The Pula Family

17 weeks Pregnant and Counting!

2009-12-18T18:10:00.000-08:00

So this will be baby #7 for us and this pregnancy has had so many dips, curves and uneasy roller coaster vibes that we've really had a run for our money! About a week ago I had some heavy bleeding and cramping and was rushed into E.R. again fearing the reoccuring episode of spotting at my 6 week mark.. Panic stricken with a flood of thoughts of what I could've done to bring this all on, but to our surprise baby is still strong, kicking and very much alive... A huge sense of peace came over me as Mana and I waited in the E.R. room for the long 5 hours we were there. We made use of our time reading books to one another and laughing as we made up songs to totally random things.. It really brought me peace and strenghth to have Mana there with me. Shortly after this episode they discovered that I have a heart murmur. I've had an echo cardiogram done a few days ago and really won't know what the outcome of this will be until my doctor gives me further word of my results!...So far I've been continuing my daily routine but with a little more caution. My mother in law will be here for 2 weeks and I am so excited to have her help during this time. I'm thankful for my family and their efforts in helping wherever they can! It's been a treat to have a helping hand!.. My tummy is growing so much but to my surprise I've lost 13 lbs and I feel really great! wow...atleast that's some great news to share in this post!

So thankful for my family!

2009-11-29T09:42:00.000-08:00

Cheezy Fou!

Opening presents!

Everyone kicking back!

Before we had our grindz!

We set the kids up in the garage, complete with T.V. and all...it was the perfect place to make a huge mess!

As the sun sets...it's breath taking!

My sister and I after a very long day of cooking...

Our H.S. friends visitng from SEATTLE, as my hubby works the grill on Thxgvng! BBQ chicken, Kal bi ribs...it was so ONO..

Where everyone retired too, after eating....

Happy jaron on his b-day!

These girls always have me dying...

We never do w/out a sure game of scrabble...so fun!

why do I love this man so much?..............I'm thankful I have him for eternity!

It's a rare occasion!

2009-11-23T23:44:00.001-08:00

Lov'n the beach

U know we camp until the sun goes down, down, down!

Baby Tony.....

Loading up the Van for a family trip to the BEACH!

Chilly Waimea 65 degrees!

They love the beach so much! the sun is setting...

Gorgeous green Waimea!

So full of "Hawaiian Style CAFE"............

The spot...

Amaya getting her feet wet!

Aryn said she wanted a sandwich now!

Our first stop "The Park in Waimea"

My 3 sweetie pies!

It's always rare to Have "Mana" home so we tend to do a lot of things without him. He usually has to read about it when he gets home from work! (Thank goodness for technology)...But we were fortunate to have a furlough friday with our children and decided to make a day of it!.. So we dropped off the twins at school, took a drive up to Waimea and had breakfast with our three girls at "Hawaiian Style Cafe"!! Got some ice-cream, and hung out at the park for a couple of hours!..It was a chilly 65 degrees and my girls looked so cute to finally be able to use their jeans and sweaters! As we made the trek back home our temp gage in our car went up from 65 degrees to a warm 80 degrees!

We decided to make it a beach day, so we packed up the Van with boogie boards, lunch and lots of anxious little kids and headed for KUA BAY!..Had a blast! and of course we left after the sun set! Absolutely a gorgeous day! Couldn't help but share it with you!

Halloween 2009 and our Big SCARE>>>>>>>>

2009-11-04T17:43:00.000-08:00

All the kids at our Ward Trunk or Treat!

Audrey "my sassy 60's brat doll"..

My "Haka boy and my Gothic Brat Doll Amaya"

My family!

My gorgeous girls!

The Jokerettes!

My crazy Haka boys!

These are my models!

I'm 10 weeks pregnant and Few days ago I noticed that I started bleeding after using the bathroom... Totally freeked me out, so Mana rushed me into E.R. as my sister Tara sped over to p/u our kids and took them to her place! All that kept running through my mind was that we were losing our little baby and we needed to get to the hospital as fast as we could. We drove over to Waimea's hospital which is 45 minutes away and kept praying along the way as we drove that all would be fine! It was surprising so calm driving there, as I tried to soothe my husbands anxiety...but our whole drive to the hospital was so peaceful! The moon was full and it lit up all the pastures and trees along the side of us relaxing me as we rode to E.R. We arrived to a friendly staff on shift that evening and After extensive blood drawn and examination we finally had an ultrasound that confirmed that our little baby was still much alive with a strong heartbeat! A whirlwind of emotions flooded my mind as we saw our little pumpkin still safe inside of me!

The doctor let us know that there could be 2 reasons for my bleeding! I could either 1, be in early stages of a miscarriage or I could be one of those women who actually spot during pregnancy! She mentioned that although it's not normal to spot during pregnancy it is very COMMON to do so! She ruled out miscarriage because the sac of the baby is still very much attached and in place as a miscarriage would reveal a saggy weakened sac that is starting to dissappear. We followed up with an Appt with my reg O.B. and she was able to let us hear the baby via the doppler and wants me to keep a close eye on any changes! Until then, we are keeping positive and healthy!

Update:

Morning sickness and fatigue have become tolerable but I've never been so thankful to have these symptoms more than I do now!...I have my next appt in 2 weeks and I'll update then!

Pregnancy Chronicles!

2009-10-24T15:59:00.000-07:00

So I just hit my 8 week mark this past Wed. and my morning sickness/fatigue/nausea/no energy still hasn't improved! My energy is completely zapped from me and I'm not liking this feeling at all!

My house seems to stay unattended to while my mind tells me to get up and move...I try but my body is like "Sit back down missy"...so I do, but looking at the mess makes me determined to get up!

Today I'm working up the courage to go and take the kids to the beach just to get them out of the house...but I'm afraid to drive anywhere only to get sick on the way there! The heat is buggin me out of control, really makes me miss SEATTLE weather all too much!

I however do find comfort in mints or minty gum accompanied by ICE COLD water. That seems to temporary help me out..but for now tylenol and tums are in my bag at all times! Hope things get better for me from here on out...ughhhhhhhhhh

My little Soccer Princess!

2009-10-05T00:24:00.000-07:00

All pretty to get down and dirty...7 a.m. in the morning!

Huddle, and put your soccer balls down...........

"Mom, I need water please".........it's so hot and I don't blame her...because it was..

Go Aryn...mom is screaming and clapping like a maniac on the side lines!!! (Very Proud Mom)

So It's taken a lot of effort on My part since (I'm the stay at home parent )to convince Aryn that it's not so bad to get out there and try something new! Well 5 weeks of driving her to practice, switching teams, sitting and waiting out in the HOT, HOT, Kona sun...and we finally had a break through! I was so proud of Aryn! Not only was it picture day but she gave it her best, even when I was a little doubtful that today may just be like the past 5 weeks of pulling teeth!..

Aryn definitely proved me wrong and played her little heart out...during all of the drills, warm ups, and her little game...It doesn't help that the heat down on the soccer field is down right ridiculous and HOT, HOT, HOT..I almost wanna spray a hose on those poor kids! But it was alot of fun and I'm looking forward to the last few weeks we have left! Good job baby girl!

Thank you Marta~

2009-09-26T19:56:00.000-07:00

Sweet, Spicy Ginger Chews is a tasty treat when my tummy is not feeling so great!

Along with GingerSnaps, Ginger Ale all Wrapped up in...............this pretty little bag below!

So far this pregnancy hasn't started off that great! I have good and bad days, but you'd think after having 6 children I would've experienced some sort of nausea or morning sickness right?..Well wrong...so I guess there is a first for everything and although this is my 7th pregnancy this is the first for me to experience these dreadful tummy cramps as well as feeling extremely tired! My super hero girlfriend Marta came over to my house today and dropped off this cute little bag of Ginger Goodies to help with the Nausea and crampies! I am so grateful that you thought of me my dear!...You are a GEM! Thank you again...................

The latest news in our house!

2009-09-24T22:10:00.000-07:00

WE ARE EXPECTING A NEW BABY IN MAY OF 2010:

It has been a decision that we've been planning for the past year or so! We really weren't sure why it was taking so long but we're finally 6 weeks pregnant with baby #7. This has truly been a blessing and our kids are so excited to know that a new baby is going to be making his or her way into our home next spring! As we've decided that this will be our LAST pregnancy, it makes me want to treasure every moment of this pregnancy and to include our children in every step of it too! I don't believe I've ever had the opportunity to be this excited about any of my pregnancies because they all happened fairly quickly with little effort (smile)..but this pregnancy took so much longer that we are anticipating a pretty healthy baby! I have my first appt in a few weeks and will find out all the stats then, also to see how many babies there might be!! If there is twins again...we will be just as happy! I'm grateful for this challenge and feel honored to have the blessings of our heavenly father entrust me to be a mommy to a 7th angel!... I can't wait to show this picture to these kids when they are in High School!

Jaron and Kennan first real field trip and their very first pair of shoes! It took me forever to find them a pair that wasn't only easy to put on but that was wide enough and comfortable enough for their flintstone feet! I struggled getting them to wear them this morning, as they love their slippers but after they ran around a bit, they were pretty excited to be wearing shoes! I was so thankful that I Mana and I were able to go and support these little monkeys on their excursion!

Family Time!

2009-09-15T12:50:00.000-07:00

Joe and Sam...

Beach Volleyball

Keahou Beach

love having the family over!

the 3 amigos

Saying good bye to Auntie Dayla and uncle jake

Audrey and Jodeci...........

Jumping off the wall

Joe's visit to Kona...

Lobstah..........

BBQ'n

jaron found a friend

Kennan...

boy scouts...........combined young women

leaving for school!

This makes me pee my pants so bad!!!

My handsome son............

Oh I love him so much!

My two chocolate drops...

Been slacking in my blogg'n sessions, but for those of you who keep up with our fam...here's a little update! I had some pix that I've been wanting to post from some of our favorite family moments lately! Whether it's a family BBQ, a ward beach party, boys scouts or just some good ol family Down time it's always so fun to unwind and take a breather from our chaotic weeks to laugh and have fun with eachother!

UPDATE:

*hosted a chinese BYU hawaii student named Xiaorong Wang whom we called Jean! I have learned a whole different meaning of Charity~ In the 24 hours that she stayed with me, just to have a bed to lay her head in her busy sessions of attending our Kona Temple, I learned to become more humble and appreciate all of the SMALL things that make us happy...My husband and I were able to have dinner with her after putting our kids to bed, and I have to say that the sincerity and innocence of her prayer was so pure that it truly made an impression on my heart! We opened our eyes only to find both of our eyes filled with tears! We knew she was sent to us, as a reminder of "what a priviledge it is for us to attend the temple! We have the opportunity to go, as often as we want so long we make that choice ourselves! This young 27 year old student who used all of her monies to travel outer island on pure faith that she would fine a place to stay to do this sacred work! I truly believe that people come into our lives during different seasons for bigger reasons than we are prepared to comprehend! Thank you for sending this young lady to us! We can't wait until she visits again!

My poor Kennan...

2009-09-03T16:31:00.001-07:00

We had the missionaries over for dinner last night, so we made some really yummy local BBQ chicken and some other great sides! The kids bum rushed the chicken with tongs in hand....YIKES...Kennan grabbed it first and his index finger got caught in between the tongs where it's really sharp...my daughter aryn literally yanked the tongs out of Kennan's hand and sliced Kennan's finger so badly I wasn't sure if she actually severed it OFF...Blood was everywhere, I mean everywhere, it actually made me really scared to really know the true outcome!

Mana was totally panicked as he quickly rushed kennan to get his hand under running clean water...he had trouble getting the blood to stop! We worried he might need stitches...With the missionaries still over enjoying their meal...an overwhelming sense of peace came over me, that everything was going to be just fine!...Mana was still excited about what had just taken place, and a flood of emotions were going through everyones mind. Kennan was crying so loud, and I believe he could feel how anxious we all were! I immediately started singing as many of his favorite primary songs as I could to calm him down and it worked...a few minutes later and lots of antibiotic gels and bandaids and our little boy was back to normal!

Mana took off today to help me take Kennan into the Doctors to make sure he didn't need stitches...it was way too late for stitches but they said it would've been useful for him to have had a few but after 24 hours it's too late!...The ended up just putting some steri strips and some ointment and a bandaid over for him,,,,I know he'll be back and and running in no time!

Crazy days ahead!

Back up and running!!

2009-09-01T14:43:00.000-07:00

Sorry to my faithful frendz who read my blog! Things have been super pure craziness in the PULA household! I don't know what I was thinking that "I'd have MORE time to do what I want as soon as our youngest boys started preschool this year!" I was soooooooo wrong...seems like I'm more busier now, because I do have all the time in the world to grocery shop, wash laundry, cook, clean and low and behold book appointments that I would normally schedule for my husbands ONE day off he has a week!! So I guess there are PRO's and CONS to having ALL of your kids in school! To top if off our computer had a virus...so with the help of my brother in law and my girlfriend Kaulana I was able to get our computer up and running and back on track, thus my reason for updating our blog!

Our AC went out in our VAN....and having no AC in KONA is just as bad as having no water in the desert....so while we have been searching for a AC part on EBAY...to save some money...my husband has been the sweetheart that he is and has given me his car to drive until my AC problem is fixed! I totally miss driving my VAN...

Lately we've had our share of having our faith tried, but when my husband or I feel weakened in that area...I'm so grateful that ONE of us usually has the extra strength the pull the other one up! I've had some really neat experiences happen to me lately that have physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally uplifted my heart, and I have to say "Thank you to those of you, who have been there for us, during these crazy times"...It always seems that I have this special bond with friends, that I may not be able to hang out with as often as I want to, but when those "CRAZY" moments come up, it's like this telepathic echo reflects my need and "YOU" are here right when I need you!! So thank you frenz, all of you who are here when I need you! I hope that I am that same friend to you...

The twins are adapting to preschool...no more cries, just sweet kisses in the morning when we drop them off! Kennan has really blosssomed the most...and has found true independancy! While Jaron on the other hand has found comfort in a sarogant (sp?) mother "MISS VEENA"...(his teacher aid at school)...he clings to her like he normally would to me...but all in all I'm just very glad that they are able to go to this program! This past Sunday was our first sunday that they stayed in Nursery by themselves.........after a full year of trying to sneak out! I truly believe that school has played a huge role in letting them stay in class alone!! YIPPEE...

I'm excited to hangout with my MAN tomorrow...we're spending a date day...doing some temple work tomorrow morning...so I'm really looking forward to FINALLy being able to go together! I can't express how in love I am with this man....even writing this right now makes me want to pay him a lil visit at work!....take care everyone!

Official TODAY was their first of Preschool!

2009-08-04T12:36:00.001-07:00

All of you are well aware of how much I have been anticipating/but yet again still holding on to the expectations I had of our twin babies going to preschool! Well the day has come and this time "Without" Mommy or daddy at their side, they bravely took their steps into their seperate classrooms! They somehow felt inside that it was time for me and Mana to go but their cries peirced my heart as I hugged them and kissed them and told them I'd be back to get them! Each of their teachers were so supportive, kind, warm and loving and intercepted my departure as I waved goodbye and promised them that I'd be back to get them. I never thought it was going to be THIS hard....

This is such a HUGE ordeal for not only them but our WHOLE family! The twins were lucky to have the luxury of having ME home with them and vice versa, but the attachment you develop being home with your youngest children I think speaks volumes!!

They both will turn 3 in November and are the youngest children in their class...(I think)..but the other children in their class, as I noticed, surely seemed so much older and well adjusted with the idea of starting preschool! Mana was so awesome...his big ol strong arms held me as I buried my face in his chest and cried so hard! He comforted me and told me, that he knows that this is going to be so hard, but we are HELPING them become more independant from eachother (the twins). It truly is a great opportunity to be native Hawaiian and to be able to take part of such a fantastic preschool program! I feel fortunate that they are able to take part in that.

I came back home, after dropping the twins off, still a little dazed at what just took place! I'm tending to my other children Audrey (7) who is sick with the flu, and Aryn (5) who will start kindergarten this Thursday! It was comforting for me to still have babies to come home to, but starting next week, it's just me, myself, and I! (not sure if I'm prepared for that).. I guess I better start planning for some classes to begin for photography huh?? Wish me luck!

Twins first day of Preschool!

2009-07-31T19:32:00.001-07:00

Kennan put his things in his bin!

Jaron is relaxing after playing hard!

Kennan is having fun!

Two monsters

Their little park, for play time!

Kennan writing his name on the sidewalk

Discovering Blocks.....

Very Shy guy!

Warming up!

Buddies for life, couldn't wait to see eachother!

Jaron really loved this book, he noticed the ukulele

totally loved the classes fighting fish

he loved recess........

and was mezmorized by the "Go..feesh"

He made a few things with play dough!

We visited the block area!

He enjoyed puzzles!

and the big trucks!

made some handprints...and that was our day today!

Thank you to my sister Jill, who was able to come along with me on the twins first day of school! I love how their school prepares and transitions the children to get used to their NEW environment! Today school was from 8:30 am - 10:00 and the parents were to attend with their children for today! I however have TWO kids, and asked my sister if she could help me out today!

They basically were broken up into groups of 3 and came at different alotted times, ours happened to be in the morning! Then next week the boys will go for 4 hours 3 days a week, the following week will be 5 hours with 3 days a week and the final week when they start will be 5 days a week from 7:45 a.m - 2:00 p.m.!!!

They learned the ropes of their classroom, handwashing, experimenting with different areas, singing, circle time, and of course having fun! It was so great! I'm really excited for them to start full time in a few weeks, and I know that they are so ready, it has alot to do with me not wanting to part from them! Whaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!

Haircuts and Ice-cream treats in the Park watchin Late night Baseball games!

2009-07-31T19:14:00.001-07:00

Mana gett'n interested in the baseball game

Dayla and Jake expecting their "BABY BOY" December 2009

Hav'n fun at the Park...Hot night = Ice-cream bars from TARGET...

Family Fun!!!

Blue lips on cute lips.........

My favorite people in the whole world

Watching those players...........

A cold treat for Amaya and Mommy...before getting her hair done!

Sweet kennan has a popsicle to match his FIT...

total teenager response!!!

My sassy princess...

Deez guys love the camera......

My gorgeous MEN...

Brotherly love!

Wackin the Wig off....for school

Pretty Amaya!

Mommy and Daughter day out together!

GEttin that hair did!

With the rush of school starting and getting supplies picked up, seperated and bagged for each child...came the preperation of getting haircuts..which we try to cut costs and do them ourselves! As our girls are maturing I figured it would be nice to take them to go and get their hair done professionally! Although I'm well qualified to do it, I love when someone else can do their hair. I found the best hairdresser by the name of YOLANDA. She is a sylist that works at the Innovations salon right next door to Kona mix plate! Love her!

It was so warm last night around 9:00 p.m. our family decided to cool off for a family ride, we stopped off at our New TARGET (my favorite hang out spot) , picked out some favorite ice-cream treats and headed to the park to watch some Baseball games that were going on. When you have a huge family like ours, anything is fun when your doing it together! I always enjoy hanging out with my children and my husband after a long crazy day. I'm looking forward to this school year and all the changes that are ahead of us!

Thank you Dad and Sue!

2009-07-27T00:03:00.000-07:00

Jare Bear eating Healthy Snacks....

Aryn fell asleep in Papa's BED........sneaky lil girl!

Swimmin...even before the sun comes up!

My girls with Great Grandma Roberta, Grandma Sue and Auntie Erika

Pretty Makana with her Auntie!

Being Silly!

Most of the kids............

Audrey takin a break from swimming!

Crazy Jare............

Kennan is a character, I tell you!

Amari back flipp'n into the pool1

our children are fishes!

Gettin ready to bake cakes with Grandma

Perfect Conversation area.........on this huge lanai

lots of fun = very sleepy kids!

Listenin to her IPOD

Isn't this so sareal (sp?)

Grandkids with Papa!

Aryn made a friend!

Last night, saying Good bye to Papa!

Look at this Sunset!!!..........It was so romantic....

Thank you DAD and SUE! This was such a PERFECT ending to SUMMER vacation for not only US but for the kids! We had so much fun, and this house was absolutely perfect to fit our LARGE family! The kids could not get enough swimming and just had the best time being together as always! I hope our next trip will not be too far away but we'll try to work on coming to visit you next time!...All in all we had a blast........the kids loved their little birthday party, cakes, goodie bags! Sue the thought that went into making all of those bags for the kids made the special touches memorable! Dad...thank you for being a great sport and putting all of the goodies in the bags! I think the kids will be using the Gift Certificates on Wednesday when Mana is off! We love you..................

The latest news!

2009-07-18T14:11:00.000-07:00

Maya, Me, Matt, and STACY

Grubbin in the backyard

Can you believe we live right around the corner from this?

Looks like POOL water but it isn't...

Uncle O with Jaron...

Living in Hawaii brings reunions between friends because of the sole purpose that reuniting in PARADISE makes everything too perfect. All of us in this picture have all come from Federal Way Washington!! Dayla in on bottom in black: has been my girly from way back since H.S. and Matt another H.S. classmate in the gray shirt with his girlfriend stacy in white were visiting family on Oahu and decided to hop a flight over to Kona! My brother and his wife Maya in Pink also obviously are from the same place and it was crazy fun knowing that we Would happen to all be in Kona all these years later! Debbie is a co-worker of mine when we worked for Alaska Airlines together. She was really my heart when I was a single mom going through my divorce. She really was the best person I could've ever met and I'm so glad that she decided to come hang out with me and the family! We truly did have an awesome time. She is like a mother to me and I'm looking forward to many more visits soon!

Aryn was too excited to get her teeth cleaned...

Kennan was so relaxed it actually was SHOCKING! since he usually is the first to cry bloody murder!

My poor Jaron...hated me after this...but you know what it didn't hurt him not one bit! They are so awesome at changing words like : SHOTS= sleepy juice that lets your tooth take a nap...or plaque into "SUGAR BUGS" and flouride into "Can I paint your teeth"... I guess when working with children, it makes it easier when you can break it down to them in a more fun way to take care of your teeth! It was a long day...but someone had to do it huh??

Saying good bye to Efrum...

2009-07-09T15:34:00.001-07:00

Elias, Tenny, Efrum, and Mark at E's last dinner with the family

My siblings....

Goodbye to Efrum

Makana and the twins

it's so hard to say good bye....we miss him so much!

My nephew Ephraim moved to Samoa to live with his Dad about 2 weeks ago! We were able to have a small devotional with him before his departure off with his dad! Everyone had an opportunity to cry and share with ephraim of all the positive impacts that he has on each of us! The hardest part for me was to see our children hug him and cry so hard that your own heart melted. I realized the connection that each of our children have for eachother is so close, to see those ties severed was heartbreaking.....I have big dreams for him and know that even though we miss him so much here with our family, I know that he will come back to us on Vacations with tons of stories of things that he's learned while living with his dad! We can hardly wait until he comes back for those vacations!...

Kukio.........with the family!!

2009-07-09T15:22:00.000-07:00

Amaya

Audrey

Kukio Beach

Having Lunch

I sat in the shade and still got burnt...with SPF 85 applied!..

Sweet innocent Aryn...(yeah right)

Beautiful Audrey!

Amaya and my neice Fou (Tara's daughter..)

We love to spend time together as a family! This summer has been so much fun enjoying so much time with my kids! It must be because our twins our nearing their 3rd birthday this coming November and can walk, talk, and eat on their own...Making it so much easier to do more with the kids compared to last year! I feel a sense of accomplishement looking at our large family and wondering how fast time surely does fly by! This summer sure has been fun hanging out with our tribe!...

Camp Honoka'ia Boys Scouts....

2009-07-09T15:15:00.001-07:00

Yay...Mar Mar is coming home!

Amari and Anton

Kimo, Paul, and Micah Kahanu

Picking up our Boys..

Relaxation in the forest...

Giving it all you got when it's your troops "SKIT"...chee hoo

Park your trucks HERE...

My nephew Anton...smiling cuz he can't wait to go home!

Getting ready for Potluck

Beautiful Honoka'ia

Our boys...pack 131..

By the campfire watchin our boys perform their skits..

Pack 131...June 2009

Okay so Amari had a pretty fun filled summer this year. It really just goes to show just how much older he really has become! I missed him terribly for the short but long two weeks he was away from us. It really made me appreciate having his helping hand in our home and all of the things he helps me with at home! I have to say that I have a greater appreciation for him, and I'm so glad that he was able to take part in Boys Scout Camp and to attend Explorations this year on Oahu!

Home Sweet Home!

2009-06-29T17:52:00.000-07:00

Lots of Memories on "Laie Point"

My Waimanalo Family...............

Beautiful Valley of the Temples...where my mommy is buried!

I went to go and put fresh Flowers on my mommy's grave.......

I cannot believe that we crazy kids used to swim here...why were we not afraid?

These mountains are my favorite when I visit home.........

I was blowdrying my hair outside on my Auntie Lani's porch on the point and this was my view..

It was breakfast at the "Ah you's" with my girlies...we had so much fun!...I love them!

Tala's cutest baby in the whole world...................

At the Ali'i Luau at PCC..

Tala and Ry making B'fest for everyone!

Quick stop for Breakfast with the Isa and Kerry Moeai at "Hukilau Cafe"

Had to get a picture with skinny "BULA"..............while she was working..

Jill and I at the night show for PCC...........

I absolutely miss these tradewinds........it brings back so many awesome childhood memories!

Canoe Show...........I had a blast playing tourist

JIll, Jolene Kanahele and I at BYU

Did a run over to Rainbow School in Kahuku to say Hello to "Sherry Evans"

This is my mom's oldest sister Auntie Moana and her husband Max Hannemann, they live in Kahuku now and are really enjoying being home! Wow she still has her same wonderful sense of humor and stories of everyone, it was such a nice visit!

Buses dropping off busloads of students for the Summer explorations program at Kamehameha School Kapalama campus on Oahu..

Laie...............................................

My boys with their counselors and dorm advisors at Explorations.

They were so sad to leave and has soooooooooooo much fun, I missed my son so much, I cried because right after this he left for another week to Boys Scout Camp...ughhhh

Me and my handsome Boy.........

Jilly and I at the Ho'ike on Oahu at the Kapalama Campus

My sister Jill and I both have boys that are the going to be in 6th grade! Around this time of summer Kamehameha offers a Fantastic Explorations program to Hawaiian Children to learn and explore the language, arts, studies and history of the Hawaiian Culture. I still remember when I attended 21 yrs ago and it was such an awesome opportunity that I promised myself to do with my OWN children.

Our boys flew out of Kona to Oahu on Sunday and we flew over that following Thursday to go and hang out on the Island and visit family and friends and to also attend our boys Ho'ike (performance). My husband took 3 days off to watch our children while I had some sister time with Jilly!

We saw everyone, ate everything, and bought everything we wanted to get on our list of to do, in the short 3 days that we were there! Not only was the tradewinds blissfully perfect, but we were able to sleep in without any kids crying, and get pampered by all the aunties we visited. I have to tell you that I would take this over any pedicure or foot massage there is!!

Thank you to my long time girlfrenz for looking around time for me and then making a huge breakfast with the keiki's, I'm so grateful to have the friends and family that I have! So I guess until the next sisterhood of the traveling pants reunion...we'll see ya next yr...

Amari is growing up!

2009-06-22T13:30:00.000-07:00

Earned his "Arrow of light award"...here is his display board...

Anita and I................

My 5 babies minus Mar Mar...

Father's Day dinner......

oops...same shot

all of us sweaty after dancing the night away.

The 3 amigo's

My neice Makana and I at the kona airport, she was leaving to Kaui for a summer program

Makana and Hiwa Manning and Family all leaving for Summer program

Waiting Patiently........to leave to oahu with all their families

Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa, my baby boy leaving with his group to get on their flight to Oahu

Jill and Elias........leaving to Oahu for Explorations too

oops another double picture!............

My son 11 yr old son just left on his very first trip away from me to Oahu to attend Kamehameha Schools Exploration program where they dorm on the Kapalama campus for one week and learn about the Hawaiian Culture. I remember going to the same program over 20 yrs ago and I can't explain to you, just how awesome this program was! I understand the anxiety, and nervousness he felt going. He was pretty set on "not wanting to go"...I said "TOO BAD", because your going to love it! From snorkeling, to boogie boarding, canoe paddling, hawaiian arts and crafts, and of course the ONO, ONO, food that they serve...mmmmmmmmm. He's a little nervous about dorming with a stranger, and I hope that he'll learn the beauty of diversity through this summer trip away!! I will meet up with Amari on Friday on Oahu as my sister Jill and I will be going there for 3 days to attend our boys Ho'ike performance at the end of this week! I miss him so much and I can't wait until Friday!

and then it's off to Boys Scout Camp next week in Honoka'ia...Whooo Hoo...I miss you!

Twins "FIRST" sleepover.........

2009-06-21T10:23:00.001-07:00

Jaron showing his HAKA moves...................

My girls being good big SIZZY"s.........to the boys

Uncle Jake...reading books to the kids............(MY KIDS love to read so much)

the boys JUMPIN>>>>all around............and having so much fun!

We love these guys so much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My bestest girlfriend in the whole world Dayla is "MOVING" back to Seattle at the End of Summer and I am so sad....She is expecting her first baby this Winter and I will NOT be able to be there for her pregnancy like she has been for all 6 of my births..."whaaaaaaaa", so I guess a trip to SEATTLE will definitely need to be on the agenda?

Anyway Dayla thought it would be so fun to have a LAST sleepover at her place before moving home to SEATTLE and before becoming a new MOMMY!! But this time she invited our 2 1/2 yr old twins who have NEVER slept away from me since birth...YIKES. I totally trust Dayla with all my heart and knew that she would keep them entertained...but come on 5 kids...are you sure??

I take them over to her house....and Jake's got Mini burgers fryin for the kids, father's Day card making art work going on, they've got a drawerful of snacks all ready to go for MUNCHIE time, and necklace making in preperation!! I'm always impressed by her ideas, but was still a little leary about the twins. I decided to sneak out the door...only to be greeted by two happy toddlers saying "Bye Bye Mama"...........Nooooooooooooooooooo, was this for real?

I wasn't sure what to even do with my time after this, but made sure that I had something planned other than going home to do laundry, cleaning, or anything else a MOM with no kids does??? yeah right...so I hung out with my sisters and then had a quiet evening with my husband! Dayla said that Jaron needed a little extra love at the end of the night and was pacing around the house saying "Where's Mama?" to each of his sisters ........but he eventually got a little tummy time with DAY and fell asleep...Thanks Day...for being an awesome SITTER...I'm going to miss you when you leave!!!!!!!!!!!! whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

She's an absolute Comedian..and doesn't know it!

2009-06-18T17:43:00.000-07:00

My girlfriend Anita is visiting from SEATTLE, Washington! We go way back when we first met 8 yrs ago working as Ticket Agents for Horizon Airlines! Probably one of my most favorite jobs in the whole world. We got the worst pay, but the co-workers that we had to work with, Man I wish there were more jobs like those these days! Anyway Anita brought her 12 yr old Son "VAY" with her, and rented a beautiful place in Kahakai Estates! We pretty much have spent everyday together since her arrival, and I thought it would only be fair to have her over to our house for a FAB home cooked "PULA" dinner!!

We hung out, got caught up with one another and she offered to have my 3 older girls stay the night at her place, because she's got a pool there. My daughters naturally were so excited to get away that my 4 yr old ARYN ran in her room to pack her things...She was gone for awhile until I asked "Where's Aryn?" She says "Right here MOM"..and comes out of her room with 2 tightly packed backpacks...I'm totally laughing at this point, thinking "Wow, she really is ready to get out of here"!...after laughing I tell Aryn to take off the sweater that she has on, because not only is it 85 degrees and HOT...it's humid with no breeze and she's sweating so bad and this sweater is zipped all the way up!..I'm still telling her to take the sweater off, and as she refuses I end up taking the zipper down and zipping it down for her only to find that she has on a lacy tank top that is about 5 sizes to big and the middle of the tank top is hanging to her belly button! We all get a huge kick out of this by now, and think she is so cute...but she thinks we are laughing at her and starts crying! Evil me...continues to open her packed bags noticing that she's packed the following:

*2 plastic easter eggs filled with rice and decorated with stickers
*2 hooded sweatshirts
*4 pages of folded up painted Art work
*1 undie
*swimsuit
*unopened box of toothpaste
*2 math flashcards
*chapstick
*brush
*one shirt
*two pictures of herself at preschool

HIGHLIGHT of the twins:

They say "Happy Day...Yay...Yay..." translation "Happy Birthday"...I love it

OH my Gossssssss....jaron have a pizza (piko = belly button in Hawaiian)

Summer is Here...............

2009-06-13T19:42:00.000-07:00

Audrey and her classmate at their end of school songfest

Amaya performing her number with all the 3rd graders

Me and Audrey at Jamba Juice

The Crowd at Songfest.......pure craziness, that's my blue tent in the back...I got there at 6:45 a.m. to set up!

My kiddo's enjoying a sweet treat from Jamba Juice...YUMMY

This month my calendar has been full and booked SOLID. From Graduation, to Boys scout stuff, getting ready for trips, meetings, doctor appointments or just plain "ENTERTAINING" our kids with lots of busy Activities throughout the day...it has been surprisingly a lot of fun!

*We have been spending lots of time swimming this summer, as Kona has really been much hotter this summer! Keeping cool is vital, but keeping yourself protected from the heat is just as important...We use SPF 85 and I think I may need to step it up to 100 soon. We all have some pretty amazing color, but I tell you my kids are having a ball!

*I enrolled my kids in the Summer Reading Program and they all have their age appropriate books which we log down and earn a weekly prize from our Local Library when they turn it in!

*Did the Farmers Market run yesterday, My kids washed my Van in the rain and had a blast, and I snuck in a Costco Run and a JAMBA JUICE run as well!!! To tell you the truth, I'm having a lot of fun spending time with my kids this Summer!

*I made it a goal this summer to really be INTO learning something new with my kids, whether it be something Historical, educational, spiritual..whatever just something that they'll appreciate and remember!

3 exciting things!

2009-06-05T22:21:00.000-07:00

Aryn is our lively 4 soon to be 5 yr old on "The 4th of JULY" who has successfully finished Preschool and is well prepared for her first year to Kindergarten! She has really enjoyed attending Kamehameha's Preschool Program, and we have enjoyed seeing her grow as parents. We are grateful that she was able to be apart of MISS ANNETTE's class. Today was Aryn's last day as a preschooler, and they went out with a bang and had goodie bags, splash day, a fab lunch menu. It was a great way to say "A Hui HOu"

Our twins Jaron and Kennan are 2 1/2 years old, and have successfully mastered POTTY TRAINING 101, for the past month. I'm so proud of them, it literally took me one week! We needed to have them trained before school started! They have been selected to attend Kamehameha Preschools 3 yr old program this year. I am so pleased that they were BOTH chosen. Sadly they won't be in the same class, but I'm crossing my fingers that through this seperation they will become more independant! I'm excited to know that they are #1 going to an awesome school and #2 this will be my first time in 10 yrs that I will have no little ones at home (Jaw dropping) I still can't get over it!...I think this would be a great time to break out my book of goals huh?

All of us at our oldest Child "Amari's 5th grade graduation" from Kealakehe Elementary School! His moving on with the Big Dogs, in Intermediate........This transition from child to young adult is such a vital point in any childs life! I am so proud of him. Besides the crazy heat, no parking and no seating during graduation.........it was all worth it to see my HANDSOME BIG BOY strut down the cafeteria and accept his handshake as his name was called! It really made me realize just how much time has passed, and how much Amari and I have been through together as MOMMY and SON! From being a teenage mom and him being pretty much my baby in training, to single mommy, all the way to now 6 kids later.......I appreciate his help with his siblings and for calming me down when I sometimes get out hand, I'm grateful that he is so forgiving when things go sour, and I mostly love him because of who he has become!

I found this quote:

The moment a child is Born the mother is also born. She never existed before. The woman existed but the mother never, A MOTHER is something absolutely NEW!

It has been so overwhelming these past months, knowing what's in store with each child. All 6 children with major life preparations coming their way and me wonderfully witnessing these sweet successes in their lives! I feel so honored to be called their MOTHER~ I love you