Tuesday, December 30, 2008

The Best Christmas!

No, I didn't get a 2 carat diamond ring or anything "grand" like that... This Christmas was simply the best because we spent it together as a family... PLUS ONE! It was a peaceful and happy time with memories to cherish...

Click to play Christmas 2008
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Monday, December 22, 2008

Our Special Day


The Soliven Ohana

The Cheney Clan

Mommy & the girls...Elia tries to make shaka ;)


On Saturday, December 20 we had our sealing at the Laie Hawaii Temple!  We got to the temple a little after 7:00am and we're ready to go by 7:30am.  Our sealer's name was Bro. Au and he was a sweet old man, who almost started before our family and friends arrived, even though we were scheduled to begin at 8:00am.  By 7:50 am, our friends and family began to arrive...we happily welcomed Laurie Flores, the Solivens (my parents), the Cheneys (Sam's parents & Yee Man), Buckinghams, Cifuentes, Richs, Allreds, Caseys, our special angel Sally Lee, and Mika's birth grandparents who flew in just to join us for this special day!  We send our love and thanks to each of you!  If I forgot anyone, please forgive me! 

The ceremony was short, but very special.  Mika was so adorable as she held onto Sam's thumb and she even held out and didn't start crying until the very end ;)  I felt so full of gratitude, love, and happiness!  Being in the temple is always such a peaceful and happy place and to be there surrounded by loved ones, is just awesome!  

Afterwards, we had some breakfast at the pavilion next to the temple and got to enjoy each other's company some more.  You'll notice that Sam isn't in any of the photos because he had to hurry off to work :(  It was a beautiful day and an amazing experience...truly, our God is a God of miracles!




Saturday, December 13, 2008

A Blessing and a Miracle


Christmas has definitely come early for our family this year!  Back in July when we found out the news that we would be welcoming another baby girl to our ohana, we surely felt this!  Then just about a week ago, we had another great blessing given...we were given an early court date (early by 6-8 weeks, which is usually how long you have to wait) to finalize our adoption, which will enable us to go to the Laie Hawaii Temple to have Mika sealed to us before it closes at the end of December for 18-24 months!!  Next week Tuesday, Mika will legally be ours!  Then on Saturday, Dec. 20 we make it for all time and eternity!  We truly feel blessed beyond measure and feel so grateful for the tender mercies that the Lord has shown us...  

Sunday, December 7, 2008

'Tis the Season...

We weren't going to do it, but we did buy a Christmas tree this year... and Elia was such a great helper decorating it! She loved putting the hooks on the ornaments and passing them to daddy and mommy. She's also been really good at not touching them or pulling the off the tree (with the exception of the pair of wooden slippers, 'cause she has a slipper fetish!).  Sam's sister, Becky, carved and hand painted these Hawaiian Christmas ornaments (plumeria, ukulele, Aloha shirt, slippers, Hawaiian teddy bear on a sleigh) and they were a gorgeous addition to our tree this year!  Thank you Becky!!   We love looking at our tree all light up and smelling that unforgettable "Christmas smell"! 




We also attended our Ward Christmas party last night and it was a beautiful and spiritual event! They portrayed the birth of Christ and it was really something! Helps us remember the "reason for the season"! You might also notice that Elia has bangs now...she had her first hair cut yesterday too!







Thursday, December 4, 2008

Wonderful Discovery!


On the evening of Nov. 30, Mika made the wonderful discovery of her fingers! From that night on she has been sleeping through the night!! Can you tell we're excited? Boy it feels so awesome to get a good night's sleep!

Here's a photo of Elia at the BYU Christmas Tree lighting we went to last night too:

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Work & Play

 
     Mika playing "peek-a-boo!"  
                                                  She now loves her binky!


    My pretty girl!

                    
                 "Ready to go mommy!"    "Hey, let's GO!"


  Elia likes to help mommy wash dishes

  My little artist :)

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Sunshine Bear

On Monday we took Mika for her 2 month check-up.  Here are her new stats:

10 pounds, 4 ounces
22 inches long

The doctor put her on her belly and was surprised at how much she holds up her head and moves around!  She said, "I don't know where you think you're going little one, but you're not quite equipped for all that!"  We are so happy to know that she is doing well.  She also had her 3 shots, and 1 oral drink thingy.  She cried so loud and sharp, Sam and I both started tearing up :(  I wish like anything that I could have taken them for her!

Mika continues to be a JOY!  Sunshine Bear is my new nickname for her because  every morning she wakes up around 5-5:30am with a big smile on her face, ready to play and be sung to.  She's also just round all over!  She loves to try and imitate sounds and does a lot of cooing.  It is THE cutest thing!  Parenthood is definitely hard work, but those smiles make it all worth it!

Monday, October 27, 2008

"People united will never be defeated"




This was our chant as we stood arm in arm this morning at 5am in anticipation of the bulldozers.  I woke up at about 4:30 this morning and was picked up by my cousin Trish and head down to Kahana.  Sam stayed home with the girls.  My family had their cars parked right in front of the driveway, including 2 old limosines, which completely blocked out anyone or thing that might try and enter.  My bestfriend Liz Buckingham met us there too and I felt so happy to have family and friends to stand with (including my awesome friends on the mainland, Becca & Red who were standing there with me in spirit!).   


I was asked to speak on camera for one of the many TV stations there and since I was chicken, I had Liz and Trish to stand with me, as I did all the talking (not by choice).  The news reporter asked me about what is was like growing up in Kahana and what emotions I was feeling.  I told him of the many days and nights spent on the beach and crabbing in the river.  I shared that I felt sad, but also hopeful that the right people would make the right decision for our families.  

Somewhere between 8:30-9:30am Representative Collen Meyer came to address us.  She informed us that after speaking with Laura Thielen (DLNR Chairperson) and voicing our concerns, as well as hers, that they should have spoken to the people first, instead of just pushing papers at them and creating 6 homeless families, especially in light of our state's current homeless problem, that the DLNR would be holding a meeting with the residents and lessees.  VICTORY...for today!!

Tonight this meeting will be held in Kahana and I want to send my aloha and thanks to our Senator Clayton Hee & Rep. Collen Meyer for taking up our cause and bringing the necessary people to the table!  Big mahalos also to all the people who came to support us from all over the island and even the outer islands, and to those even just blowing their horns as they pass us on the road!  I am also grateful to live in a nation where we can demonstrate peacefully and voice our concern.  This whole experience has really opened my eyes to the power of information and education.  It also feels really good to stand up for something you believe in and see positive results...

 

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

EVICTION



As some of you may have seen on the news, there are 6 families in Kahana Valley who are being forcefully evicted, one of which is my own immediate family (mom, dad & two brothers).  The injustice of the whole situation is heartbreaking and infuriating!  My mom has been in regular correspondence with one of the main guys of the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) for nearly 4 years now with the plan that my family would be getting a lot to build a new home for themselves on.  (post-edited, misinformed)  Three times efforts were made with legislation which would allow DLNR to grant us a lot, but still to no avail.  The house plans were drawn and she even had a contractor ready and waiting.  For years she has jumped through the necessary "hoops" to move us to an available lot (which there ARE, with all the necessary infrastructure in place).  Yet today my parents were served with an eviction notice and the news today that bull dozers would be coming to knock down the home that has served my family for 5 generations come 6:00, Monday morning.  

I am both in shock and horror at how something like this could happen and which would ultimately result in making 6 families HOMELESS!!  From a legal stand point, we have no case because the Attorney General has re-interpreted the law that gave leases for Kahana families to read that no new leases can be given, thus forcing the eviction of these 6 families! 

 We the families and friends of Kahana are seeking the help our fellow community members, families and friends to help STOP this!  How can you help?  We invite you to come stand with us as we hold signs to let everyone know of this injustice.  We will be holding signs every evening from 4-6 pm in Kahana Bay.  Also, please call your legislators and let them know that you are against the eviction of these men, women & keiki!    All we need is just a few more months, and come January, we can pass the necessary legislation that would prevent any of these families from losing their homes!  We honestly can't understand why the state is in such a rush to demolish people's homes and simply create more "park".   We would greatly appreciate your kokua and your prayers! 

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Pumpkin Patch

Click to play Pumpkin Patch
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Yesterday we got invited to go to the Pumpkin Patch at Aloun Farms with the Caseys & Moncurs. We had a great time exploring the pumpkin patch, taking Elia to their little petting zoo and going for a bumpy hay ride! The girls both got a little tired and fussy, but it was fun anyways! Afterwards, we all had lunch at Wendy's...after I gave everyone a mini-tour of Kunia because I missed a turn ;) All in all, it was a very full and exciting day...I'm still pooped!

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

I read it, so I'm IT!




Here you go Crystal:
1. Where did you meet your husband?
Seminary in the 9th grade, but we didn't date until he came home from his mission :)

2. How long did you date before you married?
9 months 

3. How long have you been married?
5 years

4. What does he do that surprises you?
Cleans the house WITHOUT me asking ;)

5
. What is his favorite feature? I don't know...

6. What is your favorite quality of his? 
His corny sense of humor and integrity

7. Does he have a nickname for you? "Babe" or "Teh"

8. What is his favorite food?
Milk & Cereal (he eats it for breakfast, lunch, dinner and as a snack)

9. What is his favorite sport?
Surfing, if anything...he's not really into sports

10. When & where was your first kiss?
One night after we sold T-shirts at a football game together on Hukilau beach

11. What is your favorite thing to do as a couple?
Just be together without distractions:)

12. Do you have any children?
Yes, 2 beautiful daughters!

13. Does he have any hidden talents?
He is a very good artist and photographer

14. How old is he?
27

15. Who said I love you first?
He did and it totally caught me by surprise ;)

16. What is his favorite music?
Old kine Hawaiian music and anything with harmonious instruments

17. What do you admire most about him?
He is SO talented and good with his hands.  He can do carpentry, electrical and plumbing work, he's a musician, great photographer, skilled on the computer and he's a purist...believes in doing things the right way, no short cuts! 

18. What is his favorite color?
He doesn't really have one...

19. Will he read this?
Maybe

20. Who do you tag?
If you read this then TAG you're it!

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

SHE-RA




Mika is such a strong little girl!  She's always arching her back and lifting her head!  And when we put her on her tummy, she stretches out her little legs and tries to push herself forward.  Needless to say, our new little one is doing very good :)  Eating lots, sleeping lots and giving us lots to smile about!

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Twinkle, Twinkle

Click to play Elia & Mika
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On the last page of this "scrapbook" there is a video clip of Elia singing "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" to Mika. It was too cute! I loved the part where Elia asks, "Is she smiling?" It's moments like these that just melt me...

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Two Weeks Old!






Yesterday, Mika made 2 weeks old!  We spent the day at home, as usual (I don't leave the house with my newborns for at least 1 month) and had a nice visit with Naomi Asay  & Malcolm and the Cifuentes Ohana...Isabel, Santiago & Esteban.  It was really hot inside so eating vanilla ice cream with frozen strawberries was an excellent treat!

In other news, I am have decided to try CLOTH!  Yup, it will save us a lot of money, and I honestly don't mind doing laundry, so it's a win-win situation (thanks Naomi for all the info).  My husband hasn't fully bought into the idea yet...although I don't know why since he is so earth minded and he won't be the one doing the laundry, most of the time.  My friend who also uses cloth diaper offered to make them for me, since she has done the same for her little girl and all I have to do is buy the materials (Mahalo Becca!), which will save me a ton of money (buying cloth diapers can cost up to $20 a piece)!  I've already gone on line and ordered most of the materials I need for about $25 (and this includes $10 shipping).  I have 2 more things to buy that shouldn't run me more than $15.  My friend thinks this will be enough to make me around 7-10 diapers.  I'm excited to try them out and I'll post more info. on how it goes!

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Turbo JAM!



Today I finally began exercising again.  Turbo Jam with Chalene Johnson is my absolute favorite!  It has great music to keep you motivated and I love all the punching and kicking...good stress reliever too!   I'm starting back slow, just doing the 20 minute routine, but boy did it feel GOOD!  I bought this workout DVD about over 2 years ago and it really works!  When I first got it I did the 10 day jump start program (including the eating plan) and lost about 4 pounds...just in time to fit into my bridesmaid's dress for my friend's wedding little more nicely.  After that I kept those 4 pounds off for about a year without exercising regularly (which I should have done), so it just goes to show how much muscle you build doing this exercise.  I think Chalene's even coming out with something new called "Chalean" or something like that.  Anyways, just thought I'd share for all you mommies out there who can't go to the gym or even leave the house to jog for some reason or another (like having no sidewalk to run on).  If you try it or have tried it I'd love to hear what ya think!

Monday, September 8, 2008

One Week Old!




Today Mika is one week old!  The days have gone by quickly, yet I feel as though she's been with me always ;)  She is eating and sleeping well and I feel so lucky that she sleeps pretty good during the night.  I only have to wake up with her twice before I'm ready to wake up myself (I'm a morning person for sure) and every morning she gets very smiley...she must be a morning person like her mommy!  Most people will say that newborns don't really smile, it's just gas, but I think Mika is an exception.  She smiles A LOT, even when I don't hear or smell anything else!  She usually smiles while her eyes are shut, so maybe she has really sweet dreams.  In any case, she is a very good baby...she rarely cries and when she does, it takes her a while to actually do it.  She is a squirmy girl, and loves to arch her back and kick her feet.  She also loves to try and grab her bottle, especially when she's really hungry...which makes it a little hard for mommy to get her bib settled and the bottle in her mouth.  She has successfully put both hands around her bottle a couple of times. 



 Elia is also doing very good too!  She loves being around her baby sister, which is making things a little difficult right now because Elia has a cough and I have to keep her away from the baby and my Lysol spray near by.  There has been a couple of incidents of "jealousy", but Sam and I are trying hard to not let her feel left out.  I've been VERY happy that Elia hasn't regressed with her potty training...she still wears pull-ups at night, but for the rest of the day she's in her big girl panties.  I"m so happy that I started early so that now I only have to buy diapers for one!

Motherhood is AWESOME, challenging...but definitely rewarding!  I love having 2 little girls in my home and being surrounded by all the pink and pretty things.  I'll be home on family leave for the next 4 weeks and I plan to make the most of every precious moment!  

          This is Elia at one week old



Thursday, September 4, 2008