In California

So, I don't mean to get all political and moral on everyone that reads my blog, but I will go ahead and write something about what I heard in church last Sunday. If you weren't aware, Californians were asked by the 1st presidency to uphold an earlier vote made by California (by a 61% majority) to uphold marriage as between a man and a woman. There has been A LOT of debate over this, and personally, I'm fed up with the so-called members that think they don't have a moral obligation to uphold a majority vote which standardizes the definition of marriage. I hate to make light of the situation, but a lady forwarded this song to me which clearly spells out my point of view:

I guess when the majority is in favor of gay marriage, we're all in trouble. Until then, I hope the majority vote is upheld and kiddos coming into the world have the right to have a mom and dad. If only they could make that decision for themselves as a baby. I'll post my view on forums as long as it takes. I participated in the rallies in Hawaii over 10 years ago when gay marriage was on the ballot, and I'll do it again in California.

Here's a picture of me holding a sign on Kamehameha Highway. It was a little gloomy out on the windward side of the island that day 11 years ago.

The Verdict

Finelea went in for her airway study yesterday for her diagnosis of sleep apnea. It wasn't a painful procedure, but she did have to go to the OR for anesthesia so they could stick a scope down her mouth to get a better look. The study showed that she has 3 points of obstruction. They will have to do 3 different surgeries to remove the obstructions, then repeat the sleep study to make sure it corrected the apnea.



It was pretty interesting watching Finelea go under. After she took the sedative to relax, she was very funny... laughing and making all sorts of funny noises. The rest of the day consisted of her asking for cereal and sleeping, and groggy head bobbing. It was quite a chore getting her to and from the van for the next few hours as we went to Toa's house to eat, then went back to Tracy from Stanford. Being 8 months pregnant didn't help the situation much, but at least she didn't completely pass out. That would have scared me a bit.

So, we're going to have an interesting fall between all these events:

1. Finelea's 3 surgeries 4 weeks apart from eachother
2. The baby and blessing to go along with him in August
3. Noa's baptism in November
4. Rachel and Chad coming to visit in October
5. Tekina's and Finelea's birthdays
6. Tekina attending preschool half-day with Noa (that could be a chauffeur's nightmare)


And there's probably more I'm missing... but oh well. Looks like my fall is already planned out for me! So, here's to a lovely, quiet, peaceful summer --- what's left of it.

Tough To Beat

There's a Comcast commercial that I saw recently. See here:

TOUGH TO BEAT

That gopher is like Finelea. Although I wouldn't actually take a club to anyone, I get frustrated often when I can't get through to her. She surprises me every now and then with different phrases, and never fails to come and rub her cheek against mine when she's being especially difficult. Today, Finelea came up to me and said, Nonnie (that's Mommy), I yuh yooo while I was having my prego hormonal ugly moment. I'm so glad I have had the opportunity to have such a sweet spirit in my home. It's so funny when she gets an attitude and stomps off or slams a door --- like a normal kid her age. But immediately, she'll turn around and be the tallest teddy bear you know. I sure am lucky to be her mom.

Swimming

Self Photo. She's an avid photographer.


At a ward party.


Frumpy me.... but this is what I was talking about -- rubbing cheeks.

Tekina's Graduation

I don't ever remember getting a big celebration for Kindergarten, but apparently, it's a big deal for parents here in our area. Extended family will all come in just to see their kid do a little dance and graduate from Kindergarten. At least, that was the way it was with Noa's Kindergarten class. But, this year was Tekina's year to shine for her Preschool Graduation (and so will be the next year for another Pre-K class and the year after that for Kindergarten). On Monday, we were invited over to the one teacher's house who organized the whole thing (who is actually a good friend of ours from Hawaii), complete with Pomp and Circumstance (Joy School style), grad caps, and bashful dance/song. See here:




Did I mention BASHFUL?

And here Tekina is getting her diploma:

We had fun with Joy School... and I wish I had the energy to keep doing it. I've flaked out and found a program with the school district for a pre-K type class for her at Noa's school. I know she'll be happier there than trying to watch me take care of a newborn. It's only a half-day, but I think she's going to love it, and she'll be able to claim that she's a big girl going to the same school as her big brother.

Upsides

Last night Tekina came up to me and said, "Mommy, I'm going to do 10 upsides." I looked at her funny and said, "okay", while thinking, what the heck are 'upsides'? As I curiously watched what she was going to do, I glanced at my husband who had the same bewildered look on his face. Tekina dropped to her tummy on the large rug in front of us and proceeded to do a mix between a yoga downward-facing-dog and a push-up. I snickered underneath my breath as she proceeded to count. When she got to #4, my husband couldn't stand it anymore. He got up and showed her how to do a "real" push-up. By the time she got to 10, she started to cry (probably more because her ego was bruised than her arms being hurt from going down and up). I looked at her and gave her a big hug and told daddy, "She wasn't trying to do push-ups.... she was doing 'upsides', Daddy.... and THOSE aren't 'upsides'". He quickly apologized. So, now you know... if anyone claims "upsides" as their own exercise... you'll know the new-fangled calisthenic originally came from a 3 year old.