Kalamaku's Second First Birthday

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

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

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

"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 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

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...

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

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...