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

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

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


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

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

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

Aunty Pua made this:

and Aunty Hanu made this:

Kekauoha Cousins Playlist

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

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

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

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

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

Day 6 - Thursday

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

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

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

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

Day 5 - My Parents

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

Gratitude for the women around me

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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