Moving Again!

This weekend we helped our friends the Towns moved out of "our" shared home here in Ava. It's such a big house that the emptiness from their absence can already be felt. Not having Uncle Matt and Aunt Jeanne next door will definitely be sad for all of us especially Charly and Kavika. We have plans to schedule regular Matt and Jeanne time so the kids don't miss out too much on the family, spoiling, and fun they've had living with two sets of parents. This week Friday we will be moving closer to Marc's campus. For almost the past year we've lived in Ava and commuted an hour drive into Springfield and Ozark for work and school. We started out with 2 vehicles which worked out great until one of them died. The Towns were driving even further each week and shared with us maybe a month or more ago that they'd be looking to move back closer to Springfield. We contemplated the change and felt right making the decision 2 weeks ago to also begin looking for closer residence. Within days of our decision (literally 3 to be exact) things rapidly progressed and we found a "choice" spot less than a mile from where Marc is going to school. Perfect location for splitting one vehicle and giving me and the kids greater access to shopping, the library, parks and more! Woohoo! We were asked if we could move in immediately and delayed it until this Friday so we could get all of our affairs and ends wrapped up.

We have LOVED our home in Ava. Today it was sad saying goodbye and thanking the friends and church family we have made out here. Something about Ava has felt so warm and familiar. I'm sure it's the people. I'm grateful for the peace I have felt about the move also. I look back over the past 2 weeks and clearly see the Lord's hand aiding us as different things have fallen into place like pieces of a puzzle. I know things don't always work out so smoothly every time, but it sure has been nice. So many changes coming and we're all excited to see what's in store for us next. *I did meet a little resistance from Charly that the possibility of sharing a room when her new sister comes "might not be the BEST idea." I just ignored the comment. Choosing my battles! Anyhow, just wanted to give folks a heads up that we're going through another transition period. I will do my best to keep you posted on what we're doing in the coming weeks. Til then....

What A Drag?

Me and the kids are eating breakfast this morning. We're all looking out the dining room window at the melting snow. Charly while chewing a mouthful of toast looks over at me and asks, "Mom are there really Drag Queens."

Me: "Huh? Say that again?"

Charly (swallows and smiles): "Are there really Drag Queens?"

Me: "Where'd you learn that?"

Charly: "Barry Benson"

Me: "Who?" (racking brain for new kids at church)

Charly: "You know, Barry... in the "Bee Movie,"...He says to that bee, "THIS is your Queen? That's a man in womans clothes! That's a Drag Queen!" laughing she says...A boy in girls clothes....that's so funny.

Me: LOL. "Yeah.... need a napkin?"

Charly: "Sure, Mom." As she returns a smiling gaze out the window while chuckling to herself.

A Mind Like A Steel Trap that girl!

Name Game

Hello Everyone,

We spent Christmas and New Years home in Colorado Springs with family and returned the day before my Dr. appointment for an ultra sound. We got a due date and learned we are having another baby girl! (I knew it!) The baby is due the first week of May. Very excited.

My sister had already told my parents over the phone, and said I needed to call Mom and Dad, because Dad had something important to tell me. I guess when he heard we were having a girl, Dad just knew what name she should be given. Apparently no one in our immediate or extended family has been named after his Great Grandmother Tinei (pronounced Tee-nay).

Although we had already settled on a first name for this child, Marc and I agreed to use Tinei as her middle name, which immediately offended Dad. I heard him in the background telling mom, "If she's not going to use it as the first name then tell her don't use it at all." We told mom to tell him we were going to give the baby his mothers name, Ailua as a middle name. When Mom told him, he started going on and on about how sick he was of hearing that name, that there are too many Ailua's in the family (including myself) and no Tinei's. (He cracks me up).

We got on the subject of the importance of choosing names that give honor or have special meaning. Mom shared several family names on both sides. Nearly all of them were what my good friend Jeanne would have been referring to when she said, "Ya know, some names are just meant to die off." Hate to say it, but it's so true and every family has 'em, lol. I shared Jeanne's wisdom with mom and although she hated to say it, she had to agree. It was so good to hear her laugh about it.

Mom then told me that Grandpa Fusu told Ailua to give Dad a family name that basically translates into "fish poop," but Ailua told her Dad quit talking nonsense and that his name would be Oliva after Oliver Cowdery an early leader in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints who witnessed miraculous things. Hmmm...Fish Poop or Oliver...No comparison.

Another poor relative was not so lucky and was named, Pepilo (sp?) meaning stinky or funky (as in bodily stink). Poor guy changed his name soon as he was old enough to Phillip. Up to that point the poor guy was miserable. After he changed his name he met a nice girl and eventually got married, had kids, and was much happier. Mom shared a lot of cool stories over the phone that I'll have to record for our family someday.

In the end, mom said Tinei has the meaning of "one who overcomes." I like that. In our family prayers each night we ask Heavenly Father to bless this baby to be healthy and strong in faith. We are certain there will be things in her lifetime where she will need faith and strength to overcome. We look forward to giving her a name that she can be proud of and live up to.

Leilani

Here's the rest of Charly's gymnastics class. I had to break it up into four different segments cause it's so long. It's certainly something that a grandma would love.

UPDATES

So, we haven't officially posted anything about expecting a third baby (although hopefully we've already told most of you by phone-sorry if this is *NEWS*). We suspect I'm just past the first trimester although still feeling yucky and nauseous. Kavika is a month away from being a year and a half. Charly is still an adorable and sassy 5yr old going on 12! Marc just joined me in the 30's club last summer. I'm done for now with coaching High School Volleyball and feel its time to reconnect with the blogging thingy. Marc posted some older videos for us, but on to more info on what we are really up to! Here's a quick recap!

Marc: JUST got an official letter of acceptance into the Physical Therapy Assistant program for Ozarks Technical College! Woooohooooo! Way to go Dad! Recently called as new YM President for the Ward. Busy, Helpful, and an Amazing Husband and Father.

Lani: Finished with HS Vball moving into Club Vball coaching season, growing a baby, homeschooling kiddos, and waiting for morning sickness to pass. Love teaching Primary 11 & 12yr olds.

Charly: Reading at Kindergarten Level, has completed most Kindergarten milestones and skills and is anxiously waiting to start up gymnastics again. Did an amazing job speaking and singing in the Primary Program last month. Great big sister (sometimes a little more hands on with her brother than we'd like).

Kavika: All BOY. Interests involve FOOD, playing with anything that makes noise, lights up, has buttons (including items off limits ie. computer, cell phones, DVD player), food, and food. Most of his vocabulary revolves around using polite commands for food. Playground favorite: Swinging-could do this forever.

Marc & Lani: Celebrated 7yrs of marriage in June! wooooohoooo!

Where are we? Still in Ava, missing friends and family in Colorado Springs!

Some much overdue videos

I guess we wear this boy out. This is what happens when he misses his morning nap.

Here's the beginning of one of Charly's gymnastics classes. It was pretty boring to watch the stretching so we got more of the boy. How cute!

Charly's first talk in Ava

In primary, Charly was given an assignment to talk at church the next Sunday. We were so excited for her to give her first talk. As Charly prepared to give her talk we went over and over it with her. Well, OK Leilani went over and over while I just sat back and watched. Leilani and I were singing in sacrament that day and had left a little early for church and Charly came later with Matt and Jeanne. She ended up sitting with them as well, so Leilani and I could go up and sing when it was time. As we finished up our song, Charly turns to Matt and very courageously and consigned to her assignment, says "well I guess it's my turn now." The poor thing thought she was giving her talk in front of the whole Ward. How nerve wracking that must have been for this wonderful five year old. Although sometimes, I feel that same way when it's my turn to talk. LOL