the whoooole alisa family

Although I'm late in posting this, I wanted to make sure this made it to the blog.  This was taken at a Christmas/New Year's party at our dear friends, the Roy's.  I love our family!

David, Maddox, Shan, Gioey, Joseph, Joseph, Michael, Wayne
Inoke, Tali, Amalani, Dad, Malia, Mom, Kina, me and Tali

2010 family pics

Malia

Kina

Tali

Thanks Maka for the wonderful pics!

december haps

We attended the Nonasina Ho'ike.

Tali got a bumbo!

Malia saw Santa Clause at the ward party

We had an all-girl sleepover

Tali started sucking two fingers

Malia and Kina took the train ride at Provo Towne Center

The two Tali's had some bonding time.

Malia danced in the Primary program

AND. . . after a trip to the dentist with daddy, we found out the girls are still CAVITY FREE! Woohoo! - the best news of the month!

things to do in the snow

 by: Malia and Kina

1. Make a SNOWMAN

\

2. SLEEP in it.

and last, but not least. . . 

3. EAT IT!! haha

** Thanks Gramma Peggy for the awesome snow gear.  As you can see, the girls LOVE IT!

another reason i love my dad

Yesterday, I was going through the Hawaii pictures that are still on my camera and I found THIS.  lol! I think my dad was playing around with my camera behind my back again. 

flashback friday - elder alisa

Today I'd like to flash back to two years ago when my little brother Michael became Elder Alisa and left to serve the Lord as a missionary in Puerto Rico.  This post is dedicated to him because he will be returning from Puerto Rico NEXT WEDNESDAY!!! Woohoo!!  I can't believe it's been two years already!  He will first go home to Hawaii and then will come to Utah on December 23.  I'm so excited to see him!  

Dropping off Elder Alisa at the MTC two years ago.

Like I've said in many previous posts, Michael is the coolest in our family and everyone's favorite sibling. haha As the baby of the family he always seemed to be light years ahead of us when we were his age.  Even as a little elementary school kid he used to hang out with me and my high school friends - he was just part of the group.  We all tease Michael for having it "easy" growing up (by the time he came around our family wasn't as poor as we were when we were growing up, so he got things like pizza and fast food which we NEVER got haha) but he's always been sweet, polite, respectful and humble.  I love my baby brother!  Like I said, he's our favorite. haha

Because our relationship has always been close, it was very emotional for me when he left.  I still remember the day he was born.  I remember when he wore diapers.  I remember when he was learning how to read.  When I called home from my mission and I remember I didn't recognize him because his voice was so low.  I have so many little memories of him growing up and it's so crazy to me that he's old enough to be a MISSIONARY!  No matter how old he gets, though, he'll always be my baby brother.

As a missionary, he has made me so proud.  He has served the Lord with all his might, mind and heart.  His knowledge, testimony and heart have grown in so many ways.  He is such an example to me.  It's been amazing reading about his experiences and trials these past two years.  He's met so many wonderful people and had so many miracles happen.  He was an awesome representative of Jesus Christ and I'm so grateful for the mission he has served and the testimony he has shared.

In closing, I want to share the letter he wrote me last week - his last letter to me from the mission field.

Mary ... I feel many emotions right now and I could talk about them for a long time but the most overwhelming emotion that I'm feeling is gratitude. 

i'm so grateful mary... i love my Savior

Elder Alisa

Love you Elder Alisa!  Nos Vemos Pronto!

it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

Judging by the placement of the ornaments, can you guess which two little elves decorated our tree?

trip lessons

We're back in Utah!  We loved Hawaii, but it's nice to be home.  Here are some of the things I learned on our two and a half week trip with three kids.

• I want to move to Hawaii. haha No, I'm for real.  Maybe not live there forever, but I'd love to live there again sometime.  I love Utah - there are so many good things about this place - but I love Hawaii and I think it would be awesome to live there while my children are small.  I loved watching the kids eating home grown fruit all day, playing outside with the neighbors, sleeping deeply in the clean moist air and not having to bundle up.  Anyways, that is my dream.  If it doesn't come to reality, I'll still be quite content in Utah, but ah! I can dream!! lol
• Kids aren't the same on vacation as they are at home.  While my kids LOVED Hawaii, they acted very differently there. They didn't listen or obey as well as usual and had moments of whining and tantrums.  There were also times of hyperactivity.  I've never seen them so energetic for so long.  I think the differences may be due to the absence of their daddy and being in a completely new environment.  Still, these small changes in their behavior were minor and really didn't overshadow the enjoyment of the trip and of course, won't discourage me to take other trips in the future haha:)
• Kids grow when they travel.  Just like traveling does so much for adults in terms of gaining knowledge and perspective, I think it's a priceless growing experience for children as well.  Kina and Malia were both talking more and Tali became much more responsive and social.  They all matured.  It was pretty amazing to watch.  
• A vacation with kids isn't really a "vacation".  Yesterday, someone asked me if I had fun.  After I said yes they said, "Good. You deserved a break."  I kind of giggled a bit. While just being in Hawaii is a treat in itself to me, traveling with kids is no easy task.  Being without a spouse and out of your own home and routine means a lot of work.  So, no - a vacation with kids isn't really a "break" . . . but it sure is a lot of fun!

and the last thing I learned?

• My parents are the bomb.  During the time we were there my mom didn't work or do anything else but be with us.  I got a taste of what it's like to live under my parents roof again because Mom and Dad bought all the food, supplies etc. - I felt very spoiled while there.  My parents are empty nesters and are use to having an open schedule (and peace and quiet haha) yet they welcomed us and did so much to make sure we enjoyed our visit.  We did.  It was wonderful and I am so grateful for them and their love.  My kids LOVED Hawaii and it was in large part, due to my parents and the time they spent taking us places and showing them things.  I know it was exhausting and I am so thankful for everything they did. Thank you Mom and Dad!  We love you SOO much!

Mom (and our neighbors dog) on one of our MANY walks
around Laie.

I'm glad Dad's painting skills got put to good
use while we were there.

We heart Hawaii

beaches

The beach has always been one of my favorite things about Hawaii. It's such a place of fun, peace, beauty and joy.  The beach experience, however has somewhat changed for me.  In my college days, I went several times a week - some times to swim, some times to sleep, some times to exercise and some times to eat.  During those years I was always outdoors anyway so I was always tan (I didn't realize how prominent that tan was until one of my friends from BYUH, Vika Filimoeatu told me that the first time she saw me in Utah she didn't RECOGNIZE me because I was so pale. lol)  Since we've been in Hawaii we have gone to the beach often - however, I no longer go to get a tan.  Some people around Laie have asked why I'm still white after being here for a couple weeks already.  The beach experience as a single college student is a lot different than that of a mother of three babies.  Instead of napping, reading and chilling in the sun for hours on end, I now spend most my time in the shade with Tali or digging in the sand with Malia and Kina and we only stay for a few hours before naptime.  While it's very different than the old way I used to enjoy the beach, I LOVE it!  I love seeing my girls becoming comfortable with such a special place. 

The first time we went to the beach this trip, Malia was totally into it.  She'd run back and forth on the sand with Wayne, then run in the water, then begin searching for crabs, then back into the water etc.  During all of that excitement, Kina sat in the shade with me with a towel wrapped around her.  I kept asking if she wanted to do different things on the beach and all she'd answer is "No dank you" over and over again. It was so funny!  Since then, Kina has grown more courageous.  However, both girls prefer the sand above anything else.  Neither love the water very much, BUT I know the more we visit Hawaii the more familiar they will become.  I know one day they'll love it just like their mommy! haha

Malaekahana

Ah! Love the beach!

*Special thanks to my MOM - she's accompanied us on NUMEROUS beach days.  She's such a trooper!  Thanks mom!  We (literally) wouldn't have been able to do it without you!!

a day of thanks

I love what Thanksgiving is about.  There is nothing material about this holiday - it is simply meant as a day to give thanks.  I have so many blessings to be grateful for . . . so many people who are so special to me and do so much for me.  Right now, as I think of my many blessings, I am humbled.  I'm thankful to my Heavenly Father for blessing me with beautiful children and a caring husband.  They bring so much joy to my life.  I'm grateful for my parents, family, in-laws and extended family.  It's wonderful to feel love and support of a group so much bigger than yourself.  I'm grateful for our good health, our home and vehicle, Wayne's jobs, our educations, (the opportunity of more education,) good friends, our free country and the gospel.  There are too many things to list - I need to just live grateful.  My Grandma has said to have an attitude of Gratitude.  I love that . . . and I want to do it better.  When I get grumpy or discouraged it does help me to think of my many blessings - selfishness and gratitude can not thrive together.  One of my favorite LDS hymns is about counting your blessings.  I love these lyrics:

1. When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
   When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
   Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
   And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
2. Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
   Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
   Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
   And you will keep singing as the days go by.
3. So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
   Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
   Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
   Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

I'm thankful for my many blessings!  I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

*How we celebrated - watched TANGLED at Laie Theaters (LOVED the movie. . . and thoroughly enjoyed the unique Laie theater experience), went on walks throughout the day and ate homemade macaroni and cheese at home.  We miss Wayne (who is home, working, in Utah), but had a beautiful day.

make new friends and keep the old

one is silver and the other gold.

(and I mean PURE gold!! lol)

While in Hawaii, we've got to catch up with my friends here.  I've loved it!  I remember reading a description of friendship that I liked on one of the blogs I stalk (okay, it was Taualai Fonoti's lol).  When describing the relationship of a long-time friend that he saw very rarely, he said, "I measure friendships by the ease and ability to fall into a natural social rhythm already established."  I love that.  I love being able to pick up where we're at and not where we left off . . . which means we don't have to talk about high school or college to have something to talk about.  Many of my girlfriends have children the same ages as my kids and it has been so wonderful seeing them in the roles of mothers!  It's so fun to go through the different stages of life together as friends.  I'm so grateful for my GIRLS! ( . . . and for their kids who have become friends for my kids too! haha)

A couple days ago, Sarah brought her sons, Manasseh and Isaac, to swim in our little pool.  They swam, ate, and then swam again.

(Leise, Hazel, Leimana, me and Harm)
Last Friday, Leimana held a little GNO at her house.
We had spring rolls and pizza.  It was so fun to talk
and catch up with everyone.

Last week, Line was here and threw a Thanksgiving playdate for the kiddies.
They played some games, decorated cookies and made paper turkeys.

We borrowed this red wagon from a friend and have used it every single day.
Hazels daughter, Ame, lives only one street over and loves it too.

Sarah with Nase, Hazel with Ame, me with Tali and Kina, Keaka with Kaylee, Kahler and Keana, Harmony with Ahonui and Nahe

I'm grateful for wonderful friends!

*And speaking of making NEW friends - The other night I ran into the beautiful Lilika Funaki (she's married to my neighbor Inoke) while on a walk with my mom.  We talked and laughed a little and then hugged to say goodbye.  When we were walking away my mom asked, "Now how do you know her?  Did she used to dance with you?" "No", I said.  "Do you know her from Utah?" "No." "Did you guys meet at BYUH?" "No. . . I know her from blogging!" LOL!  I love making new friends through blogging!  People (me included) share so much more on a blog than they normally would at a first meeting.  Maybe that's why we feel like we already KNOW each other even though we've only talked face to face twice. hahaha Love you girl!

hawaii firsts

I realize this blog has turned into a photo album of sorts and I'm starting to feel like that annoying neighbor that invites people over to look at a billion pictures taken at his last vacation/cute kids/cool car.  Sorry guys.  The truth is by the end of the day when I have time for blogging I'm usually not in the mood to dig deep and actually write . . . plus, I don't keep any regular photo albums, so this is a nice place to store all my photos.  My goal is to actually write something in honor of Thanksgiving - we'll see how that goes. haha  In the meantime, here are some more PICS!

Since we've been in Hawaii, Malia, Kina and Tali have had many new experiences.  They've been having so much fun.  Here are some of the "firsts" they've experienced in Hawaii so far . . .

First time Malia caught a crab on the beach with her daddy

First time Malia and Kina cleaned the front yard wearing chinese hats with a girl from Japan (she's one of my dad's students)

First time Malia went surfing. . . or skimming

First time the girls touched an octopus (the hawaiian
fisherman said it was his lunch) - it's little sucky things were still sucking.

First (and last) time Tali wore this cute hawaiian dress that Aunty Tali bought for Malia a few years ago
 (it's a 6 month size, but was cutting off her circulation while I took this pic with Papa . . . thus, the "last" thing)

HA with President Monson

Last night, we visited the night show at PCC - HA: the Breath of Life.  I LOVE this show - love the story, love the dancing, love the music - EVERYTHING.  Last night was especially good, however, because our prophet, President Monson, and an apostle, Elder Eyring were in attendance.  They are here, of course, for the dedication which will take place on Sunday.  I was a little worried how the girls would handle an hour and a half in a dark show, but Malia and Kina LOVED it.  They were totally attentive the whole time and energetically clapped whenever a section was done.  The first thing Malia noticed was that all the dancers had "long hair".  She pointed it out a few times - she's obsessed with having long hair.  ha ha  I was so tickled the kids enjoyed it and was very grateful to witness such a special night.

After the show, the whole cast gathered and sang, "Teach Me to Walk in the Light"
for the prophet.  It was beautiful.  President Monson smiled and clapped and graciously
posed for everyone that was taking pictures of him.

After the show, Malia was SO excited to take pictures with the dancers - she RAN down to the stage.
After taking this pic,Pewa introduced her to all the girl dancers - she was in HEAVEN.

Ricky and Pewa are two of the few dancers that still there from the time that I danced at PCC -
hey, it wasn't THAT long ago. lol  It's so nice to see old friends.  

*Something I want to remember - 

When the tutu (it was Sis. Enos) came to dance for the little Mana, Malia said, "Look! It's a Grandma.  Just like you, Granmma." [pointing at Mom]

flashback friday - the laie hawaii temple

Me, Tali and Joseph at the Laie Hawaii Temple (approx. 1984)

Since the re-dedication of the Laie Hawaii Temple is on Sunday, I thought I'd dedicate this post to it.  The Laie Hawaii temple has always been MY temple.  I remember going to the temple grounds as a family when I was very little.  We would walk around the beautiful grounds and then go inside the visitors center to watch Johnny Lingo - that was always a treat for us because 1) there was AC  and 2) we didn't have a TV at home.  When I was in primary, our chapel was next door to the temple.  I remember walking to the temple as a Sunday school class and having lessons under one of the coconut trees.  Through the years we've taken numerous family pictures at the temple - the grounds are so gorgeous.  The Laie Temple grounds are also used as a backdrop for pictures for Kahuku Prom and I remember going there my Senior year to take pictures with my friends.  When I was in college we would often take walks to and around the temple.  Some of my wards would even have Family Home Evenings in the visitors center.  After I received my mission call, I went through the Laie temple to receive my endowment.  When I came home from my mission and went back to school, I lived a couple blocks from the temple and visited there often.  Since I've moved to Utah, I've only visited Hawaii about once a year, but every time I'm home I always look forward to visiting the temple.  In my adult years, I've witnessed many family members and friends being sealed for time and eternity to their companions and children in this temple.  These memories are treasures to me. Simply put, I feel it is my temple.  When I sing the primary song "I love to See the Temple", THIS is the temple I'm singing about.  I know there are many, many people that feel the same way I do about this special place and I love that.  It's small size and amazing history are totally endearing and it's beauty and location are breathtaking.  I love the temple.  I'm so grateful I can be here for this special time of dedication.  I know it is the Lord's house.

princess party in paradise

Do you like my use of alliteration? Haha So, I have a ton of random pics from our Hawaii stay so far, but I just had to dedicate an entire post to this.  Today we went to a princess themed birthday party thrown by the Martha Stewart of Laie, Donnette Tew. When she and her little girl, Amy dropped off the cute castle invitations, they also dropped off two princess dresses for Malia and Kina to wear since they knew they probably didn't have any here. So sweet, huh. Every single detail of the party was perfect and the girls had a blast. (Since I have three girls I thought it would be very advantageous to record all these great ideas in order to use them later! haha)

The girls in their dresses in front of our house.  They were so excited to go.

 

First, they had playtime. There were dishes, play food, dress-ups and many other toys. All the girls were dressed up as princesses.

The Rapunzel photo booth - a HIT!

After making crowns, their nails were painted.

Every girl had a pink princess cake to decorate. It was the top of a big cupcake with a doll poking out the middle so it looked like a princess with a poofy skirt. There was heart and star shaped sandwiches, pink punch, wand pretzels and a big Snow White cake. Yum!

Afterward, was story time - the story was "The Princess and the Pea". Donnette made several little mattresses which she stacked on a little green ball (the pea) and had a little puppet princess to put on top. The girls loved it.

Next, they played "Steal the Princess' slipper". One little girl sat on the "throne" with her eyes closed and someone would steal her glass slipper. When she opened her eyes everyone pretended she had stolen it. Then she guessed who had.

The last game was a ring toss using princess pez holders. Later, they got to pick a bracelet and a princess to take home (with some Pez candy).

After seeing this photo, Dad said Tali looked like a "princess from Thailand." lol

I'm hoping my extensive note-taking will one day help me throw an equally awesome party of my own one day! Thank you Donnette!

home sweet home

We are in Hawaii!! Horaay!  Wayne started working for Delta on Monday, our flight benefits kicked in on Thursday, and we took our flight home on Friday! lol Wayne actually booked me to leave on Thursday, but I insisted I needed at least one day to pack and prepare.  He flew down with us Friday afternoon and flew back Saturday night.  Being here . . . I don't know a better way to say this, but  . . . being here, I feel like I can finally BREATHE again.  I love it here.  When we were planning the flight, I kept thinking of excuses why we should wait to take our first flight to Hawaii and Wayne kept giving me more options on when I could leave.  I jokingly said, "Wow. It seems like you're trying to get rid of me!"  Totally serious, he said, "No. I just know how important it is to you."  Ah.  I love my husband.

During the day he was here, we got to visit the last day of the Laie Hawaii Temple open house.  The temple has been closed for over two years for remodeling and before it's rededicated it is open to the public for a short time for viewing. The girls got to go inside too.  We are so grateful we had this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Latu Family - Laie Hawaii Temple Nov. 2010

* Something I want to remember - We've told Malia and Kina numerous times in the past that the temple is the Lord's house.  While we were inside, Malia kept whispering, "Mommy, where's Jesus?"

Flashback Friday - my bebe's

Baby Tali - Nov. '10

Looking at this pic I took of Tali the other day, gave me a real flashback of another picture taken a few years ago of another cute baby. 

Baby Malia - Nov. '07 (approximate)