Our Akina Ohana

I love to see the temple...

2012-01-06T12:47:00.000-08:00

We absolutely enjoyed the Mesa Arizona temple lights this year. Kalamaku was absolutely mesmerized by all of the lights! It was so much fun, especially since we went with our great friends the Tiek's. We are so excited to enjoy this family tradition while we are here in Arizona. We are so blessed to be so close to the temple.

oh christmas tree

2012-01-06T12:40:00.000-08:00

Kala was so much fun while putting up the Christmas tree this year. He was so sweet and LOVED all the lights. I know it may not seem like a big deal but he is just getting so big it is so much fun!

We really enjoyed having all of "our" Christmas decorations again this year.

Caribbean Thanksgiving

2012-01-01T17:25:00.000-08:00

This Thanksgiving was a bit different for kaulana and I! Kaulana and I had the opportunity to go on a cruise with Living Scriptures to the Caribbean! We had such a blast and made so many wonderful new friends! First we drove to salt lake, had a lay over in Georgia, then flew onto Puerto Rico. We loaded there then sailed through the night to St. Croix. It was Sunday in St. Croix so we headed off to church! It was honestly Kaulana's favorite "experience" because he got to teach the sunday school class for the three youth in the ward. The next day we arrived at St. Kitts, where we embarked on our first adventure as a group. We rode mopeds around the island and had an absolute blast as we were poured on and as the sun shined! All the islanders thought it was pretty crazy to see 15 mopeds with 28 people riding them! We enjoyed our favorite beach from the entire trip, with the biggest waves Kaulana and I had ever been in. We saw lots of cool things and enjoyed every minute. Next we headed to dominica which was our absolute favorite island! We enjoyed a fun morning on the beach, a beautiful cave/fall that a part of the second Pirates of the Caribbean was filmed then lastly beautiful falls that one is heated by a volcano while the others are freezing cold, when they cross they create the most wonderful natural hot springs. Beautiful. Amazing. Next we headed to Grenada where we experienced the hike of a lifetime! It had rained all day the day before, creating a very muddy very steap, very slippery hike. Ha it was such a blast! We did make it back to see some of the "seven sisters" (the falls) ...eventually. The next day was thanksgiving so the ship cruised on back up towards St. Thomas where we spent our last full day snorkeling (which i had NEVER DONE), playing volleyball, sipping smoothies, and swimming in the rain! Snorkeling was incredible there were so many different kinds of fish and soooo many. It was absolutely incredible. We were so lucky to have met so many new people as well as my opportunity to learn so much more about celiacs from someone who has learned about it over the past 11 years. What an incredible experience. We are so lucky to have been part of such a wonderful experience!

leaving the dock

unforgettable dinners with shane and laura

scootering around st. kitts

the hike of a lifetime

swimming in the rain

the crew

the best beach ever!

church in st. croix

Fall has Arrived

2011-11-08T20:52:00.000-08:00

Fall has FINALLY arrived here in the valley. THANK HEAVENS! The weather has been absolutely wonderful the past week! Kaulana got free tickets to a "petting zoo" which turns out to be much more than just a petting zoo! it was like a fall PALOOZA or something!! We had such a good time jumping on this weird/awesome jumper thing, milking a fake cow, riding a pedal car, "horse" races, and barrel rides! Kala liked the pedal cars and the barrel ride the best! He cried when we got off the pedal cars and while we were riding the barrel ride all the teenagers were yelling "WOOOO HOOO" so Kala said it right along with him and drove the wheel the ENTIRE time. it was sooooo cute! I just can't believe how big my sweet boy is getting. What a joy he is. He brightens each and every day! I sure love this time of year and am getting sooo excited for all the wonderful holidays to come!

The pictures below are just some random pictures from the past month! I love all of our adventures!

candy...?

2011-11-08T20:14:00.000-08:00

We had a super fun October! We carved pumpkins with out friends the Tiek's and had sooo much fun the week after trick-or-treating!

Kala was a dinosaur this year! He kept running away from me every time i tried to get a picture so this is all we got! Kala LOVED trick-or-treating! He walked to entire time holding my hand and his pumpkin in the other hand! Every time someone would let him pick, he would put the first in his pale then go back for a second. haha. Everyone thought he was so cute so they always let him. Haha! He was hilarious. he was sooooo excited to get home and eat that candy though!

cousins

2011-10-21T12:23:00.000-07:00

Kala and I were able to come down to Tuscon this week to help during my sisters recovery. (really just for us to play haha). We have had so much fun. Kala wakes up early every morning (not so fun part) and realizes he is at cousins house and has to WAKE UP and PLAY! I was a bit nervous to see how Kala would be around the baby, because he's pretty rough and tough. But oh my goodness he just ADORES sweet Ryker. I have no idea where he got the idea but he keeps trying to hold Ryker whenever he is laying flat on the couch. It's sooooo CUTE! One of the many times he was hunched over admiring Ryker, Ryker put his arms out and so Kala thought he wanted a high five so he slapped his hand haha. He is so flippin cute! We have had so much fun this week and will be very sad to leave!

(Kala trying to hold Ryker haha)

Why I chose...

2011-10-20T23:41:00.000-07:00

I was reading this article today, http://bit.ly/p22F5z. To understand the rest of this post, you might want to read it (along with a box of tissues) before you read on.

Ya know, so many people give me such a hard time about having not gotten my bachelors. ( I have my associates don't get me wrong). But they all think less of me for not finishing my degree. Reading this article is EXACTLY why I chose to stay home. I had several dreams when Kala was about a year old that he would die. Now obviously it hasn't happened. But it made me think of how I would feel if he did die young. Now I don't hover over him and obsess over every move he makes. But I don't ever want to look back and wish I would have held him before bed just a little bit longer (not that he lets me ha), or that I wish I would have read him a few more stories, wrestled and tickled him a big more, or that I would have sat back and enjoyed his little devious laugh instead of letting my homework or housework take priority. I want to live each day with my sweet little boy to it's fullest. I don't want to have any regrets. Sure sometimes it's hard to watch the world think that I'm failing or letting myself down because they thought I had so much potential. But here's the thing, I have reached far greater potential being the sweetest little boys "mama" than I could have ever reached while attaining a bachelor's degree. I want to look back and remember the times i just couldn't resist going in his room at night just to hold him because I can't get enough, I want to look back and remember the times he held on so tight while I was helping him through his fear of the slide, I want to remember his first steps, I want to remember when he said his first words, I want to remember chasing him down the hallway while he laughs and screams all at the same time while he slows down so that I might just catch him.

This article helped me to be able to put into words why I feel so strongly about staying home and being a mom. It may not be the right thing for everyone, but for me, there's no other way. We may not live in a big house, we may not have fancy things, but I have the happiest little boy at home that I love with all my heart and that's all that matters. It's like what this woman says, “ I am a reflection of him and not the other way around, and this is, I believe, as it should be. This is a love story, and like all great love stories, it is a story of loss. Parenting, I’ve come to understand, is about loving my child today. Now. In fact, for any parent, anywhere, that’s all there is.” I chose to postpone my bachelor's for now because, I want to experience all the little things today and not wait for some future destination of what I can make my child into, but enjoy and love him for who he is today and if I can guide him as much as he guides me... honestly I could not ask for more in life than to hear his precious laugh and to see his gigantic smile. Sure I may not be living the life everyone else thinks I should, but I know I'm living the life that I will never once regret.

happenings

2011-10-19T13:54:00.000-07:00

We have been super busy since we've moved to Arizona and having SO much fun! I was watching a friends little boy for the first 6 weeks that we were here and we had lots of fun! He helped paint these posters for my sweet sister and baby Ryker! Kala of course covered his face with paint and got more paint on himself than the poster but he loves to paint! Kala and I got to go down for my sister's c-section September 23, 2011 so we could meet sweet Ryker Cole Baldwin. He is such a cutie! (I get to be down in Tuscon again this week and hold sweet Ryker it's GREAT!)
Kala is such a crack up these days. He is convinced that he is absolutely hilarious. So he walks around laughing at himself and cracking himself up. He decided on day that he needed to put on kaulana's dirty socks. He thought he was so cool. haha. My goodness I love my kid.
A couple of weekends ago there was actually nice weather in the valley so Kaulana, Kala and I headed on a hike first thing in the morning! We had so much fun and Kala was in HEAVEN to say the least, talking up a storm!
We are loving being in the valley and loving our new ward!

sleepless nights

2011-10-19T00:23:00.000-07:00

I can't sleep tonight. Been thinking. Wondering. Why the sun rises and sets on certain ways. Why some things ended up this way. How do things wind up so far away? How do you fix mistakes you've made.

Opportunities to Do Good

2011-10-17T19:51:00.000-07:00

(Kala was painting a poster for Aunt Melissa and Baby Ryker to come home from the hospital, he had sooo much fun to say the least!)

This past Sunday I was given the opportunity to speak at church. I was not given a topic, but was asked to pray about what I should speak on. Right off the bat, I thought of the talk, "What Manner of Men and Women Ought Ye to be?" by Elder Lynn G. Robbins, because I had been so touched by it in the last general conference. It truly moved me to action. I decided after that talk that I wanted to do the things that we therefore move me forward to the person that I so desire to be. I decided that I would work on responding to the small everyday promptings I receive from the Lord, particularly those that concerned service to others, even if it was just a phone call or a note. Truly it has changed my life. As this opportunity to speak came up I felt that others too may benefit from the experiences that I have had since last april. Well I got in the car the next morning to go to the market and my husband had a byu-speech podcast playing called "Why Giving Matters". Talk about incredible! If you ever had an excuse of why you couldn't give, this sure PROVES (literally with statistics) why we can and should serve. It's incredible the impact service has on the lives of others as well as our own and watching THIS short video (4 mins) this evening just reiterated that to me. I am so very grateful to be part of a church that stresses to its members the importance of service. I truly hope that I can truly "be" a service oriented person and that the Lord can count on me when he needs something to be done. I have been lucky enough to have the opportunity to serve my sweet sister this week in Tuscon as she recovers. I don't think helping with the cutest little newborn really counts as service but I am thankful for each and every opportunity that the Lord gives me to help others, even if they may be small and insignificant to me, who knows, maybe one day it will seem much more to someone on the other end...

slow dance

2011-10-14T22:38:00.000-07:00

I was thinkin about an old friend today, lookin at old notes I had written. I had written these song lyrics one day

SLOW DANCE

Have you ever watched kids
On a merry-go-round?
Or listened to the rain
Slapping on the ground?
Ever followed a
butterfly's erratic flight?
Or gazed at the sun into the fading night?
You better slow down.
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.
Do you run through each day
On the fly? When you ask How are you?
Do you hear the reply?
When the day is done
Do you lie in your bed
With the next hundred chores
Running through your head?
You'd better slow down
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.
Ever told your child,
We'll do it tomorrow?
And in your haste,
Not see his sorrow?
Ever lost touch,
Let a good friendship die
Cause you never had time
To call and say,"Hi"
You'd better slow down.
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.
When you run so fast to get somewhere
You miss half the fun of getting there.
When you worry and hurry through your day,
It is like an unopened gift....
Thrown away.
Life is not a race.
Do take it slower
Hear the music
Before the song is over.

Its funny to sit here now looking at silly letters to old friends when I was in high school. I can't even remember if these were lyrics to a song, a poem i read, or maybe even an email who knows. But it's so funny that I had written this but failed to take my own advice and slow down. And for that same reason I lost this dear relationship. It always seems that I'm in a rush to get somewhere. I think it's about time to take my own advice and slow down a bit. The world isn't going anywhere, but my life will pass me by if I don't open up my eyes. I wish i could take all these years back and really be the kind of friend that I realize I could have been. I wish I could have been there for the people that matter most. It's funny the older I get the more I learn and the more I realize I didn't know, and the more I realize I could have done. It tears me up inside knowing now how much more of a person I could be now if I would have known then what I know now. Sometimes I feel like I'm talking in circles and it all makes sense to me but I'm not quite sure if it's coming out right. I guess it's just... weird to look back and realize all you thought you knew but you didn't know and if you would just slow down maybe you'd know. But then how do you move forward when one day you'll be looking back and wish you would have known better?

some...days

2011-09-20T19:45:00.000-07:00

Some days I feel like we're never going to make it to the next step or we're never going to make it out! Life isn't quite the walk on the beach that the movies portray. Now I'm not venting because today was definitely not one of those days. I had a visit from my new relief society presidency this evening and one of the sisters was telling me about her husband and her story and i was like OH MY GOODNESS DE JA VU! THAT'S US! WE'RE ONLY A FEW YEARS BEHIND! haha I just want to say how grateful I am for the sisters in relief society. For the love and support they have for each other. I am so grateful to be a part of such a beautiful organization and for the tender mercies of the Lord. It feels so good when he sends another sister your way that has been through the same experiences. And even though i know he is always here for me, it feels good to know that others have been through the same thing, they know how you feel, and that THEY MADE IT OUT! haha. In doctrine and Covenants 122 verse 7 it says, "And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good." I know that sometimes trials seem tough, and that maybe we'll never make it out, but I know that all these things are for my good, and I am just so grateful for the love and support that i have all around to help me through the hard and good times.

practicing to be perfect

2011-09-19T19:24:00.001-07:00

Yesterday evening after dinner at my aunt and uncles house, we got to have family home evening with them. We talked about Christ's atonement for us and what he died for. He didn't just die for one or two of my mistakes, not even just 95% of my mistakes, he died for %100 of my pain and suffering, for %100 of my mistakes. He doesn't require us to be perfect in return, he requires that we try our very hardest. So in a sense we are "practicing to be perfect". I know it's not going to happen over night, and the Lord knows I sure wish it could. Some times, particularly as an LDS woman, we feel as if perfection is required. But it's not, and we have to remember that. It's been kind of strange for me the past few years as I have made new friends and gained new family, how many people have categorized me as a "molly mormon" persay. It's funny, because the "molly mormon" to me is perfect, and I am far from perfection. Sometimes I feel defensive about it, because there's so much more to me. But as I was pondering this "practicing to be perfect" concept, I realized it's just fine, because I am seeking to reach perfection. When I return to my heavenly father one day, I want to be able to say that I sought to make changes in my life to become as he would have me be. I looked at my two tired boys on sunday when we got home, and I am grateful for this opportunity to be able to try, try and try again because my Heavenly Father knows I'm not perfect, but I am practicing.

one of the big kids

2011-09-15T12:55:00.000-07:00

on sunday we went to my uncle steven and aunt michelle's house for dinner! my cousin andrew had this little game thing that you pulled the object out to make these toys spin (they were kind of like tops) and then they bump into each other and the person top that lasts the longest wins of something i don't know. haha. anyway. kala thought he wanted to play too. and since everyone was "throwing" their toys in, he decided he would throw in his pacifier. haha. it was so funny. he though he was one of the big kids. i love that boy.

Hawaiian Keiki

2011-09-15T12:36:00.000-07:00

Turns out, Kala LOVES spam. He ate almost a whole slice of spam with rice! I am not sure if I mentioned, but he tends to only snack throughout the day because he CANNOT STAND staying still for very long. But not with his baked spam, he sat until he only had two little pieces left before he told me he was all done! He is officially a true hawaiian keiki!

the way I live

2011-09-15T12:10:00.000-07:00

So my husband has had a passing saying throughout the summer. "Live like no one else so that you can live like no one else" from Dave Ramsy, the guy that everyone is obsessed with about getting themselves out of debt and everything. But today I was thinking of that saying, just a bit differently. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, often times I am asked, or told in a sense that my church restricts me so I can't live freely. But truthfully, I don't feel that way at all. For one, I have the free agency to choose to live those things, and secondly, I WANT to "live like no one else so that I can live like no one else". In living this way, I am not tied down by addictions, nor do they tear apart my family. Each day is a challenge placed with so many blessings as I follow the commandments that the Lord has given me. As I follow the Lords teachings, I get to experience the greatest freedom anyone could feel. Each morning when I wake up, I have a choice to make, how am I going to live my day. Some days I just want to lay in bed and watch movies all day. But those are always the days I feel the crumiest at the end. When I choose to be proactive, play fun games with my sweet little boy, even clean up after myself immediately, I feel incredible, motivated, satisfied. I want to live like no one else so that I can live like no one else. I am not quite sure if I am making any sense... but here it is!

Lake Powell Sun

2011-08-21T18:59:00.000-07:00

Kaulana and I took a little trip up to lake powell! We enjoyed the seven hour drive BABYLESS! Crazy I know, but we have never left Kala besides going to the temple (an for a couple hours on our anniversary haha). We went to Bullfrog Marina and stayed on a houseboat with the Living Scriptures people, had great food, wakeboarding, surfing, tubing, good ol' relaxin' in the sun going on crazy purple slides in the middle of the night, and lots more! We had such a blast and were so sad it was such a short trip! We had so much fun just getting to spend time together without the little man. We have been so blessed!

Kaulana got to drive the houseboat out onto the lake. he was so proud of himself!

I could not ask for more...

Zoo Take Two and Shrine of the Sun

2011-08-21T18:28:00.001-07:00

Since we hadn't used our Zoo passes we decided to drive up to Shrine of the sun (it's at the top of the Zoo) and stop and see a few of our favorite animals! It was a cool little place.

We just HAD to feed the giraffe's again. We tried to get kala to feed the giraffe a cracker and he made the funniest "eek" face. It was sooo fun!
Our second favorite, the Okapi!
and THE ELEPHANTS!

This little guy is like 8 months old, he was just swinging around like crazy and trying to wake up his mom and dad to play. He was your typical little kid. We also got to see the hippos swimming around! We had lots of fun!

Temple Trip

2011-08-21T18:20:00.001-07:00

Kaulana and I were fortunate enough to be able to drive up to Denver while in Colorado this summer to go to the temple! It was so beautiful! Three of the temple workers told us that we were the cutest couple! haha! I have never been told that, let alone three times! We had such a wonderful time and feel so blessed to have been able to go!

Pizza Boy

2011-08-21T18:11:00.000-07:00

We ate at this little pizza place in Colorado Springs one day and i must say it was DELICIOUS! I love the little hole in the wall places! Kala sure loves his pizza! He had so much fun sitting on the bench next to mommy and daddy and chowin on his pizza. Talk about one happy little boy! He was in heaven!

(Telling us he was "all done"

One Happy pizza boy!

Pikes Peak

2011-08-21T17:21:00.000-07:00

So one day my brother Clay and his wife Dallen invited Kala and I to go on a little drive with them to pikes peak while Kaulana was at work one day. What we thought would be a short half hour drive turned into a long afternoon adventure! Honestly, this place is one of Heavenly Father's tender mercies. It was honestly one of the most breathtaking places I have EVER seen in my ENTIRE life. The person who wrote "America the Beautiful" had actually just been to Pikes Peak and was inspired by it's beauty when they wrote the song. Honestly, breathtaking.

they had these doughnuts there, i didn't particularly like them, but they supposedly famous and they can't be made anywhere else because of the altitude!

The Great Outdoors

2011-08-21T17:05:00.000-07:00

We were so fortunate to have been able to go hiking a few times in Colorado Springs after Kaulana got his awesome fathers day present, kala's hiking backpack! Kaulana would live outside if i'd let him. We hiked lower and middle columbine, as well as Helen Hunt Falls. Short but very beautiful hikes!!

Kala LOVES being outside just like his daddy! He just talks and talks the entire time we are hiking! It is hilarious! He is such a happy boy!

Let Freedom Ring

2011-07-05T11:44:00.000-07:00

This fourth of July was the BEST EVER! We had such a blast at the US Airforce Academy! Between good food (turkey legs and fresh Lemonade!), football fun, fun concert performances, and the most amazing fireworks any of us had seen I thought this fourth of July was quite successful! If that wasn't enough, being at the USAFA when they sang the songs of all of the armed forces. They had each stand when their song was being sung, I have never been surrounded by quite so many people that are or were involved in serving our country. It was a very emotional experience for all of us. It brought a whole new level of appreciation to my heart for those who serve our country so that I can live the way I do. I am grateful to say the least.

Moto Moto

2011-07-05T11:19:00.001-07:00

We have been having lots of fun adventures here in Colorado Springs and the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is definitely at the top of the charts!! What a fun zoo! We loved the monkeys, hippos (we love ourselves a little moto moto!), and the GIRAFFES! So fun!

(so sad! we just couldn't get enough of his face!)

(say it with me now ALFALFA!)

( Kala's very first time riding the horses on the merry-go-round, he was very unsure until everyone kept cheering him on, oh our sweet boy!)

(He was so tired when afternoon rolled around that he feel asleep in the middle of eating his pb&j!)

(Feeding the giraffes)

a messy fathers day

2011-07-05T11:09:00.000-07:00

I know this is a bit late but Kalamaku had his very first hand painting experience when making Kaulana's fathers day poster! He had lots of fun getting super messy. Kaulana loved the poster, and Kala loves taking it down and stepping on it. He likes to take it down and sit on it while he's reading books in his room. To say the least I think he is very proud of his masterpiece! We sure love our daddy and the wonderful man that he is!

follow the leader

2011-06-20T14:01:00.000-07:00

Kalamaku loves being his own little man and walking all by himself through the field to the park, and miss Harlee (my brother and sister-in-laws dog) had so much fun chasing his feet!

Kalamaku made a new friend at the park! The little boy was three but he sure wanted to play with Kala and Kala was THE MAN. He was just like ya whatever i'll play with you and your toys and I'll swing with you. He kept right up. Him and the other boy seemed like long time friends. Oh boy.

Kala was sure kickin' back and relaxin' in the swing havin a blast, clinging onto his rock for dear life. Every rock he found, he had to investigate to see if it was good or not, and he would decide whether he needed to throw it, or keep it for a while till he found a better one. haha. Love that boy!

Gone Mining

2011-06-20T13:34:00.000-07:00

For our weekly activity a couple weeks ago we went to the Molly Kathleen Gold Mine. It was pretty interesting! We had lots of fun!

(The crew! Dave, Kaulana and Kala, Me, Mitch, Clay and Dallen!)

(The Beautiful country!)

(Kaulana and Clay pretending to be trapped when they left the door open haha)

(This is the little elevator to go all of the 1,000 feet down... it was meant for 9 men and their lunch pales! we only had 6!)

We had lots of fun and are enjoying all of our adventures!

So BIG

2011-06-11T10:46:00.000-07:00

We got to go swimming for the first time this summer since we left Hawaii. First Kala screamed and held on for dear life. He warmed up real quick and was splashin around! What a little water boy!
Kala is getting sooo good at using his fork. He is very persistent and very stubborn and independent!!
I love this little guy!

Done did the 'Dew

2011-06-03T11:53:00.001-07:00

(Before)

(Investigating)

(On to the top)

(dun dun dun! presenting the finished product KALAMAKU!)

We sure had fun giving Kalamaku his very FIRST haircut! He was SO GOOD! At first he didn't understand what Daddy (Kaulana) was putting on his head and as soon as he got to invesitage the hair cutters he was all smiles! Well... stares as he watched Mickey Mouse Clubhouse! I don't know how I got so lucky with such a wonderful little boy. I can't believe he's just SO BIG!

The Ancient Ones

2011-06-03T11:38:00.000-07:00

So Kaulana, Kala and I went on a little adventure thursday morning and went and drove around Garden Of the Gods. Talk about BEAUTY. My goodness we are so blessed to be able to spend our summer in Colorado Springs area.
We also went to the Cliff Dwellings of the Anasazi. All I can say is wow. It's amazing to see so much culture preserved all these years. These people were so smart! My goodness it's incredible to experience their architecture and life first hand.

(Besides all the rocks and dirt, Kalamaku's favorite part was seeing these HUGE dogs! Their owners said they weighed 125 pounds! That's as much as me! What!?!?! Kalamaku was not scared one big! He went right up and gave them a kiss! What a cute little boy!)

Our Little Character

2011-06-03T11:10:00.000-07:00

(Everytime I would push him he would get the biggest grin and go EEEEH!)

(Spaghetti face boy!)

Funny story of the week... I was reading this little book to Kalamaku this week. And its a big board book with just lots of pictures of animals and the names of the animals. So as we were reading over the pet page with a big picture of a dog, Kalamaku decided he just needed to give it a big ol' kiss! haha. I was like "aw that was so nice to give the doggy a kiss" and so then he proceeded to give it another kiss. Sure enough every page we turned after that he had to kiss at least one of the animals. After we made it through the book I tried to switch to another book and he REFUSED and HAD to keep kissing all of the animals! Oh how I love my sweet little kissy kissy boy!

Happy Happy Unbirthday!

2011-06-03T10:54:00.001-07:00

So this fabulous summer while Kaulana is working his little booty off the wives were given the challenge of this "degree of excellence program". As I read through some of the goals, I laughed... HYSTERICALLY to say the least. One of the goals was to "have a birthday party, even if it was nobody's birthday"! So that's just what we did! We had a little "unbirthday" for my brother Clay. haha. It was also a surprise.. and I would say he was surprised to say the least! He was... confused the ENTIRE night. Haha. But he sure enjoyed getting to have his favorite german chocolate cake! Yum! We are having such a blast out here and are enjoying all the fun times and laughs together!

(hence the confusion)

(surprise!)

My Best Friends

2011-05-30T09:48:00.000-07:00

Let me just start off by saying that I have the two best friends in the entire world and I don't know how I got so lucky. They both mean the world to me.To start of there is Miss Mary! Oh my how i love my red headed, stubborn, adventure loving little miss mary. She has been there for me through thick and thin. She is so beautiful inside and out and full of fire. I would say she is the sister I never had, but I have a sister and I love my sister too haha, lets just say she long been an addition to the family! I love her to pieces.Then there is my sweet Caitlin. Oh my, this girl has love exploding from her, talk about full of life, this girl has it all. Caitlin is someone, that we met through very odd circumstances but we were destined for each other! She's beautiful inside and out and has the world at her finger tips. I have been so blessed to have the two best friends in the entire world. I have been so far from them for almost a year now but they have only ever been a phone call away. Words cannot express the love I have for them and the joy that they bring me just by knowing that they are my friends. I love these sweet girls from the very bottom of my heart and I am just so grateful for their friendship and I CAN'T WAIT to be able to play with them again!!

The Adventures in the Afternoon of a Young Mother...

2011-05-22T19:53:00.001-07:00

So the day started off just fine, like any other day in the life of a mom! Afternoon struck and something sure was trying to get me down, but I didn't give in...

It went a bit like this...

I was folding all five loads of laundery while Kalamaku was runnin' around me when all of a sunday he starts SCREAMING! At first I went to comfort him thinking he probably just bumped his head and I didn't want to be the over bearing first time mother when ALL OF SUDDEN... BLOOD... I was like "ah! unexpected!" So I picked him up and rushed over to the sink to grab some paper towels. His poor mouth was just bleeding bleeding, as I tried to calm my sweet boy down I just kept praying that he didn't knock out his teeth or that it wasn't anything permanent. Sure enough it was just the little part where his lip connects to his gums... anatomy was too long ago I don't remember what it's called but the poor boy was just so upset. So I CALMLY took care of it, and I didn't even call Kaulana and disturb him while he was working so so hard. I was sooo proud of myself!
So then I got him calmed down enough after holding him for about an hour that I sat him down to watch a movie while I start dinner. This carpet guy was supposed to come sometime in the early afternoon and it was already five so I decided it would be ok to start dinner instead of picking up Kala's disaster toy mess! Sure enough fifteen minutes into me starting dinner... "knock knock knock..." Uh are you KIDDING! haha so i hurrry and let the guy in clean up real quick and move kala into his high chair in the kitchen. I start again on dinner while the guy works and "just keep swimming" when I realize "oh man I forgot to start the oven. So I did and I continue to make dinner as I say goodbye to the nice man spraying our carpet! When all of a sudden I smell something weird! I brush it off and keep making my meat loaf... then I just couldn't stand it anymore and I start looking around... when finally i look in the oven and BUM BUM BUM...
I had thought that my sweet brother had put his plastic plate, hawaiian pancake, fork and all in the oven while he went somewhere, wanting to keep it warm, and not knowing his wife made him another on a DIFFERENT plate! So I had cooked this cute plate... the smithereens! mmm yum! (Kaulana asked if the pancake still tasted good haha). I just laughed and delayed dinner and I spent the next hour cleaning my dear sweet oven and I gave my dear sweet brother I little kick in the bum. Everyone had quite the laugh when they got home. But boy was I happy to eat dinner and GO TO SLEEP. I love my life, adventures and all! And I only have one!

Young Mothers, and Wives

2011-05-22T19:43:00.000-07:00

For those of you who don't know who this is, she was one of Heavenly Father's elect. Marjorie Pay Hinckley, wife of late Prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, President Gordon B. Hinckley. As I read the book "Behind Every Good Man" by John Bytheway he included this quote by her which was very profound to me and maybe it might struck some of you (if anyone even reads my blog haha).

"I know it is hard for you young mothers to believe that almost before you can turn around the children will be gone and you will be alone with your husband. You had better be sure you are developing the kind of love and friendship that will be delightful and enduring. Let the children learn from your attitude that he is important. Encourage him. Be kind. It is a rough world, and he, like everyone else, is fighting to survive. Be cheerful. Don't be a whiner."

- Marjorie Pay Hinckley

I challenge all my friends to seriously consider this, and to take it to heart. We need to be fiercely loyal to our spouses and remember that we are creating a relationship not just for time, but for eternity.

Kalamaku's Second First Birthday

2011-05-22T19:34:00.001-07:00

Kalamaku, that lucky boy, got TWO birthday parties, well CAKES this year! On his actual birthday we celebrated by having waffles, his absolute favorite I might add, hence he walked around "mmm"ing haha! And since everyone had to work all day we decided to celebrate on the Sunday after! I made him this DELICIOUS Strawberry Shortcake with Almond Glaze! yum! and he sure thought so too!
before
investigating... (which he has to do with ALL new foods, so adamant this boy)
oooh this is good...
demolished!

He had so much fun to say the least! He is one happy boy! He just runs around everywhere, loves to sing when I turn on music or sing to him, is very strong-willed, full of energy, and EATS EATS EATS! I sure love him and I just can't believe my sweet boy is ALREADY ONE!

Papa's Strong Boy

2011-05-22T19:23:00.001-07:00

Kalamaku's favorite past time is officially... PUSHING A CHAIR! haha. He is such a laugh oh my goodness. Grandpa Ron and Kala spent the last few days in Arizona "making laps". When Kala would run into the cupboard or a wall he would look at Papa and say "ah", like will you help me, and Papa would help him turn the chair around. He made so many laps that he started learning how to turn the chair around all by himself. He thinks he is all that and more. I sure love that boy!

Kalamaku is one that... let's just say NEVER STOPS. So one day I caught him just decide to sit down, then lie down and relax while he tried to figure out how this little plastic egg worked! He is so determined to figure everything out! He is such a smart, strong-minded little boy and I sure I can help him along in his never ending adventures!

(This is his "what mom?" face)

Miss Dallen's Graduation

2011-05-22T19:20:00.000-07:00

We are so so proud of my sweet sister-in-law Dallen! She graduated from Dixie State University in St. George Utah and were so excited to be apart of her special day! She is such a strong beautiful woman and we are so lucky to be able to spend our summer adventuring with her! I can't wait to one day be in that cap and gown! So so proud of her!

Behind Every Good Man

2011-05-19T19:09:00.000-07:00

- Marjorie Pay Hinckley
I have been reading this book the past two days during Kala's little nap. It is such a quick read and very motivational to me to be a better wife! I'm not saying my husband doesn't take spiritual lead in the home or that he isn't a good priesthood holder, I'm honestly saying, it has helped me to gain a greater understanding of how to create a stronger sense of the spirit in our relationship! It was such a great book! I recommend it to EVERYONE! I am so grateful to know the power of the spirit and the strength that it brings to Kaulana and I in our marriage!

Number 1

2011-05-13T18:31:00.000-07:00

We had a little celebration for Kalamaku's first birthday a few weeks early in order to be able to celebrate with a few family and friends in Arizona! We had quite the "monster" party! From monster balls to, monster cupcakes, and our LITTLE MONSTER who doesn't seem quite so little anymore! He just decided... Who needs hands??
His favorite part of the cake was the suckers that were the monster eyes! haha

He got a little dirty to say the least haha!
Kala didn't quite understand just why we were opening all these toys and then TAKING THEM AWAY! This school bus from one of my best friends Caitlin was his absolute favorite he just couldn't take his eyes off of it!
I can't believe that exactly a year ago I got to hold my sweet little boy for the very first time! It has been the best year of our lives. I honestly could not ask for anything more! Between the craziness of a walking, yelling, active little boy and the sweet cuddles I am soo lucky to have the best little family in the whole world!

drum roll please...

2011-05-13T18:09:00.000-07:00

Kaulana got into the Public Administration program at ASU!! It is ranked 6th in the nation for their program! We are so so excited to be so fortunate to be a part of this program! Kaulana has been working so hard and we just can't wait to start building our little home in the valley! Welcome to the heat!

FAILURE

2011-05-04T09:59:00.000-07:00

Some days I just feel like a failure. I look around at the world around me, everyone getting degrees, reaching new heights in the work place! And I feel like I have no talents as a stay at home mom! All i do is cook cook cook and clean clean clean and play play play! When I'm feeling so terrible that I'm not doing everything that the world is doing, I just keep thinking about how lucky I am to be a mom and I know that I am doing the right thing staying at home with my dear sweet Kala... Sorry for my moment of venting...

A day of.. Happy tears

2011-04-28T12:57:00.000-07:00

So today I was holding my sweet boy as he was falling asleep for his afternoon nap and it HIT ME he is almost a year old. It feels like just yesterday my girls from work were walking with me around the track as I was getting ready to head into the hospital! I guess it doesn't help that I was gathering pictures for his birthday party. But my oh my I love to hold my sweet boy! He is walking around almost ALL the time now, just crawling when he wants to go really fast! He's getting into everything and climbing on everything! He is stubborn and independent and has the cutest laughs and smiles which he seems to ALWAYS have even when he's a grump! Oh how I love my sweet boy, I couldn't imagine my each and everyday without him!He smiles for miles!
His first time on the swing! He looks disgusted by it, but he sure did have fun!

The sweet spirit of the Lord...

2011-04-28T12:35:00.000-07:00

This weekend I had the opportunity to attend my mom's stake conference. Elder Russell M. Nelson (of the quorum of the twelve apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) presided over the conference! My mom had the opportunity to serve him dinner before the adult meetings. I had NO IDEA he was coming out I was just going to find my mom and THERE HE WAS! He stopped and grabbed Kala's hand and just shook it and told me how cute he was. I have never been at such a loss for words. And then hearing him speak that evening along with Elder Cook of the seventy. Wow you cannot hear these men speak without KNOWING that they are men of God and that we belong to his Church here upon the earth. That night I just felt as if I wanted to cry. I couldn't figure out why until the next day my mom and I were talking to Sister Frost and SHE HAD THE SAME EXPERIENCE. He was just so filled with the spirit. It was amazing. Becca (the Frost's daughter) told how at dinner he didn't even want to eat an extra roll because he knew that he needed a clear mind for the rest of the evening (for those of you who don't know, he was speaking of the word of wisdom and rolls have yeast!). I came out with so much from the conference, including the saying "Look Up!" meaning to look to heavenly father instead of looking down about how overwhelmed we are or all the things that we are struggling with! I came out with an even greater desire to become better each and every day! I am so grateful for the spirit of the Lord and for the influence that it has in my life.

picture fun

2011-04-24T14:49:00.000-07:00

blackmail! ahaha i love those little buns!!
kala was crying in the car on the way up to flagstaff and I thought it might help him stop if he could see the way his face looked... sure didn't help haha i love my sweet boy!
gotta love baby einsteins!!! kala is determined not to eat these days and baby einsteins has SAVED me because he is so distracted by it that I can feed him all his food and he LOVES it haha
Going on walks here in Flagstaff is quite a bit different than going on walks in Kahuku!! Kala is struggling having to wear so much clothes these days!! and he HATES wearing his socks!!! Oh sweet boy!

Limbo

2011-04-24T14:22:00.000-07:00

One day I was just having the HARDEST day and my sweet husband just had these delivered to me. Oh how i Love him!Playing with the cousins!
The king of "packing" or should I say CLIMBING!!

Well we moved out of our little house in hawaii! We were so busy packing up since we decided (because of a few events) that we would be going to arizona WAAAAY sooner than we expected and we left two weeks from when we decided! I couldn't post for one because we were so busy AND because it was a big surprise for my grandparents 60th wedding anniversary! Soo much fun! I can't help but feel in limbo at the moment since we packed up our things in hawaii and it is currently resting in my in-laws garage while the other half of our stuff is still in my parents bear's den and we have NO IDEA whether we'll be in Arizona or Hawaii in the fall for Kaulana's school! We are enjoying the ride and just have faith that Heavenly Father knows where we are going even if we don't know yet!

basketball.shopping.basketball.bowling.basketball

2011-03-10T12:19:00.000-08:00

We have been having lots of fun lately, and I have been very lazy with my blogging!!

We had a fun valentines day! My mother-in-law and sister-in-law heart attacked our door! so cute! I got the most beautiful flowers and had a yummy yummy dinner. My sweet husband planned a sweet picnic... but didn't plan for the rain so we grabbed a bite to eat at the grill and came home and watched movies and ate cheesecake!

Kalamaku's favorite thing about going to Dad's basketball practice is getting grandpa's whistle! We are trying to teach him how it works, but he just makes a sound instead of blowing it's just so cute!
My hubby let me go SHOPPING! YAY yay YAY! finally! and sweet kala boy got the brunt of it and was WORN OUT to say the least! he was crashed out before we even left the parking lot! It was definitely good to just have a little stress relief at the mall! LOVE LOVE LOVE
I have been excersising at the gym while kaulana is at practice and Kala just thinks he is in heaven. He cries everytime we leave and go home. He LOVES basketball and grandpa to say the least!
I went into town a couple weeks ago with my mother in law and we stopped at Jamba on the way home. what a treat. and Kala thought he was so big getting to hold the cup and attempt to get even the slightest bit out of the straw. He thinks he is just so big. and HE IS! AH!
Kala and daddy at cousins basketball games one saturday. Kala, once again is in heaven every time we are at the games.
And kala and daddy after Kaulana's teams game, watching the boys team, making a face at a very bad call haha. As you can see we are enjoying lots of basketball round here. Kala loves being on the court and playing with the balls. He is getting just so big!! I love my boys and I am so spoiled to have them in my life! Big changes are afoot, the season is over and we are anxious to see where we'll be for the next few years!! I love my sweet family and i couldn't dream of anything more!

THREE birthdays!

2011-02-07T18:52:00.000-08:00

Yes I admit I am the LUCKIEST girl in the whole world! I got to blow out candles three times! I was sure spoiled this year! We'll start with Saturday (my actual birthday). Kaulana insisted on staying home from the basketball teams road trip to Utah and Arizona but I made him change that right around and made him go because I felt it was more important for him to fulfill his responsibilities! The thought of him choosing to stay was all that I needed! ha! So since he was away I was treated to a girls day with my sister in laws and mother in law! My mother in law made my current favorite breakfast german pancakes! Then we went to my niece and nephews basketball games then we went to lunch as Surfin' Tacos! Yum by the way! I found it a sweet tender mercy of the Lord because when I closed my eyes I felt as if i was in Mesa eating with my bestie Mary at Costa Vida! Then we went home and rested for a bit and then we got to go to Ono Yo, a frozen yogurt truck here in Kahuku. Yum! They even surprised me with candles and the book i've wanted for soooo long! President Thomas S. Monsons biography, To the Rescue (which is sooo good by the way!)Then sunday after church I went and picked up Kaulana and my father in law from BYUH and we headed to my in laws! We had such a yummy roast and homemade strawberry cupcakes (thanks hana!!!) and thus, the second time I got to blow out candles! We had so much fun just hanging out with the family and just to have my sweet hubby home!Last but not least, Monday my sweet husband surprised me with a "family home evening" (is what he disguised it as) at Buca di Beppo!! Ah I've wanted to go back ever since my brother and sister in law had a lunch there after their sealing! It is soooo good!!! It was sooo fun to get out and spend some time with my sweet hubby and little boy! Kala even made a friend! He was playing with this huge spoon and the little boy at the table next to us wanted to play too so Kala decided to share and hand him the spoon. So then we had to give him another spoon too because he just looked in awe as he watched the other boy play! haha they were so funny! Then I got to go shopping and get another pair of toms!!!! OOOH I AM SO SPOILED!
My mom gave me this book who had heard it was so good from one of her friends and she couldn't find the books I had wanted so she just got this! IT'S AMAZING to say the least. It has literally changed my life and I am only half way through! I have learned so much about myself! It was literally another answer to prayers! Oh the tender mercies of the Lord! I bet most of you are saying "oh joy, just another one of those self help books!" nope! it's more! I would reccomend it to ANYONE! It's amazing!

I haven't started this book yet since I've been busy reading the other two but I heard from a friend (mary!) that it was a must read so I thought I would share! Well, I have been so spoiled! It feels so good to be 22! I got so many fun things but most of all as I look back on all the festivities I could never have imagined my life at 22 being filled with so much love and happiness! I am sooo grateful for all my family and friends and for the blessing that they are to me in my life! Thanks everyone for such a wonderful birthday!

a Little bit of HEAVEN on Earth

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

So I have always had a fascination with ice cream. My favorite for a long time was Breyer's Rocky Road.... I have found a new love. I eat it for breakfast lunch and dinner until it's gone. I even keep a fork (i know it's weird i eat my ice cream with a fork) in the freezer right next to the carton.

Introducing my new found love... Haagen Dazs, White Chocolate Raspberry Truffle ice cream. It's like heaven in your mouth. YUM! If you are EVER having a hard day, don't hesitate, just go buy some of this marvelous ice cream!

Our Hawaiian Holidays

2011-01-05T14:59:00.000-08:00

We've had a very busy holidays!!! The party season began with graduation. Two of my sister in laws and one of my brother in laws graduated from BYU-Hawaii and my other brother in law graduated with his MBA from Southern Utah University. So my brother and sister in law rented out a beach house in Hau'ula. They had a big party for graduation and we had a fun time as a family spending time exploring the beach and there was even a seal right outside the house one morning! So fun.

We decided to use a tree from one my in laws and Kala was so excited. He crawled right over and started grabbing at it. He just wanted to get ahold of it so bad!Nothing says christmastime like time at the beach... haha well a hawaiian christmas at least!We also had a fun time making goodies on Christmas Eve and delivering them to friends!Kala woke up on christmas with the hugest smile on his face. He just knew that there was something special about it!He sure had a good time ripping open his little present!
His favorite part of his presents from Grandma and Grandpa akina, were the ribbons on the presents haha.His cousins spoiled him like crazy with lots of fun toys!We also had a fun time with Kaulana's extended family at Uncle Renny's house the day after christmas!New Years Eve we went to a friends beach house and lit TONS of fireworks... and when I say tons, it is a complete understatement! We had a barbecue and tons and tons of food. Along with the game just dance on the Wii. Oh my goodness.. What a FUN game! We had lots of fun with friends and family bringing in the new year with a toast of sparkling cider! Kala was even awake for his first new year!

We are so excited for this new year and all the excitement and adventure it will bring! We hope everyone had a happy holidays and wish you all a Happy New Year!

Kalamaku

2010-12-12T21:57:00.000-08:00

I can't believe my sweet baby boy is already seven months old!!!! He hates the idea of crawling. I gets so confused that we are trying to get him to crawl when he is watching everyone else, including his cool cousin kihei walk! It's hilarious. He loves to eat. He loves to drink water only out of our glass and not if it's his. He loves balls and he loves to be walking and going going going! He is such an active little guy! He has the sweetest laugh, is always happy and loves to jabber, particuluarly during times that are quiet... Like when we are at church during sacrament or when someone is praying. I just say that he wanted to pray too. haha. We love our sweet baby boy and can't believe he is getting so big!

Two years (and one month haha) of bliss!

2010-12-12T21:24:00.001-08:00

We had such a wonderful anniversary! Kaulana made me breakfast while I got ready for school... which included BACON! yum! Then he surprised me a school with roses. That night we got to go into town (while momma akina watched our sweet little boy!). He surprised me and took me to a place called Dukes. It's right on the main strip in Honolulu. We walked around a bit while we waited for our table to be ready. I must say it was well worth the wait because our view and our dinner were AMAZING to say the least! We looked out over the ocean/beach and our dinner to die for! There were people that walked around and sang hawaiian songs to you and played their ukulele's and stuff. When they came to our table they sang us a sweet song called "lei of stars" for our anniversary. It was so sweet! Then to top it all off, i must say that we had one of the most wonderful desserts I have ever had in my entire life!!!! It was called hula pie!!! Yum.... Now this was all on friday because Kaulana had a basketball game off island the day before. But on Sunday we celebrated the most wonderful actual anniversary as we went to the Laie Hawaii Temple Rededication (which my sweet husband got me a fresh lei to wear to!). It was such a wonderful feeling to be part of the temple exactly two years later even though it was a sunday. I can't believe it's been two wonderful years. Time has flown. Particularly this last year. We have been so blessed with so much love and devotion. I wouldn't dream of being anywhere else in the entire world at this time! Below is just a modge podge of all our fun!

talk about a fun weekend!

2010-11-14T20:50:00.000-08:00

We have had just the most fun weekend if I say so myself!!! On thursday, Kaulana's girls played UH and held them off really well, it was such an exciting game! Then friday night we went to the play at BYU-hawaii, it was called Noises-off. Oh my goodness we were laughing so hard. It was pretty funny! And we even got to have Angel's Ice Cream after! YUM!Then saturday we went to Ala Moana shopping center. IT IS THE MOST AMAZING MALL I HAVE EVER BEEN TO! I was in heaven! I actually got to buy a new shirt! THANKS HUNNY! Ah it was so much fun and sooo exciting! I also got new shoes. Tom's are officially one of my new favorite shoes! They are so so comfortable! My husband sure spoiled me! He even took Kala so I could go crazy all on my own!! I'm the luckiest girl in the world!!!

P.S. I'm very jealous right now... in a "i'm so happy for you I want to cry because that's going to be the most amazing experience ever I hope I get to do that some day". My in-laws got tickets to be inside the Laie Hawai'i temple when it's being rededicated next sunday!!! Not to mention President Monson will be dedicating it and it's Kaulana and I's second anniversary next sunday. Oh my goodness... what lucky ducks!!

game time!

2010-11-12T19:48:00.000-08:00

Doesn't he just look so handsome! haha Well this was the first pre-season type game... It was sure fun to see how happy and excited Kaulana was. He was in a whole other world. I have just loved watching him in this whole other part of him that I haven't gotten to see except for a couple times when he played city league in Queen Creek when we were dating. He is such a great coach and I'm sure proud of him. Here's to the first of many games this year! Go get 'em Seasiders!

our little monster!

2010-11-07T19:28:00.001-08:00

So I've always called Kala our little monster... now he really is! Kaulana and Kala were playing and he was talking to him, and all of a sudden he was biting his nose! We were laughing so hard because sometimes he just goes forward and keeps his mouth open. But this time he was really BITING Kaulana. It was hilarious. We sure love our little man!
And this is by far the biggest snail I have ever seen in my entire life and it was right outside our door! Welcome to winter... it's called the rainy season...(you don't even need a jacket! haha)

tigger-riffic halloween!

2010-10-31T18:59:00.000-07:00

We had a fun little fall festival with a couple wards in Kahuku at the park across from our house! Kala was pretty out of it but he was sure such a good boy... but then again when is he not. Everyone thought he was just SO DANG CUTE! I must say I agree! Kaulana and I had no idea what to be and realized we had NOTHING since we left so much in arizona... so we threw together whatever randomness that we could!

The day before i decided to get festive for my class presentation and i made PUMPKIN COOKIES. everyone LOVED them and were raving about them all class and couldn't believe i actually made them myself.
my niece kili just wanted to take a picture with kala soooo bad!
we had so much fun trying to eat doughnuts off of a string at the festival.. Kaulana got the WHOLE DOUGHNUT in his mouth at once and just yanked off the string... he was pretty proud of himself!

Kihei and Kala are just the best of buds!
We had so much fun and were glad to enjoy the festivities for the weekend!

MY TEAM

2010-10-27T13:27:00.001-07:00

So yesterday, I was sitting eating some lunch (a late lunch I might add) outside of my father in laws office enjoying the beautiful weather waiting for my sweet husband to bring me the bebe. As I did so I watched all of the basketball girls assemble awaiting basketball practice. Some were joking, some were playing the ukulele and some were play fighting. They were all just strengthening relationships. It made me a bit, jealous... or i guess just sad. It made me miss being a part of a team. As I sat reminiscing on the days of being a cheerleader and the friendships I made. But then I came to a sudden realization. I am part of a team. Just a new team... the best kind of team... an eternal team. That team is my family. I am building a team that will last for eternity. That's a pretty great kind of team. I am grateful for my new team and the relationships that I am forming that will last an eternity...

the adventures of the weekend

2010-10-25T16:36:00.000-07:00

Kalamaku was so tired while we were waiting for daddy to get home from basketball practice on friday night that he fell asleep playing with his toys in his little high chair. I'm sure this is only the first of many times that he'll fall asleep in his high chair. oh goodness what a sweetheart!
Yes, we FINALLY got to get shave ice from MATSUMOTO'S. YUM! and yes i mean shave ice, not SHAVED. We went to my nephew Kawika's soccer game in Haleiwa and so we just couldn't resist!
Kalamaku was jealous that he didn't get any, he watched our spoons go back and forth from our mouths. But he sure LOVED to play with his auntie, uncle and cousins. Kili just loved to play with him and not really eat her shave ice. Oh how she enjoys mauling him, it's hilarious and he's getting used to it now it's pretty funny to watch.
Kaulana, Kala and I also went to the Pearl Ridge mall. We were just dying because all the little kid stores had all sorts of snow hats and long sleeves.... no short sleeves... all long sleeves. We were quite confused since, yes we are still wearing shorts, and yes we will continue to wear shorts the entire time we are in Hawaii... for the next year. Meaning no we will never wear long sleeves. haha. But we just loved this hat, if only we could have somewhere to wear it, so kaulana wouldn't let me buy it. haha. we sure had fun though. We had such a fun little weekend! I love me sweet family.

moments of gratitude...

2010-10-22T13:04:00.000-07:00

Have you just been overwhelmed with such gratitude. Well this is one of these times. So excuse me for just a moment but I need to share before I just burst! Have you ever felt that the Lord is just molding you. I feel like a ball of clay right now being molded. I know that so much of the time we wonder why everything is happening that is happening. Well today was not one of those days. Today was the day that I figured out one of the steps and reasons for those little things that have been happening. I am so very grateful for the Lord and for the experiences that he places in front of me in my life. I know with all my heart, that I have been sent here to be a mother and a wife. To create and strengthen my family... my eternal family. I am so very grateful for that and for the opportunity that I am given each and every day to fulfill that duty that I have been given. It’s funny when we are going along and trying to do what we feel we are supposed to do and are trying to figure out which things are truly from the Lord and which things are satan trying to pick and pry into our lives. Well today was one of those days where I truly know that I am following the spirit and that I am not crazy like everyone seems to make me feel sometimes. I love my heavenly father and I want nothing more than to return to him one day with my family along side me and hear the words come from his mouth “welcome home”. For I am giving my all to be a faithful and diligent servant. I love my heavenly father so much. I am so very grateful for the atonement and the peace that it brings to me in my life. I know that temples are the house of the Lord and that we can be sealed together as families for time and all eternity. I just can’t wait for the Laie Hawaii temple to be rededicated so that Kaulana and I can once again go and feel of the absolute peace...

our little sports lover...

2010-10-20T13:47:00.000-07:00

"what is he so intently watching?" you may ask...
Well i'll tell you... SPORTS! anytime anything sports is on the tv at grandma and grandpa akina's house Kala has to turn over spin in circles, or do whatever he has to do just to be able to see the tv! Our little boy LOVES to watch sports. We'll see if he really loves sports that much when he gets bigger! He is such a funny thing

that looks GOOD!!

2010-10-07T18:25:00.000-07:00

Kalamaku is so funny. He loves food. He always watches every single bite we take, it's like he's saying... PLEASE SHARE DADDY. haha we just had to video it!

bliss

2010-10-03T12:00:00.000-07:00

So we FINALLY got a new camera so we can take pictures of all the fun things that we've been up to and be able to "DOCUMENT" our sweet baby growing!! Thanks to my sweet sister in law Ku'ulei for helping us pick the very best one!!! We are soooo excited for our new little toy!!! Yay! The picture of Kaulana is driving home from best buy... it's a long drive home to Kahuku from best buy so I just had to dig it out!

Kala boy IDOLIZES his cousin Kihei to say the least. He just can't wait to be up and playing with him. He watches every movement he makes as he plays ball or even just walks around the room. It's hilarious! It's like they talk to each other without even having to use words. my goodness they are so fun to watch!

He is such a good baby. We are just so lucky. I have a feeling he is going to love sports. He has to do everything possible to get his eyes on the tv as soon as a sports game is turned on, even if he has to completely turn his head upside down! We watched Kaulana coaching one of his girls last week and Kala just watched the ball... back and forth back and forth. It was just so funny how concentrated he was on the ball. He has been quite the ROLY-POLY these days.

I am just so so lucky to have two wonderful boys in my life! I don't know what I would do without them! They are sure sweethearts. oh... and i'm dang lucky to have such a HOT husband. Man I'm sure a lucky girl! haha

update: HAWAII

2010-09-23T19:58:00.000-07:00

Well, WE'VE MOVED! I know I know it's been almost a month since we've been here but things are CRAZY! Kalamaku was such a good boy on our long flight over, he ended up sleeping for 4 of the 6 hours of the flight! Kala likes his feet in the sand, he just doesn't like the tricky washing off of the sand afterward!

We are loving our new little place that we are renting from kaulana's brother Alan!! It is small but sooo perfect for us!! We have only found two roaches... yuck... but i must say we have been taken over by gecko's (and if you don't know they are actually supposed to be good luck because they are supposed to eat roaches and ants and stuff!) we have three that we know of, we have named them larry, curly and mo. haha we love our gecko's... sad thing is we have only seen one the past week and something has been eating kala's rubber spoons and nipples for his bottles and actually chewed a quarter size hole in an unopened bag of chips.... AAAAAAH.... i don't do good with this yucky bug/rodent stuff.... other than that we are loving our own little place again even though we spend the majority of the time with kaulana's family up the street.

Kala is getting so so big! He has started eating rice cereal and some veggies and fruit! He sure loves to eat!! This was his first time eating! We had his fourth month check up yesterday CAN YOU BELIEVE HE IS ALREADY OVER FOUR MONTHS??? yikes.

WEIGHT: 15 lbs.

HEIGHT: 24.5 in.

He loves to smile and brighten everyone's day. Momma Akina always calls him "the miracle baby". haha he is such a sweet heart and we are loving every minute with him! Sadly, but good at the same time, I have started back to school and Kaulana has started being the stay at home mom then we switch when he goes to coach! Man my schedule is insane and I have nonstop homework. I must say Kala sure has the biggest smile to give me when i get home each day so at least he still loves me. It has been a challenge pumping and getting him to take a bottle and nurse but as soon as he figured out how to eat out of a bottle he has been such a champ. man we are so lucky! We sure love our boy and I have no idea how i could do this going back to school stuff without such a wonderful baby boy!

Right before we left to hawaii my wonderful brother got married. It was so much fun being together with my brother and sister. Kaulana, my bro Clay and my bro in law Clay sure had a blast on clay's last night as a bachelor. I love family. I am sure missing my family in Arizona but we are also having such a blast spending more time with Kaulana's. I don't know what we would do without either side. We are sure loved and blessed by our wonderful family.

the craziness of our lives!

2010-08-03T16:14:00.001-07:00

we have been busy busy busy this summer! We have been the Las Vegas for kaulana's brother and sister in law's sealing. Loved the vegas temple. It was definitely such a good experience. We were so grateful for kaulana's aunt for watching our little guy so that we were able to go. She was such a blessing to us! We have been up to st. george and the cedar city a few times for lots of things! One of which was my sister in law's baby shower. In which kaulana and i were introduced to capriotti's! ooooh yum! talk about an amazing sub place! if you are ever in the st. george area make sure and stop by! we have also enjoyed lots of family here in flagstaff and have had just such a wonderful summer! here are a few updates on kalamaku! kalamaku's favorite way to sleep is to be swaddled then to have an extra blanket tucking him in like a little burrito! it is basically the only way he'll stop flapping his arms and making them go crazy!!! he is starting to take much better naps now that he is relaxing!! woo hoo!!

Well the big news of the month, WE ARE MOVING TO HAWAII! Yikes! Kaulana will be the assistant coach at BYU Hawaii along side his dad for the girls basketball team. He is sooooo sooo soooo excited, and that is very much an understatement. I will be going back to school, which is very good but I sure don't know how i'm going to leave my sweet little guy! Daddy is going to be the favorite now! Jealous haha. We are sure blessed and it will be a very good experience for our sweet little family. I sure don't know how I'm going to leave this place I have called home for so long. On sunday i happened to let myself think of it and it hit me just as i was bearing my testimony in sacrament meeting, talk about a ball baby! I just try not to think about the leaving and try to think about the being near Kaulana's family. The day after we decided to head out there, I decided kala needed to get ready for the change so he got to wear his surfer outfit and i just went and bought his first official swimsuit!

our trip to St. George to throw Dallen her bridal shower! Clay (my brother) was sure jealous kala was hitting on "his girl" haha. love you clay.
Among the many mixed emotions I am feeling right now because of everything that is going on and changing in our lives, I am so grateful for the way kalamaku just makes my heart smile. It reminds me of how no matter what it will all be ok because I feel of the sweet spirit that he has. I just love being a mom and am loving every smile, sound and all the fun faces and sounds he makes when he's talking to me.

Well I know I'm a bit late because kalamaku is almost three months old but here are his two month stats

Weight: 11 lbs 14 oz (50th percentile)

Height: 24 in long (75th percentile!)

we are super stoked we don't have a shrimper on our hands haha and just can't beleive how fast he is growing!!! He loves to talk, kick, stand, smile, he has found his tongue and thinks it's so funny when i stick my tongue out, he gets the biggest eyes when he's really intrigued and he is just the sweetest, best baby i could have ever hoped for!

Kala Boy

2010-06-22T10:45:00.000-07:00

Kalamaku's second day at church but first church outfit (since his first was his blessing outfit!) He did sooo good at his first full day of church!! Even though he fussed a bit in the morning, he was a champ all throughout church. He was just so content at checking out his new surroundings!! I'm just so lucky to have such wonderful boys! I love them!

FINALLY!

2010-06-22T10:39:00.001-07:00

DRUM ROLL PLEASE... Dun dun dun! I FINALLY got my associates diploma in the mail! If you look at the date on the certificate, i actually graduated in december! Having been so sick all of last fall semester because of my pregnancy, taking fifteen credits and working full time i decided to take the spring semester off and stop trying to kill myself! Knowing that i was having a little one and not knowing how soon i would be going back to school Kaulana and I decided that it would be important to wrap up the credits I have gotten and have something to show for it! If you read real close i graduated cum laude which means i did real good! (only getting two b's and all the rest A's in my 62 credits! woo!) I must say i sure worked my bum off and for some reason finally seeing this silly piece of papers somehow makes it all feel real!

fathers day friday

2010-06-21T15:26:00.000-07:00

We just had such a fun father's day weekend!! I decided that since kaulana has friday's off and father's day is on a sunday and you can't really go do any really father loving stuff, that we would make a new tradition and celebrate it on friday by doing some of kaulana's absolute favorite things (since all he wanted for fathers day was a fishing pole and i had no idea what kind he wanted!)!!We started off the morning going to Dog Haus and had a breakfast burrito (nothing tops these breakfast burritos!)

We then went hiking (Kalamaku's first hike ever i must add!) and hiked fat mans loop. I must say having a baby made me more out of shape than i realized!!

We were so happy to be out hiking again and can't wait to go more this summer!

Since brats are a very... man/father's day thing kaulana grilled some up and we had kettle cooked jalapeno chips, grape juice and a yummy salad!

The next morning we had what we tried to make a hawaiian breakfast. Funny story when i was trying to find portuguese sausage. I was at basha's and couldn't find it so i asked the meat guy and he looked at me like i was crazy and like i had made it up. So i couldn't think of the white people way to say it and then it finally came out "i guess the howley way to say it is portuguese sausage" (if any of you have been to hawaii howley is a white person and they say portuguese differently!). Well he said he'd never heard of it and that he had no idea where i could find it. So i took an adventure across town and i had to ask again, dun dun dun... THE GUY AGAIN LOOKED AT ME LIKE I WAS CRAZY! I was like man have you people not lived because it is one of the best foods on earth! Once again he said that he has no idea what it was and that they didn't have it. So i had to go with some other spicy cajun sausage that seemed somewhat similar. It was good, just not quite the same. But we had our fake portuguese sausage, rice and scrambled eggs. YUM! The only thing that would have made it better is if we would have had shoyu soy sauce. I also got kaulana some hawaiian sweet bread which he loves. All in all, i think our fathers day adventures were quite the success!! I am just so grateful for such a wonderful husband who is already such a wonderful father. You should see the way kala's eyes light up and he grins from ear to ear when his daddy gets home and holds him. It's priceless. I am so lucky to have such a strong priesthood holder in my home to bless my life and my sweet babies life!

3 wks and counting!

2010-06-13T20:23:00.001-07:00

I just can't believe how big our little guy is getting. I feel like every day i wake up and look over at him he's a whole new kid! and by kid i mean HE'S HUGE!! I am so grateful for such a hardworking husband that was willing and wanted to get a job to make enough money so i could stay home and raise our little boy and watch him grow. I just don't know how i could ever leave him!

PRECIOUS

2 week measurements!

2010-06-13T20:07:00.000-07:00

kalamaku was actually only 11 days but...
7 lbs. 12 oz
20 in.

doc says he looks great and his jaundice is getting much better!! Way to go baby boy!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KALAMAKU!

2010-06-13T18:06:00.000-07:00

Kalamaku Clay Akina

born at 6:15 pm Thursday, May 13, 2010

7 lbs. 7 oz.

19 in. long (although five days later he measured at 20 in!)

apgar scores were 9 and 9!! (since tens are bad luck!)

our little guy is just so perfect!

My Story

On Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 I decided to go in to my chiropractor to get acupuncture to hopefully start my labor since i had been so sick with something called the noro virus for two weeks and it was preventing my body for going into labor. Sure enough that night around 7 I started cramping up a bit. I starting worrying so much (i tend to be good at that :) ). I called Kaulana since he was out of town in Kanab working for the week just to give him to heads up just incase i really started going into labor to make sure he answered the phone haha. Well the next morning I woke up at 5:30 as usual and was pretty bummed because i thought i felt pretty good! So I carried on as usual. As I was standing in the shower I was thinking "well hm... i guess i don't feel as good as i thought" as i had a bit more discomfort in my back than usual. Well i continued on with my routine and i started having irregular contractions. at about 6:30 talking to my mom i decided I decided just to head on to work! At about 7:15 (right as the kids i work with arrived at school) i started having contractions every 5 minutes. I had told Kaulana that he should probably try to reach me every hour considering he would be out of reception most of the day so at 8:30 he called me up and I said i was having consistent contractions but that i was going to go in for a while so he could work, then he made it clear to me that he was 4 and a half hours away so he decided to head on home just in case. Good thing because at 8:45 i started having contractions every 2 minutes consistently. My mom kept calling to check on me and i kept saying... "well just a bit longer." At 10:30 i finally decided to have her head over to come take me to the hospital. We checked into the triage just after 11. My sweet nurse Bethaina hooked me up to the monitors that checked my contractions as well as kala's heartbeat. To my dismay as i sat on the hospital bed my stinkin contractions began to be so pitiful!! I was like "oh man give me a break! they were so much harder before!!" So my nurse returned and checked me. i was a zero and dilated to a three. She said that she wanted me to walk around for an hour before they checked me in just to make sure i was really in labor but before i did that she wanted me to roll on my side because they wanted the babies heartbeat to reach 150 before they let me go. Sure enough I turned on my side and my BIG contractions started up once more! Woo hoo! So as the babies heartbeat reached what they wanted and my nurse returned she said "wow, you really are in labor those are some huge contractions i'm surprised you're not more vocal about it! so we're going to go ahead and check you in, i guess you can still walk around if you'd like!" The nurse said i could have some food so we headed down to the cafeteria to waste time. i was havin a pretty hard time walking back and my mom would be half way down the hall until she realized i was stopped haha. Well we got back to the room and kaulana got there shortly after. I got to get in the huge tub with jets and it was AMAZING. I started to feel them a little more in the tub so i decided to better get out because i was confident that i wanted to get an epidural even though i wasn't in much pain i knew it would hurt later and I had heard of people that had stayed in the tub for too long that they couldn't get an epidural! yikes. so when i got out the nurse checked me and I was dilating PERFECTLY. the nurse was so shocked how "text book" i was. It had been three hourse and i had dilated to a 6 and a half! So they called doc for the epidural and started him on over. When he got there and was prepping me he said "feel free to curse or whatever you'd like!" haha and just like the rest of my labor so far i just breathed quietly and whispered "poop" under my breath haha. I think that the

epidural

was the most pain i felt the entire time but man was it worth it! My nurse checked me after and I was dilated to a 7 and a half and told me she wanted my water to break on its own if possible. An hour later she check me again 8 1/2! and she was afraid she was going to break my water because there was so much pressure. so as i was "napping" i was thinking wow i'm feelin pressure that would be crazy if my water broke and BAM it broke. haha i was like

"MY WATER BROKE!"

and my mom was like "WOW i thought you were sleeping!" haha so the doc and nurse came in and said they would come and check me in a few hours (so they would come and check me after 7) because they didn't want to take chance of any infection. I told them "well I am feeling pressure on every contraction, i can tell because i look at the monitor after i've felt the pressure and sure enough i'm having one" and they were like "hey! no cheating you can't look at the monitor!" they thought i was just looking at the monitor and then thinking i was feeling pressure. Silly nurse and doc I WASN'T MAKING IT UP! Sure enough just about 20 minutes later i had another gush of fluid and i said to Kaulana 'do you think they want to change my rags' and i was like nah, but Kaulana decided to tell them anyway, so they decided to check me and sure enough i was dilated to ten and his head was a plus 2!!! he was basically already on his way out! So i pushed three times before the doc came in then about 4-5 more times when the doc was there and a total of fifteen minutes pushing... we had a beautiful baby boy!!! (they had put a mirror in front of me in case i wanted to watch and i was too nervous to look up so they were like oh look you can see his head coming so i looked and shouted WOW! and i started laughing and said "i guess i should be pushing!" haha it was a crack up!) All in all, i had an AMAZING delivery with such a great nurse and doctor!

So after that novel, my mom says "wow I've seen 9 of the ten grandkids born and YOUR DELIVERY WAS THE EASIEST!" I guess when i told heavenly father i couldn't have more kids because my pregnancy was so miserable he was pretty confident i would forget about it if i had such an easy delivery! ha! woo hoo! The nurse also joked and said man, next time you better get to the hospital as soon as you start having any contractions or else you'll be having it on the side of the road!

We have been so blessed with such a beautiful baby boy, i still can't believe he's ours. Every time i look over at him sleeping I just can't believe how much my love for him grows. Kaulana and I are just so thrilled to be parents and are loving every minute.

baby shower

2010-05-19T17:22:00.000-07:00

I know I know it's a bit late... a month and one day after my shower but I thought it still needed documentation because it was soo wonderful! I am so blessed with so much friends and family that shared this special occasion with me. Kaulana and I just can't believe how much support we have received in welcoming our sweet little boy into this world! My shower was such a blast! We had a couple games that were just perfect! For one of the games, everyone got into teams for one of them and made pictures of what they thought Kaulana and my little boy would look like out of baby magazine pictures. We sure got some good laughs and everyone for some reason had monkeys on the page. I guess they're all thinkin he'll be some sort of monkey haha.

My sweet, soon to be, sister-in-law made me this cute diaper cake for my shower and I just thought it was sooo cute and that I'm so lucky because i have always wanted one of these! haha

It was so wonderful to get together with old friends and new. It's amazing no matter what paths we take in our lives, to look around and see those that we have gathered into our circle of life! I was just so so excited to be able to share this next step in my life with all of my family and friends!

We were blessed with so many gifts! kalamaku is one spoiled little boy. This was from my aunts and grandma shumway in oklahoma. They made a tool belt for kaulana filled with diapers and gadgets galore (including goggles!). It was such a fun time and I am just so amazed at how loved Kaulana and I are along with how lucky we are to be bringing in another one of heavenly fathers children into such a loving circle of friends and family.

mother's day

2010-05-11T15:47:00.000-07:00

I have the sweetest husband. He made my mothers day just so special. He surprised me with a card "from" kalamaku and he got me a card and a "hospital survival kit". Oh goodness it is packed with so many wonderful things such as oreo blizzard cookies (if anyone doesn't know I LOOOOOOVE oreo shakes!), milano cookies, lots and lots of treats haha, a notebook so i can make sure i can write down how I feel about having my sweet baby boy (it's one of the things Kaulana and i decided we wanted to do for mr. kala for when he gets older), and last but not least HE GOT ME THE SCRIPTURE APP FOR MY IPOD!!! ah i have been wanting it soooo bad and have been just dying to buy it. it is the coolest thing in the whole world oh goodness, if you have an ipod touch and don't have the scripture app you have to get it bc it is so awesome! it even has the past three conferences talks on it!!! i am so grateful for a husband that knows me so well!!! now i am all set for the hospital! he not only went on one walk with me on sunday BUT TWO!!! totaling like 6 miles. I sure wanted this little boy out of me. haha. No baby bc the doc says my body is still fighting all my sickness (noro virus) and doesn't want to fight it and go through labor at the same time. bummer. but at least my long walks made him drop and he's about ready to fall out doc says haha so labor could be much faster since he's all set and ready to go! I am just so excited to meet my sweet son.

On sunday at church we had the most wonderful sacrament meeting. A elderly couple just got off their mission (from some crazy place i forgot) and they spoke. Elder Palmer spoke of how motherhood relates to the atonement. I was very interested from the get go because i had never truly thought of the two together before. Part of his talk he spoke of how everything the christ went through, such as the beating and being spitten upon, his sweet mother mary also went through because of the hurt a mother feels for her child when she sees them experiencing any pain. I had never truly thought about this and it brought a whole new perspective for me. He also spoke of how truly wonderful a mother mary had to be because she had to teach christ to be who he was to become. As mothers we have so much responsibility in raising our children righteously and teaching them about about prayer and scripture study. It is such an amazing role the needs to take so much more priority in our lives. I am just so humbled to think of the great task... well not task but opportunity I have to be a mother to my sweet son. I am just so thankful that i have been trusted with one of heavenly fathers children. I just hope that I can raise my children in righteousness as well as the lord would want. I am just so grateful for the knowledge that i have of the gospel and that i am so blessed to know how to give my children a strong foundation even if i have no idea anything else about motherhood (hopefully time will help! haha).

Pictures pictures pictures!

2010-04-26T13:39:00.000-07:00

These pictures are from my work baby shower as well as from a trip that we took our students on to out of africa. I can't legally show you half the pictures we took but there were some pretty amazing animals at Out of Africa. I still need to post the pictures of my other baby shower. Kaulana and I feel so blessed and grateful for all that we have been given. I just can't believe how generous people are! We are sure loved. Kalamaku is one spoiled boy he has so much clothes and everything he could want and we have only spent a total of $50 dollars. We imagined we would have to spend much more considering how expensive baby supplies are. We have just been so blessed and I can't express the gratitude that Kaulana and I feel. It's such a wonderful thing to feel so loved. Kalamaku is one lucky little boy and he doesn't even realize it! These are most likely the final pictures i will ever post of myself being pregnant considering how huge i am and I cannot stand the sight of myself haha. I'm almost 37 weeks and so excited to get our little boy here. Time has flown as I look back and I knew it would but the time felt like it was slow as molasses as I struggled through my sickness the entire time! Now I just can't believe we get to hold our little boy so soon! So excited! I'll post the other pictures in a couple days, we have quite the busy week as we found out yesterday someone wants to move into our house a week from today talk about one busy week! Poor kaulana is sooo stressed but we'll make it because we always do!

34 weeks 6 days! yikes!

2010-04-14T13:21:00.000-07:00

it's been quite the crazy week and it's only wednesday! Kaulana and I have been so busy between getting everything ready for baby stuff and kaulana starting his gov't job on top of the rest of his busy schedule. We had yet another doctors appt yesterday and Kalamaku is doing GREAT! He's perfect size and mom still does not have stretch marks. the doctor was very impressed i must say. haha. He tends to have the hiccups quite a bit and is dropping down into my ever spreading (painfully spreading i must say) hips! He is still face down and snuggling right into my hips more and more each visit! Yay for him being a good boy. Already living up to his name! Kaulana and I are getting very excited and anxious to see what he is going to look like! At our last visit when we had our final ultrasound it revealed that HE HAS HAIR! woo hoo our little munchkin will not be bald haha. He also no longer has any fluid in his right kidney and only a teeny tiny bit in his left! Yay for making progress! I am so excited for my baby showers the next week or so and to add to our collection for our little guy. We are so blessed to have so much wonderful family and friends! I can't wait for each step because it makes us just that much closer to our little one. I never thought i would get down to the 30's in days!! woo hoo!! time is flying yet dragging so slow each day! but i know the saying is, he'll be here before we know it!

spring break

2010-04-05T15:43:00.000-07:00

We had such a great spring break! It started off with our trip down to phoenix for the Aloha Festival. We had such a blast messin around and getting to see Uncle Kawika. We also went to Las Vegas and spent some time with kaulana's brother Ka'ihe and his wife Karlee! We also got to spend some time with my brother and his girlfriend on the strip after they dropped off her sister. We had so much fun just getting away for our last big trip before our little munchkin gets here! Here are a few pictures from all of our adventures!

29 wks 5 days

2010-03-10T07:43:00.000-08:00

well the doctor says baby is doing WONDERFUL!!! he sure likes to nestle his head right down in my pelvis! She was like "where the heck is his head!?!?!" and i was like well every ultrasound he was down in my pelvis so they couldn't get the head shot and she was like WOW it really is way the heck down there! haha. Other than that she said he's about 2 and a half pounds now and looks like he is growing just right since my stomach is 30 cm and i'm about 30 weeks. My coworkers all laugh bc from behind they say you could never tell i was pregnant beside my waddle. He is just stickin straight out in the front! I know you are all anxiously awaiting another picture but i am just waiting to be able to load it up and have the time! With all the more snow we have been getting i have not been able to have a car to get on over to my mom's since we no longer have the internet! (I am currently at work an hour early and can use the comp here!) But i am truly enjoying feeling Kalamaku's movements more and more each day. It is such an incredible thing that is for sure. Well i better get to work! I'll post a picture very soon!

a few thoughts

2010-02-20T18:20:00.000-08:00

My heart goes out to my sweet friend tonight. She and her husband are getting a divorce after he has been unfaithful. My heart has literally ached since she told me. Not only did he cheat but she is in the vulnerable state of pregnancy with her second child. I just can't imagine how anyone could ever hurt someone else like that. It tears me apart particularly knowing this beautiful girl and how genuinely sweet she is to everyone. I know that our heavenly father will bless her as she continues on her journey through life and I hope that her soon to be ex husband will realize all that he has lost. I just hate all the cheating jerks out there is all i have to say.

bank

2010-02-16T14:55:00.000-08:00

i hate the bank and they made me cry so now i never ever want to talk to the bank people ever again period.

snow... snow... AND MORE SNOW!

2010-01-25T16:55:00.000-08:00

It has definitely been a crazy week! Kaulana started it off cutting lots and lots of wood for our fireplace so that we could make sure and keep warm during the storm, turns out we spent the whole week at my mom's house and didn't even use ANY of the wood! But I sure do appreciate my little lumberjack! We got sooo much snow to say the least! Working at the school district, it seemed like I had yet another christmas vacation! I did not leave the house for four days! by friday Kaulana was practically kicking me out of the house because I was being a little crazy! He said I needed to take a walk and breathe fresh air to become sane again! haha so i did and it was very beautiful, as long as we were not driving in it! My sweet mom and step dad were so wonderful for having us over for the entire week, and they sure appreciated all of Kaulana's help shoveling the driveway at their house each day! I guess we both got a bonus out of it! For church on sunday we had to leave early sunday morning from my mom's house and shovel a path up to our garage so that we could get all of our church clothes and things! Thank heavens for snow shovels! Kaulana i'm sure would love if he did not have to see another snow shovel considering the fact that he shoveled all week long and then took a job on saturday shoveling the snow off of the roof of Home Depot. We were sure blessed he was asked about that job though considering all the work we missed last week. It's amazing all the little things the lord does for each and every one of us! Kaulana also got to go hunting with my step dad this past week! I think they were hunting for coyote's or something but they did not end up seeing any but Kaulana got to shoot this poor little rabbit. My step dad is not stepping on the poor thing he is just covering up its guts considering kaulana shot it with a pretty powerful gun! My mom was sad that he didn't bring it home for dinner! YUCK! I guess she's had rabbit and says it tastes wonderful. I told her that i don't think that, that was something i would enjoy trying while being pregnant! Sunday afternoon we finally took down our christmas tree! woo hoo! Everytime that i have previously tried to take down the christmas stuff my sweet husband would quote the song from forgotten carols saying "i cry everytime i take the tree down". haha so this time i didn't ask and while he was shoveling the driveway i took it into my own hands to take down our pretty tree! Kaulana took down the actual tree part and was practicing his "flagstaffness" and was trying to be a "tree hugger" haha. We were both laughing pretty hard when he was doing this. I am so grateful for a husband that makes me laugh each and every day!

23 Weeks!

2010-01-18T09:19:00.000-08:00

Here is the long awaited picture that everyone has been asking about!

I am 23 weeks in this pic. Kaulana and I are slowly starting to accumulate things for Kalamaku. We are just so excited to be parents. Yesterday I layed in bed sick once again and just pondered on the fact that in just 17 weeks we will get to be holding our little guy. I just can't imagine what joy and what trials are in store for our future. Kaulana and I sat thinking about what our future holds and what all of our sweet children will look like and what they will be like. We just can't wait. Saturday, Kaulana was at the kitchen sink and broke out in laughter. We were listening to music and a country song came out about playing football on saturday afternoon with the kids and he pictured it perfectly, of course with my sweet brother in the picture and his kids. He was all they're gonna say "Us kids against Uncle Clay and dad!" Kaulana just got the sweetest smile on his face as the excitement truly kicked in. We have figured out that cutting sweets out of my diet helps me be soooo much less sick and we are so grateful because i can now count on one hand how many times i have thrown up in the past month! We also concluded that i LOOOOOVE bacon! About a month before christmas I just started craving BACON! For christmas Kaulana actually got me a few packs of bacon which were completely gone just a few weeks later. I am so happy to have found something that i find so yummy and that DOESN'T MAKE ME SICK! Bacon is heaven sent in my book! I will truly always thank heavenly father for bacon! I had my official ultra sound a week ago and mr kalamaku is doing WONDERFUL! He is perfect size but was a bit shy to show his entire face so we have to go back in another week and try again. It has been so fun for me to feel his growth since each and every day i feel him kick and squirm more and more! It is such a treat to be able to watch my stomach "bounce". I have to say that it has been the most rewarding, if not the only part of pregnancy that I have enjoyed! Thank goodness for the little things!!! I am so excited as time gets closer! I am so nervous to be a mother but I know that I am so lucky to have such a wonderful opportunity! I am just so grateful for the gospel in my life and the strength that it gives me, I don't know how I would feel about bringing something so precious into such a sin driven world if I did not have the gospel to help guide me and teach me righteous ways in which to raise my little ones. I am so thankful for the little things in life that make such a huge impact like prayer, the scriptures, and the temple.

Our big news over the past month!

2009-12-21T15:46:00.000-08:00

We have had quite the busy past month! First we had our anniversary which was wonderful! It's amazing to think back on our first year and see how fast it has flown by! It has been full of so much adventure and love! I am so very grateful for Kaulana and all he does for me! I never thought i could love him more than when we got married but my love has definitely grown a million fold this year as we have grown together and learned so much about each other!! Our anniversary day wasn't quite what we had planned but it was worth it. My brother and his girlfriend Dallen came down and we all went to phx with my mom and met up with my sister! We had so much fun! Kaulana and I spent the day on mill avenue searching through all the shops! I had pizza, ice cream, and i got to go out to dinner at olive garden. I was quite sick the next day from all the tomatoes but it was well worth it to have a stress free day with my sweetheart! I love him and i can't imagine how much our love will grow as we spend our lives together!

Next, we put up our christmas tree for the first time! We looked again this year and could not find a star that would suit our desires so we decided to wait to buy one yet again! And my mom has not gotten around to making our tree skirt so our tree looks a bit incomplete but as the years go by I am sure it will develop just as we imagine! I am so thanksful for this christmas season and the joy that it brings! I actually started listening to christmas music before halloween! One evening as i was driving to class i was listening to the josh groban christmas cd to the little drummer boy song and i actually started crying haha. I started laughing immediately once i realized and I called kaulana and we laughed together because this was another sure sign of my pregnancy! Oh what we do for our children! haha.

Kaulana and I had the opportunity to go to our little flagstaff Nutcracker performance and Audrey Auditorium. It was so much fun and quite a wonderful surprise from my sweetheart! Oh how I love how he spoils me!!!

Most importantly we found out WE'RE HAVING A BOY (as you can see his little legs and bum and right smack dab in the middle is EVERYTHING!)!!! The Doc said we could take a peak if we would like before our actual ultra sound appt with the technician that will take all the measurements. Little Kalamaku Clay akina was sure stubborn, he is already face down and stayed real still. My doc, bless her heart, was persistent for us and kept up the search. First we saw what MIGHT be his little parts but we wanted to be sure so she kept on the search and sure enough she found ALL OF THE PARTS! She laughed as she took a picture and said "ya know, i usually tell ppl to save all their receipts, but i definitely don't think that you need to!" She laughed and told us of having the same experience with her little boy! The look on kaulana's face when she said it was a boy was PRICELESS! I have never seen him so happy. He was so convinced it was a boy along with the majority of our friends! Sorry mom and lissa! Next time maybe i'll have a baby girl!!! My brother was absolutely extatic (as you can see we are naming our little one after him) he even yelled! We are so excited and can't wait to meet our little boy soon. I'm sure he is going to be just as stubborn as his mother since he loves to move around everytime I try to rest!!! Well next month we'll have better ultra sound pictures and we'll keep you up to date on our little man!

BABY! BABY! BABY!!!

2009-11-16T18:42:00.001-08:00

Well the past few months Kaulana and I have been TRYING to keep out little baby news a bit of a secret... we haven't been very good but here's our official post! WE'RE HAVIN A BABY! In the picture above i was 13 weeks and am now 14 weeks! I am due May 20! So here is how the story goes... A few months ago I was sitting at lunch at work when, Susan, the teacher that i work with opened a things of blackcherry jello. I was already a few people away, but boy did i scoot away! Everyone looked at me like... "what the heck are you doin". So i said sorry that just smells really bad to me! Susan and Angela both look at eachother and start laughing and go, you know this is exactly what you did last time you were pregnant! I was like no way I was sick like this last month and i was not pregnant! So we all laughed and they kept believing what they believed. Well i got home and decided what the heck i have a pregnancy test why not just take one just to get out of my head what they said... so i did.. and blink blink blink PREGNANT!!! I was like WHAT! haha... i took the above pic and made a sign for kaulana when he got home that said check out the first pic on the camera... he came running in so excited! We are very excited to be little parents! The last few months have been very challenging to say the least. I usually have thrown up at least once a day. My poor coworkers because i've called out sick at least once a week. On halloween we had a few friends over and i spent the evening throwing up in the bathroom and finally just had to go to sleep. But our first visit to the doctor was wonderful we got an ultrasound and got the see the babies heartbeat and it squirm all around. She said we were alright to start tellin everyone but we decided to wait until this last visit that we had. The babies heart beat is strong and it's just doin so great! I am now fourteen weeks, my dr has prescribed some medicine for the sickness and the baby is movin around like crazy says the dr! We are just so excited to share with all of you our wonderful news and would like to thank everyone for all that they do for us!

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

so my niece taryn is the dang cutest thing in the entire world! i just love her to pieces. At my brothers AZ homecoming party he was making her dance and it was HILARIOUS!! But the most precious thing was over conference weekened my sister and her little family came up to watch conference at my mom's house along with kaulana and i. During Holland's talk (which by the way Holland is ALWAYS my favorite, it's like the way he's speaking is just so strong and sure. it's amazing!) she went up and kept pointing to him on the tv when he was sutaining just how true the book of mormon is. It was just like she was confirming to me that what he was saying was true and we need to remember that. She's still just a little closer to heaven not being able to fully talk and so it was just a sweet moment that i thought i'd share!

And it all begins!

2009-09-20T20:31:00.000-07:00

It's about time i get this thing up and going! Kaulana and i are excited to start blogging up a storm and getting to see our family and friends lives transform! We have had a busy summer and yet a busier start of the school year! We are enjoying seeing all the crazy surprises arise! Kaulana and i are currently both taking 15 credit hours. Kaulana is working at Derosa Physical Therapy and cleaning the Summit Health and Fitness Center. I am working in the Sensory and Communications at Sinagua High School and loving every crazy minute of every minute of every crazy day! We have been up to our ears in homework and only getting to see eachother on the weekends! Between my night classes on tuesday thursday and his on monday wednesday we are thrilled for the weekends! So much so, that we have been out of town for the past three weekends straight! We just can't get enough of driving in a car together! But we have really loved seeing so much family and friends and hope to live near more family soon!