red ribbon

Last week was red ribbon week for Kekoa at school.  He came home with a worksheet that he needed to complete.  It was of things that were good and bad for his body.  Today, I finally sat down with him to talk to him about smoking, drugs and alcohol.  It was kinda a sad moment for me.  Up to this point those words were not in his vocabulary or world.  Of course I knew it was important for him to know.  Making good and wise choices, after all, include knowing the good and bad.  We talked about the blessing of our bodies and how it is a gift from Heavenly Father and that we shouldn't put bad things in it.  I explained what each of the "bad things" were and how people take them into their bodies.  I was happy to be able to tell him that his mommy has never put any of those things in her body.  He said he wouldn't either.
I'm sad for that innocence to be gone, but have hope that this new knowledge will protect him.

reyes y reyes

Today was the Primary Program in our ward.  It was such a sweet thing to watch Kekoa and Ikaika up there.  They each had a part in the program that they worked hard all week to memorize.  Kekoa had John 3:16 and Ikaika had a sentence that said, "When we read our scriptures and pray, we can know Jesus Chris is the Son of God."  They each did such a great job - it was so fun to see their faces light up as they saw us watching them and giving them thumbs up signs.  It was a wonderful program.  I love the spirit present as primary children teach the gospel in the simplest of phrases.  So clear, pure and full of truth. 
 I have been reading a book lately called, "I am a Mother."  It is such a wonderful book that reminds me of the importance of the work a mother does.  I am grateful to have these sweet children who really are so receptive to the teachings of the gospel.  I think of the 19 1/2  months I spent as a missionary teaching the gospel full time 10 years ago and I think my work here is no less important if not greater.  That is inspiring and humbling to me. 
Here are my boys.  I love them in their handsome suits.  Before I know it they will be Elder Reyes and Elder Reyes. 

Koa's Day

Today we celebrated Kekoa's birthday.  It was quite the part with many of his kindergarten classmates and couple other friends.  I was surprised that everyone showed up (our invites went out a little late) and we ended up with 12 kids (including Kekoa and his brothers). It was actually not too stressful to plan.  We kept it simple, but I think the kids had fun.  Here are some of the things we did : )

 But first a quick pic of the cake :

First they created their Iron Man masks.

 

Then it was time for "Iron Man Says" and getting their power source (AKA: glow stick bracelets hung on string necklaces).

After some lunch, the activities continued with everyone making an invention.  

Iron Man is afterall a great inventor : )

I didn't get a picture, but we ended with "Pin the Spark on Stark."

Here are my three Iron Men.  With all the last minute prep I didn't get a chance to really get the boys ready for the day.  Poor Sepa and Kaika look like they just rolled out of bed.

Of course present time was Kekoa's favorite.  And what did he get most excited about?

A quarter that was in one of the presents.  Go figure  . . .

I forgot to get a picture of the birthday boy with mommy and daddy - so we took one on Sunday.  He slept funny on his left eye and it is all puffy.  Oh well.

Happy 6th birthday Kekoa! We love our big boy :)

almost six

It's the night before Kekoa's birthday.  I  fell asleep with the kids while putting them to bed (not a rare occurrence).  It is only a problem when I wake up and can't get back to sleep.  So, I thought I'd do a post of the soon to be birthday boy.

I remember 6 years ago, Thursday night.  Kyle was playing volleyball at a ward gymnasium and I spent my time walking the halls with my big belly, practicing breathing for labor.  I don't really think it was because of all the walking (who knows), but that night I went into labor.  I remember feeling those first contractions and waking Kyle up to tell him I was in labor.  Kyle, disoriented, said, "What do you need me to do, count?" (we'd been practicing that for labor).  I laughed and told him to go back to sleep. 

I couldn't sleep with all the excitement of having my first baby, so I got up and cleaned my kitchen.  At 6:00 am, I decided that it was likely real labor so I called my mom to could begin the 7-hour drive up from Arizona.  I spent the day breathing through the contractions, cooking and cleaning.  At 3:00 the contractions were really strong and we went to the hospital.  Kekoa was born later that night at 10:17pm. 

And I became a mother. 

It truly has been the greatest blessing and most meaningful thing I have ever done.  I am far from perfect, but my kids know I love them.  I am thankful for how my life changed from that time 6 years ago.
Here are pics I took of my birthday boy:

Ka'imi - 7 months

 

Ka'imi at 7 months:

• got her two bottom teeth (see pic above :)

• after spending the last month on her tummy is ready for a new view of the world.  She probably spent 80% of her awake time on her belly.  She still doesn't sit up well enough for me to leave her alone, but that will definitely be the next play position.

• goes up on her hands and knees as well as on her toes like she's going to do a push up.  It is so cute.  I wish I could get a picture of it.

• semi-mobile.  I put her in one area to play and when I look back at her, she's moved several feet away.

• has moved into her own room and crib.  She seems to like it - though we are not "sleeping through the night."

• still loves polka dots.

• refuses baby food or anything squishy and pureed like that, but once downed a quarter of a piece of pizza and rice with curry on another occasion.

• still falls asleep with her pacifier.

• still having three naps a day.

• our angel girl.

Oh Boy

I have been meaning to start Joy School with the boys for weeks now  (we are a bit behind).  I was hoping to do it with a neighbor near us, but never found anyone who has a child Ikaika's age who was interested.  I finally buckled down and did it today.  I told Kyle this evening how my kitchen floor screamed at me to be mopped instead, but I persisted and taught them.  They loved it.  Ikaika said to me afterward, "Mom, I love it when you teach me preschool."  Sepa was a little crazy as any two-year-old would be, but he sat still for a solid 15 minutes when it was singing time.  The curriculum does not have singing time for quite that long, he just kept saying, "Again, Mommy."  So we did.  The thing I like about just teaching my kids is not feeling the pressure to fill the time just right.  We start when we want, do each activity as long as we want and enjoy time together.  Here is a picture of them on the Joy School mat.  It makes me laugh because it captures their personalities.  Ikaika is the preschool king, raising his hand and paying attention while Sepa is just silly half the time.  I love my boys.
Here's to joy.

comin' up

 

Kekoa and I had fun this morning designing his birthday invitation.  It sure feels good when your almost-6-year-old thinks you are just as cool as Iron Man when it comes to Photoshop.  Now for the planning. . . (sigh) . . . we do it for the memories . . .

Conference Weekend

This picture was taken a few months ago when Kyle and I attended an event for American Indian Services.  It was neat to meet Elder Uchtdorf, though I will have to confess I didn't fully embrace the moment. I had just gotten off the phone with my mom and heard Ka'imi screaming in the background.  It wasn't too long after she was in the hospital, so I was anxious to get home to take care of her. But I was glad someone took a picture for us to remember.  To the right of Kyle is President Holland (Kyle' boss).  The only thing I remember Elder Uchtdorf saying to us was, "Here is the future of the church." I put this picture up because his talk from Conference was probably my favorite.  I thought it was very applicable to everyone, including me as a mother.  I think that I need to remember what is vital and important and not try to go faster than is needed.  I loved the quoted phrase - Simplicity is the greatest sophistication.  
I am always grateful for Conference weekend and the chance to renew my commitment to do better.  I have so many places to improve in my life, and conference helps me take those steps forward. 
I am grateful for the organization of the church and the way that it blessed our lives.

Happy Birthday Corrine : )

 

 

It was a great Conference weekend and we finished it up with a birthday party for my Aunt Corrine.  All year long she waits for October 3rd - it was fun to have her in our home to celebrate.  We ate her favorite meal in the whole world - hamburgers, french fries, diet coke, chocolate cake and ice cream.
It took her a bit to warm up, but when the camera came out she was all smiles.
Happy 53rd Birthday Bonzers!