Happy Birthday Warrior 3!!!

Good morning!  Happy Birthday Warrior 3!

Ate breakfast, we said our morning prayers and then parted for school.  As I was backing out of the driveway..Warrior 3 signaled me and asked... (Warrior 2 and 3 walks to school)

Warrior 3:  Mom!  What are you bringing for my class today?

Me:   I don't know....I'll think of something.  bye!

After work all I could come up with was to go to the store and buy something already made.   I didn't have time to bake anything homemade.  So, a box of mini fruit roll-ups was it.  I was able to catch Warrior 3 at the Cafe eating lunch and he was happy to have something to hand out to his classmates.  Kids are so easy to please.  Thank goodness.  

The two younger Warriors get home first.

Warrior 3:  Mom, did you get me any presents?

Me:  No, you'll get it on your birthday party.

Warrior 3:  oh, okay.

I'm terrible at these things.  I need to be better.

I'm in the room...I hear a knock on the door...the warriors open the door...Warrior 3 comes running in the room.   "Mom!  I got a package from Gramma and Grampa!  Can I open it?"

He shakes the box and tells me and Warrior 2,  "I think I hear LEGOS in here.  Listen!"

ooooooooooooo!  A BIONICLE!  I see it!  It's a BIONICLE!

Thank YOU  Gramma and Grampa!

You made his day!  Check out his big smile when he saw LEGO!

Called to Serve

Well, the King was called to  serve as a High Council in the single and young adult wards.  Well, he is going to be very busy.  I guess Heavenly Father knows what he/we need right now.  He needs our family to serve.   The King is not one to say "NO".  So, he accepted the call.

  When we had the meeting with the Stake President on Saturday, the King was called in first. As I waited outside the room my mind was busy thinking....okay what now?  what did we do?  Is he going to serve in another bishopric?  Not a Bishop?  But those thoughts didn't last.    I just had to be patient and wait to hear what President H. had to say.  

Anyway,  I was called in.  I listened  and then he broke the news and asked what I thought about it.  What can I say?  He is called..so we must accept.  He also shared that there were 10 names on their list and they prayed about it for a whole week and the King's name was the one that kept popping out.  Wow.  I was humbled by what was said.  I can't remember every detail of the meeting... but the thing that stuck out the most is that  when President H asked Bishop S to describe the King using just one word.... he said..."SERVICE."   I couldn't help it but I started to get teary eyed...tears started to drip one right after the other.   The King, too was all sniffling. (Sorry Hon....I know you don't want to ruin your  "all tough and manly" image but it's all good).

Anyway, all kidding aside.  SERVICE!   Bishop is so right on.  After hearing that... I felt happy that other people see that in the King.   That's when I was overcome by guilt because of times that I  have murmured.  I will not deny the negative feelings sometimes bitter feelings I've felt when he served others.  I just didn't get it.  He was so quick to see and act upon others' needs and I felt that he just ignored his own family.  How is that? 

Well, my attitude changed after someone returned the favor for us.  Our old broken van haven't been used for a month or longer and the King didn't know how to fix it.  One night after a long day from work (the King's work), Bishop K (King's co-worker and Bishop he served under as a 2nd counselor  at the BYUH  11th Ward)  who knew how to fix cars spent hours trying to get the van fixed.    Well, van was fixed after two nights....I was so overwhelmed...that after a long day at work someone would be kind enough to use their talents they were blessed with to help  and serve us.   Sacrificing their time...away from their family...so we can have a working van.   This is just one of the many services we've received.  

More services were reciprocated.  We are blessed to have friends and families  who help care for our children every time we are in a bind.  Even lending a listening ear or two to help relieve stress and tension.  Those are services greatly appreciated and forever cherished.  Service. 

 The King...is just that.  A man who has a big heart and is very generous with his time and money.    It could be his last penny and would still give it away.   He would say...it's only money and they needed it more than us or me.   That is just how he is.

I would often get upset when we've had activities...and used his own money....well, he doesn't turn in all the receipts!  I'm like..."HON!  We are struggling here...we need money, too!  Turn in the receipts to get your money back! "  But...no.  What else can I say?  Nothing.

The King is a good man. I need to be more service oriented like him.  He is the cable guy...he is a plumber, an electrician...he plays the organ every other Sunday, plays the piano for our choir, he is the secretary for the High Priest, he is also the Ward Activities Chair (which I hope he will get released from)....what else.....oh, I saw and heard Uncle Joe the man who played as Mehana's Dad in Johnny Lingo  wants him to play  the piano for his Hawaiian Choir.  

He is the man!  He is my man!  The King.

Motherhood

Joy in the Journey

motherhood brings about a lot of changes

pregnancy happens

moods fluctuate

appetite grows

belly expands

stretch marks appear

discomforts  prevalent

but must carry on

gotta LOVE being pregnant even when it's not always pleasant

being a vessel to bring forth another life into this world

is a divine calling 

feeling what is inside as the fetus develops 

is  indeed a miracle

 life is formed

 a baby will be born

so find joy in the journey

of

MOTHERHOOD

Barbara Barrington Jones

Wow!  What a Saturday morning!   The King and I went to a "meeting" this morning with the Stake President after which the Princess and I attended the Super Standards Saturday with Barbara Barrington Jones.  She was a great speaker!  I came out from that meeting feeling totally edified, rejuvenated and spiritually uplifted.   I thought it was only for the youth and leaders that is why  I didn't plan on going.  But because we were at the Chapel for the King's meeting..I saw that there were not  too many girls there.   Then I called home left a message for the Princess reminding her to get ready because I didn't remind her before she left for choir sectionals.

Anyway, I'm so glad I went with the Princess.  I guess you could call that our mother/daughter date.  Barbara Barrington Jones talked about a lot of things that are going to help the YW prepare for their future.   We laughed and cried as she shared her wonderful message to us.

We have to find joy in the journey.  We don't have to wait until we get to our destination to be happy.    The girls were encouraged to write 5 things that they would like to find in their future husbands and added that whatever is on the list..the YW must also fulfill.    Make WISE choices. 

She shared her story about how she was brought up a devout Catholic  but was  in an abusive marriage and was held at gun point 3x.  She was dragged by the hair and arms.   Mouth was taped shut and legs also taped together.   It was sad.  These experiences however helped her turn to God.   She prayed... "God, who are you and where are you?" 

Anyway...I'm getting sleepy.  This is all for now....oh, wait!  She also taught us how to stand properly..so we can look thinner and more poised.  She demonstrated and guided us  how to sit gracefully and how to get back up properly.

She also shared a list of what turned guys off on dates and what the qualities of girls worth knowing are.

okay. nuff o'ready.  

goo'night

Chad Schumacher Performance

After dinner we headed down to BYUH and enjoyed  Chad Schumacher's Piano Recital.  Very talented person.   The show is going to start.  Lights in the auditorium slowly went off.  Spotlights remained on the grand piano waiting for the performer to come out.  He comes out and the audience applaud.  Performance begins.

During the first song...I noticed Warrior 2's feet moving ...going with the rhythm and looked like he was appreciating the song being played.  During the second song however, Warrior 2 started snoring.  I kind of ignored it  the first time but then it happened again the 2nd time and the 3rd time.  The young couple sitting behind us started laughing.  Softly of course. The King and I looked at each other and started giggling... at the same time I was trying to get Warrior 1 to wake Warrior 2 up.

 It was kind of hard communicating with Warrior 1 because I couldn't move closer to tell him what I wanted him to do.  With my big belly and Warrior 3 sleeping next to me...I couldn't really move.  Anyway, after Warrior 2 moved in front of us (just in case he fell asleep again--we would be able to reach him quickly)  I couldn't concentrate on the music that was being played.  All I could hear over and over in my head was his snoring!  Then I would silently laugh away in my seat.  I couldn't stop...but had to.  So, I took a couple of deep cleansing breath and focused at the present moment.    Anyway...it was a good, fun family activity.  It was free.  Can't beat that!

Home with Warrior 3

Warrior 3 had a high fever yesterday so, I decided to keep him home another day. He is just a little warm now. He tells me that his head hurts when he stands up. We were able to work on his research project about cuttlefish. He is taking a break and so am I. =)

Warrior Fever

Well, Warrior 2 and 3 came home from school and started doing homework right away. Warrior 3 was complaining about his head not feeling good. He grabbed his Harry Potter book and decided to read in bed. After 15 minutes he comes outside and tells me that his head feels like baby thumping on his head. (I've had him feel Warrior 4's movement when he is hiccuping or squirming in my belly). Well, I felt his forehead and it was burning! I quickly gave him some Tylenol and made him take a nap. He said he was also cold even with his thick blanket on.

He missed choir practice today. =(
Warrior 2 thought that maybe Warrior 3 caught whatever he had on Friday.

After Warrior 3's 2 hour nap...he looked better.

Made chicken long rice (soup) and deep fried chicken wings for dinner.
Picked up the Princess from gymnastics at 5pm. I had to wait...they didn't get out on time and then dropped her off to Choir practice. Lucky for her...she is exempt from paying a fine for being tardy in choir.

I got back home and found the King cleaning out and organizing his work van. Well, the Warriors and I ate without him. Picked up Princess from choir @ 7pm.

Anyway...oh...Warrior 1 did something nice for Warrior 3 today. He made Warrior 3's bed for him without having to be told! What a good brother.

Bedtime...sang songs...made the Gooey Babes feel Warrior 4's movements. Giggles.

goo'night!

Happenings last week!

SUNDAY 3/01/09
It was my turn to teach the whole YW today. It was the first time that I had all my handouts, lesson and treats ready before going to church. I usually cheat and finish it during Gospel Doctrine class or sometimes as I listen to the speakers during Sacrament meeting. Bad ya?
Anyway, need to remember to bring everyone's treats next Sunday. Well, the treats I made were for the girls' parents since our lesson was about Honoring our Parents... at the end of class I made them write a note of appreciation and then I had them tie it around the little bag with cookies in them.

I took a nap today. No choir practice for the Princess nor the King and I.

The Princess and I went for a walk at 5:30 in the evening. I tried borrowing the Krazy Keni Girls to go with us but they were ready to eat dinner. It was a great walk. Peaceful since the warriors stayed home with the King.

Warrior 3 assisted the King with dinner. Pork chops. We haven't had that in a long time. It turned out delish.

SATURDAY 2/28/09
Choir Sectionals for Princess @ 7:30 am
Step and ball class @ 8am
Krispie Kreme distribution: ate my share (2) with milk
took a couple of hours nap...the Step and Stability Ball class depleted my energy.
Princess and the King went to Ala Moana...tried to replace new APPLE. NO LUCK.
Warriors and Darnel played games for 3 hours.
Ate. Did some vacuuming. Laundry and the mundane stuff. The Warriors were helpful even when they grumbled.
Warrior 3 was clumsy today. He first spilled fruit punch and then a couple of hours later orange juice all over the kitchen floor.

FRIDAY 2/27/09
Warrior 2 running a fever. I stayed home and watched him sleep for 3 hours. I could've gone to work. Nah! I could have but I didn't.
Visiting teaching @ 11am...then @ 5pm.
Warrior 1 getting ready for an overnight camp @ 6pm.
A little after 6pm...left to go to Ala Moana to return and exchange damaged APPLE. Asked the Princess if the APPLE has boarded and she confirmed that it has. Where? was the next question....in the back was the answer. The still small voice was telling me something but I ignored it. The King stopped at a friend's house to drop something off...the voice came back and I pushed it aside...yeah yeah...I'll ask him later....but later came and went. I forgot to ask before we left Laie.
Approaching the Wilson Tunnel...I gotta go PEE. Had to hold it. King driving nutso. Offered to pull over under an overpass. Hellow! Funny Ha Ha GOOey! 20 minutes later which seemed like an hour... uncomfortable...literally pushing the seat belt away from my belly... looking for parking...swerving, jerking and deliberately going on speed bumps. I asked..."Are we going to Shirokiya?" The KING, finally realized he forgot the APPLE! "SHTOOOOOOPIT!" cubed "DANGIT!" squared. "What a duh-mee!" is all I remember that he said.

Anyway, I was quiet but my body language was totally screaming discomfort. I don't feel so good! Overly bloated bladder ready to explode! The King noticed that and he let me out in front of Shirokiya. Straight for the escalator and IN the BANYO I go! I expected GUSHING...but instead I get TRICKLING! It was almost painful! Hellurh! Warrior 4 was playing games with me and my bladder.

This is all for now. I'm getting tired. I'll add more later.

Cooking Lesson

The King showing Warrior 3 how to slice the onions. Use the fingers to guide the knife.

The King assisting Warrior 3 in browning the meat on the stove.
Arrange in a 10 x 13 pan and bake until it's cooked. =)

Finished product. Dinner is served.