. Here's how it works - I got a book of stickers from Walmart and then took one sheet and cut it into three parts. In the cupboard, I taped one part for each child and then let each child select a reward (extra play time, pick family fun, Book club book, etc. . . ). The ingenius part is that I pull off the sticker and then give it to them - where it ends up does not matter (as long as it is not on the walls or furniture). When the stickers are all gone they have earned their reward. No more lost stickers.

Happy Father's Day

2008-06-14T21:57:00.000-07:00

This is the first Father's Day that we are not with Namu because we are in Utah. We all miss him very very much. The children put their thoughts on video as a gift to their Dad. Personally I am grateful everyday that Namu is such an amazing father. He LOVES each one of them and takes time to know each of them individually. The thing I love most about Namu as a Dad is his humor. It doesn't matter what the situation might be he can always find a reason to laugh and to make the rest of us laugh too. He is a great example to me and reminds me daily of how special it is to be a parent of four amazing kids.

Happy Father's Day Dad. We love and miss you - Love, Pomai, Nalia, Anela, and Helaman

Laughed till we cried and kept on laughing

2008-05-25T21:43:00.001-07:00

So if you know anything about Namu and his migraines - you know how hard it is for him to get up some mornings. BUT this took the cake. So for Family Council each person was sharing something they did well at and Namu jokingly said I woke up. I said woke up that is your success for the week?! He kept his straight face and wrote it down on the agenda as the rest of us laughed. Well after successes everyone sets their goal for the week. Anela started. Namu asked, "Anela what is your goal for the week?" She promptly answered, "To wake up"

Trouble Trouble

2008-05-22T19:03:00.000-07:00

So I got in trouble because my sisters found my not so private blog before I was ready to "unveil" it (whatever that means). Anyway I have officially made it private. I am excited to join the blogging bandwagon and share the comings and goings of our little fam. love ya

Happy 3 months

2008-04-16T13:51:00.000-07:00

So Helaman is officially 3 months old today. He is such a happy boy. He has brought us so much JOY. He is near 16 lbs. and baby talks a ton. The girls love him to death and it is so fun to see their interaction with one another. He has a special smile for his sisters. I love love love his smile. Melts my heart EVERYTIME, if that is possible. It is so wonderful that there is always lots of room in your heart for more children. SO happy birthday Helaman!

Don't forget to clean out the church bag

2008-03-09T15:15:00.000-07:00

Ok so I admit that I do not always clean out my bag every Sunday but this was the WINNER! Here is what I found in the church bag this morning - Helaman's baby blessing pants with the poop stain now firmly set in, a bag of moldy apple slices, and a dirty diaper. This just reaffirms how crazy last Sunday was with going back to church for the first time with 4 children, on blessing day and finding out 1 hr. before sacrament meeting that you are having ALL the family over to eat after church - is anyone else laughing. It all turned out - pictures to come.