Music to my ears!

He did it!! Alafoki did it!!

My son weighed in at .........*drumroll please* .......................

A WHOPPING 95 LBS!!

He had so much support there...his whole team cheering him on along with 2 other guys who came in just as close. They ALL made it! Ala's running that ball this year people!! I believe he's the only 5th grader playing with the 6th & 7th grade boys....on the Mighty Mites team!! WOOHOO!! It'll be much tougher this season, but a good challenge!! I'm so proud of him!! We're heading to Chuck-A-Rama for lunch today and my boy is gonna STUFF his face! Totally something he's been waiting for! YIPPEE!!

~VEEYAH~

It's DO or DIE!

Ok, so maybe my title is a bit exaggerated...but this is a day we've been kinda dreading...or maybe so! My son started his 3rd year of little league football this year. He’s always wanted to run the ball, but you have to meet a certain weight requirement in order to do so. The first two years, he has missed that weight limit by a few pounds or more and ended up being one of the smaller linemen. Still, I think he’s been AWESOME at that lineman position and rocked the bigger guys anyway! This year, he was determined to run that ball…and since summer started Ala has made a goal to meet the weight limit of 100lbs. Yes, he’s only 10 years old, but I like to think he’s big boned and solid which makes him heavier.

About the end of June, Ala weighed 114lbs and told Justin and I that he had his mind set to lose the weight and run that ball. If you know this kid, he loves and I mean LOVES his sweets! I wasn’t sure if he could do it, but I was sure going to support him. I was surprised to see him day in and day out, eating healthy…just fruits and yogurt, or a bowl of cheerios for breakfast….drinking nothing but spring water (he told me purified water helps you sweat more than the regular tap water…not sure where that info came from)…and then for lunch was grilled chicken breast or turkey with broccoli (no sauces, just spices) or a sandwich w/ whole wheat bread…then small snacks like a banana, grapes or strawberries in the evening. He has worked out every morning at the gym in addition to his football practices in the evening and I am so AMAZED at his determination and it shows! (Here's one pic of him half way through this weight loss)

(Ala & his dad and cousins posin' with some of his most favorite Cougar football players, Reno and Fahu. This was taken at this summer's BYU football camp early July.)

So, today is the weigh in, August 12th…Do or Die Day!! This day has been circled big on the calendar and drilled in my mind! I’ve been nervous all day thinking about his weigh in tonight!! Now about 6 weeks later he’s weighed in at 100lbs-101lbs these last 2-3 days. It’s NERVE WRECKING! This morning he weighed 100 ½ lbs…GEEZ! Lookin’ at his face this morning, he just looks so determined yet a bit stressed about this weigh in. He’s worked SO HARD and he totally deserves this!! I, as his momma, well, any mom would agree I’m sure, but, I’m just as nervous…I’m sitting here at work and I can’t focus…so I started typing these feelings out, hoping it’ll relief some of this anxiety! Heck, I think this baby is feelin ‘the nerves too ‘cause he hasn’t stopped movin’ all day, which isn’t normal for us! I know my hubby is feelin’ the nerves as well ‘cause I called him and he took Alafoki to the sauna to sweat it out…(never thought about that…takin’ your kid to a sauna?? DEAR OH DEAR!)…then I talked to my son and he said he’s only going to drink water for today and nothin’ else! Should a kid have to go through this? I don’t think so! In fact, there were many times I tried to get my son to eat more these past weeks because I’m not used to this skinny Ala I’m seeing which makes me sad…but at the same time I can see how much he wants this…and I want it for him too! I have to say I’m so proud of him for his determination…AND (this is me thinking positive) once he weighs in UNDER 100lbs tonight, I told my son I’m taking him straight to Chuck-A-Rama…his FAVE! Hey, all he has to do is make this weigh in…and then he can’t weigh whatever he wants!! LOL!!

*keep your fingers, toes and eyes crossed people*

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO ALA!!

-VEEYAH-

It's GONE! It's GONE! It's ALL GONE!!

This is my lil' FETI LUV BUCKET just this past Sunday. We were at our Fonua family fireside and daddy snuck outside with Drew and got a bit camera happy...this is only ONE of like 30 pics off his blackberry!! LOL!! Notice that full head of hair...again, this was just a few days ago!

Drew's signature mark has been his crazy hair!! It's just WHACKO...and he has some good hair days and many bad ones too!! But I love it!! Whenever Drew is tired, he lays down with one hand on his head rubbin' his soft hair and it puts him right to sleep! (Had to cut daddy out of this pic or he'd kill me! LOL!)We loved to sport the HAWK on him at times!! FUN STUFF!!

Justin kept saying he was going to cut Drew's hair, but I asked him not to. Not yet!! I wasn't ready...I loved his hair!! Come this past Monday...I went to work and about 10am I get this call from my sister Diana..."Vee, you're not gonna be happy!!" I shrieked...wondering what was going on...then she tells me, "Justin cut Drewby's hair!" I was speechless, instant watery eyes, automatic anger and hurt. Honestly, I wish she hadn't called me at work...it certainly wasn't a way to start my day out...but I knew her intent, 'cause she knew I didn't want his hair cut!! Next thing I get is an email from my hubby with this picture!! His email says, "Hi Mommy! Look at me...I'm a big boy now!" More tears...this just wasn't something I was expecting.

Justin called me on the phone and of course I gave major attitude, short answers and kept the call quick...(I'm such a witch!) He knew I was upset. I think the whole matter of it was that he looks older now and I wasn't ready to face that. I'm havin' another baby in about 7 weeks, and I guess sometimes I feel like lil' Drew is being robbed of his babyhood. Another email with this picture came through and a message like, "Now I'm sound asleep! Love you mommy" He just looked so different!! I couldn't wait to get home and see my baby!! That day wasn't a good one at work and it just seemed to drag!! More tears throughout the day. I was determined to give my hubby the silent treatement forever and ever!! I know, I'm making this a bigger deal than it really is! =\When I got home I found lil' Drew happy and playing with his favorite toys...a water bottle and a wooden spoon...LOL!! This boy has tons of toys to play with, but for some odd reason, he likes plain things like this! ANYWAY, I grabbed him, hugged him and we looked in the mirror together...he loves to look in the mirror and I wondered if he'd recognize himself! Sure enough he did as he smiled and kissed himself in the mirror like he usually does...then he kissed his momma! That's all I needed!!

We went outside to play for a bit and I took this picture of Drew and Ala. Now I really think these two look alike with the new haircut! I've had a hard time trying to get used to this look...it's been a couple more days now and it's growing on me! It kinda breaks my heart 'cause he really looks like a big boy now....but his hugs and snuggles with his momma tell me that he is still my baby!! I love my FETI!!

Oh and Justin is doing ok too...his meany wife's silent treatment only lasted about 15 minutes when she got home that day. LOL!

-VEEYAH-

All In A Weekend!

The Days of '47 aka Pioneer Day is always a fun one for the family....not only is it Pioneer Day but Justin and I celebrate our anniversary as well. This year Pioneer Day fell on the weekend, well started Friday, July 24th and then July 25th is our anniversary. We didn't have much planned due to this "Recession," and planned to keep it pretty simple and laid back. You know...a quiet relaxful weekend...it sure wasn't anything close to it!! LOL!! Here's a recap!

My sisters, Toree and Uni were in the Pioneer parade. They joined the Liahona group and practiced all summer for this fun event.

Toree and Uni were in the Maroi section. These pics aren't the best...it was off the cell phone. We weren't prepared with the camera. Uni in the very front on the right and Toree in the very back on the right. Our cousin, Uinise just infront of Toree...(I think!)

After the parade, the kids wanted to cool down...it was a very hot morning watchin' that parade for about 3 hours...soooooo, we took the kids to Kerv and Gina's house to swim!! They were definitely having a good time...notice Beanie and Baby Vee's tans!! LOL!! Lil' Lika is so fair, I don't think it's possible for her to tan!! She's like her momma!!

After a couple hours, Justin tried to get the kids out of the pool. Lil' Drew wasn't EVEN trying to get out!! This is the look we got from him...this pretty much says, "Touch me and DIE!" LOL! We let him swim a little bit longer, but we had an Eagle Scout Court of Honor to attend so we were rushing. Eventually we got him out and dried up, then into the car seat....as you can see, he STILL isn't so happy!! YIKES!
Back at home we were getting ready for the Eagle Scout Court of Honor and let Drew run wild a bit around the house. When I was ready, I noticed how quiet it was and this is where I found him. KNOCKED OUT!! My momma and my brothers were in charge of the flag ceremony. This Court of Honor was held for Bishop Moli's boys, Alo and Etu. The both received their Eagles this day. This was quite an experience for my mom and brothers. Don't they look good?

My brothers...(Jr and Marty in the middle being silly!) A contradicting picture if ya ask me....Eagle Scouts holding up gang signs!! GHETTO!! LOL! My brother Joe with my momma before the ceremony begins. It was so cool watching mom lead the flag ceremony, she yelled out all the demands while my brothers followed. It was a great program. I really admire the Moli family...there were so many who attended too which shows how much people love this family. Totally an honor for our family to be a part of this. Next day was Saturday, July 25th...our Anniversary! Justin and I planned to go the temple, but after the day we just had before, we were TIRED and weren't able to get up early. We then remembered it was the last day to register for little league football, so Justin got Ala & Pou ready and they headed to the park to sign up. Here are the boys in their practice gear. Ala wearing his jersey from last year. Pou wearing my brother Jr's jersey from high school many years ago. We then cleaned up the house and rested up some more. We planned to go to a later session at the temple...way later like, 7pm. As we were getting ready, Justin and I got questioned by Ala and Bean on why they weren't a part of celebrating an anniversary...wondering why we weren't taking them along. I won't lie, we felt a bit guilty, but seriously needed some ALONE TIME...Lord only knows how long it has been since we'd been out on an acutal date! So, we bribed them into ordering out for Papa Johns Pizza and a movie!! We got my sister Diana and Uni to babysit the kids. We went up to Jordan River to do a session and as we got there, the gates were locked! No cars in the parking lot...NOTHING! I was so sad, it was always tradition to attend the temple on our anniversary. Later we found out this temple was closed that week. By this time it was too late to try and catch the SL temple and if you got to Draper you have to set an appointment (or so we've been told).

As you can see by this next picture...we decided to end the night eating out. Our favorite place has always been Red Lobster. I think we only go there once or twice a year...so we were excited. Justin always orders the Ultimate Feast...YUMMY!! We did notice that their prices were higher and the food quantity was lower...=( Still, it was a fun time!

My hubby enjoying his meal! He LOVES seafood...especially that LOBSTER!! =) I tried to order something new...with this pregnancy, I'm lovin' shrimp and fruits...so I ordered a peachy shrimp and scallop meal...the only downfall was the BBQ sauce it was marinated in...totally ruined the tasted of the seafood. I won't order this one ever again!
We were tempted to order dessert there, but because of the guilt we were feeling by not taking our kids out with us to celebrate...we stopped by Harmons and picked up a cake to go home and end the night celebrating dessert with the kids. The kids were so happy to see us home early and with a treat for them. We devoured this cake with some icecream and a good movie. Later that night, Beanie wasn't feeling so good. Justin and I ended up staying up with her all night...she was high in fever, stomach pains and not being able to hold anything down. The following day, Sunday...we ended up at Primary Childrens in the ER from 10am-10pm. Poor girl had tests of all sorts because they couldn't find what was wrong with her. It went from a UTI test that came out clear, to hoookin' her to an IV, blood work that was negative, then an appendix test- nothing, x-rays etc... I couldn't take it anymore and by 4pm called my parents to come join us. Dad, Justin and Hyrum gave Bean a blessing. It was around 9pm when the doctors confirmed that she had inflammable fatty tissue around her intestines causing the pain and fever. We were happy and so thankful to know it had nothing to do with her kidneys or appendix. So, 10pm on a Sunday night was spent trying to find a pharmacy to get her Rx. Take note: All pharmacies close quite early on Sundays, and not all Walgreens are open 24 hours. We ended up going from Primary Childrens ALL the way to the Walgreens on Redwood and 7800 South!! Got home about midnight after picking up the kids from Grandma and Grandpas...

Let's just say Justin and I went into work that following Monday morning quite grouchy 'cause we didn't get the RESTFUL & RELAXING weekend we had planned on...BUT, we were thankful for the time we did have to spend with the family! It'll be an anniversary to NEVER FORGET! =)

-VEEYAH-

Beanie's Special Day!

First weekend of July was a busy one for us. Bean turned 8 years old and was baptized. We threw her a surprise bday party Friday night. Her aunty Les took Beanie out with her cousins for the day and when evening came, Bean thought they were going out to the movies, but before the movies, Les told them she had to stop by and check out a friends family gathering at the rec center. All the family met here earlier to set up decorations, food, the cakes, DJ and the kids were anxious to see the birthday girl arrive. Beanie shared this bday with one of her favorite cousins from Florida...Pita! He turned 8 years old earlier that week and was in for the surprise as well. Grandma Nola made each of them their own bday cake. Here they are (below) next to their cakes as we all sang the bday song! Below is a shot of most of the family there. We have TONS of pictures and you can see them all on my facebook. It was a great night of FUN with everyone eating, dancing and playing games.This is a picture of the candy bar my cousin Monika and her hubby set up for the party! I wish we had a picture of it BEFORE the kids got to it. To the side was a chocolate fountain too! Now you know where the kids were most of the party...even some adults too! LOL! It was totally the HIT of the party!
The next morning, July 4th- Independence Day was the baptism day for our lil' girl. It was certainly an emotional morning for Justin and I. Since this year started, every Sunday Beanie and her dad would talk about baptism and practice the way to stand in the font. She had been so anxious for this day to come. Daddy and Bean did a great job!

We asked Beanie who she wanted to confirm her and without hesitation she told us she wanted Grandpa to do it. Here Bean stands proudly with Grandpa (my pops) on her special day! Beanie's uncles- Big Joe and Homie....all my brothers helped out TONS to make this special for Bean!
These are my sister in laws, Maka and Lome...how I appreciate these two!! They are such hard workers and didn't hesitate one bit to help out w/ all they could for the birthday party and baptism. Maka bought Beanie the beautiful dress she has on....isn't it so pretty?
Here Beanie poses with more of her aunties who I see more as my sisters. They are always there for me and were a huge part in making this weekend a success! We were so happy to see Grandma Numa make it to the baptism. She is Justin's aunty and since all of his family lives in New Zealand, she is our Grandma Kaufana and supports us at every event! My dad's sisters, Sinai and Ana made it along with Line (far right) from Houston. Love these ladies.Beanie with her uncle Tupou aka Bobo and also her favorite buddy to hang out with on a daily basis! These two were in the same class at school this past year which makes them even closer. Bean LOVES her Bobo! Our family was so overwhelmed with gratitude to all the family and friends who came out to support. It was a memorable event for us and we are so thankful to you all and love you tremendously.

-VEEYAH-