A.Niu

Oh, How great it is to be 8:)

2011-10-11T16:23:00.000-07:00

3 Down and 2 more to go... For being baptized and receiving the gift of the holy ghost and becoming a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of latter day saints. Yay for ShaCe she did it.

Having been that I just got back from a 2 week trip and the baptism was on sat and I got back Wed, I was pretty stressed out. I found out that Shaun didn't pass out the invited that I made before I left and then to top it off we were having a party for our September babies ShaCe 3rd, ShaLi 8th and ShaDen 24th that day of the baptism and party. So I was pretty freaked out. Long story short we got all the invites out and I FB people to make sure they knew and the day turned our beautiful.ShaCe is my middle child and gets looked over alot because she has her older 2 sisters and then there's 2 younger brothers under her. She is my middle child and has the attitude to back it up. Well this day was all about her and it seemed as if she didn't know how to react. I was sitting in the 2nd row and her dad was sitting in the 1st row with her, But she just kept trying to go to the 2nd row. So I move to the 1st row and she was like no I wanna sit there.She was so shy about being the center of attention. But after awhile she got use to it she was overwhelmed with the spirit. I loved that people love her and us that they came out early in the mourn and during soccer games and just plan waking up. I loved everything about that day. My Nieces Fahren and Lizzy Niu did a great job on talking about baptism and the holy ghost. THE TONGA GIRLS were off the hook with there singing during the break and I love love love that mama sia got up to sing with them. Got it from there mama.It was such a great experience. You think by the 3rd kid it would be like yeah whatever. But It was great to be 8!!!

MY BIRTHDAY WEEK

2011-10-11T16:10:00.000-07:00

So I turn the big 3 0 this sat. and I thought why not make it my bye bye 20z birthday week. Shaun was like really who does that? Um I do and I hope to set a new trend.lol. So for everyday Ill do something I love...Monday- Went to eat at gateway at PCC with my sister Berta and her family and Brother Sione and his family. After we ate they continued on to the one and only haunted lagoon. That will be my Wed. thing to do.Tuesday-Service. I love giving service. It blesses me way more then it blesses the people I serve. So I will be cooking a meal along with my RS Presidency for a widow who just recently lost her husband. I love you Uncle John and Aunty Bobbi Nauahi. I will also be cooking for the sister missionaries that serve in our ward.Wednesday-Going to tackle my fear at the Haunted Lagoon!!! Please pray for me. Thursday- I love love love me some good pedi:) lol. So Im going to get my toes done.Friday-Is still open??? any suggestions???THE BIG DAY-LOL- going to watch BYU-hawaii play Volleyball. I love Volleyball.and thats the sum of my birthday week. Ill fill you in if there is more then just blah blah blah.lol

Trip of a lifetime

2011-09-06T16:07:00.001-07:00

My little family that goes no where for family vacations took one this past May!!!

We started off in Las Vegas were we spent a couple of days hanging with family. My kids loved seeing the strip. Even with the slight nudity it was a great thing for our kids to see something other then Hawaii.

Then we took a drive up to the one and only Salt Lake City. It was about 5 an Half hours drive and I was scared that my kids would be crazy being in the car that long. But that was one of the best part of our trip. They slept most of the drive and were way nicer to each other. We sang our favorite Glee songs and told dry jokes.

When we got to Utah it was all business for us. Getting everything ready for Nai’s graduation and his party on Sat. We never really had a chance to relax and enjoy being there. But It was so nice being with all my brothers and sisters and there kids. THAT BY FAR WAS WORTH every penny spent.

After Utah we headed down to the greatest place on earth “DISNEYLAND” We spent 5 days and Disney and 2 at Universal Theaters. My kids had a blast. We rode every ride like 6 times each. Shaun loves theme parks. I more of eater at the theme parks.lol.

My favorite part of all was coming home and listening to all my kids relive there memories from our trip. I hope Shaun knows how much we appreciate him working so hard so we could have a trip of a life time….

What does Wheat, Sesame seed and dust mites have in common?

2011-09-01T23:21:00.000-07:00

ShaCe is allergic to it and a lot more… The worst of them is WHEAT!!! How do you tell a child that loves loves loves to eat that she cant because she’s going to have an allergic reaction to it!!!

ShaCe has been going through a lot this past month of august. I have to say that it was one of her worst. Right up there with here first January when she was just 4 months she had a bad case of chicken pox. You when things are bad when the Doctors are asking you if they can take pictures of her and bring in there students.

Now right before here eight is great birthday she has allergy’s that is driving me nuts and her. She is allergic to wheat, milk, sesame seed, shell fish, penicillin, all the weeds and the grass out side and dust mites and mold!!!

Her hives have gone away with a pill and some melaluca oils. But talking to a lot of people that only last for a while then you have to try other things. HUH. Don’t get me wrong things could be worse then they are But it still sucks.

I think its going to make me re think the way I cook from here on out. I have to remember a lot of can’s and cannot’s. Like last night I said ShaCe go a head and eat that fry chicken its not that much wheat. Sure nuff she had hives with in a couple of hours.

She’s been a great sport about this whole thing and I should be too…

Here’s to my new adventure with living with children who have allergies!!! Wish me luck…

My ShaRae is a Red Raider…

2011-08-24T11:28:00.001-07:00

All her life which is only 12 years, Ive prepped her that she will go to a private school. Punahou was our #1 pick, I mean c'mon who wouldnt want to go there. So I went through the process of getting applications for 3 schools Punahou, Iolani and Mid Pac. Filled them all out, talked to to the admin at all schools so much that I know them by first name. Got some contacts in at punahou. Got letters of recommendation. So basically I got the works. She is a great student and should be a great athlete if she pushes her self. So we were crossing fingers, Toe's and everything that she would do well on her testing... Well it didnt even get that far.

So the night before I was to mail out her app’s I fasted and prayed about what is right for her and our family as a whole. Because it just accrued to me that not only will she be making sacrifices But so will our whole family. Whether it be picking up the slack because I have to go get her from school or just her time away from all of us. So the next morning when she got up I said “ You are going to be a Red Raider For Life”… Ive never seen her jump so high in my life.

Im not saying that private school is not a good thing, Im just saying that for my family it wasn’t the best choice. So she is now riding her bike to Kahuku on the brand spankin new bike path thanks to HRI.

If one thing I know she’ll get at Kahuku that no other school will have is FUN, FUN,FUN!!! Hehehehe. She’s happy and Im happy that the school is only 2 ½ min’s away.

And if my kids are good in anything I would want them to make our community school good or even better!!! So good luck to everyone this school year.

Dilemma’s mean different to different people…

2011-08-23T12:39:00.000-07:00

What is a REAL Dilemma? Cause for 2 weeks I forgot. I was being selfish ol me and only thinking about the worldly things like going to watch my brothers football games. So here’s the back story….

I love Heart Love college football in all its glory. On my bucket list I have WATCH USC PLAY IN THE COLOSSEUM close to the very tippy top. So when Utah moved over to the Pac 10 which is now the Pac12 I was like HELL YES!!! I’m going to check that one right off. So then comes my dilemma the BYU game is the following week and so I thought Okay Ill stay there so I can watch Jray and Nai play for the last time. Good idea right? Well that’s what I thought….

So ,in order to stay that long which would be about 2 weeks, I would have to take ShaDen. So that’s not 1 ticket but 2. I began the hunt for everything from Hawaiian miles, Maikai rewards, Buddy Passes ect. Even though there are a lot of people that I know and have helped over the years there are just a hand full that are willing to help in any which way they can. Which I am grateful.

And here comes the Set backs , Cause I didn’t get much. So now it came down to figure out how I was going to find $900.00 to buy the tickets… Well it didn’t happen! I cried my eye balls out to the point where shaun was like OMG Is it that time of the month, Cause your killing me right now.

On Wednesday night I had decided that Im not going. I was still really bumbed and didn’t feel like going to the temple session Id plan on going to the next mourning, But my fear of God is much more stronger then my natural women . So like a good daughter I went the next day.

Let me tell you that I got in there and felt like an idiot as I wrote names down on the prayer list.These are people who have REAL DILEMMA'S like fighting cancer, Fighting addictions, Fighting to keep their marriages going, Fighting to keep their families together. How selfish I am for not seeing what matters most in life and who matters most. The spirit was over whelming and all I could do was ask for forgiveness, because here I am pissed and balling over not going to a football game while my cousins fight for their lives. Who am I to feel so unloved and abandoned!!! It was one of my lowest moments in life.

I’ve repented…. I still am repenting….. it’s a life time thing me and repentance we hold hands a skip around all day.LOL.

Moving on, shortly after my dear sweet friends start telling me to just leave ShaDen and I should go. That they would help taking turns watching him. Keep in mind Shaun has been telling me this all along. But why listen to him? Anyways, We decided that I go just for a week to the USC game, But when it came down to buy my fare he looked at me and said “ Alvina, You should stay for the whole 2 weeks. We’ll be fine and your friends will be fine with ShaDen. So you go. But you better find a Job ASAP!!!”

I was floored. I was speechless and for most of you know that really hard to get me to that point. First thing I did was thank the Lord. Because I know in my heart that it was his hand that got me to go on this trip.

What Ive learned for all of this is that I had my little self centered moment and I hated the after taste so I will never see or here that part of me again, But so ever you her here coming out please feel free to slap me. 2nd Put other people before yourself and the Lord will bless you… Ate a good helping of humble pie and that tasted delish… Every now and then we all need a good helping of it.

The Worst thing Shaun could say...

2011-08-17T14:11:00.000-07:00

Alvina its time for you to get a Job...

I have not been looking forward to the day Shaun would need me to go to work. I am not above working my any means, But I have this 10 ton fear for applying for a job and then getting rejected.

REJECTION does not settle in my stomach very well. Not that I have faced my fare share of people saying no to me... Its just the fact that Im 30 years old and I have lifted anything educational since high school and Im afraid I will fail anything they throw at me.

My advice to teenagers... GO TO CLASS AND NEVER HAVE A BOYFRIEND OR GIRLFRIEND in high school.lol. Yes to the first part and no to the 2nd. If I never met Shaun I would never have the 5 things that make life worth living.

But coming back to my fear of getting a job. I know to most of you reading this you most think IS SHE FOR REAL? YES I AM!!! Other the my 1 1/2 month McDonalds job I had right after High school Ive never had another job job. Ive coached for high school volleyball one year and coached club ball, But never had another job. AND ITS BITING MY WHERE THE SUN DONT SHINE NOW.

Ive had good reason not to get a job. My 5 Crazy coconuts need a mother to mother them and I guess since Im there mother that makes me the one to do the mothering.lol. Try and say that 10 times. Anyway. There are allot of things I could of done to put my self in a better position then I am now. Like 1 go to school!!! Yeah never stepped a foot on a college campus as a student Cause I just figure let Shaun do that... and plus Im not a school person. I more of the arts type. But not an artist. So where do I fit in the education world. I have to say I pride myself on my creative mind. But faith with out works is dead. So my NIUDESIGN INC is still in my brain because I haven't done a thing to make myself public. So right now my services are FREE.

I think what I want is to be my own boss. Because I want to be able to always tell my children that YES I can make it to all your functions. I dont want to have to ask someone for time off to go. But that is a life that I cant afford right now. So Ive sucked it up and turned in my first app. Lets pray I get me act together and make my brain child NIUDESIGN INC come to life. Wish me luck.

And if thats the worst thing... think of all the nice things I should hear him say.LOL.

CAN YOU SMELL THAT?!?

2011-08-16T12:22:00.000-07:00

Its football in the air. I took a great big breath and desisted that I love this time of the year. THIS IS MY CHRISTMAS…

Last year my football heart was thrown on the ground and smushed like the ulu’s that fall off my tree and splatter all over my drive way. I was crushed first because my brother wasn’t playing due to injure, then just when I thought the cowboys couldn’t get any worse they did and then to top it all off Kahuku got DQ from the OIA championship game. Which meant No state champs for us. Im sorry but you can throw that honorary state championship plaque in the laie loa pond next to foodland cause it doesn’t mean a thing…

So this year Im so pumped not going to linger on the past… Not going to recent some of the coaches and there decisions… Not going to swear at other peoples kids cause they missed a tackle or dropped a pass or never move there feet or because they when clip and the touchdown got called back… Im going to be POSITIVE!!! Yes you heard it RIGHT… IM going to be using what teachers call Positive reinforcement!! And it better work or Im going back to my old ways.

The first light of football for me was the Kahuku Waianae game and to sum it up. We did all right. There were high’s and lows. There are a lot of injures which in a contact sport you have to expect, But that’s why there’s back up’s or in football terms strings.. So my biggest concern with Kahuku is that there not prepping there back ups for action. I love that my nephew Beni plays both ways and he’s done it all his life. He did it last year and it worked But not everyone is cut out for that kind of play. So I ask Please play the 2nd and 3rd string you never never ever going to teach them if they don’t get to play. Especially on games where you already know you’ve won and you don’t want to wear out your starters or worse get them hurt. I am not a coach so I might be all wrong. So in that case don’t mind me.lol

So now brings on my Brother Nai Fotu…. Nai Nai Nai has dyed his hair red. I have to admit his kind missing some screws up there But that what I love about him. On the field he’s Fearless and Relentless. He would never back down from a fight. I love to watch him play when he has his game face on. Off the field he is the nicest guy. Some people don’t understand how to separate the two, not some people just mostly BYU fans. But this is his last year and Ive never watched him play before. So heres my chance to not only watch him play at a college level But also GO TO USC for a football game. Im on cloud nine right now. Got my bags packed and ready to go… only set back is I have to take ShaDen  hehehehehe.

So lets just say that football is my favorite scent and its in the air… Not the locker room smell that’s gross But nice new football smell…lol.

My small kine problems….

2011-07-20T19:35:00.001-07:00

A lot of times I sit her and think WHY ME! But when I listen to others problems like REAL Problems… Not like me wondering why its so hard to find Hawaiian miles to get 2 tickets to the USC game. Yeah Big Problem…

This past Saturday I visited with my cousin who is fighting cancer. She had just recently found out and has a hard road in front of her, But yet she had ask how I was doing. She was happy and upbeat. She is what I say Living life to its fullest. She may not be jumping of cliffs or traveling the world, but she is savoring every moment of every day.

I left there feeling like she had comforted me instead of the other way around. She has squared up with both fists ready to fight this battle she has in front of her. She and others like her are my Idol!!!

Kahi I stand up to cancer for YOU!!!

Loss of a love one...

2011-06-11T22:19:00.000-07:00

Death has so many different shades of emotions that effect us... Death has so many different faces... It doesn't discriminate on age, size, color or the way it presents it self to you or our love ones...

Ive felt and seen every different emotional shade of Gray's and whites.Death, all though sad and hard is apart of the plan of salvation. But its still a hard pill to swallow at times. Even our Late Prophet Gordon B. Hinkley mourned the loss of his wife, Not that he was afraid or scared, it was her physical absents that he missed. It was a simple glimpse at true and unwavering love. He know he would be with her, But missed her all the same...

Ive learned allot by watching him and know how to handle my grief of a loss one who really isn't loss just physically absent. So I smile tho my heart is breaking and know in my heart that this to shall pass and if we CTR we shall be in the presents of our Heavenly Father, As well as those who have gone before us and those who will follow, Because death is part of the Lords plan.

Everyone Dies, But not everyone LIVES!!!

Hey!!!HEY!!!Hey!!!

2011-06-09T17:45:00.001-07:00

So Ive been neglecting my Blog for way to long. So much has happened since Ive last wrote. Lost 40 pounds, Lost a love one, Lost a child in Disneyland, lost my mind a couple of times... but with all of life's lessons I came away stronger and healthy in heart, mind and BODY... Well Im still working on the body parts.hehehehe. Just letting peeps know that IM BACK!!! I will start with backing it up and starting from where I left off...

So for now til we read again...

To much Sassy not enough SLIM

2011-01-31T09:40:00.000-08:00

So I just got into these essential oils from a company called DoTerra, Please look it up. There great for everything to do with life!!! Penny Toilolo got me into this and at first I was like yeah right oils!!! She's going crazy, But I sat and listen and then really thought about it. We put so much man made crap into our bodies why not try a natural subsequent first and if that doesnt work we always have the good ol doctors:) So I said give me something to clam ShaDen down at night, So she like here this is some lavender rub it on his feet after his night time bath. So I do it and it clams him but he still doesnt sleep til 1am. I remember them saying everyone takes the oils differently, So the next night I rub it on his chest and his back. I Swear within 10 min he was out. Since then we have gotten him to sleep at 9pm. Now that he has his sleeping patterns down we dont have to use the oils, Only if we are trying to calm him down:) From then on I was like okay Im game...

DoTerra has this oil called SLIM N SASSY!!! PG guy's... Its to help you lose weight. Well they just launched a kit of shakes, terrazyme to help digest food, zendecrine to detoxify your body and of cousr the slim n sassy oil. But they also started a weight loss challenge!!! OMG, I dont care what the prize is I heard CHALLENGE I was like sign me up. So theres a bunch of us doing it. Penny-who really has not fat on her body:), Vili,Nihi, Ipo and I think lisa and her husband.

I have to say at first this was about the compitition. There goes my competitive ego rearing its ugly head, But the first couple of days I found myself changing. This is to help better my way of life. I need a change for the better and thanks to doterra Ive started it and Im glad its now and not when I have to do it because somethings wrong with me.

I will not put up my weight Cause its was down right gross!!! But I will tell you that Im on the Slim n Sassy oil, Terrazyme and doing the detox with the zendecrine. (OKAY I MIGHT BE SPELLING THE NAMES LIKE WRONG) and Ive lost 11 pounds in 1 1/2 weeks:) But now Im scared to go and look at the scale before it says you've gained it all back.lol. But Im going to milk this for all that its worth.lol. Wish me luck, the challenge ends April.

Day 19: Regret

2010-10-27T00:53:00.001-07:00

The one thing that I Regret in my life is not being a good sibling. I catch myself even now doing it. I cant preach to my children to love there brothers and sisters when I never showed my brothers and sisters that I loved them. I do love them and will do anything for them, But I showed it in a tough love kind of way. Thats just the way I am, But when it comes to serving others Im willing and ready. I needed to be that for them, Im trying my best to be better now, But will it ever be enough for them to forget??? Only time will tell If Ive changed the way there hearts see me:(

Day 18: My Fav. Birthday

2010-10-27T00:47:00.000-07:00

My Fav. birthday as a single girl was my 15th Birthday. My Friends came to my house before Volleyball practice and we order pizza and danced around like fools. But it was also my worst display as a sister, Because I made my sister Alberta wait in the room while we had a blast. She will never forget that and I would love for her too.

My Fav. Birthday as an Adult was my 26th birthday, When my friends and I went out to eat at Cheesecake factory. Shaun had gotten me a new camera, But that broke in a week and so I had to get another one:) Simple things...LOL...

Day 17: My Fav. Memory...

2010-10-27T00:40:00.002-07:00

One of the best memories I have of my childhood is playing Volleyball down the street at the Sika's House. Kawehi, Kaui, Pewa, Kahiki, Megan, Linole, Some times brennan, Ashton, Kapuu, OMG and I cant forget angie and Nene!!!

Who ever where the stars of the UH wahine Volleyball team we would call out and be or more like kawehi would tell us who we were and we would have to play that position. Doest even matter that I was 5'5", I was Jocelyn Robins. Which is funny Cause she and I are great friends now and Her last name is Akana and she married my cousin.

Good times:) on Melehaku Street!!!

Day 16: My First kiss...

2010-10-27T00:40:00.001-07:00

PASS...LOL...

Day 15th: MY DREAM:)

2010-10-25T11:16:00.000-07:00

When I was younger I us to dream of moving far far far away from Laie and going to college to become a physical theripist or a make it on the USA Volleyball team. Nether of those things happened. but that doesnt mean that I feel any lose in the way my life has turned out.

I love laie and think that I probably will die here in Laie. I got married young and that helps me keep up with my 5 crazy kids that I have. Bring a stay at home mom my dreams in life here on earth has changed over time.

My Dreams are helping my kids with achiving there's and helping teach them the gospel of Jesus christ.

My Dreams for myself now is to someday make enough money to have Shaun stay home for a change. I would like to ow my own business. Something along the lines of party planning. Im starting off with invites and posters. Thats a start. When I reach it You'll all know.LOL.

Day 14: What I wore Today?

2010-10-25T11:14:00.000-07:00

Ill just tell you what Im wearing now. My Utah Football shorts my brother gave Shaun, But saddly I fit and an Orange Tshirt with some mans face on it, Who I think might be bill gates.

Day 13: This week:) I know IM FIRED!!!

2010-10-25T11:11:00.000-07:00

That week was pretty crazy Because it was Haunted Lagoon and volleyball games and Football games and to top it off the 15th of October is my birthday:) I was also trying to get my tshirts jump started!!! So that was my week.

Day 12: Whats in my bag!!!

2010-10-12T13:06:00.000-07:00

I dont carry bags around because I dont carry my wallet often, Because there's no money in it.LOL. But I do have a church bag and this is what Ive discovered in it...

1.RS sec. binder
1.Clip board with the roll on it.
2.smashed chocolate chip cookies that I just handed to ShaDen for BF.
4.Pens that dont work.
2.Lesson manuals
1.Mini church hymn book
1.Lip gloss
1.Lip liner
and alot of crumbs!!!

Day 11: My Braddah's and Sister's

2010-10-12T12:48:00.000-07:00

My family is a big bowl of aiaga's famous chop suey!!! I have so siblings sometimes I forget there names and faces:) HEHEHEHE...

in las vegas theres Kui,koa,haoli and pua

in Hauula theres Kekai,Omi and Kimo

in Kaneohe is Esera

in Kahuku in Alani and Sione

in ewa is Alberta

in Tonga theres meti

and last but no least there's my little big brother Nai in Utah. Dont tell anyone but he's my fav. out of the bunch.

Were alot of different But just like chop suey it just taste so right:) I love my brothers and sisters and could ask for a better family.

Day 10: What I wore!!!

2010-10-12T12:47:00.001-07:00

Nothing!! LOL. Nah, My Kamehameha football state champ tshirt:) some to tight for me heath blue jeans, reef slippers and a mean look on my face...

Day 9: Me LDS!!!

2010-10-09T11:06:00.000-07:00

I have a wonderful testimony of The truthfulness if the church of Jesus Christ of Latter day saints.

-I believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.
-I believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression.
-I believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.
-I believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the fremission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.
-I believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.
-I believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.
-I believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.
-I believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.
-I believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.
-I believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.
-I claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.
-I believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.
-I believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.

AMEN!!!

Day 8: A moment?!?

2010-10-08T11:29:00.000-07:00

Little acts of Service from Little people...

Everyone knows my best friend Davis use to come a visit me everyday. He would pop he's head in and say " Hi, Vina! What you doing?". Well one day I Answered "Decorating the house Because its ShaRae's Birthday!" Davis says with the biggest grin on his face " I can Help you"

We made a Happy Birthday sign which he put the tapes on the back, Put up Balloons and streamers. While working he started to shake his hands up and down really fast. being that he had heart problems I started to freak out and said " Davis are you okay?" He smiles and says " Im so happy, Because Im helping"

If we could all be as Happy as my little friend while doing service the world would be a much better place to live in. And remember no service is to small to make an impact in some one's life. This is a moment that I hope never to forget.

I love and miss you DayDay!!!

Day 7: My BFF

2010-10-07T14:40:00.000-07:00

Ive been very lucky to have had alot of best friends in my life. Some Ive known all my life, Some have only been in my life for s short while, Some im not so close to But still remember Are Bestie moments and some have passed on.

Ill start with the ones that I have known all my life. My grandparents where probably my bestfriends for the start. They were always there when ever I need something. I talk to them as if were the same age and sometimes we talk like our roles are switched, Cause those to can get crazy:) Aiaga and Lilo are my bestfriends for the start.

Now that its been 12 years since Ive been out of school. Ive thought about the people that I hung out with and who i would call a bestfriend. When I was in K-4th grade I remember Kerrianne Camit being my bestfriend and then I ate her Peanut butter roll and we had a falling out. You may think its a small thing, But have you ever tasted the Hawaii Public school lunch peanut Better rolls. There to die for or lose a bestfriend over. Were still friends today.

Then theres my childhood friends that Ive had... My next door neighbors Katrina Tailele, Angie and Nene Soilai, Kawehi, Kaui and Brennan Sika, Juaul and Summer Tausoga, Edna Tapusoa, Megan and Kahiki Kahawaii, and Jennifer and Nichole Kajiama. These names have shared some of my best memories and some that I think we all would love to forget. Laie childhood is rear and hard to come by. Where in the world could you play from 6am to 9pm at night and never go hungry. where in the world can you find 60 kids that live on your street and share your same standers and beliefs? I love growing up here and thats why I chose to be poor here and give my children a Laie upbringing:)

In high school I kind of ran with alot of different people. Some influenced me for the good and others ummm yeah!!! Marina was my best friend in high school and so she ws my made of honor when I got married:) Ive had alot of very great friendships that I still carry on today from my 6 years at the BEST HIGH on this earth.

There's alos my best cousins... theres so many that Ill only name a few... Maliana and Tagi Galeai were like sisters to me growing up.I ues to sneak to there house everyday. Down the back steps across the tailele's front yard and crawling on the side of kajiama's bushes:) Then there's my damuni's. The damunis were like my brothers and sisters from another mother. Our grandparents were bestfriends and our parents were bestfriends and we were born bestfrineds. There my sass's through and thorough. I love love them so.

Then there's my peep's like Maafu, Who is the only guy that can sleep on my couch and someone that I always have a blast with no matter where we are.

I am truly blessed to have so many bestfriends that I cant even name them all. I hope they all know how much I do appreciate there effect on my life.

Day 6: My day

2010-10-07T01:03:00.000-07:00

Today I got up early did some Laundry, Cooked the kids BF, Made Musubi's for our lunch for the day, Got everyone ready to head on down to the Swap Meet, Waikiki aquarium and the Beach. We got a good deal on Ukelele's $45 with the case's. I remember why I only go to the swap meet if I really really have too. Then we head on down to the Waikiki Aquarium were the kids had a blast. We havent done things with just our family in forever. I think it might have been 3 years ago right before ShaDen was born. We were suppose to go to the famous Waikiki Beach, But being spoiled and all with the beaches here we came back a took the kids the alligator pond. Now Shaun is off to stake meetings, ShaRae and ShaLi went to work the Haunted Lagoon and the rest of us are watching Jumanji and eating pizza. That was my day today.

Being that Im a proud Stay at home mom most of My days are spent doing everything but my motherly duties. Man, I always get the "DANG! For a stay at home mom your never home!" Duh, I do have a life. But really most of the time Im reading my book in my room not answering the phone. Ive never been into reading, But now its my hobby. Ive slowed down cause its was getting out of hand. Where I was buying 2-3 books a week and going through a book a day. I love to cook when Im in the mood. I can make a mean Pupu Chicken:) But Im alot of laziness and more times then not Ive gone out to find dinner, lunch and maybe even BF:( but Im turning a new leaf and trying to be a better stay at home Mother. Ill let you know how that goes.

My Perfect day would be getting up to a rainy day where Id read for about 1 hour before even getting up to brush my teeth. Hearing nothing but nice things coming out of my families mouth's as they get ready for the day. Take my children to the beach all day and then watch a movie. Any movie with Tsunami Popcorn. Thats Li Hing Mui, Nori and Muchi Crunch:) That would be my perfect day.

And thats, and thats and thats all forks!!!

Day 5: My definition of love

2010-10-06T02:37:00.000-07:00

Heres a Quote from one of my Fav. Books StarGirl:

"You be you and I'll be me, today and today and today, and let's trust the future to tomorrow. Let the stars keep track of us. let us ride our own orbits and trust that they will meet. May our reunion be not a finding but a sweet collision of destinies! Love and Love and Love Again, Stargirl."

I like to think of love as a rollacoster ride. Sometimes were on high's and sometimes were on lows, Sometimes were in between the highs and the lows and sometimes it can be a down ward spiral or were going around in circles not knowing which way is right or left and then in the end if there is faith that you will survivor. WAHHHHLAHHHHH you've straighten out and everything is okay. UNtil you get on again? But throughout the whole ride, Your never alone... Theres your Sweet Collision of destiny, Hoping not to collied with the ground.

The easiest way to tell you what I think love means is by taking lyrics from songs that makes me feel love in all its highs,lows,In between and Circles. That means love at its greats moments and at its deepest despair.

"I believe in you
You know the door to my very soul
Youre the light in my deepest darkest hour
Youre my saviour when I fall
And you may not think
I care for you
When you know down inside
That I really do
And its me you need to show
How deep is your love?"
-How deep is your love-BeeGees

A plea to understand how much one loves another...

I keep on fallin' in and out of love with you
Sometimes I love you
Sometimes you make me blue
Sometimes I feel good
At times I feel used
Loving you darling
Makes me so confused
-Fallen-alicia Keys

This is my back and forth song. Oh "Back Back Forth and Forth..." remember that Jam. Hello!!! Alvina!!! The one that you love the most can some times be the one that hurts you the most. I only know that it know true love sometimes you must feel true pain to recognize LOVE. But so are lucky and get hit with the love stick and never feel pain. BUT, what hurts us might not hurt someone else and what hurts them might not hurt us.

At the end of the day its up to you if you want to fall right back to into that same love.

In the arms of an Angel, fly away from here
From this dark, cold hotel room, and the endlessness that you fear
You are pulled from the wreckage of your silent reverie
You're in the arms of an Angel; may you find some comfort here
-In the arms of an Angel-Sarah MaLachlan

This is my Loss love song. When ever I hear this I cry and think of all the people that have already passed on. NOt so much morning them, More just a longing for the physical absence that I feel. Most of the time its helps me have faith in the Lords Plan of salvation, Because it reminds me that They still live and await to welcome us on our day. Thanks to our Savior Jesus Christ.

Just gonna stand there
And watch me burn
But that's alright
Because I like
The way it hurts
Just gonna stand there
And hear me cry
But that's alright
Because I love
The way you lie
I love the way you lie
I love the way you lie

You ever love somebody so much
You can barely breathe
When you're with them
You meet
And neither one of you
Even know what hit 'em
Got that warm fuzzy feeling
Yeah them chills
Used to get 'em
Now you're getting fucking sick
Of looking at 'em
You swore you've never hit 'em
Never do nothing to hurt 'em
Now you're in each other's face
Spewing venom
And these words
When you spit 'em
You push
Pull each other's hair
Scratch, claw, bit 'em
Throw 'em down
-Love the way you Lie-Rhianna and M&M

This is a dangerous kind of Love. The one that everyone gets hurt and no one wins. Actually its not love at all its more of Obsession or mental illness, But some People see this as love. It breaks my heart. I never said Love was all pretty in pink. Its sometimes down right filthy beyond comprehension and no matter how much you try to was it off, It just takes time to clean this kind of love off your heart, mind and soul.

You can be the peanut butter to my jelly
You can be the butterflies I feel in my belly
You can be the captain and I can be your first mate
You can be the chills that I feel on our first date

You can be the hero and I can be your side kick
You can be the tear that I cry if we ever split
You can be the rain from the cloud when it's stormin'
Or you can be the sun when it shines in the mornin'

Cause your the one for me (for me)
And I'm the one for you (for you)
You take the both of us (of us)
And we're the perfect two

We're the perfect two
We're the perfect two
Baby me and you
We're the perfect two
-Perfect two-Auburn

These Last 3 songs are song that I think describes the Love that I have with Shaun. Perfect two...Were totally opposites. When we go to vote its a waste of time, Because we cancel each others vote out all the time, But thats the great thing about be opposites is because some how some way we attracted. He is definitely my coconut milk for my lupulu.LOL.

Across the water across the deep blue ocean
Under the open sky oh my, baby I'm trying
Yeah I hear you in my dreams
I hear your whisper across the sea
I keep you with me in my heart
You make it easier when life gets hard

I'm lucky I'm in love with my best friend
Lucky to have been where I have been
Lucky to be coming home again
Oooohhhhoohhhhohhooohhooohhooohoooh

They don't know how long it takes
Waiting for a love like this
Every time we say goodbye
I wish we had one more kiss
I wait for you I promise you, I will
-Lucky-Jason Mraz&CollieCallit

Luck Im in Love with my best friend. We are very good friends. When we fight I think we fight more on the friends side then as husband and wife and thats harder on the both of us cause we both hate hate hate being wrong. And thats why we LOVE LOVE LOVE Google Because its saved our marriage time and time again from all the "No, you dont even know what your talking about?" "No you dont know" NOw if theres a questions GOOGLE IT!!! But just like true best friends we always find our way back to being BFF's.

She’s my sunshine in the rain
My Tylenol when I'm in pain yeah
Let me tell you what she means to me
Like a tall glass of lemonade
When it’s burnin’ hot on summer days
She’s exactly what I need

Chorus
She’s soothing like the ocean rushing on the sand
She takes care of me
And she helps me be a better man
She’s so beautiful, sometimes I close my eyes
She’s exactly what I need

She’s my smile when I’m feelin’ blue
My good night sleep when the day is through
Let me tell you what she means to me
(She’s kinda like this)
Kinda like the feelin’ after your first kiss
Except that Everyday she makes me feel like this
She’s exactly what I need
-Lemonade-Passion

This last song is by far my favorite Love song. It is very simple and real. Just like I think Love should be to people. SIMPLE AND REAL. This love he talks about is one of selflessness, comfort, safety, shelter, and making you a better person. Ive always love that about Shaun, He helps me become and better person and I hope I've done the same with him.

Love,Love,Love...A.NIU

Day 4: What I ate today?

2010-10-04T21:10:00.000-07:00

This is a scary one. Id rather do dare if this is a truth or dare moment in life. Let me jump off pali look out before I tell you want I shovel into my mouth everyday.LOL. No one said that a Challenge would be easy or a cake walk. Ummmmmmmmm, Cake that sounds pretty enticing right now. Anyways, Back to the task at hand.

10am- 1 Scoop of White Rice
3 Pc. of bacon
3 Pc. of Pr. Sausage
2 Egg Whites

12pm- Apple and Caramelized Walnut salad.

5pm- In Hawaii we have this thing called BIG MAC MONDAYS and Shaun insist that he has to eat there because If you buy a Big mac meal they give you a free big mac, But the offer is only goo during UH football season and only on Mondays. I love big mac so we share the meal.

#1 with a Diet Coke and fries.

Its only 6pm so whatever I eat after posting this YOU SHALL NEVER KNOW:) Think Ive already given out TMI:)

Day 3: My Parents

2010-10-04T20:51:00.000-07:00

What is a parent?

in the webster dictionary is states

par·ent
Pronunciation: \ˈper-ənt\
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin parent-, parens; akin to Latin parere to give birth to
Date: 15th century
1
a : one that begets or brings forth offspring b : a person who brings up and cares for another

I was born to Florence Leanoano Galeai and Pua Letoa. These are the people who brought froth me as there offspring. Remember how I said some people arent meant to be your forever, Well he's an example.

If you look at definition B. i like that one better, Because I was raised by my mom and Dad Florence and Timote Fotu. Before my mother went on her mission my Dad timote was her boyfriend. But when she came back things changed and he had married another and she had fallen for Pua Letoa. They had children from others, which is probably why they need that time apart. So time went by and a young age my dad came into my life. He has raised us and provided for us they way a father should. I really think he's my mothers First love and her forever.

My Mom is a great dancer and she hates when i tease her that she was on 2 of the PCC video's cause you can go and watch which ones and guess her age. She is the daughter of Lemaefe Lilomaiava Galeai and Aiaiaga Esera Tutele Galeai. She was born and raised here in laie and has 5 brothers and 2 sisters.

My dad Timote aka Tim Martin is a Jack of all trades. He is a Iate worker, Singer, Farmer and the best grandfather grandchildren can ask for. He was born in tonga to Malakai Male Fotu and Otaota Finau Fotu. He has 5 Brothers and 2 sisters. He loves spending time with his grandchildren and watching my brother Nai play football at the U.

These to are 10 much sometimes. I swear. But i wouldn't have it any other way.

Blogging Challenge

2010-10-04T20:39:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Iwa and neena Ive started doing this challenge and already crashed a burned, But will redeem myself right now. For those of you who wanted to know what the challenge is here you go!!!

Wednesday, August 25, 2010Blog Challenge Coming
For faithful bloggers... here's a challenge that will help you in topic selection.

I have probably talked about all the topics on here before but I'm sure there's more to be told, more to be purged from the recesses of my mind! I am going to start this on September 1st, 2010. I wonder -- are any of you up for the challenge?

Day 01 – Introduce yourself
Day 02 – Your first love
Day 03 – Your parents
Day 04 – What you ate today
Day 05 – Your definition of love
Day 06 – Your day
Day 07 – Your best friend
Day 08 – A moment
Day 09 – Your beliefs
Day 10 – What you wore today
Day 11 – Your siblings
Day 12 – What’s in your bag
Day 13 – This week
Day 14 – What you wore today
Day 15 – Your dreams
Day 16 – Your first kiss
Day 17 – Your favorite memory
Day 18 – Your favorite birthday
Day 19 – Something you regret
Day 20 – This month
Day 21 – Another moment
Day 22 – Something that upsets you
Day 23 – Something that makes you feel better
Day 24 – Something that makes you cry
Day 25 – A first
Day 26 – Your fears
Day 27 – Your favorite place
Day 28 – Something that you miss
Day 29 – Your aspirations
Day 30 – One last moment

Day 2: My First Love:)

2010-10-03T19:46:00.000-07:00

My first Crush was this guy in Hauula(Who shall remain Nameless:) when I was in 7th grade. He had this really deep voice that I loved, But more so I was intrigued by the Hauula boy, Cause if you all know Hauula and Laie has its riff's. Not so much anymore, But you all know how much Ive rebelled:)I use to call the pay phone at hauula school to talk to him But I dont even think we talked that much. After about 2 months of that it was over and so far so good.

Ive had my fair share of really good friends. Some better friends then others. I live by that fact that some people are meant to be temporary and others your forever. And Im happy to say that I found my forever, early in my life. Maybe to early.LOL.

My first Love is my Husband. You must think she's making that up, But really we met so young and got married so young that he was my first and only LOVE. Liking alot is not Loving someone and just love for someone is way different from being in love with someone. I liked him, and then I liked him alot and I knew I loved him and when we got married I was in love with him. Cause really what does to naughty teens know about Love. We've had to grow up with eachother and learn to truly be in love with one another. He's my forever.

I love a good challenge!!!

2010-10-01T19:13:00.000-07:00

So Iwa Iwa Leger all the way from Samoa has got me started on this BLOG CHALLENGE and I cant pass it up:) Lets just hope at the end of this I haven't air all my dirty laundry for the whole world wide web to read.LOL.

Day One:

Aloha, My name is Alvina Malae-ole-ma Niu. Hence the A.Niu:) I am alot of things which range from crazy awesome to Oh! Hell no did she really do that? Lucky me that I have lived a blessed childhood here on the north shore of Oahu and are grateful to my husband that we have thus far been able to so the same for our children. Just for the record IVE NEVER LIVED ANYWHERE OTHER THEN LAIE and I love it that way. Im and stay at home mom, trying to figure out what a stay at home mom is suppose to do? after 11 years of being one.LOL. I rendering service to others, Because I know for a fact that I will be blessed some way or another. Not much on talents, other then wasting time on the computer:) Tell me a little about yourself.

WHERE's My Slippers!!!

2010-09-29T10:58:00.000-07:00

Here in Hawaii we have this custom similar to the Japanese about leaving your shoes outside. Well because we are the state that wheres slippers to everything from school to even prom, its mostly slippers you'll find outside a Hawaii home. Well there's this unspoken rule of people coming with ugly cheap slippers and leaving with nice new ones. I have to admit when I was younger I have been known to trade up when I went to a big party. Dont to it anymore, because fro one I buy really nice slippers and get really pist when I get left with the crap slippers at the end of the function. But its funny to watch how you can walk into a place for just not even 30 sec and turn around and BAM, WHAM, thank you ma am your slippers are FA USO!!! Some lonely feet have found there home in them and it ain't yours.

This past week I saw this in action and it was crazy to watch, Because the people dont discriminate between women's slippers and sam store slippers. All they know its that they needed slippers to go where ever there feet would take them. So the trade up rule was out the window. There was one Case where someone took off there shoes walked about 2 feet into the house turned around and they were gone. I couldnt stop cracking up the whole time. It was like a broken record... " Hey WHERES MY SLIPPERS!!!" What could you do but laugh.

I had these reef slippers that cost me $30 and Ive had them forever. They were getting old so I guess it was time for a new pair. But I held my slippers for the whole 2 weeks and then on the last day, I went to the bathroom and there was one side But where did the other side go.LOL. Its all good Cause now I have a reason to buy me a new pair.

Tell me your story of you getting your slippers stolen???

WHO CUT THE CABLE!!!

2010-09-28T13:32:00.000-07:00

Shaun DID!!! I only get a bit crazy when its Thursday,Friday, and Sat. Cause thats when its FOOTBALL time for me and you all know how I love love love college football. Well since we only got the nice TV for watching Nai's games and the HD Cable for Watching Nai's games and the Cable was costing me $200 a month. SHAUN SAID "Since your brother is not playing this year, IM TURING THE CABLE OFF!"

What are you trying to do kill me? I was so depressed for about a week and then..... We discover Netflix's on my xbox!!! Ive been watching movies for days. Alot of people where into the Bollywood movies and HELL, Because of netflix so am I. I love how they dont have any of the scenes that need fast forwarding:)

OH, and even better i can watch HULU on my xbox. I could just kiss the guy that invented xbox live!!! He was so thinking of people like me. But dont get me wrong I still miss the FOOTBALL, thats about it. Everything else is just Superb!!!LOL

Birthdays just kep coming...

2010-09-27T21:09:00.000-07:00

Last Friday was ShaDen's 3rd birthday and guess what he wanted to do? Go watch Uncle ricky's show. Which is really PCC's HA show, But Im tired of fighting with him on that one. But Ricky just so happen to not be working that night, So we didn't go:( We made Brownies and waited for the older girls and Shaun Lahi to return from haunted Lagoon Practice. By the time they came home it was 11pm and lucky ShaDen was still awake to sing Happy Birthday. Shaun bought him a backyardigans Balloon and He loved it!!! We sang happy Birthday to him about 6 times. After each time he would blow out the candles and shaka to the cam.

ShaLi's Birthday was on the 8th of this month and all she wanted to do was eat at hot dog on a stick and have Ice cream at cold stone. Which was fine to me. I fell in love that night with an Ice Cream called " Mud Pie MOJO" its is a must try in your life time kind of thing.

I thought we suck and this whole birthday thing, cause my friends really go all out and celebrate ever birthday for each of there children, But here I am taking on to hot dog on a stick and the other singing to him 1 hour before his birthday is over.

But then I look at the pictures and Video that I took and they couldn't be happier. There smiles is all I needed to know that they got what they wanted and they were truly happy on there day of birth...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ShaCe, ShaLi and ShaDen

How much does love cost?

2010-09-03T14:55:00.001-07:00

Apparently a $10. Today is my 3rd child's 7th birthday and I got her like 10 $1 things from walmart. I thought she'd look at me like "YOU ARE THE LAMEST MOM IN THE WORLD!". But I gave it to her and she doesnt even go for the things in my hand... She hugs me and gives me the biggest smile and says " Mom your the best mom in the world, Thank you for remembering my birthday and I love bracelets thats exactly what I wanted! I really love you." I swear I just died right then a there. Its the thought that counts. I love you Meke for being you and making me a better person. Happy Birthday ShaCe Talameleke Marie Niu.

I love this picture of her. It was taken by the one and only Marianna Ah Quin. Please check out her photo blog she always does a great job with my family photos:) Makes us look sane.LOL. Thank Mari for all the pics

When the Saints Came marching into RED RAIDER COUNTRY!!!

2010-08-29T02:50:00.000-07:00

Last night was the first time St.Louis High School ever played on Kahuku soil? Please correct me if Im wrong:)

I took my two sons and my husband to the game. It cost us only $12, Because Shaun and ShaDen were free and that just left me and Shaun. My Girls stayed home to watch it on TV.

For me this was a had to be there game just because it was SAINT LOUIS!!! They were the pain in my WhoHAHAHA during football season. We would easily bypass everyone, But The CRUSADERS!!! And what made the taste in my mouth worst was when we'd lose by some stupid score like 21-20!!! WHAT THE HECK!!! So going to this game was a big deal. Even though Im a girl and never played football, I LOVE THE SPORT.

It wasnt looking hopeful the first half of the game. They did score after 2 plays. Im mean really!!! But things end with them marching home win less, Because 1, We are the Raiders, 2 We cant hear you, 3 a little louder, 4 more more more...

The end score was 49-27:) I was hoping I could get my sons to be like into the game, But nope, they were catching the kaka Roaches on the ground. What can you do... Keep it up RED RAIDERS!!!

3rd and 4th dont do chores, Are you Crazy!!!

2010-08-22T11:51:00.000-07:00

At the Niu home on the corner of Moana lived a boy name Shaun and a girl name ShaCe. Of 5 children the come in at 3rd and 4th. But being that there older sister ShaRae and ShaLi are about 3-4 years older then they are they pretty much get it easy when it comes to helping out around the house.

Most of the day ShaCe and Shaun play with there friends, Watch cartoons on TV or play on the computer with no clue that there are such horrible things called chores. When told that they have chores there faces look as if someone just said a bad word.

"Chores? What's that? Ive never eaten a chore?" says Shaun " Man, Why do we have to anything! Thats what ShaRae and ShaLi do. NOT ME! I dont know how?" cried ShaCe.

Well this Fall change was coming and they could smell it in the air. Or maybe it was the smell of Shaun putting Cheese under ShaLi's bed so she can have the cheese touch. regardless to say the tides of change is rolling into the Niu home.

August brought us our fairy God-Grandfather Named Sione Niu. On his visit to our humble home he notice that there were things to be fixed, things to be replaced, things to be thrown away, and things to be cleaned.( I take full accountability for that:) So he put the 5 children to work. Even little ShaDen, the youngest of the bunch has to do something.

But amazingly he gets ShaCe and Shaun to left not only 1 finger, But all ten!!! There mother and father was over joyed.

During there spring cleaning in the fall, there mother decide it was time to donate some clothes. When they started to sort them they both realized that their clothes where also being donated they started to cry

" Why do I have to give my clothes?"
" Look this still fits, I just wont zip it up!"
" If you give it away, What am I going to wear?'

There mother told them that when donating you only give what you cannot fit or things that you dont use anymore.

With a sigh of relief ShaCe and Shaun went back to work placing the clothes in trash bags. But then Shaun looks up and says

" Mom, How much money are we getting?"

"None, Son were donating it to the needy." says mom

" Okay, So is Needy going to give me money." says Shaun with a grin on his face

" Shaun, when you donate something you dont get money in return, But you do help people who might need help! and the Lord will bless you for your service!" Says Mom

" Well then were going to have alot of Blessing" Smiles Shaun.

and thats how my 3rd and my 4th started to do chores!!!

The Game iof Basketball Hates me...

2010-07-23T15:27:00.001-07:00

It really really hates me. First off my body hates me cause My mind is telling to do something, But my reaction is like 10 min. to late.

Its laie Days in good ol' Laie and they use to have a 5 on 5 tourney, But because of I dont know to much fighting they changed it to 3 on 3 and for the first time in a hellva long time Im playing.

I thought I wasnt that bad at this sport in High School, But keep in mind that high school was 11 years ago and that was the last time I Played. So my skills suck big time. I have no skills. The basketball was just not my friend this past couple of days. HUH, But I am having crazy fun:)

My team is made up of all my cousin Harm, Lissa, Tina, Layna, Age, my sister alberta and my self. We got our shirts and there like a neon green like the construction workers and so were are "Tim martin's 'Iate Crew" hehehehe.

My body hates, Basketball hates me and Im going to hate myself after all of this:)

HAPPY LAIE DAYS...

Mary of Wairoa

2010-07-19T11:47:00.001-07:00

This day 10 years ago my Mother in Law passed away.

Mary Hamlin Pere Niu was born in Wairoa, New Zealand. She came her to visited her Brother Baden Pere and stayed to attend school at what was Church college of Hawaii back then, Better Known as BYU-Hawaii. There she meet my Father in Law Sione Tupou Niu Sr.

They had 6 Children David, LaRae, Sione Jr., Chantelle and Shannon and finally Shaun. My husband is the youngest of the bunch.

Before my mother in law passed I got to spend alot of time with her. She was very proper even at a young age Uncle Baden says. She was a very shy person. She hated speaking in front of people. which was funny cause she was called to be the Relief society president like twice. When she'd teach in RS she would say " hope people have alot of Answers to my questions, not more questions for me to answer"

Mary got to see alot of the world. Her daughter LaRae use to work for the airlines and her parents got to fly free. I believe they've been to China, Israel, Bahama's,Mexico, the south Pacific and that pretty much all I know. Shaun said his parent were very good at taking them on vacations. I got to go with my in laws to Utah and Cali. We were suppose to go to Cali. But my mother in law over heard me say that Ive never been to Disneyland and the next thing I know were all Singing "its a small world after all". Bless her heart. I had to get married for someone to take me to Disneyland.

She loved her grandchildren. She loved ShaRae and would call her "Fatty". She was Chubby. As young parents Shaun and I had no clue of how hard it would be to raise a kid. The first month she would knock on the door at about 7am and ask if she can feed ShaRae. With 5 children I realize how much for a break that was for me and hope she knows how much I appreciate her, Because that first 6 months were so new to me. I moved out of my house, got married and had a baby. I was scared out of my mind, But she helped alot more then I ever told her.

Its been 10 years and my husband still misses his mom as if it was yesterday that she passed. The only difference is he hides it well.I dont know if its a good thing or a bad thing. She would of been very proud of the Man that he's become and has yet to become. I love her so much for giving me my husband.

and thats some of the memories of My Mary of wairoa...

How Important is the ULU???

2010-07-08T13:31:00.000-07:00

Being that I live in the country of Hawaii nei, I have an Ulu tree better known as the breadfruit tree.

To Samoans this is like Gold and you dont let just anyone pick it. My grandma is the Ulu police in Laie. i swear she counts every ones Ulu's. One time she chased some people away from her house who where trying to pick her Ulu without asking. Then she followed them my house and chase them away from there. Then they went to my brother in laws house and she chased them away from there. Finally they ended up at my Uncle Tipa's house and the guys says " What! How many houses do you own!" She says " All of them!!! So get out or Im calling the police!" LOL.

So the other day My Uncle Misi comes to pick my Ulu and he was like " Did someone pick your Ulu?" I said " I think so, I was a church when they did:(" He says... " Church is not important. watching the Ulu's is more Important."

I couldn't stop cracking up that whole day. So I guys to some Ulu is worth GOLD!!! To some, Not me, Cause they just fall on the ground and guess who has to pick them up. YUP! ME, not them:)

Thank you for my freedom...

2010-07-03T12:49:00.000-07:00

ALUMITA, LULU, UNCLE APENISA and 1% of the USA population. Thank you for the freedom that I have to get up each morning and freely do as I please. Freedom is not free at all, Its comes at life's high cost. HAPPY 4TH of JULY!!!

The Last Air Bender...

2010-07-02T13:43:00.001-07:00

About 2 years ago I let the cyber world know what a dork I really am and blogged about this cartoon that I loved and watched with out any kids in sight. It was called the Avatar, The Last Air bender. I had to get my kids to watch it so I wouldnt feel stupid waiting for it to come on. So we watched faithfully and all fell in love with Ang and his fellow benders.

So when I heard there where making it into a movie I was crazy stocked!!! I screamed like a 13 year old girl when i saw the trailer during the preview of prince of Persia:) My kids were so embarrassed.

We took our kids last night to watch it in 3D and they loved it. Children have a way of blocking out that they already know whats going to happen. So while sitting there I keep thinking, Where's this? Why didnt he put in that? Who's that? What I should of been doing all along is thinking I was watching something for the first time.

Shaun wasnt really interested in the movie, But he came anyway. But when ShaDen didnt want to stay in the theater I had to get up and watch him outside!!! What was up with that? Then when we did leave Shaun says " That Sucked theres not really any 3D!" I was like if you felt like that you should of freaking stayed out side with ShaDen.HUH, Men... What can you do?

Heres my pros and Cons:

Pros:
1. I loved the bending. They really stayed true to the way it looks in the movie.
cant wait for the next book Cause its about the Earth Nation and I LOVE THE EARTH NATION!!!

2. I thought they casted pretty well. I know that some people are pissed because some of the cast is not of Asian descent, but come on that kid is so ang...

3.I freaked out when the BLUE SPIRIT came on screen, That is one of my fav. characters from the cartoon.

4.Thank you for staying true to the story line. I know some movies that are made from books often lose the true story that made it so lovable.

5. I loved how Ang;s Tattoo's GLOW!!! ShaDen's going to be Ang for Halloween!!!

CONS:
1. Hated the name changes!!! Im sorry He will always be AY-GAH.

2. Where the heck where the Kiyoshi warriors!!!

3. When filming the Fire Lord, there should be fire every where. He should be feared...

4. I know that this cartoon gets pretty dark at times, But you left out all the humor. Sukka is Hilarious in the cartoon.

5. Wished you made agn huge during the Northern water tribe fight.

And thats that...

I feel like the worst mother in the world...

2010-06-30T16:20:00.000-07:00

Today i cut my daughter ShaCe hair and forgot one thing...

I DONT KNOW HOW TO CUT HAIR!!!

But for some reason I was like I can do this myself, I dont need Shaun. But like ShaRae said " I dont understand why you cut it?" I said "Because I thought I could do it myself?" and she says with a grin " Well, you thought wrong and Dont touch my hair!"

Way to kick me when Im down ShaRae.

When I first started I just wanted to trim there hair and then one thing lead to another and her hair got chopped. she starts Balling and I start crying and call my husband who comes home to fix it.

While he's fixing her hair, He cant stop cracking up at the hack job I did on her hair. So I pinned it up real nice and she says " Thats okay mom it will grow back:)"

I really love my kids and there ability to forgive me for my short comings as a mother...

Midnight Movie for a party of 30+

2010-06-30T12:29:00.000-07:00

7:30pm. Leave my house with Sina, Kekai, Keanalei, Kekaila and James.IN the other car is Ipo, Kari, Wendy and Halona.

8:45pm.We reach koolau 10 theaters and can you say OPENING PRAYER!!! Nah we weren't the first but hell felt like it. So we got some Ninja Sushi and ate that a little bit to fast that my tummy was on fiyah.

9:00pm. Walking into the theater and realize that they assigned theaters!!! WTH is going on. So because we all had different ones, Sina asked her Hawaiian Aunty who was collecting the tickets " Come on aunty we cannot just go into 7?" and then Aunty says " Oh sure sistah you guys go:)"

9:10pm. We race to 7 and take up 3 rows. People look a us like they are not going to fill all those seats. (Flash Back to when we watched new moon- Me complaining about a lady saving 3 rows, Cause it just bothered me) Hell I was that Lady last night.

9:30pm. Sina and Halona put on the pre show of how the Volturi Fly to forks.

10:00pm. Sina greets People as they come in to the theater:)

10:30pm. Sharlene, Lei, her husband, Hii, Taliyah, Syble and there cousin show up. Yeah the seats are getting filled.

11:00pm. Keala, Penny, Kehau, Keala, Tehani and Nate and her kids arrive. and we play a short game of telephone where sina says " Everybody Dress up!" which is a dig to all of us Cause she's the only that was brave enough to dress up!!! She is my idol.

11:45pm. Group picture!!!

11:50pm. Halona asked when does the Movie start. I was rolling on the ground.

12:01am. Riley is on the screen freaking out.

And that was are night of waiting to watch the midnight showing of eclipse. It was way more fun, But my brain is functioning on half full this morning.

Eclipse...

2010-06-29T18:42:00.000-07:00

I went last year to the midnight showing and had a blast with my girls that i thought why not do it again, But this time theres a truck load of us going. I swear all our husbands are like are you guys for real, that movie is for teens:) But I'm more excited to be doing something together.

So thank you Stephenie Meyer for giving me an excuse to have a girls night out!!!

Happy Twilighting!!

The Utes are going to the PAC!!!

2010-06-28T00:50:00.000-07:00

OMG... Its like my Football dream come true, My brother will be playing in the PAC-10 in 2011... And Im am just going crazy. Due to his knee he will red shirt this year and play the first year the running ute will be running all over the PAC12? I love love college football. GO UTES!!!

Hosting Kanako,Nao and Reika

2010-06-25T22:06:00.000-07:00

Here in laie we get a chance to Host Japanese or Chinese students through BYU. I for one have never done it, But this time I had a couple of free beds, So I thought what the Heck, Give it a try.

It was really nice. Japanese people our very shy and these 3 girls where beyond Shy. It didn't help that there in a foreigner country and cant speak the language and can understand anything I said.But by the end of our stay together they got my craziness:)

My daughter ShaRae made a real connection with them and by the last night they were regular 16 year old kicking back outside Moan. st. with the rest of the teens:)

I think Ill try it out again...

Nephi's Prayer for us.

2010-06-24T12:59:00.000-07:00

So Ive reread 2 nephi, Cause ether I just couldn't get it or I was in the right state on mid to get it. But here the thing that touched me the most was that he truly cared for his people and us. His faith in Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father was never shaken. I hope that my faith can be that strong. He also was sadden that he couldn't speak his words to everyone for he knew that the holy ghost would carry his words in to the heart of man, But that's what the missionaries do. Don't they. Now I understand this verse means...

2Nephi 33:1
And now, I, Nephi, cannot write all the things which were taught amoung my people; neither am I mighty in writing, like unto speaking; for when a man speaketh by the power of the holy ghost the power of the holy ghost carrieth it unto the hearts of the children of men.

Okay and then he says.

12: And i pray that Father in the name of Christ that many of us, if not all. any be saved in his kingdom at the great and last day.

Thanks so much for praying Cause the Lord knows I need it.

May Day is Lei day in Hawaii....

2010-05-10T11:36:00.000-07:00

So this years May Day Season was filled with dances from all over the world. I attend 3 different May Days and have to say there is no other place in the world that puts on productions like the schools here on the North Shore. They have taken the concept of May Day and run with it. For Kahuku high school its turned in the a May Night which is held at the Polynesian Cultural center. There is always a Queen and Her King and there court. The Court represents each of the major Hawaiian Islands. With Color and Flowers that they show proudly. This always goes for the Elem entry schools. After the Court does there thing the other cultures like Fiji, Tonga, Maori and Tahiti get to show off there culture. Samoa was left out this year But Julius Tafiti did a great fire knife routine to represent for all the Samoans in our school:)

The Elementary school are a bit different. They do culture's from all over the world. Take Laie school: My 2 kindeys Shaun and ShaCe were flower children when beetle mania hit the world, ShaLi's 4th grade class did dance throughout USA history she was great doing her ragtime dance, and ShaRae's 5th grade classmates Did and awesome job with there Filipino bamboo dance. They also did a Coconut one and the candle dance. The others were Arabian nights, Greece, and Brazil.

Untill next year or maybe not. I can do without it:)

Me and Nephi

2010-05-10T11:19:00.000-07:00

The scriptures take on a whole new meaning when you read with the true intent to learn and understand. This is the first time that Ive ever gotten through all of 1st Nephi and could retell the story back to someone. Like who knew that Lehi had other son's while in the wilderness. Yeah, Everyone else that read the BOM. Just like when I really start to read the bible: Crazy because I was thought that the creation took about half a book, But by the 7th chapter in we've already hit Noah and the arch? I might be wrong on my guesstimating:) Dont get me wrong. Ive studied the scriptures before, But have never really read it in numerical order, Like Shaun says it should be readed. I heard some people start in the middle or go backwards. I just am taking my time and making sure I truly understand the meaning that the books mean. I always looked at those people who wrote in there scriptures like "your nuts who writes in their scriptures"... Well Im one of those people. I list atleast 1 scripture pre chapter that I like and write ether what I feel or get out of it. Its taking me a while to get throw this But Im really trying now and I hope that I get throw it before I die.hehehe

My two boys...

2010-05-02T23:22:00.000-07:00

The cutes thing ever happened tonight...

ShaDen started to build something with his blanket and said to his older brother Shaun " wanna come in my club house?" and his big brother said "Sure, But lets fix it so that it wont fall!"

I about cried. My children have be growning up so fast and I have to try and remember every moment:)

The greatest sound of the world to me is My children Laughing...

Me and The Book of Mormon

2010-04-29T13:31:00.000-07:00

So here's our history... I read the first couple of chapters and then just dont really pick them up again. Its very easy for me to read all these other book's about vampires, werewolfs, fallen angels and so on, But why is it so hard for me to pick up the books that I know are true to its very core and that can help me with my daily life? So Im really trying and to help me try harder im will be wrinting the verse's that I loved the most in each chapter:)

1Nephi 8:37

And he did exhort them then with all the feeling of a tender parent, that they would hearken to his words, that perhaps the Lord would be merciful to them, and not cast them off; yea, my father did preach unto them.

Love this because as parents we know what he is going through and here we thought we were the only one's that had " all the feeling of a tender parent"

1Nephi 9:6

But the Lord Knowth all things from the beginning; wherefore, he prepareth a way to accomplish all his work among the children of men; for behold, he hath all power unto the fulfilling of all his words. And thus it is. Amen.

All I have to know is that "The Lord Knowth". Something I may not know But he as my Heavely Father Knows best for all his children.

Wish me luck:)

My new things Ive done....

2010-04-29T11:38:00.000-07:00

I have been pretty slow on doing some of my work ,getting stuff off the ground with my photo shop and just getting started with what I wanna do as my career? Early this year I was just all about being better with getting myself out there, But that's how it always is the beginning of the year. Its now April and I still sitting here in the same position I was in then:)

Well Im working on my business cards. Ive gone my the name Coconut Creations for awhile, But now Im looking for a logo and make my business cards and all that jazz.

so here things that i have done in the mean time...

I read????

2010-04-15T22:16:00.001-07:00

Someone has taken over my body and apparently that person loves to read. I mean like read read... My husband is asking if I'm going throw some kind of depression, Cause he's never seen me read like this. Ive read books in the past, But not like how I read now. Here are just a few of the books that I have readed since Jan:

City of ashes
city of glass
city of bones
hunger games
catching fire
how to cook wild zuceennes
modest proposal
ever night
stargazer
hourglass
fallen
wings
her good name
lighting thief
sea of monsters
titans cures
battle of the labyrinth
last Olympian

and theres a few other that I cant remember. But who would of thought that I would be living in these fantasy lands and loving it. Stepheny Meyers look what you started...

Im now:) reading the Host and the fallen. I went from vampires to fallen angels:) But if you have any good reads that you think I would enjoy Holla at me, Cause Im waiting on the 3rd book to the hunger games which wont come out till Sept. IM DYING!!!!

Tuvils comes home....

2010-04-12T12:41:00.000-07:00

After a long a hard 2 years serving the Lord. Elder Tuvili Tuisavura was welcomed home with honor. He served in the Las Vegas North mission. The Damuni's and The Tuisavura's are like brothers and sisters to my family. When we get kicked out of one house we just go straight to the other house. We call eachother brother and sister. We drive eachother crazy, But thats just who and what we are to eachother. So my brother tuvilz served a mission for all of us. Thanks you brother and now its time to get married:) I bet your mom would just love that. LOL.

57 is a big number...

2010-03-09T14:00:00.000-08:00

But my dad looks nothing like he's age. I love my dad for the way he is with my children. He adores them as if they were his own. I always is being that grandparent tha is buy them what ever they want or letting them eat what ever they want or sleep when ever they want. He gives them that relationshhip that I dear not to have with them, Because parents first friends latter.

My sibilings and I are very lucky to have such hard wokring parents. I hope to someday be as hard working as they are, Cause to them Im just crusing through life while shaun does all the work. WHATEVER. Everyone needs support right:) Happy Birthday Timote Fotu... Wishing you many more to come.

ROOTZ ROCKAZ

2010-03-04T15:26:00.000-08:00

Our sleepy North Shore Country has very light when it comes to night life. Well if you count our PCC and BYUH Dances. But maybe 15 min down North you can find a little place that has bands come out a take over for a night or two.

So the Friday before the Tsunami warning day Shaun and I headed down to Haleiwa to a place called “Breakers”. Im told that it’s a bar that all the surfers have there functions at. My cousin Fano, Alex and Prezy Galeai were in a band when we were in High School with there friends Jonny Leiataua, Moses Feinga, and Clint Marieteragi. Well they have come back from there slumber and had there gig at Breakers.

I was Surprised!!! They were good. I mean good. There sound has grown up with them, But still has the local reggae feel that I so much adore. Im very glad Shaun and I went, because it was 15 minutes away from home and we got to dance with family and friends.

The Sounds of “ROOTZ ROCKAZ” (which is there bands name) will be hitting ITunes soon. Until then Ill just keep rockin’ the rootz…lol

Waimea + Volleyball = Pain

2010-02-26T13:53:00.000-08:00

(((Beach Volleyball at Waimea, Oahu, hawaii)))

My Dear Friends Sharlene Cravens has been bugging about playing beach ball at waimea in the dawn hours. Which sounds like great fun, But Im out of shape and haven’t played on the beach since I was pregnant with ShaRae? Cause Back then I could still pull of the rocking bikini top and long surf shorts. That was back then.

(((Mary(cravens)Nautu, Sharlene(Roberts)Cravens,Rebecca(Cravens)Fonoimoana and Keala(Nihipali)Tuioti getting the net set up.)))

But after giving my talk on that Sunday I thought what the heck. It’s not going to kill me if I go for a couple of games. Boy! Was I wrong?

First of I just have to mention that the CRAVENS have something in there DNA that makes them fit, never lack energy, and Awesome athletes. I believe its there Samoan side. But Being that Im Samoan go figure.

(((Miss. Mary just had a baby!!!)))

So we get there and it’s Beautiful with no one on the beach. I love Waimea and all its eye candy it has to offer me. I use to come here with friends to jump off the rock. Just sit and watch the waves or enjoy the big surf during the Eddie. But being there in the sun raise was better then all of that. Because it was like heaven on earth, which when we started playing Volleyball turned into Hell on earth for me.lol

I have to say that I was out of breath after the first 5 minutes of play, but it was lots of fun. Even if I felt like every inch of my body was screaming at me like “YOU ARE CRAZY!!!” … “WHO TOLD YOU TO PLAY!!!” My Volleyball loving heart kept me going and will keeping me going for more.

(((this is what my heaven looks like...)))

So if you’re passing Waimea on Furlough Fridays and see me flat faced on the ground Im not died I just missed the ball by 5 feet when diving for it.LOL. Gotta love the GAME

What I fear most!!!

2010-02-18T22:58:00.000-08:00

Speaking in Sacrament:) So our bishopric finally got us to speak in sacrament and I made it through without fainting. Just wanted to share with the world wide web my talk...

Brothers and Sister Aloha,

My family and I are very humble by this opportunity to speak in Sacrament today. Before I go on, we do have one other Child, who when asked if he want to say something just said NO! He’s name is ShaDen and he is 2 years old.

The Last time I spoke in Sacrament I was a senior in high school. I just mentioned it to someone 2 weeks ago how it’s been 12 years since I stood up here and from my mouth the Heavenly Father’s ears, with the help of the bishopric here we are. I’ve been very good at avoiding them, Like running down the hall and hiding in the bathroom or when they do find me, just like ShaDen say NO! It’s not that public speaking is a problem for me. As you all know. It’s just that most of the time I’m talking nonsense, But this time it has to be something of substance. So please bear with me. I feel very inadequate standing here before such strong people that have help strengthen my testimony over the years. I pray that the Lord will bless me and be with me to that I make sense and don’t fob out up here.

By now you know that our topic that we were given to speak on is found in Moroni 10:8, which speaks of the Spiritual Gifts that Heavenly father has blessed us with and not denying them.

I recently told my husband that I didn’t think I had a spiritual Gift. I know that I have talents that the Lord has Blessed me with, But a Spiritual gift like when your watching General Conference and you can almost see the speakers testimony glowing around them and you feel that what he or she is saying is the truth or when some one is teaching something that might go right over my head, But at the end of class I understood everything that was taught. I always thought they most have a gift.

Though my preparation for this talk I found out that not only was I blessed with a Spiritual Gift, but every one has also been blessed with a Spiritual gift or gifts. Some may not be the same as others, some may have more then others, some can be found in our patriarchal Blessing, but rest a sure God has Bless us with a Gift.

In D&C 46:11-12 is says “ For all have not every gift given unto them; for there are many gifts, and to every man is given by the Spirit of God”

“To some is given one, and to some is given another, that all may be profited thereby.”

Elder Marvin J. Ashton of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (1915–94) speaks of people like me who think they have not been given any talents or gifts. He States:

“One of the great tragedies of life, it seems to me, is when a person classifies himself as someone who has no talents or gifts. When, in disgust or discouragement, we allow ourselves to reach depressive levels of despair because of our demeaning self-appraisal, it is a sad day for us and a sad day in the eyes of God. For us to conclude that we have no gifts when we judge ourselves by stature, intelligence, grade-point average, wealth, power, position, or external appearance is not only unfair but unreasonable.”

Spiritual gifts are given as a blessing and benefit for those who love God and Keep his commandments. We Receive Spiritual Gifts through the Holy Ghost and just as the holy ghost these gifts will become absent when we do not keep the Lords commandments. These gifts of the spirit our given to us to Guide us, Enrich us, Strengthen our testimonies, Help others, Magnify our callings, Guild us in our relationships and they can bring comfort in times of trial.

Elder Ashton pointed out some less conspicuous but very important gifts: “the gift of asking; the gift of listening; the gift of hearing and using a still, small voice; the gift of being able to weep; the gift of avoiding contention; the gift of being agreeable; the gift of avoiding vain repetition; the gift of seeking that which is righteous; the gift of not passing judgment; the gift of looking to God for guidance; the gift of being a disciple; the gift of caring for others; the gift of being able to ponder; the gift of offering prayer; the gift of bearing a mighty testimony; and the gift of receiving the Holy Ghost.”

These are only a handful of the Lord’s Gifts, but I would like to focus on the GIFT OF CARING FOR OTHERS or THE GIFT OF CHARITY.

All my life I have grown up with 2 great examples of these gifts and they are my grandparents “ Lemaefe and Aiaiaga Galea’I”

From my earliest memories of them, I can remember my grandfather bringing home people who were stranded at the airport or my grandmother washing the missionaries clothes.

My Grandfather use to work at CCH . There he might a young Tongan student that had little to no money and no where to stay between semesters. If he couldn’t raise the money for his enrollment he would likely return to Tonga. My grandparents took him in to their home and soon found out that this young man had a talent or gift for fixing cars.

So my grandfather rounded up cars for him to fix so he can earn money to pay for his enrollment. He soon enrolled, later found his wife there, Graduated from CCH, got masters at UH and His PHD in education at BYU-PROVO. He was blessed with 6 children, David, LaRae, Sione, Chantelle, Shannon and Shaun. This young man just so happen to become my father in law Sione Niu.

Because of the Gift of caring for others that the Lord has blessed my grandparents with, I stand here before you with my husband and my 5 children. I could not imagine how different my life could have been if my grandparents had denied there Spiritual Gifts or not lived worthy of them?

“And again, I exhort you, my brethren, that ye deny not the gifts of God, for they are many; and they come from the same God. And there are different ways that these gifts are administered; but it is the same God who worketh all in all; and they are given by the manifestations of the Spirit of God unto men, to profit them. “ (Moroni 10:8)

I liked to bear you my testimony of the truthfulness of this Gospel. My life and testimony has been lifted and strengthen through all your spiritual gifts. I hope never to deny or forget my spiritual Gifts that I have been blessed with or to be unworthy of them, that I may do for you what you all do for me. I believe that God is our father, Jesus is the son and through the Holy Ghost my Gifts will shine. I believe that the Scriptures to be true and that Joseph Smith and Thomas S. Monson are true prophets of God. I love my family so much and hope that they never forget it. I thank you all for being such a great ward family to us.

In the name of Jesus Christ AMEN.

I am a Mother of an 11 year?

2010-02-17T20:04:00.001-08:00

ShaRae who was my oldest has now turned the tender age of 11. I think they call it the Tween years. Is supposed to be in between a kid and a teenager, which by the way I am in no way shape or form looking forward to TEENAGE YEARS…

We celebrated her birthday by going to Laie Shopping Center eating pizza, watching the Tooth fairy and eating Ice Cream at Angel’s. She was suppose to only invite 3 girls and as you can see that wasn’t what happened. Im sorry in Laie you can’t just invite one and no the other. There still where a lot of girls she didn’t invite due to the fact I am not made of money or have a money tree in the backyard!! So what can you do?

ShaRae is growing up so fast I had to look at some old pictures to remind myself how she use to look just a year ago. She is almost as tall as I am, but don’t let that fool you Im am still the boss…

Throw the SHAKA!!!

2010-01-26T10:42:00.000-08:00

Shaun and I never really get to go out anymore due to the fact that we have 5 lovely children that have not yet reached the age where one of them could take charge and babysit the rest.So when we do get to go out I like to think we have to make every minute count.

This past Saturday Shaun and I when to the "Throw the SHAKA" concert that was held at the waikiki Shell. My cousin Anthony was kind enough to invite us and we dragged my other cousin Tuika along with us.

I have to say from start to finish the music was SOLID. I love every bit of it. It was upbeat and the could was eating it up. Ive only been to one other concert there and it this was by far much better.

I love people who sound just like the do on CD's when there singing live. Everyone shut it down that night. I loved 3 doors down, Never heard of them until tonight, But love love love them:)

Till next year I will hold on to my SHAKA to THROW it down and the THROW THE SHAKA...

SEQUENCE! What have you done to my family?

2010-01-20T10:25:00.000-08:00

Who would of thought that a board game could bring my family (Brother's and Sister's) Closer together. NOT I!!!

While visiting our Uncle Falamani's Families New Years camp Out at Hukilau one of my cousin's Uila was like " Girl you need to sit down and learn how to play this, cause you'll love it!"

Being the competitive person that I am, I was up for a challenge. I love learning new games and take some names while I'm at it.LOL. So its a game that you play with a partner, You have a board that has face cards on them and you have face cards in your hand as well as chips to place down when its your turn to show one face card at a time. You have to make a Sequence of 5 chips in a row using the cards that you and your partner are dealt. Hence, SEQUENCE. Its almost like connect 4 but not. There are ways to block other people from making there 5 and thats when the fun comes in for me. I love to play Defence, But thats not always the best way to win. And you all know how much I love to win.

So my mom went to thinker toys and paid $35.00 for this board game, But I think that its wroth alot more.

Before this we would see each other only at family eating's, or when my brother Nai is in town. we wouldn't just meet up at mom and dad's to just hang out. But because of this game we do. If you tell me this game is only worth $35.00, I wouldn't believe you Because to me it's priceless.

Are you Team Edward or Team Jacob?

2010-01-18T02:01:00.000-08:00

All the voices in my head where telling me not to start reading these books, But too late. I have readed them not Once but Twice and thinking about reading them again.

For some reason I have a very good minds eye and these books took me in to the world of vampires and werewolf’s and the very wet town of forks. I could picture everything so clear as if I was standing in the clearing preparing to fight. But as what?

At first I was all team buff n’ brown, But after reading all the books in what I like to think was months but was really 5 ½ days from start to finish, I’m going to stick with what I’ve always thought I was and that was the best of both a HYBRID!!!

I wish I could get myself to read the scriptures like this.

I’m now looking for another good book to read. I doesn’t have to have vampires, but would love for it to be a good romance book. So Holla…

Thats How we do on Mo. St.

2010-01-17T11:45:00.000-08:00

What do you do in Laie when its New year's eve and you dont want anyone to drive up and down your street while your kids are running around crazy?

You Shut the street down and have a block party!

So I had to walk down the street and get everyone to sign saying that its okay to close our street. That took me 3 days. You think it take me 30 min. But I have to remember that not all people just sit home like me and do nothing all day. Make a long story short I got everyone to signed and turned it in to HRI.

New Years eve was here and so we all started to Put the tents on the road, But wait who called the police? Yes! So one called the cop's because we shut down the road. I thought Lice and Aunty Bale were going to start reading him he's rights. We found out that it was someone for the loop saying "Because Moana st. Shut down there's to much traffic coming down our st." He talked to HRI and then said Happy New Year and Left.

We even had t-shirts made. It was great and I hope everyone will be game next year and the tent wont fly away.LOL.

The Wrestler!!!

2010-01-16T19:09:00.000-08:00

(Shaun is in the Gray)

The last sport I thought Id be putting any of my kids in would be Wrestling. Ive thought about water polo, paddling, golf, tennis, volleyball, basketball and soccer, But Wrestling never crossed my mind.

We heard through the coconut connection that there was a PAL wrestling going on at Kahuku High School. So I figured that it might be something new and fun for us and the kids to do. Well the 2 older girls said "NO!" But ShaCe and Shaun were game.

They practice for about 2 weeks and then the coach said " OK who's going to be wrestling in the tournaments?" Sure enough we let Shaun. Thinking that it was going to be like them just rolling around. Well I ws dead wrong.

The First Tourney was Terrible. It was like watching my son get beat up and I couldnt do anything about it. I let after the first match Because we had to drive to Waiau to Watch ShaRae's Soccer game. I cried for the Kahuku to Waiau. Thinking that I was the worse mother in the world for letting him just pretty much get beat up in front of what seemed like the world watching.

But Im not a quitter and I dont teach my children to be quitters. So I told him that he would just have to stick it out. Well turns out Shaun came in first for 3 tournament, 2nd in 2 and last in the first one he entered.

My Grandfather and Uncle Stu were great wrestlers and so I guess its in his blood or thats what people keep telling me. I hope he keeps the tradition alive.

Whoever thought I would come to love wrestling and watching my son do something like his Grandpa Lilo.

(Shaun is in the Red)

What a crybaby?

2010-01-15T12:25:00.000-08:00

Have you ever just had that day where you find yourself crying for nothing? Well today is that day for me. And NO IM NOT PREGNANT.

This morning I started watching “This Christmas” and every time there was a sad or happy part I was balling!!! I mean what the heck is going on. When Shaun saw that he was like “Okay see you later I’m going to work, before you find a way to pin your crying thing on me”. I think I heard him running to the car and when I tried to call him an hour later he didn’t answer.LOL.

But I only can think of one other person that today me they had a day like this and HE wasn’t pregnant or gay. So I think today is my day to cry over sad and happy things in life or in movies, cause that’s what Ill be doing on this furlough Friday.

Oh wait, Its Furlough Friday! Okay never mind I know why I’m crying.

Christmas Time in Laie brings out the all the FOOTBALL in you.

2010-01-14T16:04:00.000-08:00

If you go to a park in the USA your probably going to find a pick up game of Soccer, Volleyball, basketball or better FOOTBALL. During Christmas in Laie we have a Pick up game like no other its called the "CHRISTMAS BOWL"

This year was its 20th year in action at are dear ol' Laie Park. Our own Mr. Jr Ah You and his lovely family put this all together with the help of others in the community.

The last time I played I was baby less, husband less and 125 pound less. My Dear Friend Maraiaha asked if I wanted to play and after telling myself " You've had 5 kids, You not in the shape you use to be, Your going to make a fool out of yourself" I went against all the voices in my head that keep me sane and said "What the heck!!!"

First off, I never felt hurt like that before But it was well worth it. If you dont know Im very Competitive and hates to lose. Hey but we came in 2nd place, the only bad thing was we lost to my sister Alberta's team and that tasted like crap in my mouth.LOL.

The only thing for me that was sad was watching the talent there. It always hurt me to see some of the best talent to ever play football in Hawaii due to whatever there situation not really make anything of there talent. I also wish my brother's wouldn't give up on playing college ball.

And that's my story and I'm sticking to it!!!

Family Pic 2009 By Marianna Ah Quin

2010-01-13T12:33:00.000-08:00

These are just a few of our family photo's of 2009. I love Marianna and her work. she really captures the charaters that are my children. Please check out her blog if you get a chance. www.mariannaahquinphotography.blogspot.com

My Examples

2010-01-13T12:16:00.000-08:00

This past year my sister in law Tiana was baptized. She has had the gospel in her life for about 3 years now, but sometimes you need to find if it’s true on your own.

Through her example she is helping my brother come back to church and with that allowing her children to grow up with the gospel of Jesus Christ in there lives. She just woke up one Sunday and said “Were going to Church!” That Sunday just so happen to be fast Sunday and low and behold who gets up to bear their testimony…. None other then my brother Esera.

This is a great example of that scripture “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”

I was also excited because Shaun got to perform her baptism. He’s Challenge was saying her 2, not 1 but 2 long Hawaiian names and having the area authority there didn’t help him one bit. I am very proud that my husband is a worthy priesthood holder.

Tiana and Esera are great examples to me and have strengthened my testimony in Jesus Christ and this gospel Heavenly Father has blessed us with. Her example has also touched her friend Tiara who was baptized 3 months later.

I’ve heard a lot of stories about one person getting baptized and then there whole family converts and through there conversion the generations after grew up with the gospel. Made this is a start.

Eddie would go and so we did!!!

2009-12-09T00:03:00.000-08:00

Eddie would GO!!!

And after 5 long years. He did.

As a Typical North Shore girl I lived at the beach, Gym or at a park. I also live 15 minutes away from the best surfing spot’s in the world. The summer bring the heat at Ehukai, But the winter is OWNED by waimea bay. During the winter months all the way up to Feb. they hold the Eddie Aikau Classic at waimea, but it’s not something that happenes every year. Because it’s up to the waves, they have to be at least 20-25ft swells for it to GO. Eddie Aikau was a Big Wave Rider. Watching this contest is not for the fate of heart, because most of the surfer get pounded, hurt, boards broken or worse death. Thank the Lord no one was hurt.

The Eddie is like a Holiday for us Kahuku High School kids. What was the CP’s going to do. Run us all over as we left the school to head down to Waimea? I don’t think Erma could out run the slowest of the bunch.LOL. There were even kids would go as far as popping fire crackers to get suspended so they can go. Or they could have parents like me who takes her oldest daughter to watch her first Eddie and see her fall in love with it just as I have not so many years ago.

That’s on the the perks for being a stay at home mom. You can plan you own schedule out, Like Im not doing any house work today cause Im headed to waimea bay. But another fun thing is dragging your fellow stay at home mom’s along with you.

So today Myself, ShaRae, Kari Uluave and her to daughters and Ipo Uluave and her youngest paid $30 for parking and walked from pupukea foodland to the EDDIE. It was well worth the walk and the money, because there were people parking way way way too far.

We got to see Kelly Slater ride and awesome set all the way up shore, at least 5 boards get broken, People going crazy when someone dropped in, then heard the awwwwwwwwwwhhhhhhhh when he eats it, Almost getting swept away with the waves as the surf reached were we sat… It was very nice to share that with my fellow North Shore Stay at home mothers.

Till’ next year EDDIE… We would go too!!! Bless us with great surf…

My 10 year class reunion

2009-10-12T13:21:00.001-07:00

Has it been 10 years already….

This past weekend I reflected back on my high school days with my fellow Kahuku class of 1999 classmates and also got to know a lot of them better then I knew them in high school. I had a blast. My classmates are very easy going and pretty laid back. You can say were a happy bunch and made the most of our time shared together.

Friday was our Classmates only night at Crouching Lion in Kaaawa. Our district for our school goes all the way from Kaaawa to Sunset. But there are kids that came as far as Ewa Beach (Alvin Law) to attend the one and only KAHUKU HIGH SCHOOL… The Pride of the North Shore!

We share lots of laugh’s that night and I pretty sure my classmates shut that bar down. Heard there were no green bottles left at 3am so they went home. Gotta love my class. I left at 12am because that’s when my holy ghost goes to sleep…

Saturday night we went to the Football game and then headed down to Dave and Busters for a night with our spouses.

The Football game was wet and ugly. When I walked in it was 6-3 and the other team was winning, but in true Kahuku fashion they came back and won the game 30-6. I was going to be really mad because hell it’s was raining and our class shirts that we were all wearing were WHITE!!!

After the game it was a quick change and off the have fun with our spouses. I have to say I didn’t think Shaun would enjoy himself, being he’s the class of 1997 and there all wall flowers, But He had a great time. Keep in mind he was probably cracking jokes at my class’s expense. But anything to get him to come out. Siuaki Livai is too funny. He had us rolling on the ground laughing the whole night.

And Sunday was our Family BBQ at Kakela Beach Park in hauula. Marina’s great family stepped in a helped us out a lot with this day. The food was ono; But the MC needed to hit the road… nah, Kosena who is Marina’s younger brother was our MC, tent man, Table man, Sound crew….. The whole day. This kid has been helping our class since we were in 7th grade. He had us cracking up all day. Im just happy that my classmates are such good sports, but when I catch him he’s going to get it!!!

Everyone introduced there families to the class and said what they are doing now a days. MAN DO WE HAVE A LOT OF STAY AT HOME Mom’s… My husband was kind of bumbed Cause I just said he fixes the computer at PCC. Same ol speech…” I didn’t go to college for you to say I just fix the computers”. And yes once again I had the most kids that showed up at the reunion… I didn’t want that award, because I got that one at Shaun’s class reunion 2 years ago. Then I got the longest marriage award going on 11 years. Start doing the math people…

I had so much fun that my face is sore from laughing so much. Were are having a 15 year class reunion in Las Vegas that will be hosted by the one and only Talamoni Talamoni. Im so excited!!! Till then my classmates.

Cheap Eats with L7

2009-09-17T14:24:00.001-07:00

Bread Making with Donnette Tew…

Last night we held our first class for our mini enrichment group Cheap Eats! It was Bread making with Donnette Tew. There are not enough compliments that I can give these women. She is amazing in so many ways, is blessed with some many talents, But the best thing about her is that she is more then willing to share her talents and knowledge with whom ever wants to learn.

She has done this bread class of a lot of people. She actually did our first enrichment when L7 was established again. She’s the reason my grandma thinks Im such a great cook, because of all the things I know how to make from bread.

I was hoping that there would be at least 5 people show up. I know that it’s hard for people to get away from family, work and other church callings so I didn’t know what to expect. But thanks to Shannon Kamakeeaina who is our 2nd Con. In RS, She called all 30 women who signed up for the class. There was about 25 women and 1 Priesthood member that showed up.

The chapel never smelt so good with all the bread being baked. She handed out a booklet with all her recipes and made samples. It was such a great night, thanks to Donnette, Shannon and all my fellow L7 RS sisters.

Once was Last is now First:)

2009-09-17T05:03:00.000-07:00

ShaCe was once last is now FIRST!!!

As mothers we all make many decisions regarding our children. Education is probably one of the hardest ones. Last year I struggled with make a chose of allowing ShaCe to move on to 1st grade and pray that some how she’ll just get or hold her back and let her gain another year of kindy ed.

Most of you know I held ShaCe back and let me tell you… It was the best education decision that Ive ever made regarding my children. ShaCe has gone being one of the last super citizens to being at the top of her class, more confident with her peers and others, and she was the Super Citizen for the 1 month of school.

What a difference a year makes? Ive notice so that she has not just gained education wise, but socially she handles things a lot better.

Here are some pic’s I stole from my sister in law Lice. Who was so kind to come to and support Shacey.

Kaona

2009-09-14T15:54:00.000-07:00

I am not of Hawaiian descent. Nor are my children, But like my mother,myself and my children we were born in a lush valley in kailua at Castle Medical Center. But I am POLYNESIAN and we all are connected some way or another. I have always felt some sort of connection with Hawaiiana and its history.

Hawaiiana was a class that we had to take in school and rightfully so. The Kanaka Maoli have lost so much, But sometimes you have to lose apart of you to find your whole self. I believe that this new voice, new generation is well on there way to finding what was once kapu and then lost...

This video is amazing and they range from the age's of 16-19. I had my children watch this to let them know that no matter how young they are their voice can be hear and one person can make a difference in the world. Enjoy...

Its been awhile...

2009-09-14T15:52:00.000-07:00

Its been awhile since Ive been blogging... My life has been nothing but Busy. I have alot to share with you over the past months that I have been MIA, But I love to show pictures with my post, Because pictures bring you into the moment. So with that ill gather my pictures a start up again.

I hate LEGO's...

2009-08-20T15:48:00.000-07:00

Okay they scare the crap out of me. Just because of the smallness. But Shaun sii always wants some kind of Lego's. Well we took a trip into town to exchange our internet thingy? and the kaneohe store was closed and thats how we ened up at ALAMOANA.

Shaun and I used to go there alot when there was just 2 kids, but now that there's 5 we just wave as we go by or when we do go its just oldnavy and right back to the car.

Since we had only 3 kids on hand and time to kill we started walking around to look at the new store and see what changed. All I can say is dont go past the LEGO store with a boy. Because you will come out with something.

Shaun lucked out that we didnt get him anything for his birthday so we got him the cheapest thing in there. You can build your own lego man which comes in a pack of 3 for $10. It was nice to see what he thought he was making. But all the guys looked the they had desk jobs. I could have that, So we made one a biker, one a yate worker and one of Shaun Lahi!!! and did I mention that I hate LEGO's...

Aloha Oe’ Davis

2009-08-09T18:49:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we bid Davis Mona Kaluhiokalani Ah Puck a fond farewell as he returned to be with our Father in Heaven. I was such a beautiful day and I had help create his program for the service and the background was of the beach and there were footprints in the sand. It was a perfect match of the weather that day.

It was a bittersweet goodbye for me. I believe in the plan of salvation and that Families are forever. I know that he has a whole heart now and is running an all over heaven. But it’s the physical separation that I will always miss with my dear friend Davis aka DayDay.

I have a better understanding and am easier to forgive, not take offence, live life like there is not tomorrow and be my brother’s keeper from having this 10 year old boy in my life. I only hope to have touch people like how he has.

I always wanted to know who I have touched that they would attend my service. Well Mr. Davis has touched so many people, Some of them he hasn’t ever meet, But heard what a great example of living life to its fullest while having medical set backs that tried to slow him down. There was such a diverse group of people there at he’s service’s. From young to old, LDS to Non-LDS, Haole to 100% Hawaiian. That’s how you know he was larger then life its self and how his little footprints left impressions in peoples hearts.

I know that I will see Davis again and that he is probable delivering all mail in heaven. I would just thankful to Peniette and Robert for being such great parents and allowing Davis and I to have a friendship. LIVE.LIKE.DAVIS

Back to School... With a heavy heart...

2009-08-03T02:09:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow my 4 of my 5 Children will be attending the GREAT Laie Elementary School where star's are born:) Well that's what I like to fill in kids heads before they walk out the door.

More like Sharae and ShaLi will start full day school and ShaCe and Shaun do the slow entrance into Kindy:( i just wish they would jump in and get started, But I guess its better for them to get there feet wet first. Go for the teacher, But what about the overly excited parents:)LOL.

Anyways, every year I give my kids a peep talk and this year will be geared a little more differently then the " You better do good or the Ulu tree will be your home or I better not see you being lazy in your school work your going to get:)"

I will start off by saying how much I am bless to have them and then express how much it is to be good to other people and live by the example Jesus left and how my dear friend live. I want my children to leave such an impression as both did. I only hope that my children will understand the important of being a good person to others.

I also promised this year that i will not sit on the side lines anymore and will get involved in matters that surround my families everyday life:)

On going Aloha

2009-07-29T13:11:00.001-07:00

I wanted to Share some pictures from our Live.Like.Davis Car wash. It was a blast and made me love living in this wonderful town of Laie. Thanks to Lice Niu for the Pictures.

I have to say Laie 7th Ward is the best ward that I have been in by far.Shaun and the original L7 people would say that, But I am a believer now. I dont know what they put in the water on the Northside of Moana st. But its true when they say Mo St. Stick together. But also our ward. You dont know how much they have stepped up for Davis.

If you still want to Share your Aloha for the Ah Puck Ohana, Friends who live like Davis will have a donation box at the Laie Shopping center bash this friday. PLease come and support Davis and the Laie shopping center:)

LIVE.LIKE.DAVIS

2009-07-29T02:14:00.000-07:00

This is probably one of the hardest blogs that I have to write. Today my best friend Davis M.K Ah Puck has returned home to our Heavenly Father.

Davis means alot to me, Because he visited with me when I needed someone other the my husband to talk to. Even though he was just 10 years old he was great company for me. Its probably cause Im still 10 years old at heart.

Davis was suck a great helper. He loved to be of service when he was able. It would make he so happy to help others. When it is some one's birthday in my house we decorate the living room with balloons and a homemade sign that says happy birthday. He was so great at telling ShaRae where the balloons look best at. While bossing her around he would smile and say " Thank you my girlfriend!"

Davis had a great sense of humor. He loved to make me laugh and in these hard times everyone needs a good laugh. One day we were sitting outside under the Ulu tree and he turned to ShaDen who was then 8 months and pointed to the middle of ShaDen's chest and said " Whats that?" ShaDen looked down and then up went Davis's finger and he yelled out "SKYE..." Normal adults would just smile, But I looked at him and we both started rolling. I told him to do it to all the kids that were around us and sure enough He did:)

Davis never complained about being sick or weak, But he did complain when he couldnt eat. Davis loved food expressly McDonald's. Maybe thats why he and I got along so well... Cause we both love food.

He has a great family and the best parents. My friends Robert and Pennieitte are the greatest example there is of parents who truly love there children. Penniette is my idol, I only wish to have strenght and kind heart.

I will be a better person for knowing Davis and will strive to

LIVE. LIKE. DAVIS

Out Pouring of ALOHA for Davis

2009-07-25T23:18:00.000-07:00

There are many reasons why I love living in Laie, but today was by far one of the greatest reasons.

Most of you who read my blog know I have a Best Friend that lives one house down. He’s 10 year old Davis Ah Puck. Ive known him since the day that he was born, but only really came to know how great of a friend I have in him in the last 4 years.

For the past 3 weeks Davis has been in San Diego, Cali. Fighting for his little life. Davis was born with half a heart and every time he gets a cold it is life threatening. He now is heading to UCLA to await a Heart and Liver transplant. His parents Robert and Penniette have been with him ever since. Being not able to give him a heart or a liver I feel helpless.

Then there was a knock on the door at 8am in the morning. I usually run in the back and hide hoping them might go away, something told me to open it. It was Davis aka Smokey and Sina Pili from down the street asking me

” What we can do for Davis?”

Boy!!! Im so glad I answerd the door.

So on Wed. it was a Garage sale at Tuioti’s, The Thursday is was a Bake sale and Garage Sale at Tuioti’s, and the Thursday night it was a Car Wash at Laie Inn. So we had one day to get the word out.

We made posters and took my kids and Sai and Ipo Uluave’s kids for a walk around Laie. These children were so willing to help in any way they could for Davis. I was a building memories moment for me.

I also posted it up on the one and only Facebook.

Going into this car wash I knew that we’d make out good, But people here In Laie and In Hawaii exceeded my expectation.

And this is the reason I love living in Laie:

When someone is down and out or just need a hand, People here are willing to give you the shirt off there back, some ulu from there tree and offer for there kids to clean your house and yard. This is why I will do everything in my power to raise my children here.

The out pouring of ALOHA was felt today for LAIE BOY DAVIS!!! Thank you to all that came out and got a awesome car wash and better for the people that just gave there donation and didn’t was there car.

Much Mahalo’s to Sina and Davis Pili Ohana, Sailosi and Ipo Uluave Ohana, Ken and Lisa Wagners Ohana, Matau Ohana, Penny and Vili Toilolo Ohana, Alisi Langi and Leger Ohana, Tulele Ohana, John and Kehau Nauahi Ohana, Tew Ohana, David and Lice Niu Ohana, The Ah Puck Ohana, Kristy and Vete Sauni Ohana and the Laie Inn Ohana for allowing us to Help Davis!!!

Cause My Kids are Tahitian...

2009-07-15T14:10:00.000-07:00

They may not be Tahitian but they do come from a family of performers.

This past weekend my kids danced in PCC Tahitian Fete Called " Te Mahana Hiroa Tahiti". Im not sure if I got that right. Anyways...

My Children dance with my good friend Penny Tausoga's Group Which is Tehamata. When they first started I only had 3 kids and ShaRae was 5 and ShaLi 4. I now have 4 Kids dancing and have 5 children total:)

Without putting my children in her group I probably would never have gotten them to dance and bring out the performers that they are. for those of you that dont know I come from a long line of dancers, singers, songwriters and ect. , But have not really found it in me to teach my children. Which seems odd because Ive danced my whole life!!! I am very grateful for all the Tehamata has given my children.

They did very well. Shaun, ShaRae and ShaDen enter in Solo compaction. ShaDen was just for fun, ShaRae who did very well made it to the 2nd round and Shaun being the only one in his age group won!!! Yeah Shauny. He was too cute for words. This is the first year I let Shaun and ShaCe dance. They did great.

There were 3 groups One was from town, NonoSina Hawaii and Us. everyone did so well and the customs we amazing. Job well done to all the parents.

I always say this is my last year... But never really mean it.

Another reason Im lucky I live in Laie. wanna be a dancer you can, wanna play rugby you can, wanna learn the piano you can all with in walking distance of your home:)

Now its Whakataetae Practice for ShaRae, Cause we really are Maori... For realz...
*Thanks Fia for the beautiful picture of ShaRae. Im fyah cause no video or cam:)

Watching the Sunset

2009-06-21T00:07:00.000-07:00

After ShaRae danced at a grad party, Heading into Mililani to watch Up in 3D, Spend more money then I wanted to at Ross, we headed back to Laie.

Every time we pass through Sunset I always tell Shaun Lahi that one day we have to stop and watch the sunset. Lucky me today was the day and we also had all our kids. Funny that this was the first time we brought our kids to sunset beach. Its more for the tourist and surf competions. We pretty much stay far away from there. But this is a view that we all must take a moment to enjoy.

But everyone has to once see the sunset in SUNSET!!!

This is another building memories moment for me and my family...

and sorry haven't gotten a camera yet;( So these pictures are taken with Shaun's Cell phone.

I made the right choice, But it still sucks

2009-06-04T18:33:00.000-07:00

Today was the Laie school Kindy graduation. It seems like there graduation for everything now a days. Well most of you know that ShaCe is in kindy, during this past year I notice that she wasn't really getting allot of what was being taught:( Most of the time she is ether Bord or just guessing or overwhelmed. She just wasnt getting it. I was hurt and sad. But what to do. Let her move up to 1st grade and hopefully she'll get it, Spend crazy money to put her in to tutoring or Hold her back one year make sure she gets it.

Well she going to be a super kindergartner next year. Something I made up to help her get over the fact that he friends are all moving up but her. I waive rd over this for about 6 month's. I prayed and fasted over this and always came up with the same feeling. HOLD HER BACK.

Because we've talked to her about this for awhile. When I finally made the final decision she was ok with it and so was her teacher. But this morning when I had to take her to my grandparents house while I go to give a lei to my nephew David, I felt so bad. She was fine, But in my heart I just felt to bad for her. It took me like 5 min. to stop crying. Even after I cried I still felt that I make the right choice. Super Kindy here we come.

A Gradfathers Vacation....

2009-06-02T00:01:00.000-07:00

So last week Thursday my father in law came in from Utah and the poor thing has been working not stop. Its like his 2 very grown and capable son's have a never ending list of projects for him to do while he's here.

I know I maybe over exaggerating a bit, But in my head thats what Im filtering.LOL.

But the thing is My father in law loves to do things on the house's while he's here. After all the where his house's at no so long ago. And he loves them. He and his wife worked very hard to give their children each a home.(I lucked really lucked out:)

He came here with $26 to his name and the skill of fixing cars. He didn't have a place to stay, But a very handsome Samoan man named "Lem Galeai" (My grandfather) took him in got him cars to fix and thats how he got the money to go to Church College of Hawaii. Who would of known that Shaun and I would end up married and having 5 very naughty kids.

Well today Shaun and I had to head into town and my father in law had some work he was doing at David's house down the street. I notice my son Shaun walking closely behind him, so close I didnt even see him at first. I said " Shaun get in the car!" and he said " nope Im helping my Papa work today!!!" and I looked at my father in law and thought you poor man you have no idea what your getting yourself into, But my father in law said " Yes Shaun is going to be my helper today."

When we got back I went to drop off some lunch and check in on them. There was Shaun... He was smiling so big that I thought he's cheeks where going to turn purple. My father in law said " Shaun was such a great helper, It would of been alot slower if he wasnt here to help me". And my proud son just smiled away and nodded his head with pride. Im so glad that he helps someone.LOL.

AND THE WINNER IS...

2009-05-30T01:37:00.000-07:00

Man who would of known that a elementary school election would be so exciting. ShaRae did a very good job with everything. We both designed her poster and she wrote her speech with parts of the Hannah Montana song inter twined in it and Lizzy, Kekaila and ShaRae did the ho down throw down.

I thought that was going above and beyond but guess again, Cause these kids know how to campaign. I just wish sharae never excepts me to to all of that for her next year.

Oh and by the way SHE WON... Congrats ShaRae.

a vote for SHARAE NIU is a vote for YOU!!!

2009-05-19T15:38:00.001-07:00

Last week ShaRae came home and said

" MOM I'm running for Vice President!!!!"

Everything inside of me wanted to say NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO dont do it.

But I just said okay sharae just know what your getting yourself into and dont say things that you cant promise.

ShaRae is my born leader. But she also cares to much what others care about her. Which is a good thing and a bad thing. She is very smart and has that it factor going for her.

I feel this would be a great experience for ShaRae the learn about politics's and how to run a campaign. She so far has helped me design her poster's ( I was going to let her do the old school poster by herself then I seen everyone elses I said for get that.LOL), She thoughtfully wrote a speech and is now working of talking to as many kids as she can to get her name out there. Oh and she is doin' the Hannah Montana ho down throw down for an intro:)

I hope she does well. Ive already talked to her about the what if you dont win and she said " Thats okay mom... At least I've tried my best."

My new Guilty pleasure

2009-05-07T15:50:00.000-07:00

OKay I cant help but love the new reality show on MTV called "Taking the stage". It is a wonderful display of young growing talent. When I say talent I mean raw God given talent at a school in the heart of Cincinnati. Its a performing arts school.

Never really knew to much about how a performing art school works. Do they have regular subjects? Math? English? or PE? Or are they just like a trade school working to perfect their talent?

Well this past episodes one of the kids "Aaron" got kicked out because he wasnt passing his core classes. So questions answered... They do have regular subjects:)

But for me the most interesting thing is this love triangle between the Queen Ballerina Jasmine, The new shining hip hop star Tyler and My Favorite the beautiful song bird Mia... By far MIA is the most talented. I cant help but watch because this kid Tyler is attracted to there talents not there looks. Dont get me wrong there beautiful girls, But very intriguing to watch someone love or lust? because of their talents . But if I where him Id be all over that Mia girl. She is so going places.

Tonight is the season finale. Heres a little of Mia... I know Ive gone mad with the youtubing. But no Cam means youtube action:) bear with me.LOL.

My Heritage for my Children

2009-05-06T02:47:00.000-07:00

My heritage is very important to me when I want it to be. Im what the samoans like to call fia palangi.. Meaning wanna be white. I dont think thats all true but maybe just a tad. My children only know that they are Samoan, Tongan and Maori, but nothing else.

The sad part is I grew up in a family where the samoan culture was practiced everyday. From learning proper manners to dancing and singing. I didnt realize hjow far from my culture I was until my Uncle Pulefano's wedding.

So I am on a quest to have my children learn about there heritage and maybe my husband and I will learn something new. I want them to be proud of there culture, Because I swear they all think there hawaiian:)

If there is anyone that can help me with the maori part, Please feel free, cause I have no clue where to begin.

Oh... I wanted to share with you all my favorite Maori clip off youtube.

Iosepa is a Ship or the street that I grew up on?

2009-05-06T00:54:00.000-07:00

Today Shaun, ShaDen and I went to the I think 2nd launching of the BYU-Hawaii voyaging canoe Iosepa at Hukilau beach. Laie School was also there. I was such a great thing to watch and see a lot of our Laie community come out and support, because a lot of times Laie just gets lazy and just doesn’t support. I have to admit Im one of the lazy ones. But today I thought why not? And I didn’t have anything else going on for the day and Its the name sake of the street that I grew up on. If your from laie You know that its all about the Streets. That is the first question you ask a preson when they say there from laie. You should be so proud of me because it was HOT as hell out there in the sun, But I kept thinking building memories…building memories…. So I hope my kids logged in another building memory moment in there head

Super Duper Citizen...

2009-05-04T01:19:00.000-07:00

Thats hat ShaCe is. She was finally got to be a super citizen of her class for the month of March. ShaCe is a very smart girl in her own way, But at a slow start this school year. I thought for sure she wasn't ever going to be one.... BUT SHE DID. The sad thing about it is that I wasn't here for her speical day. I went on a 5 day trip to Utah for my dearest cousin Florence's sealing and Buju's baptism.

Her Cousin David was also a super citizen for his class and also my little cousin Mosula:)

But thanks to my husband, my mom and my in laws over at 609 moana they made it great for her. I called her in the morning to let her know how proud I was of her. She was so excited that she couldn't even talk to me. Congrats ShaCey Meke from a former Super Citizen:)

May Day is Lei Day...

2009-05-02T20:19:00.000-07:00

When you think may day, You think pretty lei's, Kids trying to do there best to make there parents proud of them.

Well here at Laie elem. I like to call it going ABOVE AND BEYOND. Im not a very big fan of May Day just because I think they take the kids out of class way to much. Its almost as if they dont teach after spring break. But I have to hand it to Laie School they sure know how to put on a show. If there is any school in that state that can WOW you year in and year out its Laie Elem. School. The people that Help with the grades are so creative not just in putting the dance together but the costumes.

The first year one of our kids was in May Day ShaRae was rafiki and it was very great. But the next couple of years kind of just dragged along with no real spark.

This year was very different and Special Because My Niece Elizabeth Niu was the May Day Queen and because ShaCe was is in Kindergarten she got to be the crown holder. What was funny about that is ShaCe thought her job was more important then Lizzy's.

My sister in law was a great mother of the Queen, But we all know that she was the real queen.LOL.

The kindergarten was by far the best of the bunch. David Teave always does Kindy and there always the best of the grades. Thats why Im so happy that ShaCe and Shaun will be in Kindy again.

Then the 2nd grade was great they did baliwood and Penny Toilolo was the creator. I loved it. Got me dancing in my seat.

ShaLi was a sporty spice with the forth grade class that did some kind of UK mix. I thought the Kid that played Austin powers as hilarious.

ShaRae's class did some thing with american dancing. So she was in the hip hop section and was great Because of the nice jacket her uncle Robert from made in laie made for her. She looked the part and danced very well.

I really wish that there was a way to keep the quality of May day here at Laie School, but not take up so much school time to do it. But I guess something has to give:)

Its the Hawaiian in me:)

2009-04-22T12:35:00.000-07:00

Merrie Monarch is the biggest and most watched Hula competition in the world. Its been going on since before I was born.

Ever since I was young my grandparents would prop us in front of the TV to watch the 3 day event. At first I was like " HELLO did anyone notice that were not hawaiian... Why are we watching..." But as the years went by I shocked myself when I started to let them know that it was time to watch.

Coming from a family that loves to entertain where ever they is a chance. I fell in love with the Merrie Monarch. Seeing people do what they love and do it well is very exciting to me.

But there was also the factor of what I call the "LONE SAMOAN" O'brian Eselu. Who time and time again takes his all male group and dominates there year in and year out. It is very hard to just place, let alone win.

Congrats to the men of Ke Kai o Kahiki and there Kumu Hula O'brian Eselu.

The Niu Family Home Evening

2009-04-21T20:15:00.000-07:00

For the past three mondays all the Niu's on Moana st. have been having FHE at David's house. The First night was great Fahren gave a great lesson about why we celebrate easter. Then ShaRae gave a lesson on missionary work and Lice did this last one on the Gift of the Holy Ghost.

Shaun and I havent been very good and having FHE on a regulr basis. So us having it with my in laws is perfect Because it forces us to have it and we get to spend time with the fellow coconuts down the street.

He run's like he's chasing a PIG:)

2009-04-05T21:30:00.000-07:00

Yeahhhhhhhhhh.... I have to favorite Hawaii Warriors my Handsome Cousin Tuika Tufaga and My dear fellow Moan St. Rider Inoke Funaki.

They just started spring ball and Mr. IKNOX is now a RUNNIN' Mad Runnin' BACK... And I love it. I always thought he'd be great there and now I will make sure to bum off some tickets from my favorite coach's wife*Wink* to come out a watch you guys play!!!

On the bottom of the article there was a comment that said He run's like he's chasing a pig... I was like Hey... My brother's chase pigs!!!LOL... Maybe thats why sione is so fast and Nai taclkes so hard. The pigs!!!

OMGOSh this just got me out of my funk of being depreesed about my brackets. Atleast the team that I picked to win the big dance is still in. COME UNC make me right!!!

Let go BOWS!!!

Shaun Lahi's day off

2009-04-03T19:30:00.000-07:00

I finally got Shaun to take a day off from work. I thought he might want to spend time with his kids while they were all at home for spring break. But really I just needed him to feel the pain that I have felt this past 2 weeks. By the end of our day he was like Im never taking another day off:)

Shaun started off the day by doing the man thing and cleaned the yard. I sort of kind of helped:) I love watching him clean the yard, cause it doesn't happen very often. But ever since the BYU students came a cleaned the yard he's been pretty good at keeping it up. Were turning a new leaf this year. Not perfect yet But trying and I guess that's all we can do is try.

We saw the BISHOP....

Bishop Museum that is. Shaun and ShaRae get in for free and they both can take one person in for free too. Not that it that expensive to get in at all. I think Shaun just likes the fact that his PCC Id can get im in to somewhere free:)

We take our kids to visit every time they have a new exhibit. This February to May is on Animation. My kids loved it. And so did my biggest kids:) He once was an art Major for 2 years of his college career, but that all changed when we got married. I also loved being an inspiring graphic artist.

They learned about the history of animation, How sound if made, what where the first forms of animation and a career in animation. There was one station where you take a picture and it will show you like the 3d view of it. Something like the matrix???

Caught a Cow Slippin'...

Not really. We stopped off and visited with our dear cousin Whitney Niu and her kids Mr.Cater and Miss.Audrey. They live on a street called COWSLIP? Whitney said that its a flower and a fleet of ships where named after a flower and that's our story a were sticking to it. Just brief history about the Military.

Her house is beautiful and so is my sister who lives in Navy housing. Im so jealous, I was trying to sign Shaun up that day but they didn't want it or more like Shaun was looking at me with death ray eye's.LOL.

I am hosting a scrap booking party for her next week. I haven't yet passed out any invites, But sure talked to about 20 ladies here that are for sure coming. I don't know if Whitney is ready for how many woman may come:) But that a good thing right? So if you in Hawaii a want to come a check it out its going to be Tuesday April 14th 6:30pm at my home 609 Moana. There will be food:)

and that was our day with Shaun. I don't think he is going to be so willing the next time around. I am very grateful for the hard work that he puts in to provide for our family and the opportunity that he gives me to stay home with my kids.

25 cents can sure buy HAPPINESS

2009-03-22T10:20:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago my friend Kim Miller had a moving sale and sold everything from her bunk beds to the food in her frig. She was nice enough to allow all the kids down the street hang out and help her. I really don't know if they helped her any.

Shaun and I went to Marcus Damuni's baptism at 8am. When we came home I saw someone wrapping Aja in caution tape like they were making a dress. Well it was SHALI. The 2 of them where having the time of there little 8 year old lives. Shaun and I couldn't help but laugh.

I walked over to see what they were doing.

Aja says Proudly " Aunty, this only cost 25 cents!"

I said " Where did you guys get it from?"

ShaLi says " Aunty Kim sold it to us."

I said " What are you guys doing?"

They both start to laugh and ShaLi says " I told Aja, lets make her a dress for her baptism. So this is what she's going to wear into the water to be caution of the big waves" ( Aja was getting baptised later that day)

It is amazing what children can have fun with.

Just another Building memory moments on Moana st. Dont you just love Laie:)

The Beach, The Bride and the never ending Mess...

2009-03-21T23:46:00.000-07:00

Today was a very busy day for us. My cousin Salome had a birthday party for her son Amaru who just turned 1. Happy birthday Amaru!!! It was at the good ol' Kakela Beach park. There are so many great memories that I had there.

We took all the kids and 3 of my little cousins. I was shocked myself when I told them it was okay to come along, but it turned out to be a great day at the beach. It was pretty windy and cold, But that doesnt stop these kids from staying out of the deep blue crush. When I say CRUSH it was an under statement Because the ocean was ruff. Poor Mosula and Shaun Si'i where getting pounded. But loving every minute of it.

After that we did some cleaning of the mess that is our home. Our Christmas tree finally got put in the storage, ShaRae's room finally got some much needed boxed moved out and my 2nd bathroom in now being used as a bathroom instead of a storage.

Moving on into the lovely Hawaiian evening we got to attend the wedding of Caryn Kunz and Vaughn Lesuma. She look so beautiful. The Kunz where my next door neighbors for about 7 to 8 years when we lived at 609 Moana. Caryn and her brothers ans sister have all grown up so fast. Making me feel old:( getting older is not something that I like to talk about.

That was pretty much my day... Oh and my house is still a big Mess:)

MOM... NO... NOT AGAIN

2009-03-21T04:53:00.000-07:00

After the Kahuku vs. Kamehameha lost I thought man I hope I don’t have to feel like that again. I don’t think my basketball loving heart could handle anymore heartbreak.

Well it happened again. And this time in my home town.

BYU-Hawaii is coached by my long time friends husband Ken Wagner and so I haven’t been to 1 game this season and Lisa kept telling me how great they were. With Kahuku basketball season over I thought why not support Lisa and Ken go.

This past weekend was the first time BYUH basketball held a NCAA D2 1st and 2nd round and if they won they’d move on to the elite eight.

So I made dinner and packed all the kids in the van and headed to the CAC about an hour and a half before the game started, Because I heard that the game on sat. Was packed.

With no help from Shaun lahi due to the fact that he had to help out the stake I took a deep breath and put one foot in front of the other knowing that I will have all 5 kids by myself.

But all I could see in my minds eye is how much fun I had at these games growing up. Another Building Memory moment in Laie. The last 10 years of BYUH sports has been some what forgettable. What I will never forget is the feeling that I got walking in to the packed CAC with a group of my best friends and Cheering with a crazy crowd that filled almost every sit.

10 min before the game started it was packed. I thought I was 12 years old all over again. It was so nice to see everyone come out a support our hometown team. 4,000 people to be exact.

BYUH lead pretty much the whole game and at one point lead by as much as 15 points. But then late in the 4th it all started to fall apart. Seems like they mentally stop playing there game. From what I saw they are a very talented and well coached team. They lost by one point. ONE POINT. HUH.

My ShaRae looks up at me and says “MOM…. NO….. NOT AGAIN!!!” She fought back her tears and waited until we got in the car. I almost started crying myself. Because I thought there is no way. No way the other team was coming back to win it. But that’s what happened and what can you do to mend a broken basketball loving heart.