Some family moments!

Here is Sekona with his arms full of sleepy children! As soon as I pulled out the camera, Sekona opened his eyes! A nice Sunday afternoon!

Sekona's future MVP! Makelani loves talking to his dad when he gets home from work.

A trip at the mall and Makelani was talking about what was going on around him. Also, happy to be up and about.

Lillian smuther's Makelani! No matter what is going on, Lillian has to sneak in a kiss every few seconds! She has even been talking how she wishes she could marry Makelani, because then family will be still together. After explanations she know understands, still even with constant reminders to let her brother sleep and to leave him alone her response is always: I can't help myself he is just soooo cute!

A few moments of Makelani!

Here is Make's first stroller ride! He loved it and fell asleep. He loves moving and so the stroller is a good fit for him. Unfortunately, the car seat is not a good fit. There isn't enough excitement in the car seat.

Lillian's new thing to do with Makelani is to put him in a box and push him around. Make is unsure of this, but is willing to try things for Lillian.

A few of Make's moments of being up and happy! Our boy is growing and growing fast. He is constantly seeking things out and looking for things to do. I can tell he isn't going to be a satisfied without being mobile.

A few Lillian Moments!

Lillian loves to pretend she knows how to dance polynesian. As Dad was getting ready to do a luau she got all decked out & did her hula. She loves to tell people she was born in Tonga & is a Hawaiian girl. We work on switching it around, at least she gets the gist of it.

Lately, she has been coming to me asking me for homework. I write a few sentences on a paper and then she copies them. She does well in copying, just refuses to remember her letters. I'm sure she will pick it up in school. The sentences are: I love swim. ant on ball, & Lillian loves daddy.

Christmas 2009

Christmas was hectic this year! Makelani came a few weeks before Christmas, Mom and Dad were heading on their 3rd mission to Jacksonville, Florida, and Lillian was excited or Santa to come!

Family Reunion 2009

For Thanksgiving our family decided to have a Family Reunion. We rented a cabin in Ashton, Idaho and we all gathered together. We planned on having family pictures taken and therefore, had family colors chosen so no matter where our kids were in the picture you knew who they belonged to. Even though I was 37 weeks pregnant I was determined to be there. It had been 12 years since we had had a family picture and I didn't want me being pregnant be the cause of why I couldn't be there. So, we drive to Boise and spent the night at a hotel on the drive down. I didn't think much of it and just took it all into account (traveling as I have always). When we arrived at the hotel, it was the worst night--I thought we might have to make a stop at the hospital because I was in so much pain. I wasn't sure how I was going to make it home, because on the return trip we couldn't stop so Sekona could make it back to work. The trip back was surprisingly better than the trip to the cabin. We just made more stops on the way back. Here we are taking pictures outside the cabin by the river.

Here are Mother and Daughter!

Again out by the river with Sekona expressing his love for Makelani coming soon!

Father and Daughter!

The current family picture of siblings and their spouses!

All the grandchildren present and counted for!

Recognition!

In his Division (Washington, Utah, Arizona, Hawaii states) Sekona is ranked #3 as a Personal Trainer and overall (meaning all the 24 hour Fitness) he is ranked #23! This is for having consistency in clients, retaining of clients and overall approval of his training. I would just like to let him know how much we appreciate his hard work and his lovable personality. It seems wherever we go people know Sekona! We are proud of you and love you tons!

Fall Catch Up!

Lillian was a Rainbow princess for Halloween this year and enjoyed trick or treating! She didn't even get scared much, except at one home where there was a dark tunnel to get to the door.

This is when we went to Granny and Papa's house to help pour concrete. Lillian had fun being out and about.

Lillian had her Birthday party at Chuck E Cheese's! She loved it and had so much more fun than being stuck at the apartment. She loved having her cousins come and loved having a pumpkin cheesecake instead of a birthday cake. Dad was able to show up later after a tennis tournament.

Tons of Catching up!

Lillian was excited to have a baby brother! Boy, does she love him. I have the most difficult time keeping her away from Makelani. She constantly wants to hug, kiss, carry, burp, and be in his face all day long. Still, she is a good little helper and I know she loves him. She keeps saying, "but he's sooo cute mom! I just can't keep away."

Sekona is loving having Makelani here and as you can see even made it to the operating room, which he didn't think he could do. Of course, during the whole procedure he was looking right at me and nowhere else. I'm glad that he was able to be there. It was a trying time and glad that it is finished.

Here is our first attempt at getting a family picture! This year for our family reunion the Taufa family's color was black. I will post pictures of the reunion later.

Here is Makelani's first Christmas! He slept through it.

Complaint first, then what we are having?!

I don't know about other people, but I am not looking forward to the "universal" healthcare or reform or whatever the government is calling it these days. I am so fed up with the discussions being all about only the Republicans fighting this loosing battle and how anyone against it is a loser. Obama has more power than I thought he would have to control the media coverage so well regarding this healthcare. Most people are against it. Still, those are my feelings and with having problems with State insurance how in the world would I ever support government runned insurance. So, let me get to the problems of State insurance. I feel that if I gave up my citizenship I would not be having any of the problems that I am having now. If I pretend not to speak english, maybe things would be covered. In my interview I informed them that my private insurance was ending on June 30th. They inform me that with my lay off I should have no problems getting on insurance for my pregnancy in July. Only to be informed that my husband miraculously makes $200 extra for the month of July before dropping down to what is reported in June and August. So I am not qualified for July coverage. Then in August they give me a coupon that isn't paying for my prescriptions because I am informed I have private insurance. SINCE WHEN? I INFORMED THEM THAT I NO LONGER HAVE IT?! I finally get that straightened out, only to go get my DIABETIC medicine and be informed I have to pay $50 for 3 of my 5 prescriptions. Can't afford it. Call the state again and they approve the 3 prescriptions. Go and try to pick up the 5 and only can pick up the 3 because only 3 got approved. Now, when I call them they tell me that I need to have a doctor's note explaining why I need these prescriptions, then take it to the pharmacy so they can input the correct codes and then the State will recognize that I am a DIABETIC. I can't inform them that I am a diabetic and just because I am having only diabetic prescriptions they can't figure out for themselves that I am a diabetic. And people want a "universal" healthcare. It will be soo much worse than this.

Now for the good news. Sekona, Lillian and I went for a ultrasound (which I personally hopes get paid for with all the problems I have been having with State). It was in Portland at 7 am. We got there in plenty of time. The ultrasound tech called us in. Started the ultrasound and asked if I was feeling the baby kicking. I told her off and on. Now knowing the tech was doing most of the imaging from lower on the abdomen than I remember Lillian was, I recognize the kicks a whole lot more. The heart looks great, sounds great and the chambers were fine. The baby was moving all the time and was making the ultrasound tech work for the pictures. We saw the head, brain, arms, legs, abdomen, heart, lips, face, spine, skeleton. Sekona and Lillian enjoyed seeing the baby move. Lillian asked if it was ready to come out now. She can't wait for it to be here. The tech told us we are having a BOY! We are excited and apparently Lillian was right from the beginning. She has been telling everyone that she was getting a brother from the start. Now I just have a hard time waiting for the time to pass, since Lillian asks practically everyday if he is ready to come. If she wouldn't ask so much it wouldn't be on my mind so much.

News update!

I guess it is time to let all know that I am pregnant. I am 4 1/2 months, will be due on December 17th. Lillian is telling everyone it is a boy, but we do not know what it is yet. She gets in these moods of where if her frends (who are boys) or boy cousins play too much together and not much with her, she then decides it will be a girl. I have an ultrasound on the 10th of August and hopefully the baby or doctor will be cooperative. Sekona is excited and has told everyone that he can that we are expecting. He gets in these moods where he won't let me exercise then tells me to exercise and then tells me not to do anything hard or for that long at the gym. I am trying water aerobics and think I have finally found one that is close to when Elizabeth taught in Hawaii. I was offered a bumping position, but it was for a lot less hours and no benefits. so I declined. So far the pregnancy is going well. I just feel like a blob, tired and that is nothing new.

I was treated well!

For the end of my job, I was treated pretty well. On the 17th the bus drivers decorated the table where I collect their papers and had presents there for me. I had a present for the baby, present for leaving and my birthday! There was some donated money, gift certificates and I just felt spoiled. Then on my last day--I attended the end of the year office party they gave me a gift for leaving, a gift for my birthday and a gift for the baby (until they know if it is a boy or a girl). I also won a gift certificate playing one of the games. So, for having my last day of work on my birthday wasn't as bad an experience as I thought it would be. Still, it feels unreal that I no longer have a job. I want to thank everyone for their well wishes and birthday wishes. The pregnancy is doing well and nothing major to inform on yet.

Economy strikes the Taufa family!

For those of you who didn't know---Earlier this year due to unforseen circumstances Sekona closed his business down for a year or two. There just weren't any phone calls.

Also, last week I was informed that my position is dissolved and I will no longer be needed after June 18th. Unless something drastic happens and funds come in and they are able to keep me.

Sekona and I feel that the Lord has a different plan for us. We may not know what it is or what it will entail, but we will figure it out.

Time for a Catch up-Spring Break, etc.

Here are Mikaydi, Lilian and Molly enjoying themselves when they came down for Aubrey's wedding. They had so much fun together!

Here are the sweet angels asleep at Granny's house while Lillian and I were up for Spring Break. I was busy making scrapbook pages and was glad to have Lillian entertained by Molly.

Lillian fell in love with this dog named Bear! Bear was one of the Rugby players dog and Lillian babysat the whole game, even asked if Bear could come over for a sleep over?!

We found a dog she isn't afraid of!

Here is Sekona passing off to a teammate that made a try. It was a good way to end Spring Break--with a rugby tournament.

Again here is Sekona running with the ball.

Here is what a scrum looks like.

Here is the beginning of a scrum.

Here are some teammates that Sekona played with.

Easter time!!!! Lillian kept asking when we were heading to Granny's or cousin's house to go Easter egg hunting. She was disappointed this year that she couldn't go. So the Easter Bunny had a little egg hunt in the apartment for her.

Here's her modeling her easter dress! Doesn't she look fabulous.

The last time we went home we stopped off at Multnomah falls for a little break. Lillian loved it.

Here is Lillian taking a picture of the parents! Does pretty well?!

Coloring and the Photo Gallery!

Lillian loves to color and at first would put all her pictures in her drawer. Lately, she wants to display them so everywhere you look there is a colored pictured. My co-workers are suprised at how well Lillian can stay within the lines so well. So, if you come into our house there is a photo gallery in the kitchen, living room and her bedroom walls. Maybe I will get a chance to take a picture and post it. JUST AS I POSTED THIS--I WALK OUT AND LILLIAN IS TAKING DOWN ALL HER PICTURES AND PUTTING THEM AWAY.

I Don't want green!

I was watching a TV commercial the other day and I realized I don't want green! Of course, it didn't hit me until the end of the commercial. It was a catchy little commercial about buying a "green" car. Everyone in the commercial was talking how everyone wanted "green" and how great it was. Sorry, but I don't want "green"! I haven't seen a vehicle out there that has proven to be efficient, cost worthy, warranty wise any better than a regular car. True some claim to have more miles per gallon. Still, I don't want "green".

Socko?

I don't really understand the word, but lately Lillian has come up with this word: Socko. Now when I ask her what it means, she tells me she doesn't know or know where she heard it. Part of me thinks she made up the word from listening to Sekona talk tongan, but I can't be sure that she didn't make it up while playing with friends. The only thing I do know is that she uses the word in a "name calling" way. Sekona and I have asked her not to use the word anymore but she uses it more and more now. Does anyone out there know the meaning of socko?

Here's a tag!

A--Attached or Single: Attached to Sekona

B--Best Friend: Boy--Sekona, Girl--Jenny

C--Cake or Pie: Depends on how it is made, but like both

D--Day of Choice: In high school it was Thursday, now probably Friday or Saturday

E--Essential Item: Cell phone, car keys

F--Favorite Color: Red

G--Greatest Accomplishment: Graduating from college, getting sealed in the temple, having Lillian

H--Hometown: Mattawa

I--Indulgences: Books, Internet, Chocolate

J--January or July: July

K--Kids: Lillian 4 years

L--Life is incomplete without: the gospel and family

M--Marriage Date: 11/20/97

N--Number of Siblings: 4 brothers, 1 sister

O--Oranges or Apples: Oranges

P--Phobias or fears: Disappointing love ones, sugar cane spiders, Lillian being kidnapped

Q--Quotes: "Stay out of bed, that is where people die. ”

R--Reason to Smile: Sunshine, Sekona and Lillian, a good book, hanging out with friends

S--Season: Between Fall or Summer--I love the fall leaves, fog, and the brisk air of fall. I love the sun, all the green and being outdoors for summer.

T--Tag 5 Friends: Elizabeth, Amanda, Vaitare (sorry on the spelling), Stacy, and Crystal.

U--Unknown fact about me: I can't stand paying a bill late, and I have to balance my checkbook once a month.

V--Very favorite store: For Lillian and Sekona--Kohl's, for me I guess Lane Bryant

W--Worst habit: Eating sweets when I'm stressed, shouting at Lillian when my sugars are dropping, saying "whatever" when I'm too frustrated to deal with it.

X--X-ray or Ultra Sound: Ultrasound

Y--Your favorite food: Potatoes

Z—Zodiac: Gemni

8's questions tag

8 TV shows I watch:

1. Grey's Anatomy

2. Private Practice

3. House

4. Bones

5. NCIS

6. Fringe

7. Lie to Me

8. Ghost Whisperer

8 Things that happened yesterday:

Went to church

Gave a lesson

Took a nap

Watch TV

Put music on Sekona's mp3

Played "I spy" computer game with Lillian

Read "ISSA's Fitness Program book"

Ate faikakai

8 Things looking forward to:

1. Getting paid

2. Going to the gym on Wednesday

3. Lillian's haircut tomorrow

4. Getting out of debt

5. Having a house

6. Going to the temple

7. Going on vacation

8. Losing weight

8 Things on my wish list:

1. Have a house

2. Be out of debt

3. Watch Lillian grow up and get married

4. Have another baby (if possible)

5. Have retirement

6. Be healthy

7. Keeping my testimony strong

8. To be safe

8 Things Sekona did yesterday:

1. Slept in

2. Got ready for church

3. Taught a lesson

4. Took a nap

5. Ate pig, tapioca, faikakai

6. Talked on the phone (tongan)

7. Drove to church

8. Played with Lillian

8 People I tag:

1. Debbie

2. Korbi

3. Tiffani

4. Katie

5. Elizabeth

6. Kristen

7. Crystal

8. Lauren

Lillianism's

Lillian and I were heading home from the gym, passing a dairy or feedlot when:

L: Mommy, know where milk comes from?

M: where?

L: The man pours the milk down the cows throat and the cow gives us milk.

M: Close but not exactly right.

Lillian and I discussing President's day and why I am not at work:

L: You're not going to work mom?

M: No, remember today is President's day.

L: Where are my presents mom?

M: You don't get presents on President's day.

L: Remember mom, on holidays it is nice to give everyone a present. So, where is my present? Are you mad at me mom?

M: No, I am not mad at you. It's not presents day, but President's day--like George Washington and Abraham Lincoln's birthday.

L: They get presents how come I don't?

M: I'm sure they did, but it isn't that kind of holiday.

This is Tuesday:

L: Where you going mom?

M: I have to go to work.

L: Why mom? Why can't you stay home, you didn't go to work yesterday.

M: Remember yesterday was a holiday and now today I get to go to work.

L: Oh, so you don't work on Wednesday?!

M: Yes I do--Monday, Tuesday, Wed, Thursday, and Friday unless there is a holiday like on Monday.

L: Do you have to go to work?

Valentine's Tag

♥ How long have you been together? 11 years

♥ How long did you know each other before you started dating? A few hours.

♥ Who asked who out? He asked me.

♥ How old are each of you? He is 37 and I am 34.

♥ Whose siblings do/did you see the most? Mine.

♥ Do you have any children together? One

♥ What about pets? We discuss it, but I am afraid of him eventually eating one.

♥ Which situation is the hardest on you as a couple? Finance

♥ Did you go to the same school? No.

♥ Are you from the same home town? No. Not even the same country.

♥ Who is the smartest? He says I am, but I think he is smart as well.

♥ Who is the most sensitive? I think I am, but he has his moments.

♥ Where do you eat out most as a couple? We rarely eat out as a couple, his favorite is King's Buffet or Chipotle orRed Robin or Ruby Tuesday (but mostly King's).

♥ Where is the furthest you two have traveled together as a couple? Australia (with my sister, her friend and a niece).

♥ Who has the craziest exes? Has to be him, I never dated before him.

♥ Who has the worst temper? Me.

♥ Who does the cooking? He makes mostly his own breakfast. I cook usually the larger meal when I cook.

♥ Who is more social? About the same, maybe more him.

♥ Who is the neat freak? He loves the place to be clean, but doesn't usually do the cleaning. I love the place to be organized and struggle with keeping it the way I like it.

♥ Who is the more stubborn? I'm not sure.

♥ Who hogs the bed? He definetly him.

♥ Who wakes up earlier? He does.

♥ Where was your first date? Walk around Laie and to the gazebo behind the temple.

♥ Who has the bigger family? I do.

♥ Do you get flowers often? Not really, but when I do get them they mean a lot.

♥ Who is more jealous? Neither of us.

♥ How long did it take to get serious? About 2 or 4 days, but nothing official for 2 weeks.

♥ Who eats more? Him.

♥ Who does/did the laundry? I do a lot of it, but when he wants something clean he will do it.

♥ Who’s better with the computer? I would have to say I am.

♥ Who drives when you are together? He does.

Tag! You're it!