toy room

The other day I went into the toy room deciding it was time to clean-up.  I usually have the boys clean it on a regular basis (you should hear Kekoa's protests, "Mom, you always make us clean").  After neglecting it for weeks, many visitors passing through and attempts of my aunt cleaning it up (she has Down's Syndrome, so clean-up means putting it wherever there is space), it was a disaster. See?

I bet half of you didn't realize there was a baby laying on the floor - it seriously was so much worse than even the picture looks.

It took us days to clean up (we'd work on it then need to leave or get tired, then it get messy again).  We finally finished today.  Hooray!

I realized in cleaning up that there were many things that were just mess toys and not play toys.  Meaning, they are just tossed around rather than played with.  I had an idea that stemmed from something I saw at my sister's house.  I got a large piece of paper and wrote things for the boys to do.

It isn't fancy at all -  I am sure some could make it look amazing with those vinyl cut-out things, but I have accepted the fact that I am really just a functional kind of person most of the time.

I brought the boys upstairs and explained it - if they get bored they can choose and activity on the sheet.  I emphasized that they need to clean-up after each activity.   I am hopeful that it will be a good thing for all of us - that the boys will enjoy their toys more and be motivated to clean up after themselves. We'll see . . .

you love who you serve . . .

Yesterday, Ka'imi had her 4 month check up - she is just average for head and height, but in the 75th for weight.  Still my biggest baby so far.  She has also been different than the boys in that the immunization shots seem to bother her more.  Not only do her legs get sore (and she cries whenever I bump or move them), but she gets some pretty mean fevers. Last night she was burning up.  At 3:00 I went down stairs to get the Tylenol (why can't I ever find it when I need it? ). I gave it to her, though she coughed up most of it because of the cold she also has.  I sat there on the bed with her.  I felt so bad for her. She had the fever, sore legs, congestion and her first diaper rash.  I just smiled at her and stroked her head hoping she'd feel my love.  She just laid there looking back at me.  I had a thought. One day, this little girl will be the one taking care of me.  It made me that much more grateful for family relationships.
I am enjoying every moment of being the mother of this little girl and my three boys.  Some days I wonder if it'll ever end, but most days I feel like I could keep it like this forever.  Happily, happily, forever is a part of what our family will be : )

mom

Last night, in the middle of the night, I woke up to Kyle talking on the phone.  He said a couple things in a sleepy voice and then hung up.  I asked what was wrong and he told me his mother had a stroke and was in the hosital. His sister, Noreen was going to text to let us know how things were going when she got to the hospital.  It was hard to sleep after that for both Kyle and I - we had nightmares of the worst.  I was exhausted though and could only manage a prayer of, "Please bless Mom.  Please Bless Noreen." In the morning, the first thing I did was look at Kyle's phone for a text.  It said she was doing better and almost back to normal.  I was relieved.

After we were all up, Kyle decided he wanted to fly out to be with his mom.  I wouldn't have it any other way, so he got a flight and tonight he flew to Los Angeles.  I have spent the day thinking about the family I married into.  It has been emotional since the MRI they did to check for the strokes (it ended up being 3 mini ones) showed either a cyst or a tumor near her brain as well.  I can only imagine how Kyle is feeling right now.

It seems in the world's world of humor there is a category just for mother-in-laws.  I have never really understood why.  Yes, people are all different, and gaining a new family takes adjusting, but I never have liked the idea of any mother being ridiculed. 

I have a great mother-in-law.  She amazes me in many ways.  She is an amazing hard worker, frugal and yet extremely giving.  She always asks about my mother and siblings.  And I know she loves her children very much.  Above all, I have her to thank for my wonderful husband.  Why should she deserve any less than the most respect from me?

I have also thought about my wonderful sister-in-law.  She moved to CA a few years ago.  We were sad to have her family leave, but now I am so glad she is there. She also amazes me with the size of her heart and her strength. I guess in a crazy way there has been a good thing come as I realize how much I love this family I married into. 

Again, prayers are needed.  As of right now, mom is scheduled for brain surgery in the morning to remove the mass.  And pray for Kyle - first Ka'imi and now his mother.  My heart hurts for him.
Love you, Kyle.

Ka'imi - 4 months

Ka'imi at 4 months:

• is completely a momma's-girl.  She will be crying when someone else is holding her, but stop the second I take her. 

• gives the best good-morning smiles.  It is the first thing I see everyday.

• enjoys watch her brothers play and run around.

• knows that she has a back-up source of food.  When she is done on one side she tries to sit up to get to the other side.

• sits up well with support

• loves making bubbles with her spit : )

I adore this picture.  I am working on a new look to my photography website - here's what will be on my splash page.  I have decided I love her the most in pale pink.  She is a beautiful, beautiful baby. 

Stadium of Fire

 

I have always wanted to go to stadium of fire.  This year we decided to do it because Carrie Underwood was coming.  We are closet fans of American Idol and have always loved Carrie the most.  So, we got tickets for ourselves and left the boys and Ka'imi with my mom.  We parked far away (hoping to not get caught up in traffic).  It was quite the walk, but fun to be together.  

I really enjoyed the concert.  My only complaint was that we were just sitting there.  It was a concert and not one was enjoying it.  Just watching it.  Carrie did an incredible job - her voice is amazing even live.  My favorite song of hers is Temporary Home - I was happy she sang it tonight.

I was not a fan of the fireworks right above my head.  It was loud, my neck hurt trying to look up so much and there was a ton of smoke.  So we left before the finale to beat the crowd.

It was fun, though I am not in any hurry to go again : )