Time flies...

So today my oldest started his first day of Kindergarten! It is so crazy how much time flies by. I remember when he was first born....After being in labor for 18hours I had given birth to a blonde haired blue eyed Polynesian baby! I thought that Deuce going to Pre-K was bad, but it hit me. He is starting grade school now...Only 11more years and he is off to college or the Military  :) Today marks the day that He will be taking those steps to become a man. I am beyond excited and happy for my little man. Everyday from here on out I will make a memory with him so I do not lose any of this time with him and I can cherish it forever!

Summertime has gone....

So! Summer is coming to a close and school season is here. Deuce starts kindergarten, Simaima is in pre-K, and Will is awaiting to see if he is accepted in the head start program this year. I am so excited to watch my kids grow up and get into so many different things. I am also starting my fall semester and I am stressed that this is going to be a long School year. But this summer we celebrated birthdays and lost some love ones...
Desmond has his 2nd birthday. I cant believe how big my little dude has gotten. He truly means so much to me. He may not be my own blood son but he sure holds a big piece of my heart! 

 

Then there was Richs 29th birthday. We celebrated by cake and ice cream.

Our very close family friend had a birthday closely to follow that. She has been a part of my family's life for several years now. 

The very next day was my father in laws birthday. He has been a very supporting father to me and grandfather to my children. I do not know where I would be today without all of his help.

 

 We still have Simaima and Melia's birthday coming up. Amongst the great celebrations of life I have lost one of the most important women in my life; my grandma Tilini. She passed away after a stroke in Pennsylvania. My grandma has taught me so much that I have carried throughout and my life and will continue to pass on to my children. And as usual she brought together our family once again at her funeral. Ofa Lahi Atu grandma.

I wonder what the fall season will bring. Whatever it is I know it will be a great rest of the year.

To Touch Your Heart....

So I was remembering a conversation that I had with one of the grandmothers that picked up their grandson from school. The boys name was Kennan. He was in Deuces' class with him this past year. Kennan was autistic. Deuce totally love him to death. Deuce would try to play with him, try to get him to read books with him, show him how to wash his hands. It was such a cute sight to see my son take on such friendships outside of his brothers and sisters. 

Waiting to pick up Deuce one day I saw Kennan's grandmother waiting outside for him. At the time I did not know who she was coming to pick up, so I asked her. She informed me that she was Kennan's grandmother. I had explained to her how Deuce talks about Kennan all the time and says that they are friends, "my Kennan," as Deuce would say. :) Then the grandmother was telling me that Kennan says Deuce's name every now and then. I thought to myself, ok thats cool. She continued with her story, explaining to me about Kennan's autism. She told me that Kennan has two tumors that are growing on the outside of his brain. Not the inside the outside. He has to have check ups every 6 months to make sure the tumors are not growing or getting any kind of worse. His tumors cause him to be autistic and they don't really have a time frame for how long that he will live.My heart started to sink at that point. 

Continuing with her explanation she told me that Kennan does not speak more then 1 few words. Kennan can say Hi, Bye Bye, Mom, Dad, and he says Deuce. Those are the only words that is in his vocabulary. With everything else he nods his head in a yes or no notion. At this point I am trying to control my tears talking to this woman, as we are still waiting for the class to get out. Just thinking about how much of an impact my son has on this little boy by just helping him wash his hands, or playing with him during play time, or giving him a hug and saying goodbye or hello everyday. It was such an eye opener to me on how strong someones friendship can be with one another.

School is over for the year and summer is here and I hope wherever Kennan is going to school next year that he will have such a good experience and time that he will continue to progress in everything. This little boy will always be in my prayers and my sons heart. Deuce has such a big heart and he shares it with everyone. Teach your kids how to love. They will pass it on to others and make a difference!

Kennan and Deuce 2011

**MOTIVATION**

So I was working out and it was on a regular basis. Then I went to Korea and I have not worked out since!! I NEED motivation people!!! SO I look at pictures like this ----> and I am like... I CAN do this!! So I need motivation! Everyone one else I have worked out with is getting results! So I need to get on it!! So I am gonna put before and after pictures starting when I get my program! :) so yeah.. hopefully my results are the same!! :)

ToO cOoL fOr ScHoOL

So I have gone back to school. I started at Salt Lake Community College (SLCC) in 2007 when I first moved to Utah. And I just NOW paid my tuition off, because I was out of state! But it feels good to be back in school. Learning on a day to day basis about everything and anything. :) I am taking 12 credits this semester and so far so good (I am only on the second day). I just did some math and feel smarter already. 

I think that college is so much easier than High School. You don't have as much pressure and the fact that you are paying for it is another reason for you to now waste your money! lol But yeah, its cool. I give props to people, like my older brother *Travis* who just graduated from the U in Biomedical Engineering. I guess thats a Bachelors? I remember when he got his associates. I hope to be just as successful in school. I am still torn on what I want to do. Since I started having kids I have wanted to be a Labor Nurse. But I am VERY into criminology and detective, paralegal, CSI type stuff. It is very interesting to me!   

I have dabbled into photography. My father is a photographer and I have always been interested. But I don't think I could have that as a MAIN career! So I want to Major in something and minor in Photography. Or maybe just keep it as a hobby/side money maker besides my REAL money maker! hehe 

But to everyone who is "thinking" about going to college or coming back! DO IT! It will be worth it. Whether you get a diploma or not, you have your education to teach to your kids or grand kids! Stay in school! and don't be TOO COOL!!!

*Serious Note* [Postpartum Deppression]

So this is a subject that I can relate to! I have four BEAUTIFUL children. I am very blessed to have them in my life. But, I do have to be honest it is not the easiest thing to cope with after giving birth. I have had postpartum depression, probably still do. I just think that I have learned to deal with things or I am just busy enough not to notice. If you are feeling anyway

• Sadness
• Hopelessness
• Low self-esteem
• Guilt
• A feeling of being overwhelmed
• Sleep and eating disturbances
• Inability to be comforted
• Exhaustion
• Emptiness
• Anhedonia
• Social withdrawal
• Low or no energy
• Becoming easily frustrated
• Feeling inadequate in taking care of the baby
• Impaired speech and writing
• Spells of anger towards others
• Increased anxiety or panic attacks
• Decreased sex drive

 ESPECIALLY after having a baby. You have Postpartum Depression (PPD). This is very serious and should not be taken lightly. Babies have lost their lives, mothers have committed suicide, marriages have been lost, etc. The list could go on. After I had my third is when PPD hit me HARD! I never wanted to do anything. When I did go have mommy time I always felt guilty about leaving my kids. I never went and looked for help. Grant it my mother in law is a therapist and I talked to her about it on a day to day basis. I still felt hopeless. THEN I got pregnant again. I was so upset at the time, seeing that I was on birth control. And after my 4th  It was WAY worse then after my third. I felt like I had nobody to go to. Then I started actual counseling it helped to have somebody "out of my circle" to talk to about things. I am not gonna say that I am totally better, but its an uphill battle that many women as myself are trying to overcome. Some women have it not so extreme, but others are way worse and can't control any of their thoughts or decisions. Please if you feel any way like this do something about it. Praying can only get you so far. If you are not willing to help yourself then you will never get better. Help others that you think need help also.PPD can happen  to ANYONE! If you are one of those mothers who think, oh i won't ever get that. You are totally wrong. I was like that, and reality hit me so hard. I feel myself wanting to get out of the house so much, wanting to talk to any adult who crosses my path just to have a normal conversation. One thing that I have started doing that helps a lot is working out. I have been working out ever night with my husband and friend, routines, boxing, running (occasionally) and it has helped to keep my mind on a goal for my body which one thing from my pregnancy that I hate. I want to continue my education and try to help me build my brain muscles lol. But I just hope people out there will come to terms that they do have PPD and seek Help! I know many mothers who have it and do not seek help and they are not getting better. All I can do is give my opinions and advice. SO this is me doing that for mothers who won't listen to anyone else.

Celebrating Bin Ladens Death?

As most of you know President Obama announced a couple days ago that Osama Bin Laden had been killed. Since then you have seen on the news, facebook, articles, twitter, etc and have seen that MANY people have been celebrating his death. I sit back and think, WHO DOES THAT?? Who celebrates the death of another person. Grant it, he was a pretty bad person form what we all have seen and heard. But, to actually celebrate his death? I know its sounds a little cliche but What Would Jesus Do? If you are religious, what part of any of your religion condones celebrating another man or woman's death? I like this quote from Martin Luther King Jr. :

"I mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will not rejoice in the death of one, not even an enemy. Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that." — Martin Luther King Jr

I feel the same way. I will not rejoice in another persons death. Not to contradict myself. I am not going to say that I am happy he is not alive , but I think the world is a safer place now that he is not here. I feel sad for the people who lost family and friends in 9/11, but celebrating this mans death does not make you any better. Its just not right. Of course this is my own opinion but its something to think about. Don't make yourselves lower then others who have hate within them.

My Neck, My Back, My Neck and My Back!!!!

So I have been working out with my husband and girlfriend for over a week and I am beyond sore right now. I was sore the first couple days but [OhEmGee] Tonight I am seriously dying!!!! Boxing with a workout is kicking my big romp[ass]. Other than dying a slowly death with working out, I have been eating better, I feel like I have more endurance and my bones and muscles are getting stronger. I feel so much better and I cannot express how much healthy eating and physical fitness SHOULD be the most important thing that one person can do for yourself.

[Vacations] (So far in 2011)

So we are blessed with the opportunity to travel because of my husbands job. So I try to use it when I can with the kids. So here are our travels so far this year!!

San Diego Zoo (Rich, Linda, Desmond, Me, Will, Deuce)

California Beach (Deuce, Melia, Me, Simaima, Rich, Will, Desmond Linda)

 

 

Pittsburgh (Stoney, Lenny Sii, Deuce, Simaima, Melia, Lani, Will, Melia Sii, Me)

Maui (Simaima, Melia, Me, Will, Deuce)

DFW, Texas (Melia, Me, Lisa King, Deuce)

I could not ask for better friends and family that make our travels so special and memorable!

Happy Birthday Deuce

Oh how the years go by,
Oh how time can certainly fly.
From once just a thought in far away dreams,
now into my arms and in my eyes gleam
the presence of you.
Your laughter and smiles
which go on for miles,
warms my heart and soul.
You're growing up so fast,
as I wish each moment with you to last forever.
My little boy will someday be a man
and right by your side I will forever stand.
I will pick up the pieces when you fall,
I will hold your hand and help you stand tall.
And when the day comes when you are on your own,
never feel that you are alone.
No matter how near or far apart
I am always right there in your heart.
Always remember whatever you go through
that no matter what, I will always love you.

[April 17, 2011]

Today is my eldest boys birthday! I am so happy to have him in my life! He is the light of my world! We had a blast today. We went to the Discovery Zone Kids Museum at the Gateway Mall. It was AMAZING. We had so much fun!!!!!

Deuce being a Construction Worker

The new KSL News Anchor

Desmond and Melia discovering how the water flows

Checking Out at the store lol

The kids riding the Emergency Helicopter

Riding The Horse

 

 

 

 

 

So as you can see we had a blast! We were there for 4 hours. I love that my children love spending so much time together. They are truly each others best friends. It makes me so happy. What a GREAT day today was to celebrate 5 years of love and friendship with my babies!

Welcome Back...Welcome Back...Welcome Back

So I JUST remembered my password to this old blog site. LOL I just went back through and read my old blogs. Made me laugh and made me remember. :) WOW the things to write about since my last few entries!

Were my life stands NOW.....
So I am still living in Utah, a place that I thought was temporary, but it seems to be working for us at the moment.

Deuce is 5(tomorrow)
Simaima is 3

William is 2












Melia is 1.










My house never has a dull moment, when the kids are awake!

We have had an additional blessing to our household. and his name is Desmond. This little boy has been such a blessing to have here. He has the sweetest most funniest personality that a 1 year old can have.


So that makes 5! Five little people with such different personalities that get along and clash with a turn of a second. Our weekly routine is pretty much what it is a "routine."

These kids my world go round! ALL of them! I don't know what I would do if I did not have them! I cannot wait to explore the world and life with these munchkins. I know its not all gonna be easy, and with them so close in age it sure won't all be easy. But it will be a heck of a ride!!!
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Photography
I have taken up Photography lately. I have been around it since I was younger! My father was a photographer and I have always loved taking portraits! I am doing it as a hobby as of now but I am returning to school to *fingers crossed* pursue it further! So on that note, YES, I go back to school this summer! Just waiting to register for classes!! YAY
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Friends
I don't have many friends, BUT that ones I DO have a hold dear to my heart and trust with my life!! I love all the people who have been with me through my ups and downs!

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Marriage

My husband ^ Rich. We have been married 6 years this year and have been through it and then some!
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So On that note, since I have gotten everything caught up with for the most part! WELCOME BACK TO BLOGGING!!!!