Rena and Syd

We were so lucky that Jeff and Bree were able to come to Tacoma while we were home. Last Christmas we didn't get to see them and we didn't get to spend much time with them over the summer either. So it was great for Terina to have Sydney all to her self. The girls had so much fun playing all weekend. They played so great together too. They played dress up and Little People. They decorated ginger bread houses and watched movies. Those two would play and play until way past their bed times... I think they were up past midnight the whole weekend! They had a blast. Terina is still asking where Sydney went, along with where Emma and Tabitha are. I'm glad she was able to spend this break with her cousins. I wish it could have been longer but now she has more pictures and memories to go back to Hawaii with.

Pampered

Right when we got home Terina had a hair appointment with Caryn, my first cousin. She's working at a Salon in Tacoma. Mom goes to her every Saturday to get her hair done. She spoils herself and she deserves it too!!

Anyways, Mom took Terina there to get a trim. We got in early Friday morning and Terina didn't sleep in that morning. She was up and ready to go. The hair cut must have been great cause after she was cut and shampooed she ran back to her chair to sit down. The next thing I knew Terina's head was bobbing around. Her eyes got real heavy and she was out.... cold. She slept through the rest of the appointment.

Chrstmas Carolers!

We just had the greatest bunch of Christmas Carolers come by our apartments. It was all the Senior Missionary couples who are serving in Laie at PCC or the temple. It was wonderful.

It's been really hard to get into the Christmas spirit. It's 86 degrees outside.

Our tree is 2 feet tall.

Our Christmas lights are junk

the list goes on. It just doesn't feel like Christmas.

Hopefully by Friday I'll be in the Christmas spirit. I know it's butt cold in Washington.... and we'll be there with our slippers and short sleeve shirts.

48 Hours Mystery

I remember being in middle school when my parents told me that they were going to adopt a little girl from Samoa. I of course was really excited. I had always wanted a sister and I know my mom always wanted another daughter. I remember my mom buying clothes and things to for this new little baby that was suppose to come and be part of our family. I was only in the 7th or 8th grade but I remember how excited I was to finally have a sister. I don't know what happened. I don't know the details of what was going on over in Samoa or who they were working with the adopt this little girl. All I knew was that I was going to have a sister and a while later... I wasn't. I remember how sad my mom was. I remember her crying as she told me that things just didn't work out. And that was it. One of Kasala's friends posted this video on his facebook page. It's from last nights episode of 48 Hours Mystery. The episode tells about an adoption agency in Utah who has a center in Samoa. It gives Americans wanting to adopt a chance to adopt Samoan children who are "orphans". It's a really good episode and I couldn't help but cry. Kasala was so upset after watching this. He can't believe that people back home actually did this. He even remembers seeing the guy who lived in Samoa around in the clubs that he worked at. The story is heart breaking and you feel for both families that are involved. If you have an extra 42 minutes you should watch it. It's a really good story. 42 Hours Mystery The Lost Children

I LOVE My Job

Today.... not so much love for being a teacher of 8 problem students. It was a typical day... I was running late and trying to finish grading the 2nd quarter math and reading tests and then ran down stairs to get my kids. I get there and they are already pushing each other around and calling each other a "scrub." So we had a little "chat" before going upstairs to our classroom. Needless to say, they kept pushing each other all the way up the stairs so when we got inside I decided that we all needed to have a chat. I calmly told the kids that we're gonna stay in at recess for a few minutes so they can think about what an appropriate way of walking up the stairs should look like. Then I proceeded to tell them about keeping their hands to them selves and not pushing each other. I specifically pointed out to the two kids who had the pushing problem that they needed to keep their hands to themselves next time. So I was getting ready to go over our aganda for the day when 1 of the kids took out a small skateboard/finger boards to play with. Now... I already have 2 of these things from this kid so I walked over to his desk and asked him for it so I could hold it until recess. I don't know what I did but this kid flipped out!! As I was walking away he called me a f*** b***. I stopped, turned around and as calmly as I could said, "I think you need to go somewhere until you can calm down." He didn't like that answer so he started to bang his desk on the floor and cuss at me. And every time I went to pick up the phone to call someone he would start screaming!! Finally the janitor came by to see what was going on and she tried to talk to him. He just continued to say he was going to kill me and he hated me. The other teacher who helps me came in too and ran out to get the VP. While she was gone this kids old teacher heard what was going on from across campus and came running over and took him out of the classroom. After he left I just went on with class. We read our story and started on our Holistic testing. I really didn't want to see this kid for the rest of the day but he came walking back in about 30 minutes later like nothing ever happend. I understand that these kids I work with have more problems than not being able to read or do math. But for the first time I was scared. The other teacher who helps me is a retired Special Ed. teacher and she just complemented me on how I handled the situation but I was still pretty rattled. I had to leave the classroom for a few minutes because I felt like I was going to cry! Anyways.... This is my first run in with the behavior problems that these kids have. Not sure if I wanna see what these kids can really do.

'Horror scene' as 4 Lakewood police officers shot, killed

I can't stop thinking... Today I saw a post on Facebook about 4 police officer's who were shot and killed while doing some paper work in a coffee shop. I spent the better part of the morning watching the story unfold on the Internet. How unfortunate that something like this would happen to those who serve and protect our communities.

I couldn't stop thinking about those people I know who are police officers; I couldn't stop thinking about Jeff. Something like this could happen to my very own brother. Someone who i have spent years looking up to and admiring. Someone who I love with all my heart and would do anything for. Could something like this really happen to him? How would I react? Will my faith be strong enough to know that I'll see him again? How would I comfort my sister and niece? What would I do?

There are people who i have grown up with, who I went to school with, who are also police officers. I know that if something were to happen to them that I would feel a deep and sincere sorrow. Even though it may have been a few years since talking to them, it doesn't mean that I don't think about them and their families. IT doesn't mean that I don't look at their Facebook or blogs every once and a while to see how they are doing. What if something were to happen to them? How could I show support for their wives? And for their kids?!

The death of these officers is something that will stick in my mind. TI was so close to where I grew up. I've traveled those streets so many times. My heart and prayers go out to those families and to all police officers. I guess it's not only Jeff's safety we need to pray for but for all police officers. Hopefully those responsible for this will be caught and brought to justice.

http://www.komonews.com/news/local/78088192.html

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Today was our first Thanksgiving with just the 3 of us.... or so I thought it was going to be.... Kasala didn't want to eat turkey and good thing because I didn't really want to cook one! We, or he, decided that the best thing to do would be to BBQ outside. Lucky for us it was a beautiful day outside. Terina and Kasala did the BBQ while I spent the morning on my hands and knees scrubbing the kitchen floor. It really needed it. I cleaned the house and paid no attention the cooks outside. It was kind of refreshing to not have to worry about where Terina was. I could just do my thing. Before the food was finished Terina and I ran to the store to pick up some last minute items that we really didn't need. When I got back Kasala informed me that we were going to have company. I ran inside and tried to clean the rest of the house. We cleaned off the table and moved it outside, cleaned the bathroom and moved everything from the family room into the closet which I then covered with the curtains. I was in a pinch... I had no choice. Our friend came over with all their food and we had a great Thanksgiving meal. I know there was some turkey on the table but I don't think anyone ate it. Anyways... it was good food, great company and a cruise day.I tried to put Terina down for a nap after we ate but she INSISTED on sleeping outside. So we brought her tent out for her to sleep in... and I guess Jay needed a nap too. She didn't last to long in there with Jay. Later in the evening we went to see Blind Side. I think it was just too much for Terina. She and I spent most of the movie out in the hall or walking back and forth to the restroom. I was pretty upset. I really wanted to watch the movie but Terina just wasn't having it. I guess that's what I get.... I never did put her down for a nap. It was a good movie though.... or the parts I saw. We had a wonderful Thanksgiving today and I was so glad to share it with such great friends. I can't wait to get home though for the Christmas holiday and spend some time with my family.

The boys got the rugby ball stuck up in the tree. After they FINALLY got the ball down... it ended up right back in the tree. At least they didn't break a window..... AGAIN

Thanksgiving at Rainbow School

Today Terina's school had a Thanksgiving potluck. I made 4 dozen cupcakes at midnight Thursday morning for the potluck. I also made butter cream frosting that morning. Forgot to put the butter in. But I did use butter flavored shortening so I thought they would come out alright.... Let's just say I bought a pumpkin and haupia pie before going to Rainbow School. The potluck was crazy! There was so much food there! Parents really go all out for their kids. :) I had a lot of fun eating with Terina and her friends. They were loading up on junk foods and not really eating the "good stuff" but it's a holiday so I didn't really say anything. I love Rainbow School and how much they do for the kids there. Terina has really grown up and started learning a lot in the past year. She's made a lot of good friends and she just loves her teachers. We're thankful for them and all the time they put into planning activities for the kids.

SIX YEARS AGO....

Six years ago today Kasala and I went on our first date. We went to Fall Ball at one of the hotels in town. We rented a car, took Dane and Josephine with us. I wore Pa'aga's dress from Katy's wedding to the dance. We went to the dance, drove Waikiki, parked at the zoo and we all went for a walk on the beach. It was a fun night. After we got back we went to Hukilau Beach and just chilled. Then next day was Thanksgiving. Kasala and I spent the day together. We drove to Waipahu and visited my Uncle and Aunt, went to Tammy's for some food and then sat at a park in the rain eating our food. That day was when I fell in love with Kasala. I'm not sure what it was but we spent a lot of time talking about our families, what we wanted to do with our lives, and things like that.... Black Friday was the next day and we went shopping with some friends, played some slug bug, went to a movie and by the end of the night I had a boyfriend. Now we've been married for 4 years, Terina is a beautiful blessing in our lives and we are striving to reach our goals and dreams. We're almost done with school and ready for the next step in life... moving back in with Mom and Dad :) Most likely until we can find jobs and a place of our own. I still love Kasala like I did the first day I held his hand.... 6 years ago in November after Culture Night. Our life together has been a roller coaster but it's our roller coaster... hahahaha... (corny I know.. I watch too much TLC)

(Thanksgiving 2005. Kasala flew to Washington from Hawaii. He stayed to finish school. It's our first Thanksgiving as Mr. and Mrs

Hau'ula Elementary

After the Fall break I started a new job.... again. Substituting was really slow and I was really worried that I wasn't going to get many jobs. PLUS... Now with "Furlough Friday's" I really wasn't sure if teachers were going to take time off during the school week for things when they could just do them on Friday when we have no school.

So anyways... I am now back to Part Time Teaching. It's 4th grade Language Arts and Math. I have 8 students and a classroom that I share with the math teacher. The students are pretty good... for the most part. The only hard thing right now is that I have 8 students, who are at a 1st grade or lower reading level. They also have behavior problems. These kids come with a TON of baggage... most of which I have no idea about and am learning as I go.

It's been hard, but I really like it. I have my own space and as long as I am teaching to the state's standards then I'm good! I also have a "helper" who is in the classroom with me. Julie is a retired Special Ed. teacher who actually spent a lot of time working with the kids I have now. She's great in the classroom and she gives me great feedback. She is very supportive and has actually encouraged me to go back to school. She thinks I'm great with the elementary aged kids! Anyways... I love my class and my kids. No matter how hard they can be sometimes.

Halloween Festivities

Halloween was a really long this year. Or at least it felt like it. Terina was Snow White. We used the dress up outfit that she got in Disneyland this past summer. She was beautiful :) Terina had a Halloween party on Tuesday before Halloween. She came home with a painted face and some little craft things. Then her class had a party on Friday. Because the public schools are closed now on Friday I spent the day at Rainbow School helping with her party. It was a lot of fun. They had face painting, tattoos and a play production come to their school that day. I watched Terina pass out her treat bags to all her classmates and play with her friends. She had so much fun and loves her teacher and class. I took off during nap time and headed home to take a nap of my own.

That night one of our friends that use to live in the building called to see if we wanted to go out with them. Of course we did and off we headed to Turtle Bay for their Halloween events. It was pretty neat... and free. They had bouncers, and tattoos, food and a haunted barn. The kids all got to pick a pumpkin to take home. It was pretty low key and the kids had fun watching the horses run around and stuff. Terina had a lot of friends there. It seemed like every time I turned around some little kid was calling her name and running up to her. She has more friends than me!

After Turtle Bay we headed to BYU. Their activity was pretty lame so we didn't stay long.

On Halloween the TVA Resident Advisors put on a little party. It was a pretty good little party and was able to support Kasala in his job. He spent the whole party spray coloring little kids hairs. After that it was off to Trunk or Treat for our ward. Terina ran around from car to car collecting candy and eating it when I wasn't looking. Kasala spent the evening passing out candy.

As soon as it got dark it was off to Trick or Treat. It was the first time we took Terina out to the community to trick or treat. We hit the faculity town houses and then the infamous Moana Street. I couldn't believe how many people were out trick or treating! At some houses you had to wait in line to get your candy treat.

It was a lot of fun and Terina had fun with her friends. Now we just need to get rid of all this candy she got.

P90X is all the rage here in Laie. Everyone is doing it... so being the little follower that I am, I decided to try it out. We got the program sometime last week and Kasala and I watched it to see what we were getting our selves into. After watching the first workout we decided that it was going to be hard but we could do it. We'll support and push eachother and everything will be just fine. I bought little resistance bands and made sure that Monday when I got off work I had clean work out clothes and a clear spot in front of the TV to work out. The workout is hard. I started out doing what I knew I could in terms of reps and took full advantage of the water breaks. After getting through the first half of the work outI started to feel pretty good. I had trouble with some of the push ups but I was doing what I could. After getting to the half way point things started to go down hill. I had to use the bands to do pull ups because we have no where to put a pull up bar plus I don't think it would support me. So I had the band over the top of a door and shut the door. It worked fine for the first half so I didn't think anything about it when I started the second half. That is until the band came out of the door and before I could even react snapped across my boobs. I don't ever remember feeling a stinging pain so bad in my life as I did when that stupid band came out of the door. That took me out for a minute and I was laughing for a while... and then it turned into crying. It really hurt! So after I recovered from my boobie injury I started up the dvd again. While I was in the middle of doing some pushups Kasala got out of class and was banging on the door for me to open it. I didn't stop though! I kept going... and he kept pounding. Anyways.. I finally let him in and he was surprised that I was actually working out. He didn't offer to join me but instead grabbed his guitar, sat on the couch and watched me finish the workout.... occassionally yelling at me to do just 3 more of whatever it was I was doing. After the workout I was dead. Completely dead. I couldn't feel my arms at all. I was in so much pain and Kasala being the loving man that he is just laughed and told me to keep it up. Anyways... throughout the rest of the day I could hardly lift my arms. When I was sleeping last night I guess I kept crying in my sleep because my arms hurt so much. Every time I tried to move I guess I started crying and saying " ouch ouch ouch...." And I couldn't get my clothes off either. I had to wake Kasala up to help me. But that isn't even the funny part! When I got up this morning and looked at the work out schedule... I DID THE WRONG ONE YESTERDAY!! WTH?! Yeah... the wrong workout. I'm such a loser

That's Called Kidnapping

Kasala works in the TVA Office. In the office there's a "Freebie Bin" that we'll go to every once and a while and see what's in there. Today I went with Terina, Maren and Berkley while Kasala was working. We looked around, went out and got the mail and just kind of walked slowly home. While we were walking home I looked across the little play field and saw Kasala carrying a little baby girl. I had no idea who's baby it was.. he was going to let someone in their house who was locked out or something. I just figured he was carrying around a friends baby or something... I don't know. Anyways, he had a little baby. When we all finally got back to the play ground Kasala was also walking right past us to go back to the office. Terina saw him with this little baby and got really excited all of a sudden. She then yells out, "Is that my baby sister?! I'm so happy! I love her!" I then had to explain that it wasn't her sister... she has no sister... and it's just a baby dad is carrying around and she wanted to know why she wasn't ours and why we couldn't keep her. I told her she had her own mommy and daddy and if we took her it would be kidnapping and we'd go to jail. (Going to jail just set her off on a whole different topic because the Honolulu Police Department visited Rainbow School and she wanted to know where her Uncle Jeff was because apparently he's Rainbow School's police man and he's going to come visit and take all the cry baby and naughty kids to jail. I don't know.....) Tonight while we were saying prayers, which she does by herself and she's not really open to help sometimes, she asks for not 1, not 2 but a bunch of babies to come to our home. Terina...we're trying and someday you'll have a little brother or sister... but until then the neighbors and kids at the playground will just have to do. Sorry kiddo.

Photo Contest

I got up early this morning to work on today's lesson plan and ended up on Blogger. Anyways, 5 Minutes For Moms is doing a Silly Kid's Photo Contest and I decided to enter a picture of Terina. The winner gets $1,000! The deadline is today so if you have time enter a picture! I don't know what to say about this picture except she was going to fast down the slide and was scared to hit the pool..

Food Fest 2009

Our family went to Food Fest last night and had a great time. The food was alright.... I'm just glad Sandra and I found the chocolate trifle before it was all gone. It was the BOMB!! Anyways.. there was a Halloween "parade" for the kids before it all started. It was more like all the kids gathering together and walking around the little circle trying to avoid everyone else who was trying to eat. Terina was so excited to wear her Snow White costume that we got in Disneyland. I haven't let her wear it too much cause I wanted to keep it nice for Halloween. After the 31st she can live in it for all I care. She had a lot of fun with her friends doing that and we got a few cute picutres. She loved just being out and acting like a Princess.. After the parade we had some dinner. We got plates from Samoan Club... I think we could have got something better for less money but Kasala isn't really the "walk around and see what's there" kind of guy. The food was alright though. They had a benefit concert at Food Fest too so I guess I can consider that my first concert :) The music was great, I was able to spend some time with a great friend and I at the bestest trifle in the whole world. Terina and Kasala spent a lot of time together too. They went for a walk to the temple, walked around Food Fest and then Terina danced the night away with me and Rebel Souljahz.... check her out in the post below.

Rebel Souljahz

This year at Food Fest they had a bunch of groups come and perform a benefit concert to help raise money for all of the countries effected by the recent tsunami's and earth quakes. Terina and I had a lot of fun. Rebel Souljahz and B.E.T performed as well as a couple other. Kasala and Terina were walking around while most of the groups were performing and I was talking with one of my friends. They came back right in time for Kasala to walk home and play Halo with dad online and for Terina, Sandra and I to listen to Rebel Souljahz. I was very hard on Terina. There were a lot of kids playing around near the speakers and I was so scared that they were going to fall and smash a kid so I kept a close eye on her. Finally I gave up a little and let her go... as long as I could see her and get to her in enough time to save her if something bad were to happen. Anyways.. she ended up on stage dancing with everyone else! And soon after that... I was up with her. It was a lot of fun.. PLUS...we ran into Natasha! We had a blast!!

Girls Get Away Anyone?

The Biggest Loser Resort at Fitness Ridge Alright girls... I have a plan. We all talk about losing some weight and blah blah blah. We all start working out and a few days, weeks, months, or hours later we all stop. We all have excuses and reasons as to why we stopped or never started. BUT... I was watching the Biggest Loser tonight and saw that they have a resort in Utah! LET'S GO!! As soon as we're all rich, I'm sure this is the first place we'll go. :) But seriously... we should go for a week. Anyone game??

Answering Machine

A friend of mine posted this on her Facebook page and I LOVE IT!! It's totally how I feel sometimes when I'm substituting, PTTing or when I was doing my long term sub last school year.
ENJOY THE ANSWERING MACHINE!! 
I can't seem to figure out how to put a video on here any more. Oh well... just click above and go to youtube :)

Pumpkin Patch 2009

I went with Rainbow School to the pumpkin patch this year. It was hot and dusty but Terina and her friends had fun. We went at the beginning of October and had a good choice of pumpkins. She was so excited to ride the bus. It was all she would talk about for a couple days. I was able to snap her picture as they were rolling in. You probably can't find her but she's the 4th window back sitting with Aunty Lani. She thought the bus ride was the best part.

At the farm we took some picture she went on a hay ride and she found her pumpkin.

This whole experience just makes me miss our pumpkin patches in Washington.

After the pumpkin patch I wanted to go shopping but Terina wanted to go to a movie. She won and we ended up going to see the double feature of Toy Story. I feel asleep during the 2nd one but can you blame me?! After that we went to Wal Mart and got Terina new bedding for her big girl bed. She picked everything out herself too.

By the time we left Wal Mart we were both tired and while she got to sleep all the way home... I had to drive. Totally sucked.

Natural Disasters

This morning there was an earthquake and tsunami that hit American and Western Samoa. The earthquake was very shallow (only about 30 miles deep reports say) and caused a lot of damage.

My gut reaction was fear. I had no idea that this even happened. Claire called from California and told me and I instantly jumped online to check out what was going on. I started to text Kasala and add more money to our Skype account. I wanted Kasala to come home right away so we could call and check on his family. I couldn't stop crying. I was very scared that they were not going to be alright. After talking to Claire and trying to convience Kasala to leave class Terina and I knelt down to say a prayer. I explained to Terina what was going on and she seemed to understand. She offered her prayer to Heavenly Father and asked that her Grandma Emii and Grandpa Afa to be safe from the waves and octopus. Then she sat very quietly while I cried and prayed that our family would be safe.

I'm a very emotional person. I still can't stop crying. When Kasala finally came home it took a while for us to get through. When Maima finally answered the phone I started crying even harder. When I talked to Afa I couldn't stop. I was so relieved that they were safe. I was so greatful that they live high enough in the mountains to be out of harms way. I totally wasted like $1.50 crying on the phone as my father in law tried to calm me down and assure me that they were in the safest place possible. I gave the phone to Terina, who was dying to talk to Grandpa, and continued to cry. And still... .2 days later, I can't stop crying. My biggest fear was that I would never get to see my family there... never get to meet them and tell them how much I love them. I was scared that Terina would never get to know the world her father came from. I am truly greatful that we will get a chance to go there and see his family.

I see the pictures on the internet, I've watched all the news reports and my heart is so heavy. Many people already didn't have a lot and now they have nothing. I can't bare to see any more  pictures of mothers and fathers burring their children. I watched a report tonight of a father putting his 3 year old daughter in the ground. Terina is 3. I get so frustrated with her sometimes but I don't know what I would do if she were to leave this world.

The events of the past few days have been devestating. With another earthquake today (October 1) we have not been able to reach Kasala's family. The quake was much samller and we are sure that they are busy helping in the efforts to find people and helping those who they can. I love my family in Samoa and I know that soon we will be able to see and be with  eachother. Until then, they will continue to be in my prayers and in my heart.And I'll think twice about complaining when we have to send boxes and packages that costs hundrends of dollars home.  :)

17 Furlough days

The Hawaii State Teachers Association just approved a contract and accepted 17 furlough days for the next 2 years (and 21 days for those teachers who are on a 12 month contract). I really think its sad when the economy is so bad that we have to start making budget cuts with education. Not ouly does this hurt the teachers of Hawaii, who are of course over worked and under paid, but it hurts the students and the parents. Where are the kids suppose to go on these furlough days and what are working parents suppose to do with the kids for 17 days out of the school year? I really wish that there was an alternative to the budget deficiets that every state is facing but is education really the first place that should be getting cut?

Slapped by Captain Obvious

The last 4 months have been a real struggle. I've struggled with pretty much everything and everyone including myself. I can't stay on our budget, a job I thought I had for the year was given to someone else, I can't find a job, I can't keep the house clean, I struggle with Terina, I stuggle with Kasala, I've said and done things that I wish I had never done. The last 4 months have just really sucked and has been a strain not only on me but on my family.

Yesterday Terina and I started getting ready for Church 2 hours before it started. I was determined to make it and make it on time. We made it... but not on time. Who knew that being a couple minutes late would land you in the 3rd row at church. It was our ward confrence. I got released from playing the piano in primary and called to be a teacher. Terina did a great job sitting the whole time in Sacrament and I was able to listen to most of the talks and stuff. The ward choir sang and I had to do everything I could to not cry. I burried my face in the back of Terina's head while I listened to the beautiful song.

Ere you left your room this morning. Did you think to pray? In the name of Christ, our Savior, Did you sure for loving favor As a sheild today.
When your heart was filled with anger, Did you think to pray? Did you plead for grace, my brother, That yo might forgive another. Who has crossed your way?
When sore trials came upon you, Did you think to pray? When your sould was full of sorrow, ABalm of Gilead did you borrow. At the gates of day?
Oh how praying rest the weary. Prayer will change your night to day. So when life gets dark and dreary. Don't forget to pray."

I felt as if the obvious was in front of me the whole time but because I was so consumed with myself that it never crossed my mind to pray. I don't say my personal prayers or read my scriptures. I guess I figured that Terina was doing all the work for me. I pray with her every night, she just got her own Book of Mormon (with her name on it) and we read a couple versus together so I figured it was good enough. But as I sat in sacrament meeting with my face in the back of Terina head I did all I could to not break down into one of those really kind of ugly cries. My heart felt something that it hasn't in a long time.. a sense of reliefe, a sense of comfort and assurance. It was as if Heavenly Father was telling me if I pray for help He will be there to help me.

Things go worse when I went to primary. The kids were practicing their songs for the primary program in a couple of months. The theme for the year is something to do with families, I'm not really sure on the exact theme. As they were singing Families Can Be Together Forever, I felt my eyes welling up again. I started to cry. The song made me feel so happy that I'll be with my family forever. Even though our family is not perfect and we have a flaws, we can be an eternal family if we just keep working on it.

At our primary training last night Sister Hemmingway said something that I need to always remember. The more we put Heavenly Father first in our lives the more we'll be able to feel wrapped in the arms of His love.

Gone Fishin'

Tonight, around the time to get Terina dinner and ready for bed, Kasala tells me that he's going fishing. Now, I'm sure he told me sometime earlier in the week that he was going fishing but I've been so busy doing nothing that I probably just forgot. So he walks out the door at 7pm and reappears around 11ish or midnight. He stinks like no other. Honestly I can smell him before even opening the door. When I open the door all I see is a huge knife and his little bag of fish. He took his fish over to another building to clean them but now my house smells like stinky fish. Who cooks fish at 1 in the morning?!

 I guess there was about 12 guys that went fishing and they caught about 40 of these things using a net. I guess Kasala has dinner for tomorrow and Teina and I will be eating Happy Meals.

Our One and Only

Monday we went on what is probably our one and only hike on the island. It was so much fun. A few others from our building went with us and we had a blast. 7 adults, 3 strollers and a huge hill to climb. I'm not gonna lie... I was hanging! Which was kind of sad seems Siki is 6 months pregnent and she did better than me but oh well. We all made it to the top and had an amazing view of the ocean, Sea Life Park and some more water.

We left around 8am and tried to beat the heat. It took about an hour to drive there and then some time to walk up this hill. I should have taken a picture of it from the parking lot but I was so stunned..... that mess was steep! I also didn't take any pictures of us walking up the hill for a couple different reasons. 1 I forgot to get the camera out of the stroller. 2 I probably couldn't have held up my arms and 3 I was completely out of oxygen..

But here was the view from the top. It was so beautiful. You could look out and see forever. If you were to look the other way you would be able to see Molikai.

Here we all are at the top looking out to the ocean. Kasala, Terina, Nela, Vaea, Siki, Maren, Berkely, Sake and Kasey... who is somewhere else....

          

 I think Siki was going to have a heart attack! She is so scared of heights and when the guys put the kids on the railing she was freaking out. Everything turned out fine and I got a really cute picture of the kids with their dads. Plus... If it wasn't for Kasala and Nela the kids would have never made it up the mountain! Over to the right of the look out point you could go a little further and look out over the other side and see more water and Molikai.

And here we are... me with my huge uniboob. That's what I get for wearing a billion sports bras for a hike!

After the hike we went to the nicest beach that I have been to since coming here. The sand was so soft and the water was so clear and blue. There weren't a lot of people there either. We made sandwiches and just kicked back. Terina and Kasey went into the watner and eventually everyone else made their way there too. It was an amazing day and we all had a lot of fun. Now we just have to think of something else to do that's free.....

So What?!

So what?! The President of the United States wants to talk to the school kids? What's the big problem? Parent's are pulling their children out of school because they think the government is trying to brainwash their child. Are you kidding me? Have you read what his speech was about? Instead of having your child at school for the 20 or so minutes it's going to take you decided to pull your child out and have them sit in front Avatar or Sponge Bob? Really?? What's Sponge Bob going to do for your childs future? Is it so bad that the President wants to encourage the youth of today to do better in school? To stay focused and give your teachers respect? I know that a lot of the parents aren't doing that! I have to put up with your loud mouth kid who thinks it's perfectly fine to cuss out a fellow class mate or teacher. I have to put up with your child who doesn't do their work and makes up every excuse under the sun to try and get out of it. I HAVE TO PUT UP WITH YOU.. the parent who defends their child's rude and inexcusable behavior. And it's the teachers' fault. It's ALWAYS the teachers fault. You child doesn't do work in class, at home, disrupts the learning of everyone else in class by acting out, taking class time and being a complete ass.... but it's my fault. It's my fault your child doesn't know how to act in public. It's my fault I'm going to be paying for your child's welfare because they decided that skipping class and doing drugs is more important than learning how to read and when they get older they can't get a job to support themselves. Really... it's my fault? When are parents going to step the ..... up and let their child take responsibility for their own actions? And what is so wrong with SOMEONE... ANYONE... telling a child to do good in school? To take educations seriously, to take responsibility. What is so wrong with that?! http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/president-obamas-back-school-message-students/Story?id=8509426&page=4 Here's the text to the speech. When you see something that is brainwashing, trying to control and munipulate the youth... let me know. Cause all I see is someone FINALLY telling those kids who don't get it from home to step up and start doing something in school.

Labor Day

Since today was a holiday we spent it as a family.... for once. Usually when there isn't any school Kasala is off with his friends playing basketball or he's sleeping... two of the things he's best at. But day he decided to break out the little BBQ that he got as a birthday present from Mom and cook some food for us. It was a really nice day outside despite the morning rain. We went to the store and got a few things to cook, Kasala called a friend of his to come over and Terina and I cleaned the house. We spent most of the day outside playing. Adison, the little girl next door, came over and played with Terina. We took out the little Hello Kitty tent in hopes that they would fall asleep... that never happened. But for the first time we actually did something with our neighbors! I love our neighbors too. They are just great! Siki and Nela live upstairs, Adam and Kasey next door and Jared and Crystal live right above us and Maren and Scott live down the way. All of our neighbors are great. It's fun to be able to just kick back and hang out with them. Today was a great day to just relax and spend time with good friends... and watch the kids wrestle.

Hawaiian Waters... TVA Style

It's been pretty hot outside. We don't have a swimming pool or a slip and slide. I know the ocean is just a walk away but it's a lot of work to go to the beach! We have to load up the car, put on a swim suit (or a bright colored tank top so that people can tell I'm a person and not a beached whale) find a simi empty beach (so a lot of people won't see me), watch Terina so she doesn't go under, pack up our stuff, rise off, go home, shower and then clean the sand out of the car so Kasala won't get mad. It's quite the process. One day when Terina and I came home from school we found Jared and Nela making a water park outside for the kids. I'm not sure who was having more fun... the dad's or the kids. Anyways, Terina had a blast! She ran inside, got her swim suit, which I think is getting to small, and headed out to the park. Super Man Vaea! He's a brave kid. He does whatever Nela and Jared tell him to do :) The landing wasn't as bad as she's making it look. With the water going down the slide the kids were going pretty fast. This was the only time I think she went down. She may have gone 1 more time... but Terina was pretty freaked out. Vaea getting brave. He's always up for anything fun... except bugs. And there's Terina at the top. It was "last call" so she had to go down 1 more time before they turned off the water.

And here's how so many of our afternoons at the park end... with Terina sitting on Vaea's head. The kids had so much fun that day. Thanks TVA Dads!!

Ha, Breath of Life

The Polynesian Culture Center just premeired their new night show Ha, Breath of Life. I really didn't want to go see it. When Kasala was dancing he wouldn't come home until well after 1am on the weekends and sometime after midnight on school nights. I didn't like that he was there so late. I felt that his responsibility was to his family, Terina and I, not to PCC. He finally did quit when he got the RA position and I was very happy. We see him a lot more and if something comes up I'm not afraid to go to his work and let him know. I would never, in a million years, have gone backstage to tell him something. Anyways.... The new show. Terina and I went to the community preview back in March or April and I wasn't really impressed. After the preview I wanted him to quit even more! But since it's opened I have kept hearing about how good it has turned out. So Friday, after Kasala and I spent the day together, I took Terina to watch the new show. Terina is now a Ka'maina Season Pass Holder to the PCC. (It was cheaper to buy the year pass than a single seat for her) We got some dinner and made our way to our seats. We had alright seats. I was afraid that Terina wouldn't be able to see much but she ended up sitting on me the whole time... so much for her own seat. The show began and for some reason so did the tears. (I blame it on my hormonal imbalance. My body is working its way back to normal.) The opening was really good. The show not only has dancing now but somewhat of a movie throughout the whole thing. The new show is a story about Mana and how his parents left their home. The show takes you through all the islands just like with Horizons but in a story formate. As they go from island to island Mana grows up, falls in love, gets married and by the end has a child of his own. The story is good. The dancing is good. The costumes are beautiful. The acting could use a little more work but over all it was a good show. Terina seemed a little bored at some points but what can I say... she's 3. I'm sure we'll go back again and againg to watch the show and I'm sure as we do it will grow on me. Kasala seems to think that his last semester he's going to go back and dance. I told him the only way that was going to happen was if I was dancing too... and we all know THAT won't happen.

Happy Birthday Kasala!

Yesterday Kasala turned 27 years old! We have been celebrating his birthday since we got home from Washington on Thursday. As soon as Terina went back to sleep he wanted his gifts we bought him. Terina and I got him 4 new v-neck tee shirts and 2 pair of basketball shorts from Footlocker. Friday we went and paid for his present from Dad... the new HALO ODST or what ever it's called. Then we had lunch at Zippy's and pizza for dinner. All of his favorites in 1 day. Friday night we had Pacesen and Berkley over while their parentals went to the 3 Houses Down concert on campus. We all had fun with the 2 extras... except maybe Terina. (She has some jealousy issues.) Kasala and Pacesen played HALO while I took Berkley and Terina for a walk to put them to sleep. Saturday we did the whole yard sale thing. Found some wonderful deals and I can't stop smiling every time I have to go somewhere cause I get to take my new purse. Sunday... FINALLY! Kasala's actual birthday. This guy wants ribs for dinner so I do it. I went to the store and bought ribs, cooked them on low while we were at church and came home to eat. Or at least I thought I was going to eat. This fool ate a whole rack of ribs! I think he forgot that there was 2 other people wanting to eat. Good thing I bought and made 2 racks but still... that's a lot of food for 3 people. Anyways, we ate, we watched a movie and of course... we fell asleep. I made a chocolate cake and Terina and I sang Happy Birthday, he blew out his candles and that was the end of it! Terina and I went outside to play because it was so hot, Kasala went back to sleep cause that's what he does best and when the night was over, I cleaned the house. I have a few pictures but I don't know where my camera cord is. I should probably find that.

Just Call Me Betty Bargin

Today I decided that we were going to drive around and look at yard sales. BYU has a lot of them. Most of the time it isn't anything good but I still like to look. There were a couple in Laie with not much to offer. We drove North Shore and stopped at one that looked like it might be alright. The way we do yard sales is that I drive. I get out and look. I CALL Kasala who is in the car and tell him what is there. And then HE decided what I should buy. It's a flawed system. Very flawed. Anyways, this yard sale on North Shore produced 2 brand new pairs of Vans just Kasala's size. Van's retail for about 39.99-49.99. I got both pair fo 20 bucks! I thought it was a pretty good deal. So now, on top of the 2 pairs of shorts and 4 shirts I got him for his birthday, he has 2 new pairs of shoes. We kepts going to Wal Mart and drove past the military base hoping to see some signs for a yard sale. We didn't and so on to Wal Mart. We were almost there when I saw some more signs and popped a U turn to go check them out. Out of the 4 that we stopped at only 1 of them was any good. I'm so proud of my purchase! I found a 400.00 Jucie Couture purse that was still in the duster and that hadn't been used yet. I was really scared to ask for the price but did anyways. I got this purse for 50 bucks! I thought it was a good deal! I've been wanting a really really nice black, leather purse for a long time but knew that it was completely out of our budget. I walked back to the car crossing my fingers that Kasala would let me have it. (Obviously he did because I already said I bought it) But I was really happy! Now... If only I had money to put in the purse and some where to go besides Foodland.

Back to Hawaii with Things to Think About

We finally made it home from Washington. Our flight was delayed 3 different times leaving and I was smart enough to check before leaving for the airport. We were lucky we didn't have to sit there all day. Our flight left around 10:30pm and I was thinking Terina would sleep that whole time. She did but was uncomfortable and I ended up holding her most of the way. Frank picked us up from the airport and was nice enough to drive us all the way home. When we got here Kasala was so happy to see us. I had to practically pull Terina out of his arms and make her go to bed. I was past 3am and she needed to go to school in the morning. After Terina went back to sleep Kasala and I had some time to talk. While driving to the airport Kasala told me that his Grandfather passed away the night before. He had called home earlier to talk to his mom and she told him of the news. He was the last of Kasala's grandparents to be alive. Kasala was very lucky to go home for his Grandma Helen's funeral in April. The school semester had just ended and we were able to scrape enough airline miles together for him to go. This time we aren't as lucky. He is 2 weeks away from the end of a 6 week term. He has multiple projects and papers that need to get done as well as a busy work schedule. Unfortunately he isn't going to go home this time. While Kasala was at home in April he visited his Grandfather. He was really old. He lived kind of far away from Kasala's parents but recently moved in with my inlaws. I was talking to Kasala yesterday and learned that his mom is the only biological child of his grandfather. There were other kids from her mom's previous marriage but when that husband died she married Kasala's grandfather. He and Emi were very close. A few days ago Kasala had called home and talked with his mom and Grandfather. Two days later he said that something told him to call again and so he did. When Emi answered the phone I guess she just broke down crying and told Kasala the news. Kasala talked to his parents today. I asked how they were doing and he talked of his mothers love for her father. He said she was doing better and that his parents were on their way to do some family things. The death of Kasala's Grandfather and Grandmother has really made me think. My Grandma's aren't any younger than his were. I think they are a little more stubborn though. I have been very emotional with the passing of his family members. I don't know if it is because I never got to meet them and now never will, or if it's just because I'm a cry baby. But I try not to imagine the day when I'll have to say good bye to my Grandmothers. It will be a bitter sweet good bye. I know that they will be in a better place with loved ones who went before but it will be sad to not see them any more. It's something I guess I'll just have to deal with in time.

New Back Yard

In preparations for Jake and Kim's "Open House" mom and dad did a total over haul on the house and yard. Dad had a ton of help from the boys that keep him company and play Halo with him. Anyways.. I'm so amazed with all the work they did. The yard looks beautiful so I'm posting pictures. The front of the house by the family room The other half of the house looking into the front room Back of the house from the playground looking to where all the food was The deck that Dad and his friends built with all the DJ stuff up. And little Sydney and Emma Looking into the back of the yard from the playground.

The little sitting area in the trees that my mom has wanted for years!

Thank you Thank you Thank you to all those people who helped my parents get ready for this. I was so worried when I heard it was going to be in the back yard because our yard was tore up! Plus... all us kids have moved away from home. Jared is here but he is busy with school. I was really worried about how the yard was going to get done. Then dad said that they boys were going to help him and that made me worry even more! But it looks amazing! I really appreciate all that they did for my parents and making this "open house" a wonderful day.

A New Outlook

The past week or so I have had time to do a lot of thinking. There was an incident that happened that really made me step back and look at my life. It gave me a lot of things to think about and to figure out. I haven't even began to scratch the surface either. I've been praying for a better attitude; something that I really need. Ask anyone who has known me for a really long time and they'd agree. Anyways, Wednesday my dad called and told me that he had booked plane tickets for Terina and I to come home again. At first I was a little worried. I had just been home and was not really wanting to go back but it was a done deal. So from Wednesday on I have had a prayer in my heart for a positive attitude, to just be happy and to remember why I love everyone in my family. I also wanted to make it a point to tell each one of them while I was at home why I loved them. It's amazing what can happen when you have a good attitude. Today was one of the best days that I have had in a long time. I had so much fun visiting with family and friends that I haven't seen in years! I was happy. Genuinely happy. I haven't felt like that in a long time. I had let my attitude, pride and selfishness get in the way of being happy. Today was a wonderful day. I guess I know what I need to keep praying for.

Hurricane Felecia

Because we haven't had any of the local news channels since BYUH decided to switch cable companies I was very unaware that there was a hurricane gunning for Hawaii until Thursday night at Enrichment. Thankfully Hurricane Felecia has been down grading each day from a CAT 3 Thursday to today which is only a CAT 1. Most likely we'll have a tropical storm here by Sunday or Monday. (Hopefully not Monday because that's the only day I actually have a job and the $160.00 would be really useful) In the past couple days I've received various emails about making sure you family is prepared and having adequate food and water. I'm not to worried about Kasala or myself but Terina... I don't know. So this afternoon Terina and I went to the store to get a few supplies if you will. Mom gave me a list of things that she had in her small 72 hour kits and I went out and got some of it. Fruit snacks, granola bars, nutrigran bars, some cheese and crackers and some peanut butter crackers. I also got some canned tuna and beans along with a sack of rice and case of water. I think we even have some Slimfast shakes in the fridge. We also have some things in the house that we can use. We are fortunate enough to be in one of the few buildings that has gas so if something did happen where the power went out we'd be able to have a warm meal. I know we aren't as prepared as the church says we should be but for some reason I'm not that worried about it. We have been able to make due in the past and I'm sure we'll be alright this time. Kasala and I can go on little food but it's Terina that I worry about. This girl can eat! If something happens and I have to ration her food she's gonna get mad!! I guess that's when we just give her ours and we go hungry. I've been checking the cnn.com and weather.com ,because once again... the cable isn't working, and it looks like we're going to be alright. I guess we'll just keep praying that nothing serious happens and that the power stays on this weekend and coming week.

Lost and Found

I was fixing up my resume tonight and I found some pictures from when Terina was born! I didn't know what happened to these but I think they're so cute! She still sleeps like this too!! When she was born she had to stay in NICU for a couple days because she was early, didn't know how to eat, had fluids in her lungs and had jondes... among a couple other things. But she definitely knows how to eat now and she's perfectly healthy!

My Eternal Family

When we visited Emma and Tabitha in Richland, Terina went to Primary for the first time. She was the visitor and they sang to her. She was so captivated by the microphone that she kept trying to go up and talk in it... so Jill, the Primary President, let her be one of the spotlights for the day. Anyways, during singing time they were working on the song My Eternal Family. Now, I'm the pianist in our primary but I don't sing at home. I play the songs and Terina makes up some words and we call it good. But that Sunday she learned the whole 1st verse to the song. She walks around now singing it and it makes my heart melt every time. We just filed the last of Kasala's immigration papers last week. Part of the evidence I was going to provide was our sealing certificate. I found it in the filing cabinet along with a little certificate that said, "This was how big my hand was when I got sealed to my family." Phebe had traced Terina's hand on this piece of paper and it was just beautiful. When Terina gets a little older I'm sure she'll understand the importance of this song along with her other favorite, I Love to See the Temple. She sings these two songs all the time without even realizing what she is singing. I'm looking forward to the day when she's just a little older when I can show her the dress she wore, her little hand print and pictures of "our" temple. And I'm really glad that she'll always have a special connection to Phebe and that they can share the memory of our family being sealed together with each other.

Finally!!

It took me all day but I finally got my sidebar back up to the top! I was getting so frustrated with this thing because my blog looked junky. Who would have thought it was because the pictures from the temple were to big! Anyway... I'm glad it's fixed and I'm glad that's over. Now... time for bed

NEVER AGAIN!

Last night I was playing around on here and did somthing to my blog. I have no idea what I did but it's been HELL trying to get it back to normal. I don't like how it looks now but it's the best I can do. Never again will I change it! Unless I figure out what I did wrong in the first place.

My Family

Well... my little time off the island is over and I'm back with Kasala and Terina in our little apartment. I loved the time that I spent at home and I loved being with my family again. When Jake got married it gave our whole family a chance to get together. Grant it, Phebe and the girls were with her family and they were very much missed. But I had a chance to be with all of my brothers. I don't remember the last time we were all actually together. Probably Jared's wedding 2 years ago. Each time one of my brothers has gotten married I seem to have a big problem with something or someone and it effects my whole mood and attitude about the wedding. I don't know if that's actually how I feel or if it's just a mask for me losing a brother. I love my brothers more than anything. Growing up I would do anything for them, whatever they asked and sometimes I did things they didn't ask me to do. I wanted to make them happy and to take care of them. Then, one by one they started to get married. Anthony then Jeff, then Jared and now Jake. They were all growing up and starting their own lives. My biggest fear is that as we all grow up and have our own lives is that we'll start to forget about each other or not be as close. I know I'm not close with all of my brothers and that is something that I really want. I want to have a relationship with my nieces and nephews. I want them to come stay at my house in the summers and on breaks. I want to have dinners with my brothers and their families, to go on road trips and camp outs with them. I want to have a close and tight family so that we can lean on each other when we need and want to... and not just when we have to. I love my family with all my heart. I love my parents. They do so much for all of us still. They are loving, patient and give the best advice. I love my dad for always taking the time to make sure I'm happy and for just talking to me about life. My mom is my best friend and I wouldn't be the mother I am without her advice and guidance. My brothers are the best! I love them no matter how mean they are to me :) My sister are even better...1 for marring my brothers and 2 for putting up with them and making them better people. As for MY family....my husband is the best. He's patient and loving and we've learned so much in the past couple years. I'm lucky to be stuck with him forever and ever. Terina brings so much joy into our home and she's teaching me how to be a better person. I can't wait until she has little brothers and sisters. She is the most loving and happy 3 year old I know and I love her more and more every day. I'm so lucky to have the family that I have.... I guess all I need is 1 more sister and a bunch of nieces and nephews

San Deigo Temple

Today Jake and Kim got sealed in the San Deigo Temple. It is a beautiful temple inside and out. I honestly did not think that I was going to make it inside. One thing I didn't do before leaving Hawaii was to check my recommend and make sure it wasn't expired. The temple in Laie has been closed since December and it wasn't something I thought of. My recommend was expired but I decided to give it a try anyways. It wasn't like it was a year expired... just a month. The sealing was suppose to take place at 10am. I talked with someone in the temple presidency and he said he would see what he could do to get me inside. I guess there was another hold up because Kim's dad was in the foyer until about 10:30ish. I did get in and was so grateful to my bishop for doing my interview over the phone. While I was doing that I was so overcome with emotions. I sat there in the office and cried during the whole thing. I got into the sealing room right as they were being sealed together. I cried and cried.... It was very beautiful. I only wish that Kasala was there with me. I didn't take any pictures at the temple because I didn't have a camera but other people did so I stole theirs. The boys minus Jared.... I don't know where he was. Jake and I at the temple. Jeff and I while we were waiting for the photographer to take some pictures.

The little girls with their new Aunt Kim. It's not that they don't like her... it was just a really REALLY long day for the little girls. Grandpa at the reception with the two younger grand daughters. They had a lot of fun that night with Grandpa and Grandma. I now realize how much joy the grandkids bring into mom and dad's life. They love their grandbabies more than they do us! Or at least it seems that way sometimes. And last picture for now.. Terina and her cake. This was probably the best wedding cake I have had in a long time. It was coconut cake and it was amazing!! It was so good I probably could have ate at least 2 more pieces. Anyways.. It was a beautiful wedding, a wonderful day, a very emotional day and I'm glad it's over

Reception Dinner Through Terina's Eyes

Before we left for California Terina got a camera. She always tries to take ours and I finally broke down and found one of those kid tough ones for her. My camera battery had died from Disneyland so the only camera we had was Terina's.

THe dinner was at Kelly's house. Kelly is a women who lived in Kim's families ward. She had a house and was alone. Her husband died and her childern didn't visit often I guess. Anyways she had agreed to let Jake stay at her home and she wanted to throw a dinner for Jake and Kim. Her house was amazing! She is such a wonderful women and I'm really glad that I got to talk to her. She was very kind and loving and seemed to say some of the things that I really needed to hear. Kelly did a lot for Jake and I'm so glad that he was taken care of in California. Anyways.. the pictures from the dinner may be a little blurry but you need to remember that Terina took them.

The back yard had a little waterfall and Terina was really liking the duck that was in there. I think that's what she was trying to take a picture of.

There was part of the back yard that was like a little stage area. I don't know how to discribe it but that's where we were sitting. You could see across the back yard to the little "bar" area and the other tables. The dinner was nice. They played a slide show and had time for everyone who wanted to to get up and say something about Jake and Kim. It was really nice and very emotional for me. I didn't say anything due to my pride and me just being me. I had a nice time sitting with my brothers and listening to them talk about things going on in their lives. I love them all very much. There was even a Pirate there! I think JerDear did this but I thought it was a funny picture of Mike and now Terina always says "Arr" when she see's a picture of Mike