Fourth game, 3-1

We played our fourth game yesterday against Westlake. They are a newer team. This is their second year in the league. The players are from Saratoga Springs across Utah Lake, hence Westlake. It was a good game. Could've been better. I'm the mom that's yelling on the sidelines and I have the son that's giving me the "if looks could kill look". I'm also the mom saying "give me more, and more, and more", and "it ain't over until it's OVA", "get up Kaino, block your man" and the list goes on and on. I know I'm the slave driver. But if I don't do it then who, besides dad of course.

Can't really tell but, Kaino seems to be lazier this year. Some dad at the field told me "well he's only ten". I think I might have been offended by that a little. I don't tolerate laziness very well. Kaino seems to turning into a teenager way before his time. Oh well, we'll have to keep him in check. After all I am his mom. The slave driver and the one who doesn't tolerate laziness. Not an option at my house.

School is in full swing. Ehu started pre-school and is so happy to be somewhere else other than at home with me and Raider. Now Raider that's a whole other thing. Absolute craziness. He thinks dog food is ANDY (candy). He's decided that because he can climb he can get his own drink at the sink. I can't imagine my life without Raider in it, and to think I thought we were done after Ehu. Someone else had a better plan for us.

On Friday I found out that a really good friend from college lost her husband. Still can't imagine what she is going through. They met at BYU-H and they were really the only couple who stayed together and got married. They have no children so I can't even try to begin to think what she must feel like. He was definitely her best friend.

So with that being said, I can't imagine my life without Paka. I tell the story about when we were in high school. He dated my best friend in high school, we even doubled to prom. I thought he was an @#$. He was a jock, and if anyone knows where I grew up you know that my school was so small we only had a volleyball and wrestling team, so what did I know about jocks. We never really saw each other after high school. So we probably met up again while I was working at Foodland in Laie just about seven years after high school. And really the rest is memories in the making.

He is MY BEST FRIEND and I am so grateful just for that. He is my world and my life and I can't imagine spending my golden years with anyone else. Oh but lets not forget, because it's probably one of his best qualities, he can still be an @#$. LOL! :o) We have five beautiful children. Who bring so much happiness into our lives. Paka can't sleep if one is spending the night elsewhere. I'm lucky to have met a great guy who can deal with the not so nice side of me. Don't even want to think that he might not be here for the golden years. I love you Huney more today than yesterday. THE END!

I hope for the best for my friend Mary Fatupaito of Spokane, WA. I wish I could tell her that everything will be okay, but I can't 'cause the physical lost to her must be great. I am sure that the Lord has a greater plan and hopefully she can find comfort in that alone. He just needed to call one of His soldiers home a little early. My prayers and thoughts are with her.

Third Game, First Lost

Well today our Vikings suffered their first lost. Sad but true. They played hard and fought till the bitter end. We had some mistakes, but could've won. Had one really bad call that played an important role in the game. I have all the confidence in our coaches and our boys to turn this around and still come out on top. We lost by a touchdown.. (18-12). Tough lost!

But for today at the Pula house everyone has retired to their perspective corners to make a bad day good. GO VIKINGS!!

On Wednesday I had shoulder surgery... Thanks to my Paka, who's been taking care of me I am surviving and doing well. A lot better than I had expected. The last two months I have had three surgeries (including this one). I am hopefully on my way to recovery with no hiccups. Paka has been taking care of me and I am so thankful for that. I feel guilty that I can't do it myself something as easy as putting on my shirt, or getting out of the chair. Thanks HUNEY!! Love you lots...I'm sure the kids appreciate it more because Dad makes the bestest breakfasts...Mom just opens a box of cereal. We're so lucky to have had dinners brought in too. On our way to recovery, all the way around and a long weekend...

First Game of the Season PG VIKINGS!

So Kaino had his first game of the season. PG vs. LINDON (28-0). Already off to a good start hopefully they'll keep the momentum going. They had to split the teams this year to a A and B team. A few of the boys from their original team are now on the B team. I hope they have a good season. It's always crazy around the Pula house during football season, with Paka coaching Kaino's team. Of course that also means that NFL is starting. Love football season!!

First Day of School

Yeah! So we made it through the summer with no more major injuries. The kids were so ready for school to start. Kaino (10) is now in fifth grade and has a "strict" but fun teacher, so he says. Deuce (8) is now in third grade and hopefully will love his teacher. Rogue (6) is in first grade, and she loves her first year teacher.

They were so excited for the first day of school. I was excited for them. Kaino got his clothes ready the night before. Before leaving for school he looked in the mirror (full body mirror) at least ten times. I'm so not looking forward to that. Anyone who knows me knows that I don't spend that much time in front of the mirror. So he gets that from his dad!! Anyway he had a great first day. I'm looking forward to a great school for him.

Deuce was the most excited. I couldn't be happier for him. In the past school has been such a negative part of Deuce's life, so I am confident that things have finally turned around. I can see him growing out of the a lot of his bad habits. I hope Deuce will continue to love school more and more.

Now lets talk about the DIVA. OMG! She is so not like me. All about the pink. She is such a girly girl. Talk about wearing that dress on the first day of school. What an argument that was. So as you can see she wore a dress on the first day, with matching shoes. (I didn't buy that for her). She too is very excited to be in school. She is more excited to be in school all day. I'm sure she's going to have a great year. Her teacher is fresh out of college, and her father was once a principal at her school. She thinks that's really cool. Rogue is a social butterfly, I think she would get that from me. No problems making friends.

So we walked the kids to school and Ehu and Raider weren't too happy to see them go. The house is quiet and Ehu and Raider are lonely. Ehu will be going to Pre-School, so it'll be Raider all by himself. He'll get over it.

The kids are growing up and it excites me to know that they are happy to be doing so. Can't imagine my life without them. Crazy times are ahead I can just see it now. Lots of fun memories are to be made, lots of fun memories already made. It only gets better from here.!

Last day of Summer

So we haven't done too much this summer because I had a couple of minor surgeries, so I've been laid up. With that being said the kids asked if we could go to the pool the day before school. I couldn't say no. Raider went to my Uncles house the night before so it made it much easier to go to the pool. We were there pretty much all afternoon. They had fun. So much fun that Deuce didn't come back to out CAMP till it was time to leave so no picture of him. A good way to end the summer. No beach, but the pools works!

Raider, Raider, Raider!!!

Well as you all know Raider is the caboose of our family. He reminds us of that daily. He's a determined little boy, and you can't tell him that he can't do that 'cause he's gonna do it anyway or until he does do it. (Kaino was the same way) These photos are just one example of some of the things that he likes to get into, literally. I guess the older kids have been letting him get on the long board and now he can do it by himself. He can't kick for himself yet, but I'm sure that's in the works.

Summer FUN!!!

I know these pixs are rather graphic...We have never had so many visits to the ER in such a short period of time...one week....Raider was so brave, and hardly even cried.

The finger pictures are of Raider...He got a hold of a steak knife (he likes to climb) that was on the counter. Our Rogue was trying to help by TAKING it away from him...this is the result. We took the stitches out two days ago...ended up with 15 stitches....all the fingers are intact...hopefully we won't revisit an episode like this ever again....

These photos are of Kaino who thought he would start his career as a STUNTMAN...whatever!!! He had a quick change of heart when this happened...he was lucky I was still at work and it was his dad at home cause I would have changed a lot more than his career choice....He was at a friends house and his friend has a bike ramp in his back yard, he thought he would use his friends bike to jump the ramp. On the way down the bike pedal got stuck in his shin...and this is what we get...stitches on the inside and out....the DR. could see the bone. Kaino was lucky he didn't break his femur in half...He definitely won't be doing that again...


Other than that summer couldn't be better. We've been visiting the shave ice stand daily. It's not Matsumoto's, but it works. Haven't been to the pool because of the various accidents. I had carpal tunnel surgery on the left and will be doing the right soon. So we'll see how things go in the next few weeks. Kaino is at Owlz baseball camp and Deuce will be going to cub scout day camp next week. I think the kids are ready to go back to school...NOT. They are tired of me getting after them to clean-up after themselves.

A FUNNY!!!

All right lets start at the top...I had just got done making breakfast and walked out of the kitchen for a minute okay five to check on Raider...called out to him he didn't answer went down the hall he didn't answer (he usually does)...went downstairs he wasn't there...I guess as I was looking for him he was always behind me or something. This is what I came back to in the kitchen...broken eggs on the stove, and on the floor. There was an empty box of ritz crackers on the counter, I think he was trying to put the eggs in the box because I found some eggs that weren't broken inside the box. When I asked him what he was doing that is the look he gave me, the who me I didn't do it look...

He is way too quick and always one step ahead of me...He can climb and isn't afraid of heights, he isn't afraid of anyting for that matter...not the dark, not of falling...I guess we're in for it...

Stuff!

Well I was just reading a friends blog and got to thinking... Where to start...We've been sick since Monday and it hasn't been pretty around here. The laundry is piling up and I hate laundry...well I the folding and putting it away...the kids are definitely getting at the age to put it away themselves...Needless to say life is changing rapidly Kaino will be in the 5th grade, Deuce will be in 3rd and Rogue in 1st. Ehu has another year and Raider still holding up the end...Where am I going with this...Thought I would share some things (a few funnies about my kids) I wrote them in my journal but I'm sure none of you out there will read my journal:

Deuce was about six. He came running in the house yelling at me to come outside, it was a frantic yell. Deuce never loses his cool, he's always calm and collected. He tells me I need to come outside right now. "There's a naked bird". Of course I'm thinking and saying "what are you talking about?". I go outside to see what was going on. By now all the neighborhood kids have stopped to look at whatever is on the ground. We have a light post in front of our house. Every now and then birds make their nests in the ight post. Anyway the bird nest fell out of the light post and it had baby birds in it. So without saying anymore you can guess the birds didn't have their feathers yet. The innocence of out children is priceless. We can never get that back. I will never forget that learning and teaching moment for both of us.

One more:
Ehu (Trinitee): About a year ago:
Raider was taking a nap, so it was just the two of us. I was folding laundry and she was in the living room watching Backyardigans. She was awfully quiet (not normal). It was probably about fifteen minutes (could be longer) I go into the living room and she climbed to get (normal for her to climb) out a sleeve of Oreos. She had licked every single one of those cookies and lined them up from one end of my living room to the other and stepped on every single one. I made her clean it up. It was one of those moments that you're so mad that you can't even begin to know what to do next. We got through it. Gotta love those moments.

I can definitely look back now and get some laughs about it. I am definitely grateful for my kids and the many things they teach me on a daily basis. Kaino teaches me to accept things as they are. Deuce teaches me patience. Rogue teaches me that things could be worse. Ehu teaches me to think before I talk ('cause she could be saying it in half a second) and Raider teaches that tomorrows a new day that holds limitless goals to acheive. Can't forget that husband of mine. Many look at him and probably don't have anything nice to say. Gotta love the fact that he is straight forward and upfront. There's no holding anything back. He is who he say he is. No faking about the man. But no doubt about it he's a great husband and most of all a great father. No questions that he loves his family.

I am thankful for such a great family.

Been along time!!!

Wow!!!Time sure flies when you're having fun...Been crazy busy at the Pula house, as usual. Baseball is in full swing. Kaino is playing for the Orem Tigers this year.

Last weekend Deuce was baptized. Can't believe he is eight years old already!! Like I said time sure flies when you're having fun..

Summer is almost here. Just a few more weeks of school. The kids are anxious. Rogue will be in first grade and she is definitely excited about being in school all day.

Last week I got a call from Darneen Sardinha. She is the daughter of a very special person to me. Anyway she was calling me to tell me that her mom had passed away, Lorna AhYat from Kaneohe. Pretty sad for me. I met her some years ago, at the time I was dating her grandson. She meant a great dealt to me. She is one of those people you meet that makes a huge difference in the kind of person you want to be. She made me believe that no matter what there is good in everything and everyone, you just gotta look for it. I will definitely miss her. She made me feel a part of her family. Love you grams.....

Todd and Aida's Wedding

Last night we went to some really good friends wedding. I met Aida my senior year of High School at Kahuku, Paka grew up with her. I met Todd my freshmen year of college. It was fun. We saw a ton of people who we haven't seen in years. We had a great time, great people and of course great food!!!!!!!!! (will post pix's L8R)

Saturday Nite!

Jus' chillin at home tonight with the family. Worked an extra long shift today. Went to the doctor the other day just so he could tell me that I have pneumonia. Been sick since we came home from CA. I hate going to the doctor so he can only tell me "you're sick". Waste of time and money, had to go this time because it's been way too long. I hate coughing all night long and keeping everyone up late. We went to dinner with Fala and the girls earlier and everybody ate a lot and now "Kanak attack" is setting in. Food, family and friends what a wonderful thing to have.

Saying:
Happiness is the experience of living every minute with love, grace and gratitude.

Saying of the day

Smile when you want to, cry when you need to, laugh whenever possible.

I've decided to help myself with my WORD that I would find a saying to help me get through and in the process maybe help someone else.

The Word!

I got this from a friend and definitely need it for this year. Hope that all who read this will participate. Here goes:



Can you identify a single word that sums up what you want for yourself in 2009?Your word can be anything you want it to be - it does not have to be soulful, or clever, or original. It can be practical and tangible. Don't worry if someone else has chosen the same word as you - this is just for you. You don't have to be creative - just be true.The idea behind the one little word concept is to give yourself something to focus on throughout the year. "A single word can be a powerful thing. It can be the ripple in the pond that changes everything. It can sharp and biting or rich and soft and slow."It can be something tangible or intangible. It could be a thought or a feeling or an emotion. It can be singular or plural. The key is to find something that has personal meaning for you. This is not your mother's word or your spouse's word or your child's word - this is YOUR word.One little word can have big meaning in your life if you allow yourself to be open to the possibilities. And here's one thing that is totally interesting: sometimes a word will pop into your brain and it will not make any sense to you right now. Give it some time. Let it percolate a bit. I have often found that our hearts speak to us in very unique ways. Maybe this is a word you need to hear but just aren't ready for it yet. Again, be open to the possibilities.



So I fanally found my word and it gave me "chicken skin" some say "goose bumps", and it brought tears to my eyes.



So the word is ACCEPT! ACCEPTANCE!



The word has a ton of different ways to help me get through the year.

So the definition is:
transitive verb1 a: to receive willingly b: to be able or designed to take or hold (something applied or added) 2: to give admittance or approval to 3 a: to endure without protest or reaction b: to regard as proper, normal, or inevitable c: to recognize as true : believe 4 a: to make a favorable response to b: to agree to undertake (a responsibility)

Vacation! Part Deux!!

Sunday after Knott's we went to Aunty Meise's for dinner and superbowl. Go Steeler's!!!! We got to meet some of Paka's family. Paka's dad has two brothers and a sister that live in CA. So the kids and I got to hang out with them. Lots and lots of cousins and new aunties and uncles. We ate some good food and had some good laughs and played some good music. In the picture: (top left to bottom right) Aunty Loretta, Aunty Meise, Uncle Fala, Aunty Aiga and Uncle Tom.

California Vacation PART 1!

Yes we're here. Been here for two days. We spent two days in St. George. The weather is just great. 80 degrees!! Can't get any better than that. If we just sat by the pool all day I would be content with that, not happening. We went to Knott's Berry farm yesterday. It was crazy empty. Didn't need to stand in ANY lines, unbelievable. The first ride was Ghost Rider. If any of you have been on that ride, I am getting way too old for those kinds of rides. Non-the-less I rode it once with Paka and the boys. Grandma Val came from Hawaii to help us. She had Rogue and Ehu at Camp Snoopy so we were very lucky oh, Raider got sick so we were lucky enough to be able to leave him in St. George with my sister. We got to Knott's at 11am and left at 6pm the park closed at 7pm. We were there ALL DAY. Fala and the girls were also able to come. The more the merrier. The kids had a blast and so did Paka and I. All I wanted to do while I was their was eat a funnel cake but knew I would be sick after I ate it because it was so oily, I ate it before we left the park and shared with the nieces and my kids so I wouldn't get too sick.

VACATION!!!!

Okay! The day is here the long awaited vacation. Can't really know for sure if I'm excited. But any who this vacation is definitely needed. We are headed to St. George, Vegas then on to California. Yes, we are planning to go to see Mickey and Minnie. Look out Disneyland and all visitors the Pula's are coming your way BE PREPARED.! We are also seeing some family and friends that we haven't seen in a long while. The kids are definitely hyped to go. Just pretty much irritating at this point. Wish us luck. Hopefully we can survive. We'll see.

Crazy!

Well it's been awhile. Been crazy non-stop busy. But that seems to be an everyday occurence around here at the Pula's house. Can't wait for this week to be over and done with. Count down to VACATION for Paka and I, ten freakin' days. Raider and Ehu are Uncle Moki's house till Monday 'cause we have inventory. Working some crazy hours.

Today Friday, just got home from work. Work tomorrow 12 to 12. Paka works a split 4am to 10 and then go back at 7 to midnight. Sunday me 5am to 11 and Paka the same. We'll see what I look like on Monday. Ha! Ha! Ha.

Rogue turned six yesterday. She wanted to go to Chuck-O-Rama for dinner, of all the places she could choose from. She got some cool boots and a new dress. (pix later) The most special thing about Rogue's b-day is that she shares the same b-day with her Aunty U'i. Of course that is why she is named after her.

Paka also has a birthday this month. January is a busy birthday month at our house. Between my family and Paka's we've got nine birthdays, it starts with Paka's mom on Dec 31st.

We don't get a chance to take a breather till February.