Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Kelani

First day of school

Londen

Londen's first day of school
Charmander costume


Friday, July 12, 2013

Friday, May 17, 2013

Bathroom







Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Long time...

So, my parents are at the MTC in provo, soon to be leaving for London, England on a mission. I have resolved to resurrect this blog for them, if you happen to read it too - good for you, I hope you enjoy.

So Easter was completely UNeventful. I was sick so we stayed home. Kaipo was at work so there was no a alternative for the kids. I was so busy with all the 'parents going on a mission' stuff I didn't even do easter baskets. I am a lame mom. So we will be doing all the fun easter stuff this week end.

We are getting yet another dog. She is really little and her name is Yoyo - currently. She is a maltese, yorkie mix. She was originally rescued by a friend of Kaipo's. I guess she is a little skittish - We are hoping to love that out of her. I guess she is really small. I am thinking 4 - 5 lbs. maybe smaller. I am excited. I know we do this all the time, we adopt a dog and then let them go. I can't promise that won't happen again. I will say that I will try harder to deal with the hard stuff as well as the good. I miss sophie - our last little dog. She was a sweetheart and we all miss her - in some ways I wish I had never let her go - but she is with someone who needed her. So - we'll try again. The Kids won't know till monday - so keep it on the DL ;)

The kids are having their spring break this week, I wish we had had money to do something fun - but Kaipo wasn't even home so what can you do? The kids have been taking it easy, hanging out with friends etc. I am so grateful that spring is finally here. The grass is greening up and the trees are starting to get their leaves, I love it, Winter is so hard for me, I love spring all the more - even with allergies!!

We are all working on getting back to church - that's a long hard road. I have good days and not so good days - just like everyone else. I resolve to do better every week and sometimes it just seems harder. It's hard work. I am looking forward to General Conference - I will have to watch on the computer - since we don't have normal TV. That will be ok though. I can watch at my own pace and take notes if I want to. I can also listen on the radio - we still have access to that. I tried getting one of those digital converter boxes and an antenna for regular TV - but I haven't been able to get it all to work, it says the signal is too weak. So I dunno - I guess we will make do.

Well that's all for tonight.
I love you Mom and Dad, I hope you had a good day - we'll talk to you soon.
Love Jules

Thursday, September 6, 2012

So I'm sick, I have a nasty cold. I picked up Kaipo from the airport today and he has been so sweet. He's making me stay in bed, he says he's got the kids and he is going to make chicken noodle soup for dinner. I am so grateful for this beautiful man I married, he loves me so much. I am incredibly lucky to have Kaipo as my husband. He is my everything.

The kids started school this week and so far it seems good. Kahelelani is on aderol for ADD and it makes her shakey by the afternoon, so we have to live with that because the aderol helps her focus and she needs that. Food helps, but she doesn't crave it so she has to force herself to eat so the shaking will go away. One of the reasons I am staying home right now is to make sure she eats and help her when she gets home from school.
Londen is in highschool now and its nice having the schedule split up into A day and B day, he gets overwhelmed easily and I hope this will help.

I am watching my sister's kids and I love it. I can't get enough of my neices and nephews. I also love seeing my sister more.

I'm finding that having teenagers is quite the challenge. I didn't realize how hard it would be. Every day is an emotional battle, and the constant questioning of my self is exhausting. I just hope we all make it through this, it's crazy.

Monday, September 6, 2010

Back to school update

Thinking I should blog more. I forget to do it.

School is back in session and I am taking some time off of work, it's been very peaceful around here.

Londen is in 8th grade. He seems to be on top of things even though it's a little harder than last year.
He recently started a martial arts class. I am excited for him. He really likes it so far. We continue to have a house full of boys. They are good kids and I enjoy having them around.

Kelani is in 6th grade and doing pretty good. She has had some drama, but she was able to work it out on her own - I was pleased, and proud of her. She is still doing gymnastics and loving it. She is forming her own sense of style and she is just so cute.

Kaip is still working out of state, it has it's advantages and disadvantages, just like any other career, We miss him when he's gone and love him when he's home.

I am just enjoying some time off work. My Jeannette and I are working on some plans to start a business. More on that later.

My brother Dan is living with us right now. We get to see his son Oliver every week, so cute and so fun.

Trying to find peace and enjoy life. Gratitude is the key I think. I do best when I am looking at all I have to be grateful for.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Hey World... My kids make mistakes !!!

I have learned something about myself recently.

           As a parent I tend to get wrapped up in my children's mistakes. I take responsibility for them, I feel bad about them, and I take it all personally. I forget that they make mistakes to learn, just like I do. Mistakes are not bad things, they are part of life and they are the best teachers. I realized this past week that it's not about me, I need to stand back and let the natural effects of mistakes and consequences take place. I can be there to talk it through and love my children despite their mistakes.

       As a child I remember feeling stupid when I made a mistake. I remember feeling like I needed to be perfect and I just wasn't. I even assumed that I wasn't worth loving because I wasn't perfect. Most of the time when I made a mistake and got in trouble I would think things like "why do I even try" "maybe I should run away" "I should just give up now cuz I'm never gonna make it".  It's important to me that my kids don't feel like giving up on life when they make mistakes. It's part of life and it's an important part of life. All of the real lessons I have learned in my life have been a result of one mistake or another. I tend to beat myself up when I make mistakes which is a natural reaction I think for most people. The real question I forget to ask myself is this - What did I learn and how will I do it differently next time? I also forget to ask my kids that. I always tell them that I love them and that I love them no matter what mistakes they make.

        On this last incident with Kelani, I found my self being angry at and hurt by her because of how it made me feel and how I might look to someone else(?)!  Well guess what... IT's NOT ABOUT ME!!! I don't have to allow myself to be embarrassed when my child is living and learning. And if someone wants to judge me because of the choices or mistakes my kids make, Well I feel sorry for them because they don't get it. We are supposed to make mistakes. It's part of life, if it were possible to achieve perfection in this life, there would be no need for the Atonement.  Jesus Christ was the only man who ever lived who didn't make any mistakes. What in the hell was I doing thinking I could be perfect or expecting for one second for my kids to make all the right choices.

    Sometimes I just need a smack upside the head  - even if it is from myself.
Thanks for reading, I hope my mistake can help you in some way. It has opened my eyes a little wider.

Saturday, May 8, 2010

Mother's Day

Well it's mother's day weekend and I'm trying not to think about it so much. Mother's day is such a loaded holiday. So many things go through my head...

How will we work out seeing both moms? (grandma & nana)

What should I get them?

Should I give the kids some money, or let them use their imagination? I wonder if they will bring my breakfast in bed?

Maybe this year I will just show my kids how grateful I am to be a mom. I'll do stuff for them.

Should I go to church? I know there are lots of mom's who don't go to church on mother's day because inevitably you walk away feeling as though you haven't done enough for your kids.

Yes, I think staying home and focusing on the mothers in my life and enjoying my kids for the day, that sounds like a good mother's day to me.

Mother's day is like my birthday. I try so hard not to have expectations, but I think they are built in. I tell my self that it doesn't matter. Then I hear something that someones kids or husband has done for them and I think either - Wow, I'm glad my husband isn't like that, or Wow, why doesn't my family do stuff like that.
The other approach is to take matters into my own hands and tell them what would be nice. I just don't want to have to ask, it takes the spontaneity and the sincerity out of it.
I am really going to try this year to just let it be what it is. Just another Sunday. I love my kids and I am so glad to be a mom, weather I'm good at it or not, I still love doing it.

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Spring update

Spring...I love it, it comes with it's challenges but it's way better than winter. I am getting back on track and I'm excited about the future.

Lots of new things going on. We have decided to sell the trailer and the 4 wheeler. The 4 wheeler is already sold and we have the trailer listed. We love camping but we find that we just don't do it enough. It is a little sad we have lots of fun memories with that stuff, but it's only stuff.

We don't have a lot planned this year, DonLee is having a 60th birthday luau with his friend Dick. We will be going to Vegas to celebrate with him. The kids love to go visit "Tatai" it is a nice break from regular routines. We love to see dad, he is so great.

Our nephew Nainoa went into the MTC this week, he is going to serve in Fort worth TX. We are so excited for him and love him so much. We had some great family time with him before he left. He will be missed.

Kelani is finishing 5th grade. It has been a challenging year for her. We are looking forward to 6th grade hoping it will be better. We are trying to help her get ready for Jr. high. It is crazy how fast they grow up. She is at that age where she's still a little girl most of the time but she shows her diva side more and more. She has been taking gymnastics this year. She likes it and is learning lots, I think it is way good for her. She is so loving and is very much a physical touch kind of person. We just love her so much and want her to be happy.

Londen is finishing up with 7th grade, I would say his Jr. high experience has been good thus far. He has a ton of friends, our house is constantly full of kids. It's fun trying to feed them all. Boys are always hungry. We love it though. We love our boys, we have lots of fun joking around with them. Londen has gotten so big, he is taller than me now. I love it. He is so cute. His grades could be better, but we love him regardless.

 I am excited for the easiness of summer to set in. The kids fight more - but it's ok, they fight now and we have to worry about homework and getting to bed early  (by early I mean before midnight) and all that fun stuff. I just don't have as much to worry about in the summer - at least it feels that way.

I am  having a great time with the allergies this year. I don't know if I'm the one getting worse or if the air is worse - it's probably me. I can never tell if all my symptoms are allergy related or if I have a cold on top of them. Zyrtec isn't working this year so I am trying Claritin D, it seems to be doing alright.

I love that the trees are filling out and the grass is greening up, flowers and birds - all that sappy stuff, I just love spring. It is a breath of fresh air.

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Happy Love day!

Hi all - its been several monthes, I guess I should say something... Well the holidays were crazy but we made it thru - although I have to say I hoped the parties every weekend would stop at the new year - not so my friend. We have birthdays and then superbowl - life really hasn't slowed down much. January passed quickly for me because it was so busy. That is a good thing, January is my hardest month - I need to change my thinking on that one.
I do appreciate winter for a couple of reasons - I really enjoy a cozy house and snuggle time. I like to stay inside as much as I can and just chill. The other reason is because after a long winter, spring is soooo much sweeter. I look forward to things coming back to life and the rain and the freshness of spring. It's filled with hope and anticipation.
It's valentines week-end and I just want to say I love my family and my friends so very much. I really am grateful for all of the good influences in my life.
Happy Love day!

Saturday, October 31, 2009

Friend or Foe?

I ran into a kid I knew when I was young. I'v known him so long I don't remember meeting him for the first time. Our Families were in the same ward when I was born. Ironicly he and I were born about 2 weeks apart. - Anyway I saw him last night when Kaipo and I were out to dinner, I was introduced to him (again) by his cousin- Whom I've only known as an adult, another story another day - Any way I said "Oh I know you" and he said "I don't think I know you" I said "Oh yes you do - we grew up together, I could tell some stories..." So I told him my name and a flood of memories spred over our faces. He then said " I wouldn't have recognized you from when we were kids" - I thought but didn't say the same thing. I then said " Oh good so I'm not the same dorky little kid anymore, Sweet!"
I am just surprized at myself - I didn't used to be confident and whitty - In fact there was a day when I would have totally said something dumb - or second guessed my self for days. I was with my husband so I think he gave me some of that confidence - I'm so proud to have him - he's like my trophy husband- only a million times better.
So heres to you mister - I skipped a grade so I'm better than everyone else - The little people grow up to be healthy, happy, functional adults. I wonder if he regrets or even knows how big of a jerk he was?

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

A new baby



My brother Dan and his wife Jaime just had their first child, it's a Boy. He was born Oct. 4, 2009 at 1:40 someodd in the afternoon. He's about 7 lbs and healthy as a horse. He is so cute. We are all tickled to have a new baby in the family. His name is Oliver Quincy Adams. Sooooo Cute. I'm reminded so vividly of my kids birth days, wishing I could skip back in time for a moment and relive the wonderous times like that.
Been listening to the Dixie Chicks a lot lately, they have a lullaby called GodSpeed. It is beautiful.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ff73eZ0i_vw&feature=related

October Update...

It's a new month and things are starting to settle into a routine. I prefer the boring day to day stuff. I would rather not deal with a lot of drama - don't get me wrong there's drama, but it's 5th grade drama and Jr. High drama.
Kelani decided she wanted her hair cut, so we cut it in an A line bob - short

Here's the before.











the after












There you have it. It's cute and it still covers her ears.

I guess one of her classmates decided that she wanted to be just like Kelani so she also cut her hair and tried to match Kelani's outfit from the day before. Kelani was distraut. I tried to tell her that it's a good thing - I never had anyone copy me when I was a kid. I was too much of a goober. But she is still upset. I feel sorry for the other girl, she must really not like being her self. She has blonde hair and is taller than kelani. Kelani said "She's trying to steal my life!!" I told her that was not possible. Maybe when she's older she'll get it. In the mean time I have told her to ignore the other girl if she can't be nice. I guess our next door neighbor, a girl just younger than Kelani also cut her hair short. - Too much drama for me.

Londen doesn't have drama - he's a boy. That is great for me. He has challenges... He has a couple of classes at school that he is struggleing with but that is par for the course. I am doing my best to help him, much of my anxed from jr high is coming back to me. I thought I had blocked it out - no no, it's right there, the feelings for worry, the smells, the heartbreak - all of it. No one told me that you may have to relive your past thru your child. I keep reminding my self that he's different, and his experience is different. I just hope it's different in a good way.

Other than that, not much is going on. It got cold really fast, I hope it will warm up for a few days before we embark on another winter season. It has already snowed. September was such a great month. It was mostly warm and so beautiful - making it hard to let go of summer. The heater is on and working round the clock and we should put some more blankets on the beds. And Sophie hates going out to go potty - so that is going to be fun. I literally have to shove her out the door. I need to cut a doggy door, but I'm not sure she'd use it. She's still cute and I still love her.

Kaipo's schedule continues to be crazy and challenging, but we manage. It's getting easier to transition between the scenarios of  Dad home and Dad not home. There are pro's and cons to both. They are just different experiences.

Monday, August 24, 2009

A new school year begins.

Wow. Summer is over. My kids are growing up right in front of my face. Londen started his first day of Jr. High today, I don't know who was more nervous, me or him. I hope he had a good day, I remember how confusing it can be. I am glad that he has friends that are in 9th grade. Kahelelani started 5th grade today. She was nervous but didn't want me to walk her to school, "Mom, I'm in fifth grade!!! I don't need any help". It's funny how many times your role changes as a mom. I'm not sure how to do this more grown up thing. I can't cuddle them, they may or may not want to discuss their problems with me, and I am a total dork now - which I intend to take full advantage of. Remember all those times we were out and you threw a tantrum in the middle of the store??? it's payback time, the dorkier, the better.
LOL I'm just kidding. I will try to lay low and be there for them how ever they need me, I love them both so much, most of what I do is for them.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

True Happiness...

It's been a while since I last blogged as you can tell. I have to say I'm sad that summer is over (mostly), but I have learned so much this summer about my self, my life, my husband, and my kids. I realized that its like I have been going through life with blinders on - now my eyes have been opened so to speak. I blogged earlier this year about having depression and it seems I forgot some basic skills - and yes SKILLS is the right word - I just needed a little jolt to get back on track. so here it is, my big awakening...
1. Quit being so selfish - do unto others...
2. Be grateful - for everything, for everyone and all that they do to make life better.
3. Don't sweat the small stuff.
4. Be the kind of person who is easy to love and care about.
5. Cut the drama. Look at the positive.

That's it in a nutshell.
These are things I have known for years, I didn't realize how angry, and self serving I had gotten. I was playing the victim, and I wanted it to stop. So I went to a counselor, and I read some books. I got the kick in the butt I needed. I am much happier, the depression is gone, and I can proudly say I am no longer the victim, I am the recipient of a wonderful life, surrounded by people that I love and take care of. I have a wonderful husband and I will never forget how much I love him and how much he does for me and the kids.
Gratitude, and unconditional Love. Simple.

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

My giant green couch

I have been feeling much better lately. I find that I look forward to things instead of dreading them. With my new found enthusiasm I have decided to paint more stuff in my house. I didn't get a before picture but I will post an after picture. I like the change that painting makes for not a lot of money. I have a wall in my family room that has two bookcases flanking a spot for a fire place. I have a chair in that spot. Anyway, I painted the book cases a tannish color and left the shelves a cream color. Now the shelves look really up to date and it makes the furniture look so old. I have this huge green sectional, its not a cool shade of green, but I love that couch. It is so comfortable. I have thought about recovering it, I called an upholstery place and they said it would cost me less to buy a new couch. So I considered doing it my self. I have a friend who did it twice, on sectionals both times. The hard part is that I think I need about 50 yards of fabric, give or take. That is a lot of fabric and if I got what I really wanted it would cost about 10 - 15 dollars a yard. Well I did find a place that has rolls of fabric for a couple bucks a yard but it's hit and miss with the colors and the trick would be getting enough yardage. So needless to say, I am stuck with my couch the way it is. So I am trying to decorate around the couch even though it is a huge thing in the room. I have been trying to stick to neutral colors, earth tones and that. So we'll see how it all turns out. I don't like the new modern stuff they are coming out with. I prefer the country look and feel. I think when things are too sleek they feel cold and hospitalesque. I want something that is inviting , warm, lived in, but clean. The cleaning part is the hard part. I do know that if I de-clutter it feels bigger, and cleaner. now the trick is getting the motivation to do it.

Monday, April 20, 2009

My husband is a saint

I know it's been a while since I last blogged, I felt like I shouldn't write about the hard times. Not that I felt like writing anyway. I was really struggling with depression as I have said in other posts, but I have never had it like that. I finally went to to doctor and found out I have an overactive thyroid. There are a lot of symptoms and it really messes with your head. The one symptom I would have loved to have is the weight loss one. I should be dropping the pounds according to the research I did, but that is not the case. Although I have had a decrease in appetite. Nothing sounds good to me like it used to.
So I'm on the mend. I have a thyroid scan this week. We'll see how that goes. It's a nuclear scan?! I have never heard of it before. It's a 24 hour test that involves injections and stuff. Yay! I have to say my husband has been a saint throughout the last year. I guess it's been pretty hard for him, but he has hung in and still loves me. Thank goodness for that. I am so grateful for him. He keeps me sane and is always adjusting to what I need. I love him so much.