Fourth Grade

Some fun facts about Daniel!

1. My fourth grade teacher is Miss Burgess.
2. My favorite school subject is MATH.
3. My favorite sport is Football.
4. My favorite hobby is Drawing.
5. My favorite book is the Calvin and Hobbs Comics.
6. My favorite TV Show right now is S.H.I.E.L.D.
7. My favorite movie is the 3rd Transformers.
8. My favorite food is cheeseburgers.
9. My favorite pizza topping is sausage.
10. My favorite song is Home by Phillip Phillips.
11. My favorite chore is cleaning my room.
12. My favorite holiday is Christmas.
13. My favorite colors are blue, white, orange and red.
14. My dream vacation is going to New York or Hawaii.
15. My favorite game is Stratego.

Flag Football 2012

It has been a little strange to not have Aggie games to go to, but YAY for Daniel's flag football.  We had so much fun going to the games!  Uncle Sione even helped out with the coaching.  Thank you to everyone who came out to support the little guy.  He really appreciated it.  And Thank YOU John for your willingness to help.

Oh here is a funny story.  When the boys got their shirts and saw that they were going to be black, they decided to name themselves the Black Cougars.  Haha, what!?!

Third Grade

A little questionnaire that Daniel filled out on his first day of school...

1. My favorite indoor thing is playing with my toys.
2. My favorite outdoor thing is riding my scooter.
3. My favorite color is blue.
4. My favorite ice cream flavor is mix.
5. My favorite game is Sorry.
6. My favorite song is Black and Yellow. (Ummm, no idea how he even knows what this song is.)
7. My favorite TV show is The Mysteries of Alfred the Hedgehog.
8. My favorite school subject is math.
9. My favorite pizza topping is cheese.
10. My favorite book is Star Wars.
11. My favorite movie is Daniel and the Lions Den.
12. My favorite holiday is Christmas.
13. My favorite food is spaghetti.
14. My favorite place to go is California.
15. My favorite thing to do is play with my Mom.  (Awww!)

Thanksgiving Point Animal Farm

So I just have to say...

Ari, I absolutely love you and love having you around!

Lua, you are such a sweet Momma! And we LOVE you!

This summer, we took Miss Ari and Daniel to the Animal Farm Country at Thanksgiving Point in Lehi.  Good times were most definitely had!

It is true...

I am FINALLY updating the blog after months of ignoring.  There is so much to share!  It has been a fun filled, crazy summer.  Daniel got to spend a month of this summer with Grandma and Grandpa in California.  He had a fabulous time!  I, on the other hand, was lost without this kid.  I had all of these plans to organize, meet up with friends I haven't seen in a while, try out new recipes, excel at work, etc.  Yeah, I accomplished NONE of that.  But there was some self reflection which was needed!

I sometimes feel we forget to do that.  To truly take time to see ourselves, our mistakes, our need for growth, our value, our worth and our potential.  When we don't do this, are we missing out on opportunities?  Are our actions affecting others for the good? or the bad?  Hmmm...things to think about I guess.  Enough of that, here are some pictures from my trip out to pick up Daniel after his month with the folks.

Daniel's Baptism via Instagram

Yesterday was one special day!  As the day progressed, I couldn't help thinking that days like this are the things I live for.  It was most definitely a day of love, reflection and family.  So let me share my day, thoughts and Instagrams.

I woke up at 4:30 am and started cooking for the luncheon.  It was super early, but it was so enjoyable.  I didn't turn on the music or the TV, I just let myself enjoy the quiet.  While I was seasoning the pork and placing it in the crockpot, I reflected on the last four years.  The time I first met Daniel and the overwhelming feeling that he was meant to be mine.  His Transformer birthday party, his first time to Bear Lake, learning to ride his bike with Grandpa, Christmas mornings and the many other memories from the last four years.

At 7:00 am, I woke Daniel up, cooked him breakfast and helped him get ready for the day.  As I watched him fidget with his tie, I tried to remember my own baptism.  I remember being excited, nervous and confused all at once.  :)  But as I watched Daniel prepare for his baptism, I saw excitement, nervousness and clarity.  He was ready for this moment.

At 10:00, we headed to the Stake Center with John and Inoke.  Once we got there, John and Daniel changed into their whites.  

At 10:05, the tears started.  :)

At 10:30, the program began and Daniel was baptized and given the gift of the Holy Ghost.  It was such a special moment for our little family.  Both Daniel and I were so thankful for Uncle Sione and his willingness to perform these ordinances.  He is such a wonderful example to my little guy and myself.  He is always willing to help others, he is a wonderful husband to Lorien and loving father to Inoke.  He above anyone else, has taught me to "just get over it" and value the importance of family. I am so thankful for him.  

Some sweet and unforgettable moments:

• Daniel packed his hair gel, unbeknownst to me and made the congregation wait that extra few minutes after his baptism to get his hair back in tip top condition.
• I was asked to lead the music, ummm...I missed the last verse of the song and went to sit down.  YIKES!  
• While waiting for the program to begin, Inoke let loose this HUGE burp which got all the little kids laughing.
• The Aunts, Uncles and Grandparents pulled together and got Daniel his own set of scriptures.  So sweet!  Aunt Beth, got Daniel a scripture case, which she sewed Utah State patches on.
• Daniel also got a $10 bill from Allison & Blake which he began jumping and screaming, "MOM, LOOK I GOT TEN DOLLARS!  I GOT TEN DOLLARS!!!"  He then got a gift card from Melanie and started shouting, "I GOT MY OWN CARD! LOOK MOM, I GOT MY OWN CARD!"  Allison commented, "I wish I got that excited over ten bucks."  :)
• Sister Griffith, the Primary President who used to live in Hawaii, whispered to me that it was nice to be amongst so many brown people again.  :)

At about 12:00 we headed to Mom and Dad's for a yummy BBQ.  It was so great to have our friends and family there to celebrate with us.  I didn't get pictures of everyone, but here are a few...

Once we got everything cleaned up, Daniel and I headed home for a much needed nap.  At 6:30 pm, we went back to my parents house and the sisters went out for sushi while Sione stayed home with all the kids.  WHAT A CHAMP!!

It was Fia's first experience with Sushi and she LOVED it!  It was so nice to spend some time with these ladies!  We laughed, we cried and we ATE!

10:00 pm, Sione got a fire going and we all snugged around the fire, under the Super Moon. 

Midnight - I laid in bed with a full and thankful heart, thinking of what is to come.  I thought of Daniel as a 12 year old, then a 16 year old, 18, 21, 25, 30...I pictured him looking back to this day and reminiscing, possibly wondering what I might have been thinking.  Well, Mr. Daniel, here you go...

Daniel, 

I am so proud of you and the decision you made to be baptized.  You have such a big heart and a beautiful smile.  You love everyone around you and inspire me to do the same.  Daniel, I want you to know that I believe in the power and blessing of the Holy Spirit.  I know that if you listen to that still, small voice, you will be guided to the right decision.  I know that there will be times in your life that you will question that voice...remember that he won't lead you astray and it won't always be easy, but it will be so worth it.  Remember that it is not your job to judge the choices others make, but it is your duty to love and care for others.  Daniel, you have a family who loves you and will always want what's best for you, trust their wisdom, guidance and know their love is true.  Lastly, know this, that I love you with all my heart and always will.  

Love, 

Mom

8 Year Check Up

I still can't get over how big Daniel is getting. Today he met with Dr. Later for his yearly check up and we learned that Daniel is:

 * 4 feet 6 inches tall (97 Percentile)
 * 83 pounds (93 Percentile)
 * Good Vision
 * Good Strength and Coordination
 * And for a polynesian 8 year old is right where he needs to be.

 It's always nice to get a clean bill of health from your pediatrician!

Happy Birthday Mr. D!

Daniel just turned 8 years old and has somehow left me feeling extremely old.  Where does all that time go?  I remember the day he first got here...really someone please tell me how four years can possibly go so fast.

While you're thinking of how to answer that, here is a fun little interview I did with Daniel on his birthday...

Me
Daniel

What was the best part of being seven years old?
Ummm...the best part was going to second grade.

Why?
Because I got to meet new friends.

Okay, that sounds nice.  What are you most excited about for year 8 of your life?
My new Legos and Nerf guns and my footballs.

That's it?  Toys?
Yeah, are there any other questions?  I want to go play with my toys again.

Yes, okay let's just shoot through these...


What is your favorite color?
Blue

What is your favorite food?
Cheeseburgers

What is your favorite movie?
Transformers 3!

Who is your favorite person?
My Mom

What is your favorite song?
Pumped up Kicks

What is your favorite thing to do at school?
Play on the computers!

What is favorite chore to do around the house?
Cleaning the toilet.

What is your least favorite chore?
Making my bed.

Anything you want to say?
I love chocolate and my favortie drink is Sprite and I like living in our new home.  I love going to jump at the gym and going to school.

YAY!  Thank you for the interview!
Can I go play now?

Yeah.
I love you Mom.

Love you too!

Merry Christmas

I know that we should reflect more often than just during the holiday season, on what we are so thankful for.  But I do want to take a moment and thank all of those who have been so kind, loving and supportive this year.  So much has happened in just the last few weeks and I'm so grateful to family and friends who took the time to reach out, help me move and offer their love.  We're really going to miss living with John, Lo and Inoke.  Daniel and I have loved being in our new home, but we've missed those three! And can I just say that I LOVE my siblings...boy are they the cats meow!  Funaki played in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl last Saturday and my uncle's funeral was the same day.  It was so great to see my family pull together to support my father, and my brother at the same time.   I'm also so thankful to the people I work with who laugh at my jokes, support my decisions and are willing to come in on their day off to cover a shift.  I'm so thankful to Daniel for understanding that sometimes Mom is just simply crazy and that at the end of the day, he knows that there is no one else who loves him more than I do.  I am so thank for my parents who have been so kind (oh dear, I'm starting to cry!)  They have been so complimentary of my choices and have supported me every step of the way.  Thank you to my friends who are the best friends a girl could have!  I love the people in my life!  I am so blessed!

Also, thank you so much to Marissa Gardner who was so patient with me as I tried out every prop I brought.  :)  Don't you love this location!  AAHHH, I love it!

Whip Cream vs. Daniel

I'm afraid the whip cream may have won!

Daniel's 2nd Grade Photo

So handsome!  Really, I just can't help but smile when I see this picture.

Here are a few fun facts about Daniel:

Daniel's teacher is Mrs. Houlin.
Daniel loves playing football and is really good at it.
Daniel still hates eating green beans, but I make them anyways.
Daniel's favorite movies are Tron, Transformers and Megamind.
Daniel's favorite meal is anything with cheeseburgers.
Daniel loves going to Nickel City and the Provo Beach Resort.
Daniel loves taking care of his little cousins.
Daniel's favorite colors are blue, white and green. 

Do you feel it?

Do you feel it?

The build up of excitement, the hum of stadium lights, the locker room prayers, the stomping of feet, clapping of hands, roars of fans...

FOOTBALL SEASON IS HERE!

Oh this is my favorite time of year!  And football is my favorite all time sport.  I'm so excited for it all!!  This last Saturday, I got to cheer on two awesome people.  First off, Mr. D, Dan the Man, Lightning Dan...played a great game of flag football.  He captured two flags and ran in an extra point.  I was such a proud mama.  Go Green Hornets!

Then it was a quick wardrobe change and we were off to Logan to watch Uncle Naki play against Weber.  Woo, talk about a great game.  Uncle Naki is out with a small injury, but the team did great and we were so excited to go and show our support!  USU 54 vs Weber 17, Go AGGIES!!!

Mommy Time :)

I hate to admit it, but I am definitely one of "those" mommies!  You know, the ones who are so excited for some "me" time, but once their child is no longer in sight...she cries!  LOL!  Yes, I am one of those mommies.  My good friend Melanie asked to take Daniel for a night and I happily, excitedly agreed!  A whole night to myself, yes please!  It just so happened that my sister Fia was celebrating her 30th birthday party at the Tavernacle that night as well, win-win!

So Friday came, I got Daniel packed up and the minute I dropped him off with Melanie, I started to tear up.  Some of it was guilt, I kept thinking "Am I a bad Mom for wanting "me" time?"  Another part of me was worried, "What if something happens to Daniel and I am not there?"  "What if that was the last time I ever see him?"  Lastly, there was a bit of relief "I am by myself and I really enjoy this moment of quiet."  By the time I got to Olivia's house I was composed and ready to get ready for the night.

What a FUN night!  I love the Tavernacle!  If you have never been, you MUST go!  It's a dueling piano show and these guys sing everything from Queen to Michael Jackson to Guns 'n' Roses!  By the way, Happy Birthday Fia!

The next morning when I woke up, I was feeling a little sad again that I didn't have Daniel with me.  I gave him a call and he was just about to start a hike up through Brighton with Melanie.  He was happy, excited and too bothered to talk to me.  Once I hung up, I began to tear up.  "Why isn't he sad too?"  I mean, I'm glad that he was having fun and that he can have fun without me.  Also, I was so thankful to Melanie for planning such a fun weekend for him.  He got to go see a movie, eat ice cream, go for a hike and do some swimming.  While I got to go out for a fun night with my family, sleep in, have lunch with Olivia & Claudio and then happily, excitedly reunite with Daniel at the end of the day.  We both had such a good time doing our own things, but we were so excited to be back together again.

This morning after breakfast, Daniel jumped in bed with me and told me, "I missed you Mom."  Oh, YAY!  He did miss me!

Here are some pics of Daniel on his hike with Melanie!

I was going to post some pics from the Tavernacle, but decided against it...I think that you had to be there to find them funny.  :)