odds and ends

On Monday, I planned to pick up Malia from preschool then run some errands.  Kina was playing with the ipad as I was loading her in the car, so I took it from her to buckle her in.  We picked up Malia then went to the bank to set up new accounts for Malia, Kina and Tali.  Because I had all three girls, it was a little hectic, but the nice man put on a video for them so they were kept busy while I did the paperwork.  After the bank, the girls were hungry so I swung through the McDonald's drive-thru and then drove to the downtown park to play and eat our happy meals. When the girls were tired, we loaded back up and headed home.  On the way, I stopped at the post office to buy stamps and mail off some letters.  When I pulled in at home the girls were sound asleep.  As I was unloading Kina I saw the ipad . . . it was on the roof of the car where I had put it that morning. 

It's now Wednesday and I still can't believe it.

***

A few weeks ago, I got a really, really bad migraine.  It was bugging me all day, but in the evening it got to a point where I felt I couldn't function anymore.  My head was throbbing and I started to feel nauseous from the pain.  Finally, I just put the girls outside to play and laid on the couch praying for some kind of relief.  Malia immediately noticed something was wrong and came to ask me if I was okay. When I told her I was sick she ran away and I assumed she was going back out to play.  A few minutes later she came back with some ice cubes wrapped in a small dish towel.  She put it on my forehead and then started to stroke my arm and sing a song.  She kept telling me it "will be alright" while shushing me - even though I wasn't saying anything.  I couldn't help it - I started to cry - not from the pain in my head, but from seeing Malia's sweet concern for her mommy.

***

Me: Kina, it's your first day of school tomorrow! Are you excited?

Kina: Yes

Me: Do you want Mommy to come with you to your school?

Kina: No, Mommy. I go to school. You go run errands.

***

(I need to preface this story a bit - since we were teenagers, my sister Tali and I have called each other immature names like "bum" and "booger".  It came to be such a habit, those words are the greetings we usually use when calling each other on the phone now.  It's a habit I need to change . . .)

Last week, while driving in the car, Malia and Kina started teasing each other and calling each other names.  I asked them to stop and told them to love each other because "you're sisters".  Then, to distract them a little more I told them a story about me and my sister, Tali.  I said when we were little we used to call each other names, but we made each other sad so we decided to love each other and only say nice things.  I end the story and think I'm pretty clever.  Malia says, "But Mommy, you call Aunty Tali "booger". I heard it lots of times."

***

Malia's first homework assignment

***

(At the checkout line at Walmart)

Kina: [pointing to a candybar] Mommy, can we have a treat?

Me: No, sorry honey.

Malia: [talking to Kina] Kina, only DADDYS buy treats.

***

After watching "Charlotte's Web" earlier this month, Malia has been asking a lot of questions about growing old and dying.  She understands that I am older than her so she's asked me if I'm going to die soon.  I've tried to tell her that people usually die when they're really, really old.  On Sunday after church, we stopped to talk to our neighbor, Dale Tingey, who is 85 years old.  We chatted for a while and I could see Malia staring at him the whole time.  Before we left, Malia gave him a big hug goodbye. When we got in the car the first thing she asks is, "Mommy and Daddy? Is Papa Dale going to die soon?"

***

(This week, I got called into my old work, American Indian Services, to create their newsletter.)

Malia: Mommy, where are you going?

Me: To work.

Malia: Mommy, you're wacky.  Only boys work.

***

And lastly,

My brother, Joe, gave me a bunch of old school pics last week and I've been having fun comparing them to my kids.  I just had to share this one. . . .

The END

little picasos

My mom got Malia and Kina a complete paint set for their birthdays - finger paint, regular paint, paint brushes, paint holders and lots and lots of paper.  It's an artists heaven!  The girls have LOVED creating their own painting masterpieces . . . and I have loved having them happily busy for hours at a time.

THANK YOU GRAMMY FOR THE PAINTS!
They're getting a lot of use!!



P.S. I have to add this. Seeing this pic of Kina reminded me of another little girl who used to love to paint outside too. . .

Can you see any similarities?

happy birthday malia!

Malia turned FOUR last week! Can you believe I have a four year old? I know, I know. I can't either. 

For Malia's birthday, she got the traditional breakfast in bed. I made sure to get up early so we could surprise her IN bed (since we usually have to send ourselves back to bed to do the whole breakfast thing).  Kina was so excited to walk in with the tray.  She yelled, "Surprise!" and Malia looked very confused.  She looked at me and said, "It's my birthday?!?" After I said yes she says, "Oh! I'm so happy!" and GOBBLED down her food. It was perfect.  Later in the day, she went to school and got a gold crown and balloon and shared treats with her classmates.  And at night, we had her favorite dinner (Spaghetti. I know, aren't we so original?) and had cake and ice cream for dessert.  She had a wonderful birthday and we all had fun celebrating with her. 

What can I say about Malia?  As a baby she was extremely colicky.  My memories of her infancy are full of her crying and me so stressed out trying to soothe her.  She cried non-stop for like, eight months.  That was then (thank GOODNESS) and NOW, she is an absolute doll - a complete joy of a child.  She is happy, bright, energetic, brave, positive and sweet.  She is very social and upbeat - I think she gets it from Wayne - and has no shame in social situations. Malia loves to make things with her hands - everyday I find her little creations in the toy room.  She'll use blocks, baskets, blankets, anything to create her masterpieces (usually a  boat, train, house etc.).  They're all very creative.  Malia also LOVES to read - I remember when she was just one and two I'd randomly find her in different corners of the house with a book, and it's something she still enjoys.  Another thing about Malia - she's kinda a tomboy.  She was a dragon last Halloween when all the other girls were princesses and she prefers her kung-fu outfits to the princess gowns we have for dress-ups.  Her tomboyness kinda matches her personality and spunk.  Malia LOVES. . .like LOVES animals.  We all say she is going to be a vet when she grows up because she loves them so much.  She can't pass a dog on the street without talking to it and petting it.  She's become quite a pro at asking random people if she can "pet your dog".  Yes. She loves animals.  Malia is a peacemaker in our home.  If Wayne and I start arguing, Malia will immediately try to make us "love each other and not fight". If Tali is crying, Malia is the first to help her and try make her happy.  I feel she is wise beyond her years at times and is so sweet and helpful to me as a mom.  I'm so happy/proud/grateful that she's my daughter.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MALIA!

WE LOVE YOU!

malia's first day of PREschool

Malia has started preschool! She is SO excited about it. Last year we did joy school with some neighborhood moms and ever since we stopped in the Spring she's been asking when she can "go back to school".  After MUCH discussion/stress/waffling (who woulda thought choosing a PRESCHOOL would be sooo stressful? Aaargh!!) we finally decided on Planet Preschool with Diane Mangum.  I love this place!  It's three times a week for three hours and is right here in the Edgemont area, about five minutes from our home.  Miss Mangum is loving, smart, organized and has so much experience with kids.  I love her!  She has so many things planned for the kids this school year - they have show and tell, crazy/fun dress up days and a fun field trip about once a month.  On back-to-school day, Malia received her new school bag (which Miss Mangum made (pictured above)) - it has her name on it and will carry her folders back and forth from school.  She loves it and again, is SO excited. 

The goal at Planet Preschool is to teach kids to "love to learn".  Miss Mangum put her philosophy on education in Malia's folder and I loved it so much I wanted to put it on here.

"The best thing for being sad is to learn something.  That is the only thing that never fails.

You may grow old and trembling in your anatomies, you may lie awake at night listening to the disorder of your veins. . . you may see the world around you devastated by evil lunatics, or know your honor trampled in the sewers of baser minds.  There is only one thing for it then - to learn.  Learn why the world wags and what wags it.  That is the only thing which the mind can never exhaust, ever alienate, never be tortured by, never fear or distrust, and never dream of regretting.  Learning is the thing for you."

-from The Once and Future King by T.H.White

Merlyn is speaking to Wart (King Arthur as a child)

I love that! And after looking at sooo many other preschools, I really appreciate it.  She teaches the kids to love to learn through games, songs, activities and fun. I'm so excited for Malia this year.  

Malia and Miss Mangum

*Special thanks to Wayne for helping me decide where Malia would go. And especially to my mom for listening to me hem and haw over all the preschools and giving me great advice and helping us out with the Grammy/Papa scholarship.  Love you mom!

mi querido el salvador

I was sad last week.  On August 21, the first LDS temple in El Salvador was dedicated and I had planned to go.  But I didn't make it.  I'd made my car rental reservation, my hotel reservation (using Wayne's sister, Leos' employee discount - awesome) and planned to be gone only two days, leaving the kids with Wayne.  But things just weren't working out.  First, the flights started slowly filling up.  Then midweek, Tali got sick and we found out she had croup.  She was extra cranky and clingy and breastfeeding was her only comfort (my original plan was to wean her by going. . . but I didn't want to leave her being sick).  Anyways, after a long two days of trying to get on a flight and taking care of my sick child, I finally just decided it wasn't gonna happen. . . and maybe wasn't supposed to happen right then.  And though I was sad, I'm okay with it now. . . or at least I'm working on it:)

My time as a missionary in El Salvador was one of the most special and most-memorable times of my life.  I'm so ecstatic they have their own temple now.  A year after my mission, I returned to El Salvador to attend the wedding/sealing of a family I taught as a missionary.  Of course, then, we had to travel to Guatemala to go to the temple.  Now, the people of El Salvador can do the important work for themselves and their families right in their own country.  I'm so happy for them.  Even though I didn't make it to the dedication (Bummer!), I know Wayne and I will visit the temple and my dear friends in El Salvador soon.  I'm definitely looking forward to it!

San Salvador, El Salvador LDS Temple

* {I want to remember this and have no where else to write it} I'd written to tell my friends and families in El Salvador that I was coming for the dedication.  After everything went down the way it did, I told them I wasn't going to make it.  Later that day, I received this letter from my dear friends, the Torres family.

Mi madre dice que esta muy agradecida con usted por querenos tanto y por querer tanto a este pedacito de pais.  La quiero mucho Hna. Alisa. La queremos mucho.  Juan Carlitos hijo dice que la estara esperando para conocerla mejor y conocer a toda su famlia.  Dice que la quiere mucho!!  Se que pronto vendra.  Aca todos la queremos y su foto y la foto de su familia esta en nuestra sala donde hacemos la noche de hogar. . . y todos los que visitan la casa dicen, "Quienes son ellos?" "Quien es ella?" Y mi mama dice, "Ella es un angel que visito nuestro hogar y estuvo por un tiempo aca en El Salvador."

Which means. . . 

My mom said she is very grateful to you for loving us so much and for loving this little piece of country. I love you very much, Hermana Alisa. We love you very much. Juan Carlitos Jr. [He was just a little baby when I was there. He is now ten years old] says he'll be here waiting to get to know you better and to meet your whole family.  He says he loves you very much. I know you'll come soon.  Your picture and the picture of your family are in our living room where we do our Family Home Evenings . . . and everyone who visits us say, "Who are they?"  "Who is she?" And my mom says, "She is an angel who visited our home and was here for a time in El Salvador.

And that's when I started to cry. 

I love you my dear El Salvador. I hope to see you soon.

happy birthday kina

Today was Kina's THIRD birthday! For her birthday, she enjoyed breakfast in bed (she actually woke up earlier than we'd planned BUT she dutifully "fell asleep" again so we could surprise her with her breakfast tray) and cake and ice cream after dinner (shoyu chiken - her favorite).  Throughout the day, Wayne used the reason "because you're the birthday girl" for a few privileges and once Kina saw that it worked, she totally took advantage (ie. "Mommy, can I have a piece of gum before nap time since I'm the birthday girl?").  Since she's been practicing aaaall week, she is already a pro at saying, "I'm THREE!" (with her fingers too, of course).   We had a very relaxed and beautiful Sunday to celebrate Kina and her birthday.  It was a great day!

Kina has always been my little sweetheart.  Her birth and the complications surrounding it are never totally forgotten.  Because she had gastroschisis when she was born (her bowels were formed outside her body) she stayed in the Primary Children's Hospital NICU for a month before she came home.  I think because she went through all the pain she did, she was a tough infant and endured well.  Because she is only a year younger than Malia (okay . . . less than a year. They'll actually both be three for four days) we compared their personalities a lot.   Malia is very bold and brave and Kina has always been slightly shy.  She's a very sensitive little girl and she likes to do things slowly and methodically.  She enjoys getting tasks to complete - she's always the one I ask to run and get diapers for Tali.  She loves that sort of thing.  Kina speaks with a slight stutter . . . it's just always been there.  Since she's three now we may start her in something this year to help her with it.  She loves animals and hugs and food. She's always been my best eater.  She's a very good counter and loves to play with the ipad.  Three things I love about Kina - she has super curly hair, she's a 'lil Wayne look-alike, and that by noon on any given day she's already made at least five costume changes (she LOVES dress-ups).  Kina looks up to her big sister a lot.  Actually, almost everything Malia is doing Kina wants to do too. . . that can get a little tedious a times, but it's actually getting better.  Kina is very free with compliments and is always sincere and caring with us.  We're so grateful she's in our family.

Happy Birthday Kina! 

We love you!

P.S. I was looking through Kina's picture folder for photos of her and found this. I CAN'T believe this is Kina.  Aww. When I see this I'm immediately taken back to that time - everything was so scary and so sad.  She has come so far.  It's a miracle . . . a miracle and a blessing.  I love my precious baby. 

Kina in the NICU (September 2008)

baby madison

Madison Kehaulani Alisa

Born August 16, 2011

7 lbs. 14 oz./20 in.

Proud parents - David, my little brother, and Shan Alisa

Proud cousins - Malia and Kina (pictured above. Tali stayed home with a runny nose)

Fair skin, black hair, round angelic face. 

Looks a lot like older brother, Maddox

Isn't she cute?!

Welcome Madison!

We LOVE you!!

cougar kickoff

1. Chad Lewis (former BYU and Philidelphia Eagles player) with Tali. She's looking at him funny because he was chanting the haka.  2. Malia and a BIG balloon.  3. Our cousin and senior defensive end, Travis Uale, signing autographs.  The players were out there for hours for the fans.

1. Malia at the starting line of the race - a windy course about 100 feet long. She did it about 25 times.       2. Malia running during one of her races.  3. Kina saying BYU is #1. We teach 'em young!

4. Wayne giving Kina a boost since she couldn't throw the football high enough.

Kina feeding Jack (our little nephew cousin) . . . and Jack eyeing Kina suspiciously.

1. Michael meeting, greeting and signing autographs with the BYU football fans.

2. I tried to get a close-up of his autograph. . . but you can't really see it.  3. The line of people waiting to meet and greet with Michael.

Michael complaining that his hand hurt from all the autograph signing. Poooor Michael. Lol!

tali is ONE!

I know. I know. I can't believe it either! My little baby Tali turned one on Saturday, August 13.  Since all our girls' birthdays are in August, I have to fight the urge to clump them all together and just celebrate one day for all of them.  I was determined to make this day special for Tali because I think it's important for each of the girls to have at least one special day a year that is completely their own.  It was a fun day, and the big girls loved being "extra nice" to Tali since it was her "happy birthday".  In the morning, we went to Uncle Michael's scrimmage at the BYU stadium (pictured above with all his nieces).  In the afternoon, we went to the pool and enjoyed some cupcakes there.  Then, after naps, we had spaghetti for dinner (Tali's favorite) and ate ice cream and cake after singing "Happy Birthday".  Tali had a fun day and we had fun celebrating with her. The big ONE year! Woohoo!

I have so much to say about Tali.  She is such a well-natured, happy baby.  She loves to laugh and giggle and we love to hear her giggle cause it cracks us all up.  She was born big and has kept her rotund figure throughout this first year, much to my delight.  She crawled and walked early and got her teeth in a little late.  She likes peekaboo books and also likes to play peekaboo with blankets.  She LOVES her older sisters, especially Malia - she has a way with her and can always make her happy.  She's a pretty good eater - her favorite thing is still breast milk, but she also likes spaghetti, fruit, juice, bread, cheese, chicken, rice and yogurt.  We all call her "Baby Tali" to differentiate from her namesake.  Right now she is wearing size 24 months in clothes and size 5 in shoes.  Hmm. . .what else? Oh, she just learned how to climb up our slide in the backyard (it's pretty steep!) to go hangout in the little clubhouse at the top.  Also, at the pool she likes to jump in (or kinda just fall in since she can't jump yet) over and over again.  She's fearless!  She can say "mama" and "dada" (I'm not sure she knows exactly what they mean yet) and likes to pretend to talk on the phone.  She has been a complete and total joy in my life and I love her so much.  

Love you Baby Tali! Happy Birthday!

gooo cougars!

I first became familiar with BYU football when Wayne and I were engaged in 2005 and he was on the team as a Sophomore running back. Since then, I feel like I've attended a million games, practices, firesides, parties and banquets for BYU football.  So when Michael was offered a scholarship to play for BYU in 2008, we were all excited.  Michael's freshman year was Wayne's senior year and it was very fun to support them both and watch them play together. 

Michael, me and Malia (with Kina in my belly) at a 2008 practice.

It's now 2011.  Michael is back from his two-year mission for the LDS church and is now back on the field playing BYU football.  And once again, I'm excited to support by attending games, firesides and practices. I love BYU football!  Today was one of the first practices we were invited to watch.  Michael looks great!

Tali, Amalani, Michael, me and baby Tali at today's practice

I'm so grateful that our family has had the opportunity to participate in this program.  It was a great experience for Wayne and I know it will be a great experience for Michael.  Aside from playing a sport you love, the players get to travel, build a camaraderie with one another and represent the university in a very special way.  Our family is so excited to watch the games this season and cheer him on.  Michael always said he was the slowest player on his Pop Warner team in Hawaii when he was younger - it's so amazing to see what hard work and discipline has helped him achieve in football.  What can I say? We are his biggest fans!

Gooooo Cougars!

*Before I close, I have to share this last pic we took of Baby Tali while watching today's practice.  Just looking at it makes me laugh.

summer haps

Some things we did this summer

(aka random unclaimed photos I just found on my camera/phone)

Maddox, Joseph, Tali, Kina and Malia
Thanks to season passes from Aunty Kina, we went to the pool a LOT this summer.  It was the perfect way cool off and so fun to spend time with cousins and friends.  Thank you Kina!

After a fun double date with Siona and Johnny Tejada, we had a little photo-op at the Provo Beach Resort.  How's my form?

Wayne started a 7's rugby league and the girls and I went to watch and support.  While there, this guy came up to us and asked if we wanted these free shirts.  

Wayne tore it up on the wake board at Glen Lake.

Since they played outside all day/every day, we took a lot of baths this summer!

One day I came downstairs (our new toy room!) and found Malia and this little set-up.

Our favorite summer discovery - the little water park at the Riverwoods.  We found it by accident.  The girls liked it because they could run around and cool off and I liked it because I could comfortably sit in the shade and watch them:)

One day while driving, Malia pointed out this "rainbow cloud" to me and Wayne.  After we commended her for her "good eyes" she proceeded to point out eeeeeverything we passed with the comment, "Yup! I'm a good looker!"

The girls first time in first class. Oh kay kay kay!

It's been a busy but great summer! I can't believe it's almost over!

the big 3 - 0

Yup, yesterday was the big day! Highlights from my THIRTIETH birthday:

• Sleeping in till 11. That's right folks. ELEVEN! Seriously, I was so happy Wayne coulda just stopped right there and I would've been completely content with my birthday. Ah! It was great.
• Lunch with Wayne at Olive Garden, my favorite restaurant.  Did you know you can have unlimited soup/salad/bread sticks for $6.75? Totally yummy and totally filling.
• Girl time with my sister, Tali. This is actually really cute - while we were at Olive Garden Wayne gave me a birthday card.  In it was gift certificates for pedi's and movie tickets for Crazy Stupid Love (cute movie!) and he said Tali was gonna be over soon to accompany me on these activities.  Oh my goodness! We had so much fun.  After talking a little, we realized we haven't hung out like that (just us and no kids) since before I was married.  That's five years! It was long overdue and I'm so grateful to Wayne for setting it up for us.  He is so thoughtful and we had a blast. 
• The birthday party at our house with ALL our family present.  That was the best.  I love my families so much. Plus, we all got to enjoy the bomb chocolate cake made by . . . yup, you guessed it - WAYNE! Haha. It was so good (he said the secret ingredient was mayonnaise - who woulda thought?).  Before cake and ice cream, Wayne had us all sit in a circle and made everyone say something nice about me.  Aww, I felt so special.  It was a beautiful evening.  Here's some pics. . .

The girls - Shan, Gioey, Kina, Leo, me, Keni, Kalo, Nia, Tali, Mata, Sili and Melba

The guys - Blair, Michael, David, Joseph, Limhi, Wayne and Noke

Tali really liked the ice cream and cake! Haha Thanks Kalo!

The Latu siblings

The Alisa siblings

Seriously, it was one of my most favorite birthday's I've ever had.  It was so fun to spend time with my family - with Wayne and the girls, with my sister, and with my Alisa and Latu families.  I felt so special and so spoiled.  Wayne gets a huge star for going above and beyond.

I really can't believe I'm thirty.  It just sounds so old to me. I don't know how to write this, but I don't feel as old as I thought "thirty" would feel.  Does that make sense?  It seems women are always depressed about getting older.  I'm not sure why - it's kinda a necessity, right? Anyways, I feel great and I'm very optimistic about this next phase and decade in my life.  So far, thirty feels GREAT!

i heart glen lake

Ever since I was a little girl, my family has been visiting Glen Lake in the summertime.  It's one of my most favorite family traditions.  My great great grandfather, Wade Fetzer, started the tradition and actually built one of the three houses that we stay in on the lake.  Glen Lake is near Lake Michigan - it's much smaller in size and very clean and beautiful.

Part of the reason I love Glen Lake so much is all the memories I have there.  Fortunately, since nothing really changes there and since we always do the same things while we're there . . . EVERYTHING brings back memories! I love it.  My favorite things to do at Glen Lake are swimming, boating, water skiing, tubing, hiking Sleeping Bear Dunes, eating at Joe's Friendly Tavern, visiting with family, competing in the annual Clam Derby and eating lots and lots of cherry pie (it's cherry country up there) . . . and this trip we got to do ALL of that and more!  I had so much fun watching the girls experience all these things that are so close to my heart.  Even with all the activities I enjoy so much at Glen Lake, the biggest reason it is so special to me is because of the relationships with my family that are formed there.  It's really all about FAMILY!

Anyways, I could go on and on about how much I love this place. . . but I'll just share some pics instead.  Unfortunately, because I was taking pictures with Tali's camera for the majority of the time most of my pictures are with her, so I'll have to add them later.  Here are the few I have.

Kina jumping on the new-this-year water trampoline.  I know this is gonna be a favorite for many years to come.

Cousin Suzie, Tali and Amalani, Malia and Kina sitting on the dock after a morning of swimming.  The weather was gorgeous while we were there.

The winners of the clam derby!  My great grandfather started this tradition - every year we hold a 24-hour long clam race (cause clams don't more very fast).  Each clam has a number painted on it and each person has a clam.  It gets pretty competitive! Haha This year the winners were Amalani (first), Malia (second) and Uncle Chris (third). 

Malia LOVED the lake.  She'd put on her arm floaties and be totally and happily independent for hours in the water.

Kina was much more cautious.  She liked to either be held or pulled around on her "princess raft" (pictured here) of course, with her life jacket securely fastened at all times.'

Tali loved the water too . . . as long as it wasn't too cold.  I think she was happier in the water than on land - poor thing - she fell down a LOT this week. Still trying to get the whole walking thing down pat. :)

Gramma Peggy, Aunt Judy, Uncle Chris, mom and cousin Suzie.  I LOVE these people.

The girls with my cousins Sam and Jack.  They are much younger than me so I think the girls related well with them.  They thought they were very cool . .  and the boys were so sweet with them.  Again, it was so fun to hang out with our family.

Our family!  I'm soo happy Wayne could be there with us.  We had more fun because he was there.

Another great year at Glen Lake!  Big thanks to Gramma Peggy (who makes it all possible), my mom (who helped me a TON with EVERYTHING while we were there), Uncle Chris and Aunt Judy (who spoiled me and the kids and made everything fun) and Wayne (who had to work, but came back and forth to be with us there).  

wayne's piano recital

Wayne loves teaching piano - especially to kids.  He told me the other day he hopes he can keep doing it forever even if it's only a few students.  I really hope he can too.  He's so good at it.

This week he had a recital with some of his students.  They did great!