playing on imovie

My sister-in-law, Kina's laptop was at our house for a few days so I started playing around on imovie.  My goodness, I can't believe how many different types of things you can make with this program.  For this video, I just used some random clips I had on my computer so it's kinda random, but I think it's an E for effort for my very first video.  I'm kinda slow when it comes to computer things so any tips/suggestions/pointers would be welcome and appreciated! :)

birthday girls

 One of the unique things about my daughters is they are all born in August! (Do you like how I worded that?)  Though their common birth month was completely unplanned, it has become quite a fun thing to look forward to throughout the year.  When I'm explaining to people about their birthdays (which I feel I do a lot since people often ask about how close they are in age) I always joke that we did it that way so we can have ONE big party, ONE big cake and ONE big present for all three to share.  I'm only partly joking. I really do like to do something special on each of their actual birthdays (even if it's just singing and having birthday cake after dinner) but having one big party to really celebrate all three is easy, cost effective and fun. And that's why I love it!

This year, we planned a little get-together at the park.  Wayne wanted to do the full Tongan menu with lupulu, kalua pig and faikakai. . . but in the end, we settled on a simple teri burger/hot dog spread (my idea! haha)  I'm not too good at doing themed parties (though I love to attend them), so we just planned generic, colorful, minimal decorations (with banners by Aunty Tali - thank you Tali!) and went from there.  A friend in our ward owns and offered a bouncy castle, so we picked it up that morning and it was a huge hit.  We had a pinata, a birthday cake and music plus, we purposefully picked a park with a playground so the kids had fun playing on that too.  We asked Kika to take charge of face painting and she went above and beyond - it was definitely the highlight of the party (Thank you Kika!). 

All in all, I tried not to stress about this party too much.  And I think because we went so simple and small, it came together really easy and well.  We had SO much fun.  Seriously, the whole day afterward, Wayne and I just kept saying to ourselves, ". . . Man! That was so fun!"  It was a great day to enjoy with our family and friends and just celebrate our special little girls.

This is my all time favorite pic of the day. Totally captured her.

Happy Birthday Tali!

Happy Birthday Kina!

Happy Birthday Malia!

(Thank you Aunty Sili for the BEAUTIFUL pictures)

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.