Katrina Lawrence and her motley crew

A report from Kai's Science Teacher

2011-10-04T12:10:00.001-06:00

I got the BEST email from Kai's science teacher today. It totally made my day!! Thank goodness for such cool teachers, he's been wonderful about embracing Kai's quirky little personality.

Hi
Katrina,

Just thought you might be interested in today's activities. Kai has been AWESOME! He came into class, saw that a prompt for a journal write was on the board, got a yellow journal sheet, read the prompt, then told me I had mistakes in my writing.

"Actually, Mr. Stafford, you should not have is, but rather, are, in your sentence." And he was right-I did make the sentence confusing.
The prompt: What is your favorite cereal or breakfast foods?

His journal entry, and I quote..."On Sundays my mom makes one of my favorit foods, frid rice. And abot a few days ago my mom got the halloween cereal boxes, count chocula, Franken Berrey, and Boo Berrey."

I did not give him any special instruction or reminders, he just did it on his own. I don't know if you talked to him today on the way out the door, but he's been an exceptional student today.

The entry was interesting because he usually ONLY writes or tells facts. Today he revealed preference, like, and gratitude for his mom.

Rick

www.4lil-monkeys.blogspot.com

Just keep Swimming

2011-09-01T10:45:00.001-06:00

The other day I was having one of "those days".... who I'm I fooling?? I've really just been having one of those MONTHS. There's a lot I've been struggling with, sending the kids back to school (I miss them), having just Koa at home (he misses them even more), business, FINANCES, a new church calling, feeling chubby and all around just feeling really overwhelmed. I didn't realize that I'm a bit of a control freak and it's been really hard feeling like I'm drowning. I'm not used to that feeling because I'm usually so impulsive and headstrong - I'm more of a do-er and then a fixer once I screw up.

In the middle of an almost panic attack I posted the following on facebook:

"Ever  have one of those days when the words from Finding Nemo ring true "just  keep swimming, just keep swimming"....... (and the fact that I am  inspired by a Pixar clown fish puts me at the maturity level of my 2  year old"

Right after I posted it from my phone, I removed it. I hate sounding negative. These problems are mine. I hate to put them on someone else's plate. I'm a big believer in positive thinking brings positive results and me grumbling wouldn't help anyone out.

Later that night when I got on Facebook, there were a whole slew of replies to a status that apparently didn't get erased. There were words of encouragement and love. It got me teary eyed. It was nice to know that I'm not the only one who feels a bit overwhelmed at time. So it didn't take away the problems but it was nice to know that most of my friends are as crazy as me :)

Just one of those days that I love Facebook.

I wanted to save some of the responses:

Arlynn Pangilinan Lawrence Quote from Adam Sandler movies... "YOU CAN DO IT!"
Tuesday at 8:46pm · · 2 peopleYou and Amber Dawn Johnson like this.
Stacey Randolph Lawrence Uh...ya!!!
Tuesday at 8:48pm ·
Wendie Rigby So it would be bad that I have it as a ringtone than????! I wouldn't mind being 2 again..
Tuesday at 9:00pm ·
September Dawn Yep
Tuesday at 9:13pm ·
Danielle S Mansfield Um, I'm pretty sure that sometime within the past month I quoted Dori. "It's like on Finding Nemo with Dori the fish..."
Tuesday at 9:36pm · · 1 personLoading...
Rachel Whitaker Galbraith If you know me at all, you know that is my motto in life!
Tuesday at 9:36pm · · 1 personLoading...
Lisa Kallunki I have lots of days like that... Hope tomorrow is a better day for you Katrina.
Tuesday at 9:46pm · · 2 peopleLoading...
Megan Gardner Heath Anything your slcker visiting teacher could do to lighten your load?? Seroiusly??
Tuesday at 9:51pm · · 1 personLoading...
Linda Bronson True words no matter who said them. My parenting inspiration comes from Pocahontas, "Listen with your heart, you will understand." Wisdom is all over. (Even in a kid's movie.)
Tuesday at 10:06pm · · 1 personLoading...
Lindsy Stewart Cieslewicz Funny, that really is my mantra some days. I think we could start a whole moms motivational movement based on it.
Tuesday at 10:09pm · · 1 personLoading...
Katrina Galbraith Lawrence Ahhhhhh thanks girls! I actually tried to delete this post right after I posted it. I didn't realize it was still here :). But it really is nice to know that so many moms and woman I admire feel the same way sometimes. Just so you know, you all don't ever appear like you are drowning!!
Tuesday at 10:20pm ·
Tracy McCann-Ashton Almost every hour, of every day, I keep telling myself those same words. It *is* hard and one of my greatest struggles is coming on FB and reading about all these amazing things that mothers are doing for their kids and it makes me feel even more guilty for what I'm NOT doing for my kids. I knew that single parenting would be hard, but I had absolutely no idea it would mean I'd feel like a failure almost every day. Can we start a movement where we post about losing our tempers or raising our voice? I'd sure feel a lot better. The sun'll come out....tomorrow...
Tuesday at 10:28pm · · 1 personLoading...
April Webster Johnson I totally think of that phrase all the time. I even use it with my children when they are feeling like they are going to sink.
Tuesday at 11:17pm · · 1 personLoading...
Dawn Gillings My fav quote from that movie's not even useful "Fish in my hair, fish in my hair!!!" I love that movie:)
Tuesday at 11:40pm · · 1 personLoading...
Lisa Merryweather Roberts I saw a store the other day with that name. Made me smile. :)
Yesterday at 12:10am · · 1 personLoading...
Nancy Jackson I love you Katrina!!
Yesterday at 9:20am · · 1 personLoading...
Iryne Q. Escalera I'm just a call or text away mydear!!!!
Yesterday at 9:26am · · 1 personLoading...
Nancy Fish I think that's better than shouting: "Serenity Now!" I have to do that sometimes! Hang in there. I love your guts!!! Tons! You inspire me!
22 hours ago · · 1 personLoading...
Melissa Williams Bierlein I think I am in the middle of two weeks of needing that quote. Don't be surprised if I steal this status!!
15 hours ago ·

http://i521.photobucket.com/albums/w335/khat119/DesignA_.jpg

Dr. Maya M.D.

2011-07-03T23:33:00.001-06:00

The other day Justus and I were in our room when we heard Te let out a harsh cough in the kitchen. We turned and looked at each other and both jumped up quickly. We knew right away he was choking.

We ran into the kitchen, Te had tears in his eyes. We asked if he was okay. He nodded and said,

"yes, Maya saved my life!!"

We asked "how?"

he said "she got behind me and pulled on my stomach!"

"she gave you the heimlich??"

"yeah she did that and then the food shot out!"

We looked over at Maya, she was watching TV. All as if she saves her brothers life everyday!

There were some angels watching over my kids that day who helped Maya to think on her toes! We are so grateful :)

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Welcome baby Kylie

2011-07-03T23:14:00.001-06:00

We were so excited to have our newest niece join the family! Dallas, arlynn and makeila had a new baby:

Kylie Leilani Lawrence
July 1, 2011

It's so nice to have another baby to love. She's already part of the family.

We couldn't resist rushing right over to see her! Kai just loves babies so much, I'm sure he'll be there every day. And to be honest we probably all will!

www.4lil-monkeys.blogspot.com

Justus's 34th birthday (what a weirdo)

2011-07-03T09:28:00.001-06:00

Yep, this is the only thing Justus wanted for his birthday - a workout at his favorite Crossfit gym - Viking Crossfit in Lindon.
He's been going there for just over a year and is obsessed with it! I've never known his attention span to last so long! ;). So after a week in California, this is all he wanted:

WOD
15 deadlifts of 225 lbs
50 sit ups
15 hand stand push ups
-3 rounds

He finished in about 12 1/2 minutes.

Just so you know, for my birthday I want a lot of chocolate and an exotic vacation :). Or an iPad would do!

Next part of his birthday, check out our new space! Now this was the expensive part of his birthday!! He's sooooo excited! He checks on it multiple times a day!

The last present was from me & the kids. They did most the picking. A variety of 10 different sour candies, lime chips, and a nerf gun he could shoot Te with (this was maya's contribution).

Not what I'd pick but he seemed thrilled :)

Happy birthday Justus! We love you!!

www.4lil-monkeys.blogspot.com

Kai graduates

2011-06-02T04:47:00.001-06:00

I can't believe it. My oldest son is moving on to Jr. High!! Where did all the time go? And can my sweet, brilliant, daydreamer really be able to navigate the hallways of lakeridge?
I went to lakeridge 22 years ago, 22 YEARS! That sounds incredibly old but I can totally remember so much about it.

I'm so sad for him to leave his safe haven at vineyard. There have been so many amazing teachers and students who look out for our sweet little guy as he slowly meanders down it's hallways. I've always known he can't wander too far without someone there looking for him and guiding him back.
They've been so good to him and our family, it makes it scary to leave but in my dear Kai's own words,
"mom, I wish 6th grade could go a couple more months"
ME "Ahhhhhh do you wish it could go forever?"
KAI "not forever!! That would be soooooo boring!!"

My little guys ready to grow up - but am I ready for that?? Ready or not I suppose......

Maybe it's just a natural parent tendency or maybe it's a natural guilty parent tendency but watching him at the Graduation today I was filled with regret, I should have spent more time with him, he should have tried out for student council, should I have held him back??? It's all a great reminder to embrace everyday I have with my sweet little monkeys........

Donavyn (he invited kai to his first "friend" birthday party), Kai, Romissa (she was an angel, she sat right next to him in class and served as his scribe, a tutor and a great friend to poke him and remind him to stay on task)

The program

Kai really enjoyed the ceremony.......

NOT!!!

Little fart

Receiving his candy lei that the PTA made for each student!

Jaden was our biggest blessing for kai this year. He is such a good, sweet boy and has been a wonderful friend to kai! For the first time in his life kai has a best friend :). We are grateful to him (and uncle Randy & karie) to helping kai become a part of his class this year.

Koa kept squeezing his way into each picture. He thinks he's the same age as jaden & kai :). What a butt!

Eli, jaden, kai

Uncle Dallas, aunt arlynn and makeila are always so nice and supportive to come!

Kai's good friend Tessa. They've shared 4 classes through out elementary school.

Our neighbors the MacFarlanes with their beautiful daughter Serena

Koa was dragging Kai all over. Kai is such a sweet brother he just followed.

Our sweet boy.

www.4lil-monkeys.blogspot.com

Dearest Ima

2011-05-30T10:52:00.001-06:00

It's crazy that it's been one year since you passed.

You'd think we are all still catholic - for we talk of you with the reverance of a saint. You'd think we were so silly and giggle at us if you were here!

As much as you feigned a little sassy arrogance, I know you would be shocked at how you've been missed and the impact you have made. At every family gathering (which there is still at least 1 a month), I think we each have a sad moment when we look for you and you aren't there.

My mom ....... I really feel like it's only been in the last month or two that she seems to be getting back to "normal" (how ever crazy normal might be :). There was such a sadness about her the first couple of months after you died. I still see it in her face at times. I see it in your other kids faces as well. They miss you so much. We all miss you so much.
For a long time I tried to leave her alone as she worked to live life without you.

You were always the anchor. The constant. Things were always safe and right when you were around. We always knew that you expected us to do the right thing. To be kind to each other. To be kind to others. To be good people.

You were ....... are ...... always our moral compass (which seems like such an oxymoron considering the dirty jokes you would always tell :).

I think of you often. So many reminders of things you've taught me.
I use you as a guide. A living example of how to live!

You'd be surprised how often I find myself in situations and wonder how you would have handled it. From raising my kids, to interacting with my family but especially in how I treat others.
You were always sooooo selfless. To your family, as might be expected but also to strangers, to the lonely. We always had some stranger at our family gatherings who you had brought and befriended. Soon they too became part of our extended family.

I know that's not why you lived the way you did. It's just who you are and it's really what makes you the most beautiful.

You did good for the sake of doing good - not because anyone was watching.

But we were watching. Your numerous children, your countless grand children, your immense posterity.

We were watching.

And we love you!!

I strive to be like you. And I fall so short, it hurts. But I always see your grandchildren and children doing acts of kindness and service for others. It makes me think of you.

Toni and her not-for-profit hair & waxing services.

Aunt teena always making plans for the family to get together.

Gabe and his friend mark :)

Uncle guy and aunt rose welcoming us into there home when my family triples it's capacity.

Justus wondering why my mom is constantly chasing the kids around the house with a plate in hand making sure her grand kids eat!

Aunt carol & Uncle Eddie with their 24 hour a day diner.

Uncle Randy and aunt Karie who always welcome us into your home, just the way you did. They do it so well, I still forget to knock before I come in!!

Miss you so much it hurts ima!!! I love you!

www.4lil-monkeys.blogspot.com

Kai passes the Sacrament

2011-05-29T14:38:00.001-06:00

Today Kai helped pass the sacrament at church for the very first time!
I was so nervous. The kids were great and made a Herculean effort to support Kai and get to church early so he could be prepared (the Lawrence family at church early is deemed by many to be a miracle in and of itself).

Looking at this picture you might initially think this is one of his leaders instructing him on where to go - NOPE that is one of the boys in his class. Taylor is probably only 6 months older than Kai!! And the funny thing is that everyone else in the class is also a good 1 foot taller than him as well :).
I was pretty nervous when they were instructing him because it didn't look like he was paying attention. I was worried that it might be a disaster and we'd see kai wandering aimlessly, daydreaming about pokemon! But with some great guidance from one of the boys in the group he did awesome! He followed his direction without a hitch!

The only thing that Justus commented on was

"why is he walking with one hand across his back??"

We found out they reminded him to only use his right hand. So apparently tucking his left arm firmly behind his back works great while passing the sacrament (it also makes it easy for us to put him in a wrist lock if necessary ;).

Many members of the ward shared smiles as we watched the smallest new deacon pass sacrament for the first time. I was so proud of him!! It was wonderful to see him honoring his newly acquired priesthood. I let him know how proud I was and that I was also a little nervous. Which illicited this response,

"mom I was NOT nervous, that was YOU!"

The boys in his quorum have been very attentive and patient with him. I can't tell you how much I appreciate what kind boys they are and I'm grateful to their parents & leaders who have taught them to really embrace their calling.

Easter 2011 - Show Me The Bunny

2011-05-25T15:43:00.001-06:00

This Easter we were on a mission - make it cheap but still ridiculously awesome ;). I was actually surprised at how much they still liked it! Goes to show that money can't buy happiness but use it to buy a massive bear and some bubbles - and you can still have a lot of fun :)

EASTER BUNNY
Couldn't pass up these darling baskets from Target. Don't ask me why but it makes me so happy to match up the right colors with each of my kids - it gets me giddy and these buckets fit each one perfectly!

Lime Green - kai
Blue stripes - Te
Purplish Pink - Maya
Bright orange - Dax
Yellow dots - koa
(although I was second guessing I should switch Dax & koa's - isn't it whacky that I think so much about what color matches who, cuckoo!)

I was on a budget this year and did pretty good! Every other year I typically get the kids church clothes and a you but Justus would always complain about the lack of candy (Celeste was too practical to buy us lots of candy :). So this year we did it his way and it made it cheap!
Each basket was filled with candy and came in at just $5 each. So $25 for all 5. Then I kindof blew it with the ginormous beat from Costco but how could I resist a steal at only $29!!
I was debating on returning it but as soon as koa saw it he was all over it. It is now the only way he'll fall asleep with out rubbing someones ears. He's been our only kiddo who's into stuffed animals.

The kids had fun having cousins Mia and Kanyon staying with us this Easter.

EASTER BREAKFAST
We had French toast for breakfast and curse target with all their cuteness - I couldn't pass up the egg shaped plates!

IMA's HOUSE
After church we went to Ima & aunt carols house for our Sigua Easter egg hunt. Man our kids are lucky! When I was a kid we didn't have the massive Sigua Easter egg hunts like we do now. In fact I don't remember ever doing one until I was a teenager and did it at justus's house.

NANA's HOUSE

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Hats, Hats, Hats!!

2011-05-02T09:39:00.001-06:00

Last week was the Royal Wedding. I figured it would be fun to see her dress but what ended up just thrilling me was the wide display of HATS!! It was like a peacock convention or a Kentucky Derby! Fabulous!!

Deep down I think I'm a closet Baptist. I love being a Mormon but I secretly wish I could go to church with a lovely, wide brimmed hat every week and a very special one on Easter! That and I wish we'd stand up and clap while we sing :)
I've already decided when I'm old, I'll wear hats whenever I want and as ridiculous as I please. I figure when I'm old Justus and the kids can just tell everyone I'm senile ;)
Below are some of my favorites!!

Isn't this so cool?! I wonder how she keeps it on her head. You think with hair pins?

I adore Posh's hat but the arm candy is the best of all! David Beckham is yummy :)

Of course the color of this sucked me right in!!!

Love the asymmetry! So structural.

Almost something a mormon would wear

Definitely something I'd wear but I sure feel sorry for who she sits by - that hat would have them sneezing the entire wedding!

go big or go home - LOVE!!

This old dame has style!

My very, very favorite! She looks like a flamenco dancer!

WORST

I'm obnoxious and tacky but these were even too much for me and if you've ever seen my tacky hair pieces - that's saying ALOT!

It looks like a blue football hit her head!!

Looks like a comb over - not quite enough feathers to cover it :)

Doesn't it make you want to dawn a hat this Sunday? Or am I just nutty???

www.4lil-monkeys.blogspot.com

Grocery Guru

2011-04-29T02:03:00.001-06:00

For relief society we had a visit from the Grocery Guru. He's a guy who's on the news that shares awesome deals on groceries. He claims you can save 60-70% on your grocery bill!
That sounded pretty good. After homemaking he had 10 slots open to go and actually shop with him. He'd get us $100 worth of groceries for $35. And with this you could make 15 meals for a family of 6. I'd driven with Kate & Julie and they were in, I thought why not. We could use the $$$ we saved for a future girls trip :)

We just followed him around. He looked like a polygamist with his harem :)

Bread models:

8 boxes of cereal
8 Propel drinks
6 yogurts
1 Gallon of Milk
1 lb of Pork
1 loaf of Bread
1 bag of dorritos
1 dozen Eggs
1 bottle of BBQ sauce
1 bag of Spaghetti noodles
1 can of Spaghetti sauce
2 packages of Hot Dogs
1 container of Strawberries

All this for $35??

He cut out all the coupons. Nice!!

Subtotal $103
after store discounts $65
after coupons - $35

Not bad :). Not quite the $35 but I did add in some extra hot dogs and then we added tax.
Now if only I could follow him around each week!

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Dax the Super Runner

2011-04-27T20:17:00.001-06:00

I was shocked the other day when Maya came home and told me they'd said dax's name over the school intercom and mentioned him in the announcements. He had won the kindergarten section of the Walkathon!! He & his partner took 1st place of all the kindergartners in the school!
I was shocked, the last time Justus saw Dax "running" was when he saw the PE teacher half the field behind the whole class. She was chasing one little monkey to get this slowpoke to catch up with the rest of his class. Uh yeah, that was Dax.

So super proud of our speedster! He gives credit to his super duper fast new shoes but we really know that once he makes up his mind to do something, nothing can stop him :)

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SLUMBER PARTY

2011-04-23T19:00:00.002-06:00

CUTE GIRLS!

Maya was so excited to have one of her first "friend" sleepovers. She's had tons of cousin sleep overs but they just didn't elicit the excitement of a friend one :).
The little girls had been playing pretend in Danny's work van ("creeper van"). They would play for hours and had been talking about how cool it would be to sleep in it.
Kate was kind enough to offer that the girls could sleep at their place. They were all ecstatic!

They worked on an amazing show with music and dancing. John & I were lucky enough to be at their premier (and final) performance :).

How cute are they??

I remember having sleep overs all the time as a kid. In the summer we would easily sleep outside 2-3 nights. On the trampoline, in a tent, under the stars, every chance we had we were there. We'd tell ghost stories, play lots of night games and toilet papering was always a favorite. We'd talk deep philosophy (as deep as little girls get) and lots of talk of who the cutest boy in class was :)

I don't know when things changed but the new "norm" is for no friend sleepovers. I didn't quite understand this but as my kids have gotten older I find we are falling into what I used to think was hyper-protective parenting but when I love these monkeys so much, it's hard to not want to protect them from some of the scary things kids go through.
I'm super grateful to have such great neighbors that I trust my kids with. It's like the neighbors I grew up with and I'm so THANKFUL for my kids to have the same :)
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3 monkeys on the couch

2011-04-10T20:31:00.001-06:00

Koa thinks it's hilarious to watch TV upside down on the couch. Followed by Dax thinking it's hilarious that Koa thinks it's hilarious - so of course Dax joins in any time he sees koa doing this.

Once Justus sees how hilarious the little boys thinks it is, he decides to join in the fun.

However Justus is too big and doesn't even really fit WHICH makes Dax think it's the most hilarious thing of all.

Once Justus joined, Koa thought it was stupid and not hilarious in the least so he proceeded to kick Dax in the face as he got down off the couch.

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A little about my GREAT GRANDMA

2011-04-10T05:40:00.001-06:00

My mom's uncle (Ima's brother Angel) posted this picture on his Facebook page.

When I saw it I immediately thought maybe it was a very old picture of Ima. After reading the comments I learned it was a picture of Ima's mother, my mom's grandma and my great grandmother.
I've only seen one other picture but it didn't really show her face. She's holding Uncle Angel. When I told my mom it looked like Ima she said "no! My grandmother was a BEAUTIFUL woman!"
I said "what are you saying, Ima wasn't beautiful??". I say this tongue in cheek because it's the kind of joke Ima would make :).
My mom then told about what a pretty woman her grandma was.
I asked her which of her siblings looked the most like her grandma and she had no real answer. But a couple of days later uncle Angel posted on Facebook and said
"@Katrina. My mother, pictured here, looked was more like your mom, Celeste." and then he also wrote, "I mean, looked more like your mom."
False modesty dear mother? :)
When my mom has talked about her grandma she told me she was very short and little and rather well endowed of which her grand daughters were very jealous that they didn't inherit this attribute ;).
She told me what a kind sweet lady she was and how she'd travel to the city while my mom was in college to visit her. This meant a lot to her that this little old woman would make the long trek by bus. I can tell it meant a lot to my mom.
When she talks of her I can feel the love she had for her. They must have had a sweet and loving relationship, I can see it reflected in the way she loves and cares for my kids and all of her grandkids.
My mom also told me that she was married and in the US when her grandma got very sick. My mom and dad quickly sent $$ so she could go to the hospital but it arrived too late for her to use it. I know this really hurt my mom that it didn't arrive in time.

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Dax's self portrait

2011-04-03T23:04:00.001-06:00

Ummmmn yeah - this is dax's self portrait

In primary they gave each of the kids a blank gingerbread man looking picture to draw like themselves so they could hang them all up next to a picture if Jesus.
So dax's picture included the most important details:
-claws on feet and hands CHECK
-spiky hair CHECK
-a little bit of clothes CHECK
-gnarly fang like teeth in a fierce growl CHECK

I think Justus nearly peed his pants laughing so hard when he saw this :)

Lady Gaga

2011-04-03T22:57:00.001-06:00

For uncle marks birthday we decided to go to the Lady Gaga concert. To kick off the night we ate at Tucanos for some delicious Brazilian grilled meat - a feast for all carnivores and definitely two thumbs up for all the crazy Paleo diet crossfitters :)

Afterwards in honor of uncle mark hitting the big 49 (and whooping his nephews in a Crossfit competition that morning) the boys lost their shirts for uncle marks ever popular shirtless pose :). The pictures don't convey how freaking cold it was but we didn't need to twist any arms to get it to happen.

After we ate uncle mark decided he'd rather go to a movie with kai which worked out great as Nikki was thrilled to go and we were thrilled to have her :)

Arriving at the concert was a bit of a freak show as all of Gaga's Little Monsters (as she likes to call her fans) came out to play. The cutest of them all was miss Toni Rose in a full Wonder Woman costume :). It was fun watching as many besides us lined up for a picture with this hottie!

Justus was even more excited than me. He's a huge Gaga fan and has been from the beginning. We had an added surprise of general admission on the floor which meant we were standing but I didn't mind. We get so few chances to dance in our "old age" that I looked forward to it.

Nikki & Stacey

Our two manly men not afraid to admit they like Gaga :)

Cute little prego lady

Arlynn was hoping this freak would hit on her.

He was dressed up for his wedding

From the time it started the end, it was amazing! The energy was high and she went from one hit to the next. Best of all she could singgggggg!!! Which I love live! The girl had pipes and could play a mean piano. GREAT performance!

We were so close, it made it all the better!!

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Hair spray

2011-04-03T22:23:00.001-06:00

This weekend we lucked out when aunt arlynn was able to score tickets to the musical Hairspray at Hale Center Theater. She got the last of only a handful of tickets to an otherwise sold out show.

After seeing some broadway shows in NYC the girls are super excited to see any musical and we figured this would be good for them to learn tips from as they get ready for their upcoming play "Alice in wonderland" that they are doing with Up with Kids.

We had two good seats and two not so great seats so I sat down and looked the two girls in the eye asking "are you guys ok to sit on your own while me and your mom sit in the back??"
Makeila looked at me and said "yeah, we'll be fine" with a completely "duhhhh" expression :). These two stinkers are growing up. They are already too cool to sit by their moms.

One of the things Maya was most excited about was seeing one of our neighbors, Ashlyn Hirchak perform. She has the voice of an angel and did such a great job. She really has a talent for this and it was just the right genre. Maya was giddy to have her sign her program.
Maya's a lot like her dad in her superman approach to athletics but it tickles me that she enjoys acting and theater like her drama geek mom :)

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Dax's philosophy on growing up

2011-03-28T08:36:00.001-06:00

This morning while Dax was lying in bed with me, he was quiet for a moment then turned to me and said,

"I don't want to grow up and be a dad. I just want to grow up and be a big kid ....... and I'll just live with you".

Hmmmmm I'm ok with that. I'll just get rid of the other 4 ;)

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An average HAIR day at church

2011-03-20T17:00:00.001-06:00

Every Sunday no matter how early we start it always ends with a final mad push to get out of the car and to church on time. And the thing that always seems to get left to the very last second...... HAIR (shocking considering what a hair conscious dad we have).

So this is how we fared this Sunday (ok, I admit I took these during sacrament and yes Justus already lectured me :).

DAX holding it down w/ "blonde ambition"

MAYA sporting "the Cheesy Princess"

KAI as an honorary "Alfalfa Fan Club member"

And then some face.

KOA with the ever popular "Baby Bear Chic"

TE with the "I'm too cool to do my hair"

And wait....... do I see a bit of a ....... bald patch?!!?

Dax you little crap! He cut just about down to his scalp. Hmmmm and it's right in the very front!!!

This then became the "Dax why did you cut your hair?!!?"
To which he replied "because it was in my eye!"

I guess it's time for a haircut AND time for us to devote more time to hair stylin' Sunday morning.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Straight A's baby!!

2011-03-19T01:47:00.001-06:00

That's right we had a total of:
12 - A's
1 - A-
1 - B+
lots of O's and P's

And Te was the winner with all A's!! Best of all the older 3 have been responsible for getting their own homework done as I attempt to not be an Asian mom and let them deal with their consequences.

What a bunch of smartie pants!! We gladly paid out $30 for these hard workers :)

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Kai's irreverent Church drawings

2011-03-07T15:18:00.001-07:00

Kai is in his Uncle Dallas's sunday school class. We have been lucky to have great teachers in the past who appreciate Kai's eccentricities and are especially glad to have Dallas because he will tease him into being an active part of the class.
Last week Arlynn was helping with the class (our ward was split and Dallas currently doesn't have a partner). After church she shared some pictures with us that Kai drew during class (while he was supposed to be listening).
While Dallas was teaching, Kai turned and showed Arlynn this picture:

You may recognize this from the Alvin and the chipmunks movie. The large one is Theodore's butt :).
Arlynn then said (after stifling a laugh), "Kai is that a very reverent picture to draw at church?"
Apparently Kai felt ashamed and then drew this picture:

I was so impressed! Impressed enough that it excused the first picture...... maybe :).

Another funny story that arlynn shared about Kai was when Dallas had the kids look up scriptures. Arlynn grabbed Kai's scripture bag to help him. The verse was in Matthew and Arlynn soon saw that he only had a Book of Mormon in the bag. So she told him,
"Kai sorry I can't find it"
To which he replied,
"Arlynn, you aren't trying HARD ENOUGH! Arghhhhh"

I'm sure grateful for good family who can appreciate Kai's candor.

I love you 100,000

2011-03-06T22:22:00.001-07:00

Dax "I love you 100".
Me "I love you 1,000"
Dax "I love you 10,000"
Me "I love you 100,000!!"
Dax "mom that's not even a real number!!"

I really do love this kid :)
http://i521.photobucket.com/albums/w335/khat119/DesignA_.jpg

Maya's first GYMNASTIC MEET!

2010-11-24T22:27:00.006-07:00

Maya tackles her first GYMNASTIC MEET!

CHAMPION KICKBACK CLASSIC
St.George October 2010
1st - vault
1st - beam
3rd - floor

We were very excited for her and she was feeling pretty nervous. They had 4 meets scheduled and she didn't feel ready to compete but it was a great chance to teach about stretching yourself (literally :) through challenges.
We decided on the st George tournament so that we could couple it with a chance to hang out with one of our favorite families - uncle Aaron and auntie Kathy!

When we got there Maya was pretty calm. I had tried to get everything ready in advance and we made sure to get there on time. We wanted her to not feel stressed.

Who was stressed was her daddy!! Justus was moving all over the place like he had ants in his pants!! He was NERVOUS! I've never seen him like that in all the numerous tournaments he's competed in. He's always cool as a cucumber. I'm the one who gets riled up! But I guess that's what a little girl does to her daddy :). It was pretty cute.

Maya has awesome coaches. We really love the gym she has been going to this last year and a half. My only regret is we didn't leave all American much sooner. They really work hard with the girls but keep things positive and fun.
When she made the level 5 team, I was worried. They had class 3 times a week for 2 hours each time! That's almost 20 hours a week. I worried it was too much but Justus was thrilled and felt it would be the perfect way for her to really build her talents.

She's doing great and really gaining confidence! It's been a great way for her to make friends and see what hard work can do!

She got nervous and had a goof up on the bar but the rest was fantastic!

And she is so lucky to have awesome cousins and family there to cheer her on! We sure love uncle Aaron and aunty Kathy!! They are the best!

So proud of our Maya and best of all - seeing how proud she was of herself!!

- katrinaL

KOA the Cleaner??

2010-11-07T09:56:00.001-07:00

Koa thinks he's the same age as the other kids. His theme song should be "anything you can do I can do better"!!

Not to be left behind, he found a way to "help" Maya do the dishes.

- katrinaL

DIRTY DASH 2010

2010-10-26T05:38:00.002-06:00

I believe the picture alone speaks volumes,
This
Was
A
BLAST!!

Justus found out about this at his favorite place on earth - his Crossfit gym (if it were a women I'd worry we'd become polygamist, he loves that place!).
Some of the guys asked if he'd run in their team. He was excited to join and told me there was a kid portion. I went online and fell in love with the details:

So the kids join in for about the last mike in the Piglet Plunge and we decided this would be a really fun thing to do as a family.

They gave each of the Piglets a tattoo which of course made my boys think they were pretty BAD in the very coolest sense of the word :)

And to our happy surprise, Camille, Matt and Isa were there! Gorgeous Camille was an angel and watched Koa while me and Justus went with the kids.

The kids were getting antsy waiting for Justus. Well that is until Dax and kai realized that we wanted them to join in thus filthy mess! Kai was grumbling "I have no desire to get dirty" and Dax was yelling "I don't want to get in there!!".
What the.......?!!? I realized we were failing as parents! What kid wouldn't want to get in the mud? Heck what adult could resist? We quickly educated the boys on the joys of getting, icky, gross, slimy dirty!! Well, that and I told them "it'll be like your shrek swimming in his mud pit!"
And swim through mud we did!

That's Justus imitation of Rambo :)

YouTube Video

I too cant help but marvel at my grace as I fall in the pit :)

Koa was NOT digging on his new filthy family. Who would have guessed that this messy monster wouldn't appreciate a dirty family :)

Afterwards they have some "showers" set up, which is really more like jumping under a fire hose blasting icy knives of water at you. You could hear all the kids yelping from half a mile away as their parents dragged them in. But beggars can't be choosers and who'd a thunk this was the same messy crew from 30 minutes before??
We absolutely will be doing it again in the spring. The kids are still talking about it! Only question is, who can we drag in with us???
- katrinaL

Vineyard Carnival 2010

2010-10-25T21:41:00.001-06:00

Every year the kids look forward to their school carnival!

This year jaden & their friend Marley invited Kai to help them make a cake for the cake auction. He was so excited and it actually got his sappy mother teary eyed that Jaden was so considerate to invite him :)
They did AMAZING by making a Viking Helmet in honor of the mascot. Kai was so proud and thrilled when his much loved teacher Miss Poole won it in the auction :)

There were some awesome cakes and my sweet bossy little Dax insisted I take pictures of them too :)

We ended up buying these cupcakes after I caught Dax licking the corn (clever little cupcakes with marshmallows on top).
I ended up spending over $100 in silent auction items. I mostly was trying to mess with Scott Johnson by bidding on his same items but they had to leave early and I ended up with a wide variety if gift cards!! All in all how can I complain - all for a good cause :)

They had an incredible face painter. We waited in line for 30 minutes but couldn't complain :).

Now this is the ultimate thrill the kids look forward to each year - TAG A TROUT!!
With this you pay $4 each to jump on a big pool and catch a trout with your bare hands. The kids LOVE it!!

Kai caught the smallest fish he could find because Lola told him they have the BEST flavor (little did she know just how little they all are :). Kai was so excited to bring it home for her to cook it for him.

koa decided to give the fish a kiss - ewwwwwww!!!

After a long day, koa removed his diaper and enjoyed a cool breeze on the way out to the car :)

Te's hitting the DOUBLE DIGITS!!

2010-10-25T21:29:00.001-06:00

TE TURNS 10!!!

Each birthday we bring the kids balloons and treats to their classroom. This year when I went in I could hear the kids start buzzing with "Te your moms here" and this was the first year I could tell he was a bit shy about it.
I was worried I'd become an embarrassment. Maybe he was wishing I hadn't come but after class, he told me "I like that you come". Sigh of relief. I'm not ready for him to not want me around :)
Te is a fantastic kid! He's funny, friendly, fun loving and extremely thoughtful of others. He's my kid who looks out for me and for all of his siblings. He's sensitive to how others are feeling. He's my kid who loves to be a part of a team and is always looking for a good time :). EVERY day he has a friend or their parent contacting me to see when he can play. His sweet nature makes me think of my dad.
He is the heart of our family and we truly couldn't function without him!!

Te chose to celebrate his birthday at karate - woohoo!! He handed out 20 invitations so I figured 10-15kids would come. We ended up with THIRTY-THREE!!! Apparently while he handed out invites at school some of the kids saw and told him they wish they were invited - tender hearted kid felt bad and then invited anyone who wanted to come. How could I be mad? It's the "Sigua" in him :). It's something Ima would always do. He was worried I'd be mad but I was proud of him!

- katrinaL

Me, 5 kids vs 7 peaks

2010-09-30T21:26:00.001-06:00

We are grateful for NuSkin day at 7 Peaks and even more grateful that 6 people backed out of Sean and Randy's tickets, thus making an opportunity for my large family to go!!
It was the first week of school and made a perfect last hoorah to summer! Justus is hands down the better parent when it comes to swimming activities. He had a busy schedule at karate but was gracious enough to encourage me to go with the kids. So I sucked it up and put my pathetic doggie paddling bottom and the kids in the car and away we went.

We had a blast! I absolutely had my hands FULL but that's life with me and 5 kids. It was worth seeing kai and Dax off the video games :)

Kai was getting a kick out of flipping the camera.

While Dax was distracted, Koa swooped in for a bite :)

Rilan was rather disgusted to see koa eating pizza that had fallen to the ground - ah let's face it, so was I but considering the kid infested water, I figure it was one of many things I could get ove

- katrinaL

Proud Mama

2010-09-22T15:04:00.001-06:00

Maya came home from school the other day and told me this story,

MAYA I saw kai at lunch today.

MOM what was he doing? Was he alone?
(since he was in 1st grade I've always struggled with the fact that he doesn't play with anyone during recess. In fact I went to lunch with him 4-5 days a week because I felt bad thinking of him being alone)

MAYA he was trying to play hopscotch......but I don't think he knew what he was doing.

MOM ahhh, poor kai.

MAYA so I went over and showed him how to do it.

MOM (me teary eyed) oh Maya! That was very kind of you! That makes me happy that you were looking out for your brother.

MAYA. (with a smile) It was fun.

As a parent, you always worry about your kids but knowing that Maya loves her brother and felt compassion for him made me as proud of her as ever! I want them to develop their talents and their minds but as much as I want those things, her being a good, kind person tops the list. She reminded me of Ima :)

- katrinaL

The cutest freaking BOOTS!!

2010-09-21T20:13:00.002-06:00

Nothing is better than a good buy - and THIS was a good buy!!

The cutest, cosiest, leather baby boots!!!
COSTCO $17.99
Available in brown, pink and white.

Koa adores them! He wears them ALL the time. I thought it would be inappropriate to post how he likes to wear them (completely in the NUDE :)

They have so many cute shoes! Absolutely my favorite Baby shoes!
http://www.jackandlily.com/c378102668p17575302.2.html

Little Jasmine is getting Married!

2010-09-21T20:07:00.001-06:00

Who'd a thunk it!! I have the best memories of playing with this darling (not so little) girl. Jasmine was the cutesy, smartest spunkiest little kid I've ever known. Justus and I both loved having her hang out with is from age 5-10. Even while I was in Hawaii for college, Justus would go hang out with her for pure entertainment value :)

She's so sweet with koko.

What cuties.

This is how much kai enjoyed the wedding - he read "how to train your dragon" most of the time.

- katrinaL

Dax vs Kindergarten

2010-09-06T21:20:00.001-06:00

So Dax started kindergarten this week.

He didn't want to.

At all.

How do I know? He told me alllllllll the time!

So what a strange twist of fate that he qualifies for all day kindergarten :). A bit of a boon for me (because let's face it - 2 hours a day is torture for a busy mom. You feel like you just dropped them off and then are picking them up like 2 seconds later, or at least it feels that way).

However, for the poor teachers who were about to inherit my cute opinionated little 5 year old ............ that is who I worried the most about. My parenting style leans more towards the "suck it up" philosophy (I AM part asian) so the teachers get more of my sympathy than Dax ;).

So Wednesday we got Dax up, fed him a good breakfast, let him pick out his clothes, i did everything I could to help him be excited for school and when he still was refusing to go - I threatened that he would get no video game time after school. That did the trick! Out the door we went :).

Guess what? He surprised us all and most of all he surprised himself! It wasn't all that bad.
Part of all day is eating school lunch. He thought that he was the SHIZ. This was his favorite part of all. I went to lunch to check on him. I was double thinking it because I thought he may attach himself to my leg and refuse to stay for the 2nd half. But this is what I found:

Most of the other kids were barely touching their plates but this boy was digging in! He thought it was fantastic!! And to top it off they told him he could have chocolate milk everyday - that was what sealed the deal!

So minus the part where he asked his teacher every 5 minutes for the last hour "when are we going home?", which I'm sure was followed by "this is taking FOREVER" (his teacher is our lovely neighbor and the bishops wife), I think we will count the first week as a success.
He wasn't yelling at me the next day about not wanting to go, so I think that counts for something :)

He's shark backpack. I figured he'd like "feeding" his papers to it each day :)
- katrinaL

Back to School 2010 (HOORAY!)

2010-09-01T20:50:00.001-06:00

We were all ready for school to start, even if the kids didn't quite realize it ;). Te was complaining but he of any of my kids truly appreciates the social aspect and order that school provides.

This year Maya is in 3rd, Te 4th and Kai 6th. It blows my mind because I totally remember being in those grades. I especially remember 6th - it was the year of my first kiss (nothing too exciting), feeling like we ruled the school and best of all I remember starting a petition for a 6th grade dance (which ended up being pretty lame as the boys stood against one wall and the girls along the other :).

This year was especially exciting because uncle randy's kids are now going to vineyard! After Ima died they moved into her house which is in our boundaries. The kids were so excited, especially Te and Maya. How cool to have cousins in the same school with them! It makes me happy to know they'll get to share this time with life long friends.

Isn't this hilarious!! These two are only 4 months a part and both in 6th grade but you'd never guess it with their 1 1/2 foot heighth difference :). Kai is the shortest and jaden at 5'1" is one of the tallest.
I was MOST EXCITED that kai and Jaden would be in the same 6th grade class! I was really struggling on whether or not I should hold Kai back and keep him in 5th grade. The thought that he will be in jr.high next year scares me to death :(. He is so small and I was wondering if 1 year would help him catch up to the other kids.
The principal at Vineyard is extremely supportive and while they encouraged me to not hold him back they left the final decision to me. After many prayers and a trip to the Temple, I ultimately decided not to hold him back. And I think having Jaden in his class could prove to be an amazing blessing. Jaden is a very kind, responsible young man. He is so patient, I'm really hoping they can become good friends.
After the first week everyone is feeling happy and excited for each school day - so I'll count it as a success.

Big Kai and Pretty Nikki

2010-08-30T22:15:00.001-06:00

Kai & Nikki Lawrence
8.13.10

We love these two!! I remember meeting Kai while Justus and I were dating and Kai was 8 years old. He was such a sweet kid and a great older brother. And his name was so cool we had to give it to our first born.
We had more fun when he came up to BYU and best of all he started bringing a cute brown girl over for LOST nights. She fit right in and the kids were as in love with her as they were kai!
We were so happy when they finally decided to join all us old married people :). Congrats!

GQ posing

with cousin Tyrone

Uncle Mark has one good looking family!

Sweet Lily

Pretty nikki- Maya said she looked like a princess :)

Maya's hero, the gorgeous Chelsea.

And of course.........,the shirtless pose :)

Uncle Mark was in HEAVEN!!!

YouTube Video

Search for a LIGER

2010-08-24T08:06:00.000-06:00

Kai is potentially the future Filipino- Hawaiian-white Napolean Dynomite. He has had a fascination with Ligers. He was asking me all types of questions:
"is their skin impenetrable?"
"I heard their fangs are the size of my arm"
"they give birth to live young - because they are mammals"
Then I remembered aunt Rachel told me they had one in display at the Bean Museum up at BYU. So me and the kids decided to go.

I'll be honest kai was a little disappointed. He looked at it and said "hmmmmm, it just looks like a tiger"

But he and all the kids enjoyed going through the museum. We all decided we needed to come back in winter and watch one of the shows. Theses are the things I'm grateful I get to do with my kids :). I love watching them get excited about something in nature (that isn't a video game :).

- katrinaL

Kindergarten Check up & Dax Screaming like a Girl

2010-08-23T21:10:00.002-06:00

Our crazy little guy is going to Kindergarten this year! Well I hope he's going to go to Kindergarten. He hasn't been that.......excited about it :(. The other kids were all thrilled at the prospect but not this one. He's content to stay home and play Halo all day, every day - I'm failing as a parent :)
I have found what angle to work though. The other day I was talking with him:
MOM Dax aren't you excited for school
DAX. No! I want to stay home with you
(big cheesy grin).
MOM. whatever, you just want to play games!
DAX. (an even bigger smile)
I love Halo :)
MOM. you know what Dax at school they teach you to read and then you can read the stories on halo.
DAX. (contemplating). Hmmmmmmm ok, I'll go 2 times.

So to the doctor he went for his check up. I'll be honest, I felt a bit guilty because I didn't tell him about the shots. I didn't have the guts because I knew he'd be ticked.

Dr Boyd was fantastic with him and all was well until.........

The best part of it all was Kai lecturing in the corner "Dax I know shots hurt but you need them for your own SAFETY! Don't be a BABY". Nothings like brotherly love :). Lola would be proud of her young vaccine advocate.

- katrinaL

Grandma G's Mexican Enchiladas

2010-08-17T00:44:00.002-06:00

GRANDMA G.'s Amazing Enchiladas
HUEVOS RANCHEROS
1 Bottle of Tomato Juice
1 Clove of Garlic
1 Tbsp of Butter
2 Tbsp of Flour
1 Tbsp of Salt
40 Small Corn Tortillas
TOP WITH: Cheese, Green Onions, Lettuce
SERVES 8

In a large pot, melt the butter and then add the flour, garlic, salt and other seasonings. Brown the flour for a couple of minutes and then slowly add the tomato juice. Be sure to stir consistently so the flour doesn't ball up. Bring to a boil and then simmer for at least 30 minutes.
Fry the eggs (preferrably sunny side up). Quickly fry the corn tortillas. Lay down 2-3 tortillas, top with the sauce, the egg and then cheese, green onions and lettuce.

Well of COURSE enchiladas are mexican right? The thing is, most of the time I've had them they aren't prepared the way my grandma did. You're probably thinking "isn't your Grandma Filipino......?" And you'd be correct, one of them is Filipino. Then you are asking "I didn't know your dad was Mexican!?" Well he's not but his mother (my Grandma G) grew up in the Mormon colonies down in Mexico and this is the way she prepared Enchiladas. They are heavenly!!!! And extremely simple.
When I was 14 I started working for my grandma. She had a small Residential Care Center, an old folks home :). I would help with the ladies, play the piano, run errands with my Grandma and one of the biggest perks of the job -- eating Grandma's delicious home made food 3 times a day! This is the one that she knew was my favorite of all. If she was wanting to do something special for me, she would whip up this recipe.
Grandma G. loved growing up down in Mexico. Her whole family did! You could tell by the way they spoke about it and their love for the people. Many of her family speak Spanish fluently. In fact when my Great Grandfather (her father) was in her care we had a funny experience. He was in his 90's and getting very forgetful. I came and sat by him to talk with him. He began speaking to me very kindly in Spanish. I had no idea what he was saying because I unfortunately don't speak Spanish, I don't even speak Filipino! He didn't recognize me anymore, So I tried to politely act like I knew what he was saying and hoping he didn't think I was one not so intelligent little hispanic girl :).
As I have started to enjoy cooking and crafting so much more, I miss her more and more. She was always so talented had both. I would have loved to have her share all her talent and tricks with me.

- katrinaL

Coca-Koa big Birthday Bash

2010-08-17T00:31:00.001-06:00

My sweet little monster turned one on July 29th! I truly can not believe how fast the time has flown. Who would have thought this adorable 18 lb, brown baby could become so loved and such an integral part of our seemingly endless family :).
He is rather silly, becoming louder by the day, extremely mischievous, a wiggly little dancer and I'm afraid to say I think he's got a bit of his mommy's whacky and a bit unstable personality.

Last minute I decided I needed to do a family party. How could I not for my sweet little boy!
We are so incredibly BLESSED to have such great family and friends there to share in our happiness of having this little stinker in our lives.

We had grandma g's delicious enchiladas.

The pretty aunties

Skinny advertising what he wishes he could eat (Troy has lost 75 lbs this year!!)

Poor koa was in tears by the time we sang "happy birthday". The kids were enthusiastically sing LOUD right in his direction. I think he thought everyone was yelling at him.

His favorite present :)

Toni and jasmine set up an eyebrow shaping / moustache removal / nose hair plucker station in our bedroom (away from the party in honor of ima - she HATED if we did this around company :)
He's walking everywhere, stirring up
Trouble! He loves to follow the kids around because he thinks he's just as big as they are. He especially loves to be with me, he's a total MOMMA's BOY. which can be a mixed blessing - he can drive me crazy but then his goofy little laugh wins me back every time.
We are so blessed to have this little boy!

- katrinaL

The BookThief

2010-08-16T13:02:00.002-06:00

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I had this book for a while before I finally read it. I know any book about the Holocaust will have me in tears at some point and this was no exception. It is primarily focused on a German girl whose family is not sympathetic to the Nazi cause. I appreciated that it was not color coated and the harsh realities of war from a civilian perspective is a HUGE reminder of why war is so terrible on so many levels.
While it was painful and heartbreaking, there are such beautiful moments of love and humanity. It served as such a great reminder to me that we always have a choice to be kind and courageous no matter what our circumstances. While you aren't responsible for others actions, but you are always responsible for your own. It reminds me that I am responsible to do the right thing, even when it's not the easiest and can be the hardest thing to do. You can truly see what matters to a person with how they respond to the most horrible situations. Another great book that made me reflect on myself and how I would respond to unbearable situations.

View all my reviews >>

The Help

2010-08-04T10:25:00.002-06:00

The Help
Fantastic book. I couldn't put it down. You quickly get sucked into this town. It's like being able to peek through peoples windows when they don't know you're watching ;). The help provides a fascinating view of how people treat each other when they have "power" over someone else and have no perceived consequences. It also made me think of how would I react if I were the help? Like minny, aibilene or louvenia? Or on the flip side would I be like louann, Elizabeth, skeeter or hilly? ...more Fantastic book. I couldn't put it down. You quickly get sucked into this town. It's like being able to peek through peoples windows when they don't know you're watching ;). The help provides a fascinating view of how people treat each other when they have "power" over someone else and have no perceived consequences. It also made me think of how would I react if I were the help? Like minny, aibilene or louvenia? Or on the flip side would I be like louann, Elizabeth, skeeter or hilly? She brought each of the narrators to life as you look at 1960's south through their eyes and experience. Great reading group material!

Rex's Book Review Blog

2010-08-03T01:30:00.003-06:00

(Rex at a convention with Olympic Champion Carl Lewis)

My little brother Rex has long ago proven how much wiser he is than me :). Rex really is one of the smarter people I know. One of the best benefits I've received from his wisdom is his book selections.
Rex will be graduating from the Marriott School of Business at BYU next week. So he's shared some AWESOME and I'm serious awesome books with me on business, marketing, finances. And I've also really enjoyed the books he's shared about relationships.
It's sooooooo nice not wasting time on a lame book! Be sure to check out his blog, I promise that you'll find something you'll appreciate!

http://rexg.posterous.com/

Illegal Fireworks

2010-07-25T00:48:00.001-06:00

I don't know what it is about illegal fireworks that makes me happy but I get all giddy about spending a lot of $$$ to blow things up in a very short amount of time :).
Ok so these aren't exactly what ours looked like this year but we had about 25% of this magnitude ;).
I've always had a fireworks fetish and like every obsession, I think it all stems from childhood when Troy would always get an awesome assortment on his birthday. Looking back, I'm actually really shocked that my dad who is EXTREMELY frugal, I mean frugal like we are living in the great depression and we need to reuse toilet paper frugal ;), that he would purchase something as frivolous as fireworks. I guess it's in the blood :)
On our way back from Cali, we came through too early to get some in Moapa (they have the best mortars in my humble opinion). I was feeling a bit bummed that we wouldn't have anything this year.

Then Marissa and Bruce were so kind to make a 5 hour roundtrip out to Evanston to get us some good fireworks. We and our friends next door foot the bill and they provided the time. They left at 3, came back at 8, then the show began!
And the best part is there were (allegedly) 3 police officers in attendance. So if a cop happened to come, we were banking on their Jedi powers to say "turn around, you saw nothing illegal here" :). We sure love our neighbors!!

Mia was so funny. She wasn't crying but she would make the funniest faces each time they'd go off. I was happy she was loving the new PJ's I got her - I'm not above buying her love :)

Makeila was staying farrrrrr away after a mortar blew over and right into the crowd last year!!

Love the British invasion of Holly's awesome family :)

Little miss Myra changed her clothes 4 times in a 2 hour period!! What the.......

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Percy Jackson

2010-07-22T00:56:00.000-06:00

The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I started reading this series to the kids while we were on a LONG drive to San Francisco. I told them that after each movie, I'd read 2 chapters to them. I was worried how this would go but 14 hours of movies is even a little ridiculous by our standards.
Everyone loved it. I got to the 2 chapters and they were all begging (including Justus & dax) for me to continue. I ended up reading for an hour and half. I ended up downloading it on to my iphone and playing it outloud for them on the way back and they listened 4 hours straight. This way I could still drive (because we know justus is falling asleep at the wheel after an hour ;).
I will definitely get more books on tape for upcoming road trips. It made me feel like a better mom.
Once we got home, I came home and devoured the series! I would have loved these when I was a kid. It's a fun way for them to learn about the whacky Greek Gods & Goddesses. I hope they keep going with the movies (even though they are really different from the books).

View all my reviews >>

to HCG or not HCG

2010-07-19T23:42:00.004-06:00

Ok, so I just purchased a bottle of HCG drops.
My chubbiness is finally really starting to bug me. Well that and watching Troy and Megan look so great after losing their weight. It's inspired me that I need to get my act together. However, I'll be honest, doing it their way (which is really the best way) isn't working for me :(.
My mom has very ....... how shall I say it...... aggressively advised me that she doesn't think I should do it (in the extremely blunt way, only an asian mother can). But I'm feeling like this is what I need to kick my metabolism in the butt. Each of my dear sweet little monkeys have left me a 10 pound gift . After Kai and Te the weight fell right off. About a year after Maya, it came off but not all the way. And after Dax and Koa, it decided to just hang around permanently.
It really hadn't bugged me all that bad. To be honest, I just haven't even had the time to really worry or focus on it. But I got on the scale the other day and I weigh as much as I did when I gave birth to Kai!! And I gained 50+ pounds!
So here I go!
The restrictions seem a bit intense. I was thinking I could jump right into it but I think I need to prepare better so I have the best results. It's 3 weeks of 500 calories and the only way that is happening for me while juggling, 5 kids, a busy baby, the karate school, a new business and trying to act somewhat normal - will be a task. So I need to prep. I was thinking tomorrow I'll surf the web for some menus.
I'm thinking I'll shoot for starting Wednesday.
have any of you tried this??
Any tips or insight??
Desparately getting chubbier - Katrina

GGma (that's short for the kids totally amazing great grandma)

2010-07-18T17:26:00.002-06:00

We went to visit justus's grandma at the hospital today. Poor grandma fell two weeks ago and broke her hip.
She had gone out to get her newspaper at 6am. The sprinklers came on and caught her off guard, so she slipped. She had to crawl all the way back in the house on one side so she could get to the phone to call char. What a trooper! She was so bruised and torn up but it just shows what a tough cookie grandma is.
She said she felt there were angels there helping her along. With what a good, sweet woman grandma is, I don't doubt there were plenty of them from the other side helping her along.
We really have not been good about visiting as often as we should or as much as she would like. She's always had a soft spot for Justus, her very first grandchild :). And he's always had a lot of love for her too. With ima's passing, it's been a tough reminder of not wanting to have any regrets with the time we spend with those we love.
So we have made it a goal to go visit her at rehab at least a couple of times a week.

When we went to the hospital, Kai went and stood by grandma and started saying "my other grandma died (ima)". Then he turned, looked straight at grandma and said, " and it looks like....." there was a pause and Justus and I were both at the edge of our seat. We were so worried he'd say "and YOU'RE next!!"
But thankfully he said, "you must eat your vegetables because you are very healthy". Phew!! We were relieved that kai had such a positive outlook because heaven's knows our honest little aspergers son would have shared any other opinion.
It has been fun listening to stories of her childhood. I think it's a little surreal for the kids to think that grandma was once a little child like them. It blew them away to gear she was born in 1922. Actually that was a little crazy to us too. Te was fascinated when she told him that there were no cars, tv's or even video games when she was born.
I feel so lucky that I was able to spend so much time wity both of my grandmas. We just need to be sure our kids take advantage of their chance also.

This is the balloon the boys picked out for grandma :)
- the cuckoo mom of 5

Summer Flowers

2010-07-18T17:06:00.002-06:00

I haven't worked all that hard on this years flowers. it's been a pleasant surprise to see some of my last couple of years work come back to surprise me. It's been a beautiful show.

My lilies are my favorite of all. I've planted a big variety, half of which haven't really taken but after a couple of years the ones that are taking did wonderful this year!

This is a new rose "tree" I got from costco. I've never been a fan of roses because I always hated the ones in our yard when I was growing up. They were always ai overgrown and I swore I would never plant any.
These trees were such a pretty color I couldn't resist. I planted this one by the front door and I have no regrets. They smell divine, it's no wonder they are a favorite all over :)

These daylilies have been here the longest and they are doing wonderful! They probably had the best show of any of my flowers this year. They are so hearty. I'm glad they are in their own space.

And these echinaceas and mums (I think the purple are a type of mum) do a pretty good job in the hot Utah sun.

My peonies (I have 4 plants) finally had a decent show this year. Not more than 4 or 5 each but I've heard they are picky and take sometime. I was too slow in getting a picture so that'll have to wait until next year.
Next yeary BIG GOAL is to finally get a small veggie garden together. We'll see how it goes. I have good neighbors rooting for me.

- the cuckoo mom of 5

HUNGER GAMES

2010-07-16T22:09:00.000-06:00

My good friend lora has been telling me forever how awesome this book is. So it's precisely why it's taken me so long to read it! She and I have similiar taste in books and I knew I'd probably love it. Which means once I started reading it I'd be useless to the world until I finished.
Then I saw it at costco - only $6!
I started reading it on our flight home from Vegas and I was up til 3:30am finishing it that night. I was even reading by iPhone light on the dark ride home - THAT's how GOOD it is!
It's young adult fiction but there is pretty graphic violence so it'll be a while before I let the kids read it.
It's a story about a fictional, post war america that reminds me a lot of communist Russia (funny to think that communist Russia really means nothing to my kids). North america is divided into 12 districts and every year each district must send one boy and one girl to compete in a reality show. Kind of like Survivor, however to be the last one standing you need to kill all the other competitors.
Collins is a great writer. I really liked the way her writing flows. It's young adult, so isn't meant to be a classic but it draws you in immediately and rarely is there a dull moment, which is saying a lot for a 400 page book! It's an interesting look at the luxuries we take for granted and how ridiculous some of the things we get caught up in can be.

I was trying to hold off on the sequel until I knew I had some time to burn. Well yesterday I stopped by barnes & nobles to pick up a copy. At 8:30pm I thought I'd just read the first chapter and of course I was up until 3:30am finishing the book!!
I was warned that I'd want to throw the book across the room when I finished - they were right. I just about did but Kai had wandered in about 1am and was sleeping on the floor, so I thought better of it.
You know it's a good one when you can't stop thinking about it. It's been haunting me all day as I try to put everything together and imagine what will happen in the next book.

Book 3 comes out 8/24 and I'm embarrassed to admit I'll be there to pick it up at midnight.
They are also supposed to be making it into a movie. It could be an AWESOME movie! The geeky little girl in me, hopes they do :)
the cuckoo mom of 5

KARATE SUPERSHOW

2010-07-16T00:28:00.004-06:00

Once a year they hold a huge karate business seminar. We go down to train on new techniques, class ideas and to see some of the biggest and greatest in the martial arts world.
We love the chance to get to go down and find some awesome ideas to make our studio the biggest, baddest and funnest :). Best part is the chance to hang out with some of our favorite karate peeps. Jeff & nikkee, Aaron & Kathy, Dallas & Arlynn and it was really fun to hang out with Justus cousin Jade & his girlfriend Becca who came down for the first time.
We had 3 days full of classes and then three fun nights of hanging out in Vegas. Good stuff! We left feeling excited!

I wanted to be sure Justus felt very manly so I brought my subtle pink laptop bag

PUNKA*& from TAPOUT
the boys were stoked for this one. I was shocked how little he was.

LYOTO MACHIDA
Justus loved this class with machida. They said he was surprisingly humble and down to earth. Which is refreshing after how cocky and arrogant some of the other UFC fighters are.
Jade was slick and worked in some one on one training with Justus.

CHUCK LIDDELL

LIBRORIO
I have no idea who the guy is but justus was excited, hence the picture :) He runs America's Top Team (ATT) down in Florida.

MIKE CHAT
thank goodness for him because he's the one who trained Taylor Lautner (Jacob from Twilight fame).

Cute little baby onsies

And our favorite fruitcakes couldn't help but do a topless photo shoot in honor of Uncle Mark :) This is of course on our hotel bed - isn't that where everyone takes these shots??

These other lovely fruitcakes were walking the strip and for a measly $5 you could take a photo with the wannabe Avatars :)

TODAI
is an all you can eat sushi and seafood place at the Planet Hollywood Miracle mile shops. It was delicious and totally hit the spot!

Jade & Dallas had a photo shoot with Century! We are excited to see if they use any of their pictures in the magazine :)

- the cuckoo mom of 5

Koa Monster

2010-07-14T09:59:00.001-06:00

Our little stinker is so anxious to grow up! Since he was 8 months old he's been tinkering with walking. However he would not let us help him. He didn't like walking back and forth between people. He preferred to cruise on his own and in open spaces where he wouldn't be gone.

So we left for a karate conference in Vegas. Just 3 short days but of course when we get back he's walking like a pro. Well a pro Frankenstein :). I mean he's walking 20 steps no problem, taking corners like they are nothing!
And of course now he's EVERYWHERE!! 1st thing he heads for - bathroom, the toilet in particular. There are 4 in the house and he is on the lookout for whenever one door is inevitably left open
2nd - he's headed for the bathtub to turn on the water and to flirt with the idea of jumping in....... while I turn that off and clean up the toilet paper he heads for
3rd - the pantry. He immediately is throwing rice all over the floor!! As I go get the vaccum he is on to......
4- all the cleaning supplies under the sink!!!

His favorite thing to eat - those nasty baby hot dogs

Love our little Koa Monster!
- the cuckoo mom of 5

Kai the KING of FASHION

2010-07-10T23:01:00.000-06:00

KAI IN MAYA's SKINNY JEANS

Oh yes, that is kai in maya's skinny jeans. YES it was after school and he went to school the whole day that way and NO he didn't notice.
His response on when I asked him about it:
KAI "ahhhhhhhhhh, who put these in my closet!!!!!"
Hmmmmmmm apparently their EXTREME TIGHTNESS was not an indication that there was a problem.

KAI IN DAX's BASKETBALL SHORTA

At this point I'd learned my lesson and to ask "kai! Why do you have on Dax's shorts??". Would have illicited the same response as above.
Love my fashion"less" son. His lack of vanity certainly doesn't cone from his father :)
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

DESPICABLE ME

2010-07-10T22:50:00.000-06:00

One of our favorite family activities is heading to the movies :). What's not to love:

Buttery Popcorn
(with nacho cheese seasoning on the side)
Big Screen with the
Newest Blockbuster
and
PICKLES
(wierd I know but we have to but two massive foot long pickles to keep everyone for fighting over them)

There's something for each of us and with all the great kid shows, that adults can laugh at - it's something we have a great time at.
We typically go to a late show (9ish) because all the good parents have gone to a matinee. It means no battling crowds of families and their own hoards. Also, kids prices are the same all day, so we only pay extra for me and Justus. I'll be honest, I'm too cheap to spring for the 3D glasses but the kids don't typically keep them on and that makes Dax more wiggly.
The best part of the movies are Kai's less than subtle giggles that ring throughout the theater. Along with the way he loudly points out all the funny lines for me, just in cased I missed them 30 seconds before :). It's fun though because this is one of the rare moments ge gets so animated.

Despicable Me is a show that Kai has been anxiously waiting! When he's excited he does a daily countdown until the day of it's release. Thanks to the wonderful marketers at Dreamworks he has known the date it would be coming out and has been reminding us on a daily basis as only my anal little son can :)
Thankfully it did not leave any of us disappointed!
Steve carrel is one of our Dave comedians and he was hilarious.

The kids loved the quirky kids.

But for sure the over all favorite were Gru's minions. I L O V E D these guys!!! Probably because the goofy adorable little things reminded me so much of Dax and koa. Their big giggly mouths just made me think of Daxy when he's happy :).
We will definitely get this one when it's out on video.

- the cuckoo mom of5

KING KOA or What to do with a SPOILED baby??

2010-07-04T13:44:00.001-06:00

This cute little stinker is soooooooo spoiled!! He knows how to work it! I don't believe you can spoil a new baby, however when a child is coming unglued, then immediately stops once you pick him up - he's spoiled and that's my koa.

However, I know that this doesn't happen on it's own. I will confess, "my name is Katrina Lawrence and I am an enabler". I can't help it. He's just so CUTE!!

He's been trying to walk since he was 8 months old but it's all on his terms. He'll "practice" on his own going back and forth from objects but refuses if we try to get him to do it. Very stubborn and independent like his father (and maybe a bit like his mother).

He is still in bed with us but I don't have the heart to kick him out. He's down to waking up once a night at 3am but as long as you have a bottle ready, he'll go back to sleep. Then he's typically up bright and early around 7ish.

He let's us know he's awake by giving me a cuddle and a charming grin, then he rolls over and smacks Justus squarely in the face. Well that or a well placed kick to the nose. Oddly, this tickles Justus to pieces. He thinks it's awesome :). The boys do too, well for now anyways. Koa loves nothing more than a well timed smack to the face. He especially loves to wrestle Dax. He will climb on his back, violently pull dax's hair, rip at his ears, then yell at him. This typically leaves the two boys giggling :)

Koa only likes milk and has no use for juice or any other type of drink and trust me I've tried! Sweet, carbonated, anything unhealthy - he's not interested. And he hates baby food. He only ate it for a month and then he would refuse anything we tried to feed him that he didn't see us eating. Smart little bugger. And if we aren't sharing he'll put his mouth right on ours to try and eat like a little bird. Or he'll swipe food right out of your mouth when it's opened the slightest bit.

He's a little more shy than I remember the other kids. He's a bit timid about unexpected noises and doesn't like feeling he's in trouble. It hurts his little feelings. His temperment reminds me a lot of Troy and Landon. He's sweet and sensitive and really likes to be with his mommy.

We hadn't planned on this cutie (as we hadn't any of the rest :). But as we approach the end of his first year, I can't believe how time has flown and can not imagine life without him. He is part of this family and each of us is better and more complete with him here.
One of the best parts of each and everyday is watching the kids interact with him. They are so kind and thoughtful of him. They love him so much!! Having Koa as part of the family has brought out the best in each of us :)

- the cuckoo mom of 5

My Maya's Growing Up or Little Miss Thangs in the NYC

2010-07-04T04:31:00.001-06:00

So our little miss Maya spent the last week in NYC with her awesome aunt and uncle and most beloved BFF makeila.
Arlynn had planned a trip out for their break and Maya assumed since she and makeila are besties, that of course she was invited too. Dallas and Arlynn were beyond kind to not only say yes but be really excited for the girlies to have this trip together. However, I was thinking that chances were slim to none that her very protective father would let her go.......
Well Justus defied the odds and ended up (after much pleading by Maya, Arlynn and makeila) saying yes!!
The girls were sooooo excited. As a kid, I always loved to go new places and to stay with friends while my parents were out of town. Troy was always a scaredy cat but I ALWAYS loved every chance to get out and try something new. I've never been much of a homebody. I'm still not and anytime we've got some extra cash (or not) there's nothing I'd rather do than get out of town and soaking in something new!
So apparently, of all her personality traits (in general she is soooooo her daddy) this is something me and the Princess have in common :). I knew I'd miss her but I was so excited Justus gave in and let her go, I didn't realize how much! It really shows how much Justus loves and trusts Big D and Arlynn to let her go. I sure missed my little girl terribly :(. You'd think with our crazy days and only missing 1 of the 5 monkeys, that it wouldn't make much of a difference. But it sure did! From the moment she was gone I found myself "looking" for someone, always feeling we weren't complete as we'd load up into the car. And I really did miss what a good helper she is with King Koa. He sure missed her too.
When we talked on the phone, i'd dig to see if she missed us, if she was even the teensiest bit homesick. Well, she wasn't. Another thing we have in common - she was too busy living it up NYC style. Could I blame her? Not really. Especially after falling in love with it in April with my girlfriends :)
So now I need to start worrying that she's going to be like our lovely Brit Holly. Is she going to end up loving traveling so much that she leaves us??? She better not!
Thank you Arlynn and Dallas for taking Maya on a trip of a lifetime!! Thanks for all the Facebook Updates that made it more bearable. Thanks for the awesome photos but most of all thanks for loving Maya like she was your own :)

At the NYC TEMPLE in manhattan. I believe 1 of only 2 temples that are part of a pee-existing building (I think Hong Kong is the other)

Childrens museum.

DYLANS CANDY STORE
Funny makeila can always make Maya smile.

STATEN ISLAND FERRY
To see the famed miss Liberty

FAO SCHWARTZ

I'll buy this one!

Look at that Barbie shakin her booty!

Which one is the monster?!!?

TIMES SQUARE
Dallas and the Naked Cowboy

The girls "not looking" at the naked cowboy. Makeilas "not look" is awesome :)

Thank goodness for strollers!

What saints to share this oompa loompa NYC hotel room!

MARY POPPINS on Broadway
Lucky girls!

Arlynn said they loved it! They even got to meet her after :)

CENTRAL PARK
Carriage ride - how fun!

With aunt Arlynn

Dallas working the girls out. The Lawrence workout obsession.

One of the stipulations Justus gave for Maya to go was a strict Crossfit routine - this was the proof she did it.

Our lovely Miss Maya.
- the cuckoo mom of 5

GRAY HAIR - distinguish or EXtinguish??

2010-06-30T19:23:00.013-06:00

So Justus is now
33
years old!

After basketball he now needs to ice his knees, at tournaments he needs to try and get a nap in before his fights and after working out, he takes a lot of ibuprofen. My superman is starting to get old - but he's not letting that get in the way of his very active Lawrence genes!

So my dear husband has recently had some new editions to his much loved hairdo. What used to be the random, stray strand of gray hair has now multiplied into a little village. At the rate it's going I wouldn't doubt it becomes a small city before too long!

It's left me asking my very metro husband what his plans were in regard to the Gray Invasion. Would he begin dying his hair or begin to take advantage of these additions to give the appearance of maturity??
He is still pondering :)

Happy Birthday Justus :)

(picture at the top is of him with his birthday, christmas, anniversary, etc present for the next 10 years - it was self gifted, and the one above is at Rhiannon's lovely wedding).

- the cuckoo mom of 5

ECLIPSE with a bunch of nutty overaged Mormons!

2010-06-30T19:23:00.012-06:00

the third Twilight Movie MIDNIGHT with all the other nutcases :)

I had planned on renting out a theater this time so that we could have all our friends and family together but with Ima's passing I got a bit distracted. At the last minute I decided I still wanted to go to the midnight showing and through a quick post out on facebook looking for some tickets and was astounded at the response! Most of my Aunts, Cousins and some friends were still in.
So dear Marissa found that they had just opened a new theater at Jordan Commons. They have assigned seats, so even with the 30 minute drive to SLC, it was well worth it.

this was my first time seeing a movie at Jordan Commons. I WISH they had something like this down in Utah County. They have a wide selection of restaruants and treats which you can conveniently bring with you into the theater. LOVE it! I will definitely be going back.

LOVIN' camilles shirt that blatantly shows who she is attracted to - go Team Edward!!

Loved the crepes at Jordan Commons, especially when I got to sample everyone else's :) I'm also sporting my newest hair piece. It looks a bit like a peacock landed on my head. Justus wouldn't let me wear it to church but I figured a night out with the girls was a workable situation.

I really liked this one. You can definitely tell that the budget was bigger and thank goodness, those wolves could have really looked pretty tacky alongside the sparkling vampires. I think Justus will actually enjoy this one but I'll be honest, I won't let the kids watch it unless I'm there to skip a few moments. It's getting more mature.
- the cuckoo mom of 5

Newport Beach baby!

2010-06-22T08:10:00.001-06:00

There's nothing so serene as being near the ocean. Feeling the sand between your toes, you can smell the salt, the soft breeze playing with your hair, the gentle sound of the waves are like a lullaby. Nothings better!
Some people love the mountains but for me, the beach is where it's at. No wonder brown people are so chill. There's something about being near the ocean that soothes and calms. I love it! It's a gift from my time in Hawaii a love for the beach that a girl from the Rocky Mountains would have I never thought I'd discover :)

Kai sure loves it too! It's a bit chilly and too cold to go in the water but first thing kai did was rip off his shirt and hustle his skinny little stick body on down. It's something that just speaks to him. He's always liked water and I think the serenity of the beach is a nice escape from his loud mom and busy siblings.

If it weren't for our family and my priceless mommy being in Utah, this family would be living a whole heck of a lot closer to the beach!

Te had a blast with the bucket and toys he bought. The kids each were allotted $20 spending to budget as they wish. He gladly spent $10 on his castle building treasures :)

Koa had his first taste of beach sand. He was fisting it as he tried to stuff as much of it in his mouth as he could before we could stop him. He was like a little piggy wallowing in the mud. He just kept rolling and playing in it.

Maya quickly gathered as many shells as she could. Isn't it funny how seashells can do that to a girl? The boys were far more interested in the seaweed and the dead seal that slowly washed up to the shore. The lifeguard had to stand guard to make sure no one touched it. It was very bloated and pretty gross! That was a first.

ROCKIN BAJA LOBSTER
At the end of our beach morning we headed to my F A V O R I T E seafood place! Rhiannon had told us about it when we were in San Diego and the attraction was instant - I am head over heels for this place!
They flash fry all the seafood Baja style. It's lathered in a variety of spices. DELICIOUS! They bring it out in a big bucket and it's gloriously messy finger food. I have been looking forward to it ever since we decided to come to Disney.

- the cuckoo mom of 5

DISNEY's PROMOTERS CHAMPIONSHIP Martial Arts Festival

2010-06-22T00:50:00.001-06:00

What a day!

After a long day of travel (10 hours straight, we usually take a night in Vegas) we got into California late Friday night.

Saturday morning we woke up early and headed over to the tournament.

There were about 10 competitors from our studio and then some from Orem & PC. It was great to see the commaraderie and friendships. Te just loves the team aspect of it all :)

The medals were so cool! They were really pretty heavy and the kids loved the yin yang Mickey mouse in the center.

Maya finished with a 2nd in forms and 5th in weapons. She was pretty nervous and even got a little testy eyed. Hopefully it's a good reminder that regular practice is the best way to feel prepared.

Te ended with a 4th in Forms and a 2nd in weapons. He had been practicing regularly and you could tell! He looked the best I've seen him :). He needs to work on his strength and intensity. But it's really been great for him competing and seeing the next level in the game.

TE's Weapon forms

MAYA's Weapon form

Each and everyone of the kids left with a medal and a great experience! We are so proud of our group and feel lucky that these are the people our kids are spending their time with.

Justus ended up winning 2 Grand Championships in Traditional and Creative forms! Which means he won:
- 4 tickets to Disneyland
- 2 nights hotel stay
- free tournament admission next year!
So for a fruity Disney loving wife and family, this was an AWESOME prize!! Great excuse to come back next year.

We can't wait for them to participate in the parade tomorrow :)

- the cuckoo mom of 5

Maya - Broadway Bound

2010-06-14T22:56:00.000-06:00

Our little Maya had her semi-broadway premier tonight!! Ok well maybe smaller scale but her performance was right up there!
Last fall Arlynn found a music class that was actually more focused on performing. The classes were held once a week at the Provo library. So our little co-dependent cousins/BFF's for life did it together.
The program is called Up With Kids and we were so impressed with their teacher Lorie. She taught them about diction, enunciation, singing and more. The girls just soaked it up.
I'll admit I was a bit surprised because Maya can be so quiet and shy, I wasn't sure about how she'd feel about performing and acting. She not only liked it, she loved it! She's focused on the details, loved the dancing, singing and having her part.
The musical was called "the Wonderful Witches of Oz" which is a mix of Wicked and the Wizard of Oz. Maya and makeila were munchkins. Maya played the role of MAYOR MOUSEKINS and Makeila was her trusty assistant TWIGGY. They practiced their lines and dances regularly and you could tell. They each did FANTASTIC!! We are so proud of the way Maya stepped up and really performed her part.
One of the funnest things I've experienced with the kids as they get older is watching them discover what really interests and excites them. I love it! It's fun to see where their talents lie and I love watching them develop.
Good job little miss Maya!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

And so it ends School Year 2009-2010

2010-06-14T22:54:00.001-06:00

In behind but still wanted to wrap up some posts.....
When I was a kid in school it seemed that time would drag so slowly. Every week was the long waited wait for Friday to come.
It blows my mind how fast time flies while watching my own kids grow! I can't believe another school year has come and gone!!

KAI

Miss Poole was one of Kai's resource teachers - what an angel!!

Mrs Scott - thanks for pushing him and encouraging him to do his coolest school projects ever! The science fair and the wax museum!

TE

Mrs. Barber was new to vineyard this year. What a blessing for Te to be in her class. She was so invested in this class and Te just thrived under her tutelage :)
We are so excited that Maya will be in her class next year!! She is just what Maya needs!

MAYA

Maya went to mrs. Dean's class for the first half of the day. She was struggling a bit with reading. She has progressed in leaps and bounds this year! She is turning into an awesome reader!

Mrs. Williams. She was such a great teacher to Kai and just as sweet to Maya.
Maya & her 2nd grade teacher Mrs. Williams

Maya and makeila - BFF's

Dad and uncle aaron showing their support :)
Maya challenges her dad on the playground bars - who's going down????

DAX
He and his very sweet teacher Mrs.Linford at Learning Dynamics. After a bit of a nightmare last year, what a blessing to have a teacher this kind and sweet.
Dax decided it was time to reveal his true identity as the Spectacular Spiderman!!!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Apple iPhone 4 Official Video (HD)

2010-06-10T00:26:00.001-06:00

Ok, so Audrey posted this on her blog - the new iPhone 4G.
I'll be honest, I was salivating.
S A L I V A T I NG
I'm not much of a techie, geek because, well because I'm not smart enough to be one :) But for some reason these stinkin' iPhones are one thing I can do a goofy, Justus-esque splurge (on a much smaller scale).
We still have 1 year on our contract so I don't think I qualify for a $200 one :(.
I want the camera with a flash, the HD video, and longer battery.
Sooooooo tempting!!
I want one, I want one, I WANT ONE (me laying on the ground waving around my legs and arms, throwing a tantrum :)

Damn you Apple for making enticing products and making me want to spend all my money!!!

This is how Baby Ninja's crawl

2010-06-06T19:26:00.002-06:00

This how baby Ninjas crawl - low to the ground (courtesy of Jeff Oldroyd)

Koa just keeps going and going, no matter how tired he gets! So he'll crawl, rest for a little bit then keep going :). Thank goodness he has older siblings that love him so much! He wears this middle aged woman out!

Big sis Maya taking care of koa.

Chubbas sleeping with Leah. I remember Leah at this age. She had the cutest little voice and curly hair :).
- the cuckoo mom of 5

My memories of Tatang

2010-06-06T17:06:00.003-06:00

Tatang was my mother's father and Ima's husband. I wanted to share the few memories I have of him for my children.
Tatang died when I was just 5, almost 6. So my memories of him are few and vague. But surprisingly I do have some :)
I remember picking him up from his job. It was for the local newspaper. I'm not sure what. The building was across from the Sunset Heights Stake Center. It is now a part of UVU.
I remember he was very quiet but my aunts have explained that he didn't speak english very well so he was quiet.
One day Troy and I were snooping through Ima's sewing machine things and we found some lifesavers. We asked ima if we could have some. She snapped, "those aren't for you!"
We were disappointed. After she left the room, Tatang came, got the candies. And gave them to us. We giggled mischeviously and gobbled them up.
I remember him as having kind eyes and a soft nature.
He found out he had cancer in July and passed in December. He got sick very quickly and the cancer spread throughout his body. He was in a lot of pain and there wasn't much they could do for him. He ended up losing his eyesight and his hair.
I remember his eyes being very glassed over. My mom would take me into the room with her when she would visit him because she was scared to go alone.
My mom explained that Filipinos were scared of death and sickness. I'm guessing a lot of it was because they didn't have a lot of education about it so they were probably being careful not knowing what they could get sick from or what they could do to help.
Knowing that now makes my mom going to school to be a nurse more brave than I understood. She had to overcome a lot of fears to work with the sick and dying. I guess that from working at Grandma's rest home as a girl, this hasn't been such an issue for me. Although Troy still is a pretty big scaredy cat about old people and dead people.
At Tatang's funeral, I remember crying. I was young and didn't understand why I was crying and why I didn't cry at Grandpa G's. My mom got after me and told me to shush. I think she didn't want me to hurt my dads feelings.
I'm still a big cry baby now. I get teary eyed about things that make me happy, sad or even angry. I also get teary when I feel other peoples emotions. I don't know if it's from a lot of reading but I feel very empathetic to others. I especially get weepy when I feel the spirit. Te is very much like me this way. He is sensitive the emotions of others and to the spirit.

Little Bird

2010-06-04T05:50:00.002-06:00

"Rise up this mornin',
Smiled with the risin' sun,
Three little birds
Pitch by my doorstep
Singin' sweet songs
Of melodies pure and true,
Sayin', ("This is my message to you-ou-ou:")

Singin': "Don't worry 'bout a thing,
'Cause every little thing gonna be all right."
Singin': "Don't worry (don't worry) 'bout a thing,
'Cause every little thing gonna be all right!"
Bob Marley

Two days ago Arlynn and I were talking with aunt carol. She said early that morning one little bird had woken her up. It kept chirping and chirping. Was this Ima?
Arlynn lovingly teased her mom, "isn't that what birds do in the morning?"
Uncle Randy jokingly added, "i think that was your fire alarm. It probably needs new batteries ;)"

Early this morning at 3am, this one persistent little bird was chirping in my window. The little thing wouldn't stop until I awoke from a wrestless slumber.
It's been a hectic week as we've tried to help in the ways we can with food for all our loved ones coming in from around the world, organizing the cousins to purchase the flowers, a sign in book and other funeral preparations.
The time has come to put ima's sweet, tired little body to rest. How will this day unfold?
My thoughts then turned to my mother and my aunts & uncles..........how to console the unconsolable? We are taught to

"mourn with those who mourn, and comfort those who stand in need of comfort" Mosiah 18:9
And in Matthew 5:4
"blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted"

It is strange to see such strong (and strong willed :) people look so shell shocked and lost. It's strange for me to see my mother this way. She has always been the muscle behind Ima's rock :)
With thoughts of Ima I think of how she would have cared for her kids. I got up at 4am and made breakfast. A simple gesture but one that is so Ima. Feeding her family and friends was a big part of the way she loved them. It's a big part of the way my mom and family show they love me.
So as life comes full circle, it is my turn to feed them. I'm a horrible cook :). But hopefully they have enough of Ima's sense of humor to appreciate the gesture.
And I hope to hear that little bird chirping happily away in the middle of the night, more often .........

Memorial Day - Passing of a Legend

2010-05-31T19:41:00.003-06:00

Zenaida Pedroche Sigua
RIP 5.31.10

At noon Marisaa text me "call dad, it's very IMPORTANT". Important is a rather loose term when it comes to my worry wart loving dad. I was hoping to sneak in a nap with Koa but decided I should call before I laid down.

I called and said "what's up??".
He said, "ima.......... has died".

It was LITERALLY like a punch in the gut. The air completely swept out of me. You know in the movies when the world is moving in slow motion. It really was like that. I couldn't breath for a few seconds as I tried to wrap my head around this concept.
Ima.......died.
That means......she's dead.
She's no longer ......... here....
Is it a mistake?
Ima one of the constant figures in my childhood, teenage years, married life.
Gone. Gone.
She was supposed to pass in the hospital. It was supposed to be when we could all say good bye. We knew she had not felt well for a while. Her body was tired. But I never anticipated something so abrupt. So sudden.

The first thing that flooded my mind after I hung up - REGRET. I knew I should have come over more. I felt that way after grandma G. I knew better. I wish I had a different feeling.
Then came the worry. How is my mom?? She's going to be so heart broken!! How are my aunts and uncles?? They will be devastated. DEVASTATED.

I rushed over to her home. To be there before they..... took her. And to be with my aunts, uncles and cousins - all those who love her as I do. Who ache as I do. Walking in to her room, I felt like I almost couldn't breath. I suppose I knew that by walking in there it would be acknowledging that she is gone.

You know when you see someone you love - dead. They look, well, without trying to sound disrespectful....... they look..... wierd. Their spirit is gone. All that gives them their shimmer ........ has disappeared. Just a shell remains, the spirit now in a better place.
We all just stayed near her. 20+ people crammed into her small room. Taking that last chance to be with her. As each person came in I had another rush of tears. Reliving the hurt I felt mirrored in each of them. It was especially painful watching her own children - my aunts and uncle. My heart would just ache as they each sobbed and clung to the mother they loved so dearly. Ima, Ima, Ima!!

She would have been sooooo lovingly annoyed with us! And I'm sure extremely embarrassed to be the center of such sorrow! So not her style but it was all part of her charm. Her light heartedness, her ability to make things better just by being there!
This dear frail old lady who couldn't be more than 90 lbs was the glue of this vast Filipino mafia! This eclectic mix of men, women children all unique but all bearing her legacy. Each of us deeply touched by her love and influence. We share her sarcastic wit, her almost English dry sense of humor and most of all her undying commitment to family.

The treasures she left each of us were given out long before she passed away.

To know her, truly IS to LOVE her.

The tears flow freely......selfishly. I'm sad that my kids won't know her as I did. I'm sad for my mother, my aunts, my uncles. They will all be so lost without her.
I know she is in heaven. Happy. Laughing. Young. Laughing at her silly posterity. Joking. Serving. Being loved.

I love you Ima. I know this is how you would have wanted to go!!
Peacefully.
In your sleep.
Surrounded by your books.
And in the night, when your greedy kids and grandchildren couldn't beg you to stay!

I luv you Imat

- the cuckoo mom of 5

Karate Staff Flying skills!!

2010-05-28T23:16:00.003-06:00

Koa helping Te train

The last week of school Te participated in the 3rd grade talent show. They first had "tryouts" in their classroom where the class picked the top 3 who went on to perform on stage. He did one of his Karate Forms.
When he got home I asked him how it went. His shoulders slumped as he shared "they all laughed at me".
I was a little shocked, "well maybe the girls thought you looked cute" I said light heartedly.
TE. "NO they laughed at me"
ME. "they probably thought it was sooooo cool, they couldn't quite figure out how to respond to it's awesomeness!"
A big role of the eyes and he emphatically stated " Mom, they ALL LAUGHED at me!!!"
Te, my sweet tender hearted thing is very sensitive when it comes to people's perception of him, so I left it alone. I told him I was proud of him for getting out there and doing his thing. It didn't matter how they responded because it was awesome that he had the courage to share. :)
So it was a rather pleasant surprise when he came home 2 days later and said he'd been chosen! He was very excited!

I was so impressed! I don't get to see him perform like that as much as I should. He takes after his cordo mom and physical things don't come as quickly for him as some. I am most proud that he is learning what discipline and consistent training can do. He has come a long way and did a fantastic job!!
Koa came as his #1 fan!

Justus posted the video on facebook and so many of our family and friends sent some sweet "shout outs". I thought he'd appreciate reading these one day :)

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Seasons Change

2010-05-27T19:54:00.001-06:00

The season is changing and now it's time for summer (although being in Utah - don't set your heart on it. The saying goes "if you don't like the weather, just wait - it'll change :).
I just got done at the grocery store and what a difference in what I'm buying. Lots more snacks with the kids home all day - pretzels, baby carrot packs, string cheese, apples and other fruits.
Last year there was a lot more treats like fruit snacks (I was such a sucker for the very liberal way they throw around the term "fruit"), chips and candy. But after I watched a great Oprah that talked about the importance of eating healthy, I had a paradigm shift!
They pointed out how much more expensive it is to buy fresh rather than pre-packaged. And the lightbulb went off! That's one of the reasons I didn't, I'm a little too frugal at times and buying fresh is expensive. It also means you need to go to the store much more regularly (well at least more than once a month like I tried to do :).
The second thing that really struck me was that in 1950 Americans spent 30% of their income on food and 10% on healthcare. Now it is flipped. That hit me like a ton of bricks, especially with our crumby self employed laugh able insurance. So you either pay now for good, healthy food or you pay in healthcare later.
It's a hard switch for me because i'm not much of a cook. Let's face it pre-packaged with all it's presevatives and additives are easier to prep and keep longer. But seeing how I struggle to keep healthy and fit reminds me that I need to be a better mom in helping my kids establish healthier eating habits and cravings.

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Introducing Pres. Barack Obama

2010-05-25T15:12:00.001-06:00

Each year the 5th graders host their very own Wax Museum where they dress up as and give a 1 minute presentation about a famous person.
Kai informed us that he had chosen Pres.Barack Obama. I was kind of surprised about this and asked if he picked this from a list or if he was assigned this.
He said, "I wanted to be Barack Obama.....................aaaaaand they said i couldnt be a Pokemon Trainer.". Gotcha!
After speaking with his teacher, she said the guidelines were they needed to be a famous American citizen past or present. They tried to encourage him to chose Jackie Chan or Chuck Norris knowing that kai does karate. Little did they know that Kai does karate because it's mandatory (and with numerous threats from Justus that he'll be banned from video games :).
He was INSISTENT that he be the President right now. So Mr Obama it was!
So we got him dressed up in his new H&M suit along with a red, white and blue tie. I sent him in to have Justus start doing his hair. He started to spike it as he usual does, when kai started freaking out " Dad, Obama doesn't do his his hair like that! He does his hair like NORMAL PEOPLE!!"
Ouch! So it's official, kai thinks Justus has no hair styling skillz :)

So when you come in you push a "button" that turns them on and they give a speech. There was quite a variety of famous wax people from the king of pop- Michael Jackson, to Amelia Earhart and even Joseph Smith and Brigham Young graced us with their presence. Although Joseph smith's speech was interesting.......major focus on tar and feathering, visions and other things - you could at least tell he wrote himself.

We tried to help kai prepare his speech. Justus's proposed speech was "I think I'm Robin Hood and like to take from the rich to give to the poor. I'm a major fan of communism". Kai was much more respectful of our president and yelled at his father. His speech was more fact oriented. My favorite part was this tidbit,
"I was born in 1961. My father was a black man from Africa."
He didn't have much to say about his mother but I suppose people with more pigmentation are always more interesting (sorry Justus :)

I think kai would make a great president one day. If he treated it like a video game, he would be very goal oriented and diligent, although his annoyance with us lesser mortals could be a bit of a problem :)
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"Then we'll be twins!"

2010-05-23T08:55:00.001-06:00

As I was looking through my photos, I noticed how MANY pictures I had of Dax and koa together. Much of it is because he's always asking me to take them!
He was the youngest for almost 5 years. I was pretty worried how he'd feel about a little brother coming in & stealing his thunder :). But thankfully he just LOVES him. Well so far anyways. As he becomes more mobile and starts attacking his rigidly organized Transformer toys, the novelty begins to wear thin.......

One morning while i was getting ready Dax was talking to Koa on the bed "when you get big Bubba's, everyone will say 'hey you look like TWINS'"
People always comment that Te & Kai look like twins and I never thought this was something that bothered him. In fact I think it makes Te a little crazy because people are constantly getting them mixed up! But apparently Dax was feeling a bit left out. So he's pretty excited about having his very own mini me (albeit a browner version)

Hooray, Koa now looks like he's starting to enjoy dax's company :)

And he also likes to bite him :)

Koa was asleep in the seat while I was shopping at costco and Dax lovingly & constantly checking on him (which I was about ready to beat him because he was about to wake him up :)

It's so nice that he loves koa so much, I was worried :). Let's just hope it lasts through the teenage years.......
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Character Matters

2010-05-21T14:32:00.001-06:00

Te's class did a play called Character Matters. It incorporates a variety of fairy tales. Te played the part of The Big Bad Wolf. He told me it was the 4th biggest part. I asked how he knew this and he said it's because he counted every characters line. I guess that works :)
He was pretty nervous and sped through a lot of his lines but he had them memorized. Best of all he ended with a series of karate kicks which I'm pretty sure weren't in the script but were very awesome nonetheless :)

Te & his awesome teacher mrs Barber

Justus and his 3 Mini Me's (well koa will join the ranks once he can bleach his hair ;)

The big bad wolf getting served - musical style ;)

YouTube Video

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SWIMMING

2010-05-20T16:41:00.001-06:00

The kids were apprehensive about starting swimming again this year. They had done so great by the end of last summer but as I had posted last year, it could be intense.

I was shocked when Dax started asking in march about when we'd start swim lessons. So we started in April. He did awesome!! Amazing what a years worth of maturity can do - I guess I can't miss the fact that his arms and legs have grown which really helps to compensate for his huge noggin :). He is such a little fish. He still about has a fit if he has to swim without goggles but all in all he is doing fantastic. We've found he likes a challenge and has been asking us "when do they start saying ready, set, go??". He's ready to compete :)
The older kids were very nervous to get going. It's costly, so we were debating whether or not to put them all back in but Justus felt that the instruction was good and it was important for them to have a solid start. I ended up agreeing and we decided a couple of weeks refresher would be good and then we'd switch to group lessons.
The first day I took them kai said "um mom I think it would be best for us to just swim in a big pool, not with a teacher. They always tell us what to do". Which is kinda the point ;).
Their first lessons were with a teacher named Eric. The fact that he was a boy immediately won over Te and then I knew kai was on board when I put them to bed that night. He asked "when do we have swim again? I guess Eric is a pretty good teacher". And the icing on the cake was that Maya wore her swimming suit under her clothes all during school so that she was ready for her next lesson!
I was always so frightened of the water, it's so nice to see the kids enjoying it and learning. And the best part of all is seeing Maya overcome her fears and come out on top of a rough situation.
Now maybe they can use these skills to save their mom who swims like a rock or to beat their dad in swim races!
KIDS RACING

YouTube Video

KIDS LESSONS

YouTube Video

KOA THE CHEERLEADER

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Gym Rats

2010-05-19T23:18:00.001-06:00

The kids have really been enjoying gymnastics which completely tickles their father and I too can't help but enjoy watching them do something they really like.
Kai and Te attend a tumbling class with a teacher they think is pretty cool. She is very patient with Kai as he gets distracted, for which we are very grateful :)
The 3 blips are Kai (in white), makeila and Te. He had been doing well but at this point I was patiently waiting for him to participate.

YouTube Video

Hooray Kai does it!

YouTube Video

Little Maya really likes gymnastics! Any skill she may have I will credit entirely to her father :). He loves to watch her and it's nice that he has experience because he knows how to encourage her. I just think it's cool she can do a cartwheel.
She started at 5 with All American but they didn't do much to encourage progression. She is now at Arete and we are really glad for the switch. She's in level 5 and has class mon/wed/fri from 3:45-6pm which I thought was sooooo much but Justus said it would be good for her. She's been doing it for the last year so I think that's pretty good!

YouTube Video

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Koa our Future Plumber

2010-05-19T09:45:00.001-06:00

This little stinker guns for the bathroom everytime the door is open a crack! He likes to get toilet paper and then swish it around the toilet. Ewwwwwww!!!!

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DISNEY Here we come!!

2010-05-16T15:45:00.003-06:00

This is the first karate tournament that we have gone to together in which many of the kids competed. It was a little surreal for me when I thought of the last time I had come to it. When Justus and I were first dating (around 18-19) he was competing in regional tournaments about every month. So we had been to the Wyoming tournament as a young kissy-faced couple :P. How crazy to now be coming back over 15 years later with a car full of 5 kids of our own?!!?
So we got off to a very late start at 7:30. It was about 3 1/2 hours away. After a the GPS through us on 1 hour detour down a road that could have come straight out of Texas Chain massacre!! I realized how much I don't like feeling out of control when I travel.
Anywho, we made it and it was so fun to go to a tournament to just focus on the kids. We've done sooooo many for Justus, it was really cool to experience it with Te and Maya competing. We had about 20 of our students there and there were many other BLK students. It was great for them and us to experience the commaraderie of being part of such a positive team!
One of the exciting things about attending this tournament is that any competitor that placed in 1st or 2nd would be invited to attend an invitation only tournament at Disneyland!! And better yet, all competitors would be invited to march in the Main Street Parade at Disneyland the next day. So this is the goal that the kids were preparing for.

Te and Maya were both pretty nervous.

Te has been the one who is most consistent to class and has really been training. That coupled with the fact that it was his 3rd time to compete meant he looked pretty good! He's really progressing! I see a lot of myself in Te, poor thing. Especially the way physical activities do not come so easy for him. So it makes it that much more rewarding watching him really grow and progress as a martial artist because things don't come to him as naturally.
His form looked good, kiai was building strength and he's becoming quite the performer.
He ended up with a 2nd in Weapons. He also participated in Forms and Sparring. Sparring was a bit of a challenge as the first person he faught was about 1 foot taller than him. However, he moved around the ring better than I'd ever seen him and kept his head in the game. At the last tournament he was kicked in the stomach and it knocked the wind out of him. I was glad that he didn't let that memory haunt him.

I know one of Justus's favorite parts was getting the chance to be Te's coach. That was pretty cool :)
We are so proud of him!!

Our little Miss Maya was very nervous, which isn't surprising because she hadn't been practicing and attending karate as well as she should. It is a good lesson to both me and her the importance of preparing. She competed in Forms and Weapons. During Forms, she went up, did about 5 steps and completely blanked. I could tell she was nervous and I was worried she would back out before the event even started so I was very proud of her for getting out there. Half the battle at a tournament is battling your nerves and there's nothing like actually just getting out there and DOING it to get over it.
She did a great job in weapons. She had a very talented group that she competed against and I think it helped to inspire her to greater heights. She and her dad have made a plan and a strategy to put together an awesome form for the next tournament.
We didn't plan on having her compete in Sparring. At class we noticed that she was pretty jittery about sparring so we thought we would just give her more time before having her compete. Then her good friend Harley had no one else in her division so we asked Maya to be a good friend and jump in. I think it happened so quickly that she didn't have time to say no. Both girls did awesome and we were all pleasantly surprised when after a very close match ended up with a 1st place! It was a pleasant surprise, to now have both kids qualify for the tournament!

Another highlight was the kids getting a chance to see their dad compete. Justus had a really hurt heel from an injury he had at a tournament the following week in Portland. He didn't want to compete. I knew that Te, Maya and his students were really looking forward to seeing their coach compete so eventually (with a "little" persuasion from his wife) Justus decided to compete in forms. He ended up taking 1st in Traditional and Creative and then on to win overall Grand Champ in Creative. He won an awesome sword that Te was especially proud of.
Even better was watching one of Justus's long time best friends also take Grand Champ in Traditional with an awesome Self Defense form. It was so great to see Jeff back competing again!!

It was a bit crazy having FIVE kids all at the tournament but I felt it was important for us to be there as a family :) Even if Kai, Dax and Koa weren't competing, I felt it was important for them to be there supporting their siblings. It all ended up turning out alright :)
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Location:Green river, Wyoming

Spring Flowers

2010-05-16T00:23:00.000-06:00

I was soooo happy these popped up right before I left for NYC. They only show up for a couple of weeks but they just make me smile :)

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Mothers Day 2010

2010-05-14T09:31:00.002-06:00

As the kids get older it's fun to see the difference in their gifts and the way they "honor" me for mothers day :)
As soon as we picked them up from school, Te and Maya couldn't resist giving me the loving gifts they had made.

TE first gave me a book of coupons. They were the "clean my room" "help around the house" kind of stuff. Minus the "give mom a kiss" that were all expired :). I remember feeling very clever doing the same thing as a kid. Funny that it's still being done 25 yrs later.
At school he made a cute flower pen that went in a pot. He then informed me he could make these for us to use at the karate school. I'm sure Justus lovesssss that :)

MAYA
Throughout the week she made me limitless amounts of cards and pictures declaring that "you sparkle!". Now that is a complement I haven't recieved before!
And one had a lovely note (which was more endearing because of the misspellings)
"dear mom I love you more than anything today! Because it's u special day. It's mothers day. Who ever would want a different mom is beonde (beyond) ME!!! I love you MOM!!!!"
(lots of stars and sparkle)

KAI
When the kids got in the car and distributed gifts, Te asked kai where was his, to which we got a kai groan "ahhhhhhhhh my teacher didn't have us do anything!!!! Ahhhhhh it's her fault". Hehe, my kai, how I love him :)

DAX
My best gift from Dax was his singing for me at Learning Dynamics. He sang the song that each of the kids sang to me. The "Little Red Box". I must say, I think Dax was the one who enjoyed it most. He really likes to sing! I love it! He was the most animated and loved doing every action. Love this little boy :)

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PROBABLY.......NOT

2010-03-08T10:07:00.003-07:00

This conversation shows what my Kaimana thinks of me in a nutshell. We were driving and doing some run around and I had just found out there was no school because of a Teacher prep day:

MOM- hey Kai, guess what? There's no school on friday! (me excited)

KAI- yeah mom, I knowwww! There's no school on friday (kai snide and irritated)

MOM - Kai, you know a nicer way to say that would be "yeah mom, I know! No school on friday" (me talking nice and positive with a big smile)

KAI - (first gives me the autistic you-are-so-incredibly-dense look) ummmmm Mom...... I think that's probably being TOO nice

so apparently my son thinks I'm a bit of a lame-o :) Still love him though!

MAYA's BAPTISM

2010-02-15T00:02:00.004-07:00

Maya has always been a lovely ray of sunshine for not only for her family but all she comes in contact with. She is kind hearted, sensitive and always has a soft spot for her little siblings and cousins. She is such a beautiful little thing both inside and out. Her parents are so proud of her decision to follow in her Savior's footsteps by being baptized. Her parents know that if she continually follows His example, she will truly find happiness as we all can when we accept His admonition to "COME FOLLOW ME".
(this was the spotlight we wrote about maya in the program)

Sweet little Maya was just baptised. It was so fun seeing how excited she was! She was supposed to get baptized the first of december but things were so busy and then the next date was January 2nd - still a little too crazy! So the deed was finally done 2-6-10.
As we were preparing I was surprised when she asked if she could sing during the program. Her best friend Charlee sang a solo at her baptism and definitely inspired Miss Maya. Maya is so quiet and at parent teacher conferences her teacher reiterated this. I was thrilled that she was challenging herself and trying something new.
She decided to sing "Families can be Forever". We practiced and practiced. While I did her hair, she sang in the mirror and we focused on looking at people and we talked about its normal to feel nervous - just take a deep breath. And then Justus took some special time to practice "dunking her" :). I made sure that this time we had plenty of time to get ready and boy did it make a difference. We were able to get to the Stake Center calm, cool and collected - ready to soak in the moment.
As we waited for Maya's turn to sing, I started worrying that she would chicken out. The time came and I went up to the podium with her. The music started and she sang out crystal clear and with a beautiful smile. I was touched afterwards how many came and said they enjoyed her song. Toni shared how she got a little teary eyed. And it was a beautiful reminder of how important music is in the Gospel. It is one of the purest and quickest ways for me to feel the spirit and so many echoed that.
Little Miss Maya again showed us how much like her father she is - a little bit shy, a lot quiet but a wonderful performer!
After going to the Temple with the kids, I think we all have an increased appreciation of the covenants we make. From the time that Kai was baptized, then to Te and committing to our Temple Covenants it is truly a testimony of our Father's love for us that he provides answers and guidance to his children.
We are so grateful to all of our great friends and family who joined us on Maya's special day :)

marin, gabby, maya and Milo - When it came time to pick out Maya's dress, I took her to the store and of all the dresses, of course she picked the most over the top one there. Makeila was asking her mom "when do I get my wedding dress? There's one my size!" These girls :)
Maya and Lola - it was funny while I was doing maya's hair, I ratted it a bit. She looked in the mirror and said "I look just like Lola!!" That made me laugh so hard. She is a good observer because ratting your hair is a technique that her Lola has down pat :)

Bruce, Marsha, Maya and Arlynn
Gabe the Babe, Maya and Camille - Camille had a special announcement, another new cousin! Congrats Camille, Matt and Isa!
Skinny Teela :), Katrina, Leah
DIVA SQUAD - Maryn, Kamryn, Maya, Makeila, Addie
We love you Maya!

GREEN NINJA

2010-01-14T00:27:00.009-07:00

Because I am only satisified if I have some chaos going on. Okay a LOT of chaos going on - it's my comfort zone unfortunately, which means stress but without the chaos it just wouldn't feel normal.
So I am starting my own little business. It'll be a design and print business. I have been doing our marketing material at the karate school out of necessity and well because I'm too picky and anal to let anyone else do it but as of late I've been having more and more people approach me to help out with simple things for them. Things like wedding invites or for their businesses. Justus has pushed me for a long time that I should do it as a business but I struggled to see that there was a need. That people would really be interested in having me design for them.
However I'm seeing that there are a lot of small businesses that don't realize how affordable it is to have well designed promotional material!
So with Justus's strong encouragement, I'm gonna do it!
After much deliberation, I've decided on the name:

a bit corny, a lot cheesy but it ninja fits in with our very karate oriented lifestyle and green's my favorite color. So that's it :)
I'll be offering:
- INVITES (wedding, birthday, announcements, reunions, etc.)
- BIZ CARDS
- PROMOTIONAL MATERIAL
- BANNERS
- VINYL (wall art)
- etc...

I'm struggling with what to use as my website. Greenninja.com is gone. So my options are:

*g0-greenninja.com
*greenninjadesigns.com
*greeninja.com
(with only one "n")

any and all opinions would be appreciated! I'm still a bit apprehensive but I'm excited for a chance to focus on design again. I've really missed it from my LP days, much, much more than I would have thought.
These are some of the things I've been working on:

"Bubba's is lying"

2010-01-06T21:30:00.006-07:00

The other day Dax, me & the baby were on my bed. I had to run to the garage quick, so I asked him if he would keep his eye on the baby real quick.
I wasn't even gone 1 minute when I heard the baby crying. I came back in and Dax immediately said,

"Bubba's (this is what he calls him), is LYING, I didn't do ANYTHING!"

hmmmmmmm............Koa doesn't actually talk yet, but if he could, what would he be lying about???

Dax was very apprehensive about Koa at first. He's such a rough and tumble kid, that I warned him VERY STRONGLY (ok I threatened him with his life) that he needed to be very careful around the baby. Apparently, I went overboard because he would hardly come near him the first 2 weeks for fear of hurting him. Once I realized this and reassured him that it was ok for him to be near him, he just needed to be careful - it is now the first thing he does every morning,
1 -come in and check on Koa
2 -coo and talk to him,
3 -then go pee,
4 -then head down to take advantage of video game time while Kai and Te are at school
He always talks about how "koa is my very best friend" and "when Koa's is big, I'm going to teach him to play mario". Since the kids went back to school, he's been lonely playing video games downstairs. So he's been begging
"can Bubba's come down and watch me play games. He'll really like it! I'll be so careful! Bubba's will like it!"
I don't know that I'm quite ready for that but I'm pretty darn sure that in the not too distant future they will spend countless hours in front of the TV playing video games together, just like their dad and uncles :)

CHRISTMAS NEWSLETTERS

2010-01-03T00:21:00.008-07:00

So I noticed last year that we weren't getting as many christmas cards as we had in the past and then I heard some friends commenting that they weren't sending out cards to people who hadn't been sending them. I shuttered!! Christmas cards and family newsletters are probably one of the things I get MOST EXCITED about!!
It's funny because every year my grandma displays all the Christmas cards she gets on her entertainment center. She probably gets 50 each year and I thought it was a funny old fashioned thing to do but apparently I'm becoming more of an old lady because I LOVE these.
So this year I was bound and determined to get them out! 75% have been sent before christmas and the remaining happen to be to those we hold dearest (they were the first ones I addressed so they ended up on the bottom of the pile)....... these are STILL going out but they are being sent as new years announcements (I ran out of stamps). I'm hoping the saying "better late than never" still applies and keeps me on some lists!!
THANK YOU to all of our dear friends who keep us updated on your lives. I love seeing how your children and families are growing. It tickles me to see you reflected in your children!
Here are some of our cards:

And I thought for posterity sake it would be good to include our newsletter for when we print off our blog:
Dear Friends & Family,
We love to see your pictures and updates each year, however it’s been a long time since we have sent out one of our own. So selfishly we figured you would all start axing us from your lists if we didn’t get one out! We are shocked and amazed that every year we grow older and sadly less mature but our lovely children our are reminder that time moves way too quickly. It’s been a busy year but good busy and we can’t believe we are about to launch into another!
Kai has a high functioning form of autism known as Asperger’s. We have found that this equals to a quirky, focused, intelligent, logical little boy who is often aggravated with how illogical we mere human beings can be. However Kai is always anxious to educate us with intersting facts. The other day he woke me up at 6:30 to share this info “do you know that a single bite from a cobra can kill an elephant! Their venom is that lethal!” This year Justus has utilized his video game obsession to help him with his physical fitness. In order to earn video game time he needs to shoot 50 baskets or do push ups, karate, etc. Slowly our skinny guy is growing cute little muscles. He still has little interest in establishing relationships with his peers but as he gets older, he has learned more patience in dealing with those around him and it’s given more people a chance to see the sweet, kind, smart little boy we love. We love him so much and we are so grateful for the different look at the world that he provides us. We can’t imagine life without him!

Te is our very responsible little boy. He is a hardworker and the kid that we can always count on. He has a very sweet sensitivity to the emotions of those around him. Te is extremely fun loving and tends to be our social butterfly. There isn’t a day that goes by that he doesn’t have a friend checking to see if he can play. While he looks so much like the Lawrence side of the family, personality wise he’s a lot like me in his........ well Justus would describe it as dramatic, I prefer passionate reactions to things both in good ways and bad. We really appreciate his thoughtfulness with us and his siblings. He is very smart and we regularly hear wonderful reports from his teachers. Te is growing into a handsome young man who complains “I wish my eyes were the color of poo - that way ladies would stop saying ‘your eyes are so beautiful!’” Oh my dear son, one day you’ll be thrilled that the ladies think your eyes are so beautiful. That’s exactly how his daddy reeled me in :).

Princess Maya our one and only diva supreme. She was a bit put out to find out that our newest addition was going to be a boy but sweet girl that she is, she has immediately taken on a motherly role. She loves to care for both Dax & Koa. In fact she has many little cousins who anxiously look for Maya at every family event. Now this one looks more like my family but definitely reminds us much more of her father in the personality department. So this often puts us at odds but maybe that is the way of the world for mothers and daughters to butt heads at times. She leans more toward the quiet side but don’t let it fool you, she’s a free little spirit that enjoys her independence while being respectful of others. With her quiet determination and self discipline, she’s becoming quite the little gymnast and despite a bit of a rough go, a good little swimmer. We love our fun loving sweet little “daddy’s girl”.

Daxy, daxy, daxy is our little wild man. He is fiercely independent and definitely all boy. He’s a little bit of a nudist and even with winter hitting in full force - we have issues with keeping his clothes on. He has his own opinions on fashion and we often find him with a polo shirt, basketball shorts and red cowboy boots on (underwear optional). He is very used to being loved and a bit coddled by 2 parents and 3 older siblings so we were a little worried about how he would respond to the baby coming. We had nothing to worry about! He is completely in love with his baby brother and often talks with Koa “bubba’s when you get big like me, I’ll teach you to play Mario”. He often tells us “he is my best friend”. He idolizes his older brother Kai. They both can be quite the little know-it-all’s, which make watching them interact even more enjoyable. Last year he struggled a bit with school. One day I asked him if he got sent to time out that day he answered “I went again and again and again”. Thankfully this year he loves to go to preschool at Learning Dynamics. He is a little spitfire and my little cuddle bug.

Sweet little Koa joined the family on 7.29.09. His coming caught us completely by surprise but we have found he came right when he was supposed to. He has a playful little spirit and is completely spoiled. He loves to be held and he has 3 brothers and a sister who ADORE him. More of the problem is the fact that they have a hard time leaving him alone. He brings out the best in all of us and its amazing that in the short amount of time that he has been with us, we can’t imagine life with out him. There is nothing like a baby to help you quickly prioritize what is important in life (and he definitely doesn’t think that mommy sleeping is one of them).

Justus is still running our karate school in Lindon. He loves it and feels pretty darn lucky to have a job serving people and playing dodgeball regularly. While the current economy has brought its own challenges, we are very grateful for the opportunity to work and run our own business. He has become a bit of a psycho golfer (ok, that’s the way I describe it - he’d probably say.....avid golfer). He still enjoys a good game of basketball and recently traded out my precious mini cooper for a monster truck ------ that did not equal a happy wife but miraculously he escaped a potential golf club to the head :). He really is a great dad and loves to play with the kids. He was nice enough to humor our travel itch and take us on trips to Vegas, St. George, San Diego & Anaheim.

I continue in the never ending mom quest to find balance. While little Koa has added a bit to the madness, he has also inadvertantly made it so I can be home with the kids. So I work after the kids go to bed and have the wonderful time to be mom to the kids during the day. After encouragement from Justus I have just started my own print and design business (www.greeninja.com). And to add to the madness we have decided that I will go back to school to become a nurse. I have had a nagging feeling for the last year and its gotten to the point that I can’t ignore it. Me and my little sister registered at UVU to start classes this January! I’m feeling like an old lady when I think that I left college over 10 years ago and after looking at my transcripts was pretty disappointed to find out what a crumby student I was. I had a wonderful time at BYU Hawaii and my grades show it. They say what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger and crazy as it sounds I can’t help but look forward to the challenge (we’ll see what I have to say in next years newsletter).
We are so grateful to the many wonderful friends and family who have supported and loved us on this crazy adventure. We are very grateful for our “little” family. As much as we try to teach our children to be good and productive individuals, we always end up being the ones who learn the most by being their parents. We are grateful for our home and to live in a country where we have limitless opportunities. We are grateful for having a loving Savior who provides ways for us to achieve ultimate happiness in this life and the next.
One of our most profound blessing this year was the opportunity our family had to be sealed for time & all eternity at the Mount Timpanogus Temple. In the LDS church this is a chance where we as a family commit to live our lives in a way that we will have the opportunity to be together as a family forever. As a child, the thought of being with my brothers forever....not always so appealling. As a parent, I can not imagine wanting anything more! The covenants we made there have changed us! They have helped us to focus on the things that truly matter in this world - FAMILY. Thank you for being a part of our lives. Wishing you a wonderful 2010!
Love,
the Lawrence's

No, I'm ALVIN!!

2010-01-02T23:56:00.003-07:00

So for our last hoorah to Christmas break, we took the kids to see Alvin and the Chipmunks. I can't say that Justus and I were even the teeniest bit excited but the kids were using the money that the old aunties had given them for Christmas - how could we say no.
All in all, it wasn't that bad! Or Justus and I are slowly becoming immune to kids cheesy movies.
Our favorite part was afterwards when the boys were talking about which of the chipmunks they would be:
MOM "Kai, which one was your favorite?
Kai?
Kai??? KAI!"
KAI "Oh, hmmm......I like ...... Alvin"
TE "I'm totally Alvin and Kai is Simon"
MOM "Yeah Kai, you are a freakin' genius - just like Simon!"
KAI "ummm yes, I am very smart like Simon"
TE "then Dax must be Theodore because he's chubby and stinky"
DAX "I AM ALVIN!"
MAYA "I'm Brittany"
TE "No I am Alvin!"
DAX "arghhhhhh I AM ALVIN"
TE "O-K - then we are both Alvin......... and Koa can be Theodore because he's so fat and cute"
MAYA "I'm Brittany"
Of course sweet Maya is Brittany and Thank goodness that Koa came along to be Theodore :)

TRICK or TREAT

2009-11-09T22:09:00.003-07:00

I love Halloween! I mean I REALLY LOVE Halloween!!
Obviously it has become an economic cash cow but the reason I love it is because I love seeing my kids get excited about who they get to be! I love finding things that get us a little scared! I love finding something beautiful in things that are a bit macabre :)
I told Justus that I think if I were a teenager now, I probably would have been Emo. I'm a fan of color and pattern but there's something about Halloween that draws me into its dismal nature. I think its wonderful to promote creativity and imagination. And I think it's really important for my kids to find beauty in things that may not be considered traditionally "beautiful".
These are some of the things we LOVE about Halloween!This year our highlights were going to Aunt Karie and Uncle Randy's annual Halloween Bash. It was fabulous as always and has become one of the kids favorite family traditions.

like mother, like daughter :)

It's actually a family affair - me, aunt Teena, Ima, mom

Aunt Teena & Sofia

Marsha and cutie patootie Mia

Lola and her millions of grandkids (minus Cooper and Chasey)

Since Koa was a little turtle, the boys decided they wanted to be Mario and Luigi. Dax vascillated back and forth between being baby Luigi & baby mario - ultilmately Baby Mario won :). I was a little late in shopping so we ended up making our own. The boys LOVED that (despite it wasn't exact as Kai was very firm in pointing out). It ended up saving me like $60!! So next year, I think we will be making more of our own :)

Ahhhhhh, the trick to getting Rex to smile in pictures is to tell him to act like he loves that darling little ladybug Mia

Karie always has such awesome food and treats. This is my favorite! Uncle Randy got out of line ....... can you blame her? He tasted good anyways :)

Our very manly little KoaMy favorite - Karie's homemade cheese dip

Dad and our little turtle Koa

Tinkerbell Maya!! (One of three costumes this halloween :) We tried spraying her hair yellow but it ended up looking flourescent green..... oh well, it all worked out :)

And another tradition that has been developing, is trick or treating with our awesome neighbors! Everyone came out with the kiddies and trick or treated around the circle. Then we loaded up into Dallas & Arlynn's truck. And I mean EVERYONE!! The Brothersons, Oldhams, Barkers, her sister Lindsay, the Diaz's and both sets of Lawrence's! There were literally 30 parents and kids, in and around the truck as Dallas drove us around the ward. It was sooooo much fun :)

i

The final tradition, a trip to Lola's for some yummy Sinagang and a chance to check out all the cousins costumes. I love how our family is growing. Conner is getting older and more and more babies keep coming! This year we were joined by Mia and baby Koa :) Wonder who is waiting to join us.......

In matching "I Love my Mummy" shirts - I couldn't resist! I just love cheesy logo'ed shirts! Especially when they are on clearance :)

I adore that sweet little Kallie enjoys my ridiculous halloween decorations - she was walking all around talking and visiting with this creepy skull :)

"I wish my eyes looked like poo"

2009-10-26T02:56:00.003-06:00

Dax was asking what color his eyes were. I told him they were green, he said
"no mom you are WRONG, they are brown!"
I tried to talk him into the fact that they were hazel, when Te chimed in,
"I wish my eyes were Brown, like the color of POO!"
I said,
"Te, you have such nice blue eyes, why would you want them to look like poo??"
"Because I hate when ladies always say 'ohhhh you have such BEAUTIFUL eyes'!!"
I just wanted to be sure I have proof that I know one day you are going to LOVE that the ladies like looking into your BEAUTIFUL blue eyes :)
That's how dad got me suckered in..... ;)

Happy HaLLowEen!!!

2009-10-26T01:03:00.003-06:00

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the kids doing The Monster Mash

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