We Are Still Here...

...just enjoying the silly little ghouls and monsters that entertain us around Halloween.

LAAAAAAaaaaaa...

...is the angelic note we sing when we see beautiful skyscapes such as this.

Doesn't it seem like the heavens are opening? Can't you hear the angels singing?

Gratitude Journal:

Keenan: Grateful that I could go to Daddy's office. He works there and I miss him.

Valu: Grateful for my piano teacher, she encourages me to play pieces that I like not just the typical boring practice music.

Mom: Grateful that I can encounter and enjoy such beauty as I go about my daily routines. The beauty of this isle still makes me gasp as I bask in her majestic glory.

Dad:

Happy Birthday...Yet, Again!

Just kidding. hahaha.

Although, this post IS about a birth day. Valu's, in fact. I swore I would never be the mother that made my kids feel guilty by mentioning how difficult it was to bring them into this world. You know those mothers that say things like, "Don't forget who brought you into this world. I labored for '96' hours to bring you into this world. You owe me everything." Or...something along those lines. Well, my swearing was in vain. On Valu's B-day, after much pleading to allow me to take some 'nice' photos of him, I pulled the nasty birthing mother card. Yes, I did. I actually said, "Valu, do you know why they call it a birth-day? It is the day you were birthed into this world. Sweet boy, I am the one who did the HARD, very hard laboring so we could celebrate YOU on this day for the rest of your life. Please won't you honor my hard work, MY birthing you into this world, by allowing me to take some NICE portraits of YOU." Ha. My manipulation worked. He promised that he would be a willingly participant and allow me to get some nice photos. I know I played the low card, and I am not proud of what I have done. But, I am keeping him to his word. Yes, I am. So, even though Valu allowed me to take these photos of him...they certainly can not be classified as NICE. (Well, the middle shot is not bad, but I can remember what you were uttering as I took this shot...and your complaining was certainly not NICE). Sorry buddy. You still owe me a photo session.

Valu, while this little photo session may have pained you...just remember, it is nothing compared to the pain that I went through to bring you into the world. (I couldn't help myself.)

Gratitude Journal:

Keenan: Grateful that I could play with my brother today.

Valu: Grateful that I could hang with Keenan this evening.

Mom: Grateful that the Vanuatu earthquake did not cause any deaths or tsunamis. I am especially grateful for our emergency warning system and its sophisticated technology. It is nerve-racking to be put on tsunami watches but the alternative of not knowing would be even more debilitating.

Dad:

Happy Birthday...Again!

Birthday Boy,

There is one good thing about you being across the International Date Line, it allows us to celebrate your birthday twice. Yesterday it was the 6th in New Zealand. Today it is the 6th in Hawaii. You are so fabulous you deserve this 2 day celebration.

We decided that we needed to have a friendly little dancing competion to celebrate your birthday today.

First up: Keenan and I.

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You have to admit that we have some pretty groovy moves!

Next up: Valu and T'ea

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That T'ea girl can boogie down.

But, Valu--whoa! That boy can bust a move.

So, who do you think deserves to win?

Gratitude Journal:

Keenan: Grateful that my Dad is old. When I get old I want to have 2 birthdays too.

Valu: Grateful for my Dad. I know he loves me because he always tells me how much he loves me. He also shows me his love by spending time with me.

Mom: Grateful that we can celebrate another day of Ki. I love you, Babe!

Dad:

Happy Birthday...

... Dear Kivalu. Happy Birthday to YOU!!

At noon I realized that today is the 6th in New Zealand. Sheesh...I forgot all about the International Date Line time change. The funny thing is that the Birthday Boy forgot it was his birthday today, too. We put on our party hats and got busy celebrating this grand day.

We baked 5 min mug birthday cakes that tasted pretty darn good. We even blew out the candle and wished our birthday boy the grandest of wishes.

We created a special hidden message for our beloved birthday boy.

Can you decipher the code?

We had so much fun I wanted to share the out-takes.

I thought it would be fun to see what the #1 song was on the day Ki was born.

Guess who was #1 both in the UK and AUS?

Yes, THE man--The Humperdinck.

Kivalu,

Ha...what a perfect song, eh?! I like to think that I was there with you when you left heaven 42 years ago. We probably danced a last waltz and promised one another that we would find each other in 20 years on the romantic isle of Hawaii. We are a match made in heaven. Everything became a bit brighter when you came into my life. I didn't realize I was living in the shade until you arrived. You bring such joy and happiness into my life, our life. Thank-you for being such an amazing father to our boylies. Thank-you for being such a wonderful partner and friend. I am extremely grateful that you were born 42 years ago and that we found each other, again. :)

Gratitude Journal:

Keenan: Grateful for chocolate cake. Yum.

Valu: Grateful that we were able to celebrate Dad's birthday even though he was not here.

Mom: Grateful to be able to share my life with Kivalu. Grateful for the honorable life that he lives. I am so grateful to be his. So grateful!

Dad:

Sabbath Salutations

Conference has left me feeling so rejuvenated. My spiritual reserves are filled to the brim. The most moving aspect of this conference, for me, was when the Mo Tab sang O Divine Redeemer. Here are the lyrics. As they sang the Spirit touched me and reminded me of the powerful and merciful redemption that Christ offers us. Sweet Elder Holland, who had to speak directly after the moving number, had to take a moment to gather his emotions before he began his talk. He stated, "This choral prayer, which is surely the ultimate sermon of this or any conference of this Church, and the cry of every human heart." President Monson declared that this hymn is his favorite. I believe it has become one of my favorites also.

The boys and I were inspired by President Monson's talk on serving others. Today, as we spoke to Ki on the phone, we decided that we want to take on the challenge of doing a good deed every day. We are thinking that this will be the perfect transition from our daily gratitudes. Beginning next year we will think of a fun family service project(s)--maybe even include a warm fuzzy jar to keep track of our progress.

I printed some fantastic conference packets that I found here and here. It helped keep the boys focused and entertained.

Gratitude Journal:

Keenan: Grateful that I could watch good movies today.

Valu: Grateful that we were able to watch conference at home. At home we can move about--it is hard to sit for 2 hours.

Mom: Grateful that we get to enjoy conference every six months. I am always amazed at how much I am edified.

Dad:

Dancing Dude

Conference was wonderful today. The boys were feeling a bit couped up after 4 hours of semi-reverent T.V. watching--so we had a dance-a-thon to let out some energy.

Keenan paused during one of his grooves to throw his signature shaka sign.

This little dude can boogie.

Gratitude Journal:

Keenan: Grateful that I got to eat Skittles candy at the movies.

Valu: Grateful that the movie "Cloudy With a Chance of Meatball" was better than I thought it would be.

Mom: Grateful that we can enjoy conference from the convenience of our home. I am even more grateful to be able to record it on our DVR. DVR's are one of my all-time favorite modern conveniences. I love that I can fast-forward through commercials. LOVE!

Dad:

Have a Safe Flight...

...and have a great time. We miss you already.

Kivalu,

After dropping you off at the airport, we were not home for more than 5 minutes, when a HUGE cockroach crawled underneath Keenan's bed. AHHHHH! Why, OH WHY!! There are never any bugs when you are here. But, you get on a plane and bugs are high 5'ing each other about the havoc that they are going to create while you are away. Last time you were away, I had to deal with centipedes and wolf spiders. EEEEEKK!! I think they really do smell fear. Little buggers! Valu was a true hero and after almost demolishing his room in the process, he killed the beast. Hail Valu! Brave Sir Knight Valu!

Love,

Your Cockroach Loathing Wife -- who loves you for many more reasons than just your ferocious bug killing skills.

Gratitude Journal:

Keenan: Grateful that Valu can kill cockroaches. He is the best!

Valu: Grateful that the weekend is here and that I am hailed a hero. I wonder what kind of privileges this title will entail. (Mom says: You earned the privilege of getting to kill all the bugs that invade our kingdom, Mighty Sir Valu.)

Mom: Grateful that my boys put up with my irrational fear of cockroaches. Boylies, sorry for screaming like a psycho.

Dad: -- Ki will be writing his gratitudes in the comment section while he is gone.

Jump

The boys had a jumping contest.


Guess who won.



Keenan's new thing is being shirtless. Maybe he realized that he needs to get rid of his farmer tan lines. Blasted rash guards!

Gratitude Journal:Keenan: Grateful for my mom. She makes really good food.Valu: Grateful for air-conditioning. It was a hot muggy day.Mom: Grateful for hot spicy food.Dad: Grateful that our kids are enjoying their school life. I am also grateful that Keenan doesn't wake up at 5:30am anymore.