All kine stuff

So there's all kinds of things happening to us. Here's an update on our family. The first picture is of us coming back from Ephraim. Liko wanted me to take a picture of her.

The biggest zuchinni is from our friend Julie and the bottom two are ones that I grew in our community garden. I made zuchinni bread for the first time with the big one. It came out pretty good. It was kind of like carrot cake so I made a cream cheese frosting. I've been trying to cook different things. Like today I had some pork steaks that I didn't know what to do with. I stuck them in the crock pot and put in some spices, brown sugar and diced tomatoes. Then I made some flour tortillas and we had tacos. It was really good. I've been wanting to make this kind of sweet and savory pork for a while and I finally figured out how.

What else has been happening? Kalei has been speaking more which is such a relief. He loves to sing. Just today he was singing the ABCs. Of course some of the letters were pretty jumbled but he got most of them. I've been trying to teach Liko how to read and write her ABCs. She still gets mixed with some of them but she can pick out letters pretty well. She can definitely read the letters BYU and she can read you every letter in Walmart. Can you tell that she been exposed to these things a lot?

Sad news, I just found out today that because Liko's birthday is after September 1st, she will most likely not attend Head Start. I was very disappointed but it was my fault for not turning in her application sooner. They said that they give first priority to 4 year olds. Man, late birthdays really suck. I should know.

Kamalu has been growing fast. He is growing out of his clothes. I think I'm going to have to buy 12 months clothes already. He only turns 6 months on Sept. 8th. He is loving his rice cereal and veggies. I haven't tried giving him any fruit. I'll give him some next month and start giving him meat as well. He has WIC checks for jar food so that'll save us a lot of money considering how much he eats.

Kainoa just started school on Monday. He has been studying so much. I think his schedule is a little better since he's home more but Mondays and Wednesdays are hard for him. He has a 4 hour block of classes plus he goes to school earlier so he can study. He came home with a headache today. Poor thing.

As for me, I've recently got into couponing. My friend Kieiki took me to a little workshop with this amazing lady Amy that gives these classes on how to save money on groceries. I've been getting into it and I've been saving a lot. I love saving money. I even get things for free. Like the other week I got 2 regular packs of Huggies diapers for $12. It's great!

I also am going back to work. I start next week. I'm just going back to Motherhood. That was the easiest place to get a job and they had an open position. I'm not getting paid much but it's pays better than a campus job that Kainoa could get. He says it's better because he can study while watching the kids. We'll see how things go. I'm going to miss my kiddies, especially Kamalu. Hopefully I won't miss any of those milestone achievements that are creeping up just around the corner.

Endless Summer....I wish

So we've been trying to enjoy these last few weeks of summer. Wish it didn't have to end. Kainoa starts school on Monday. Bummer. At least his schedule is better this semester.
I've been being a little adventurous with my cooking too. Here's some pizzas I made. I got a recipe for the dough online. I rolled it and tossed it so it came out super thin. I also made my own sauce. Well semi-homemade. I used a can of crushed tomatoes and added some stuff. I had to admit, that the pizza was pretty dang good.

Then a couple of days later I made a roasted chicken and the next day some kalua pig and chicken long rice. Then the Sunday after I made cinnamon rolls. I found a new recipe for the dough and it was super soft and heavenly. I might have to make those again.

This past Tuesday we went to Thanksgiving Point because it was $2 Tuesday. It was so crowded. We went with the Po'uhas and of course Shaun was there too. We went to the Dinosaur museum. I guess it's the largest museum of it's kind in the world. Who knew? The kids had fun and that's all that mattered. I'm not sure if it was worth saving the extra bucks since there were so many people but oh well.

This past Saturday we went to the BYU scrimmage. RJ is doing so good. I'm so happy and so excited that he's going to start this year. He better since it's his senior year. He'll be the starting center. The rest of the team is looking good. I really hope that they do well this year. They have some big games coming up, especially their first game. It should be a great season.

On Sunday we drove to Ephraim to go to our family friend EricRoss Anderson's missionary farewell. We've never been to Ephraim before and had no idea where it was but little did we know that that's where Snow College is. The kids slept in the car so that made it nice.

Yesterday we took the kids to the pool in Provo. We met Wendi Sanchez there with her three kids. Our kids were free and it was $4 for each of us. It was well worth it. The kids had tons of fun. They loved it. There was a kiddie pool where they could swim around. There was a little playground thing with sprays and sprinklers. The kids had fun going down the little slide. We were able to go down the two tube slides there. That was worth the $4. I would've taken pictures but it wasn't allowed. Lame.

Tonight was the Cougar Kick-off. It's like a pep rally for the community. We met RJ and Emi there. It was pretty fun. They were giving out free stuff and it was so cool to see people asking RJ for his autograph. What's even funnier is that a girl actually asked Kainoa for his autograph thinking that he played football. What's even funnier than that is that RJ's coach asked him if Kainoa played football before. They're really short on players on the O-Line. I was telling RJ to put in a good word. I wouldn't mind having Kainoa play football. There's tons of benefits if they give him a scholarship. It would be hard on his studies but it would be worth it. I'm getting way ahead of myself because who even knows if anything will happen.

Okay well I've said enough. I better update this better so I don't have to bore everyone will such a long post.

P.S. Here's a funny video of Kalei singing to his Backyardigans toy. He loves to sing.

Fun with the kids

So we've been having fun with Daddy. He's home on Mondays and Fridays and the weekends. This past week we had a lot of get togethers with friends and family. On Tuesday RJ, Emi, Feki, Kieiki, and their two boys came over. Of course we had some good food (teri beef, won tons, potato mac salad, sushi rice, and chocolate trifle). It was good to hang out with them again.

Then on Thursday we had Chad Schumacher, Sheldon Carvalho, Teren Taniuchi, and Jocelyn (don't know her last name, one of Shaun's friends) over for dinner. I made mochiko chicken, spam musubi, and yellow cupcakes with chocolate frosting. They brought green and fruit salads. I used a new recipe for the chicken and it turned out really good. Kainoa said that I need to add it to my menu. The kids had lots of fun with all the attention.

On Friday we went over to Kainoa's sister Ilima's place to celebrate her husband's and son's birthday. She made BBQ pulled pork sandwiches. I made homemade mac and cheese (another new recipe experiment) and Aunty Heather brought cole slaw. Everything was great. We had fun swimming in the pool. All of the kids swam, even Kamalu. We played pool volleyball. That was really fun.

On Saturday we had dinner with Feki, Kieiki, Jude, Namea, Peter Chun and his wife Cris. It was at Feki and Kieiki's Wymount apartment. They set up a volleyball net in their quad. I haven't played v-ball in a while. I got some grass stains on my shorts from diving for the ball. It was fun and a good workout. Of course the grinds were 'ono once again. Feki and Kieiki barbequed some steaks. Jude and Namea brought some chili. The Chuns brought butter mochi. I made spam musubi and california roll. I haven't made sushi in a long time and Kainoa reminded me of that. It was fun spending time with good friends that we haven't seen in a long time.

Oh yeah, that first picture took me a long time to take since I was trying to get all of the kids to look at the camera but I was not successful since of course Kalei is not looking. Also, the last picture is of lettuce that I grew. I planted the seeds in April and my neighbor Jenebie transplanted them into our community garden. I just made a creamy cilantro lime dressing to go with it.

Okay so I noticed that I talked a lot about food in this blog. Sorry if I made anyone hungry.

Finally back

So I'm finally back home in Utah after 2 months. It was a good trip to Hawaii but it was tough being away from Kainoa. It's so nice to be back. Shaun flew in with me. We got in on Wednesday at 9am. Shaun was a big help on the plane but at one point I was holding Kamalu and Kalei at the same time. My tailbone was killing me. The seats are never comfortable. Luckily the kids were pretty good on the plane. They slept most of the time.
We actually were on the Big Island last week for the Yamamoto Family Reunion. It's every two years in Kohala. Thanks to Mom and Dad, we stayed in a 3 bedroom condo with them, Chad, Kami and their kids, and Shaun. The kids had fun playing together. We were all able to go to the temple on Friday thanks to the Nakilas. They baby-sat my kids and Chad's and they fed us an 'ono dinner afterwards. They are so generous. My uncle Richie was going into the temple for the first time so it was so nice to have all the family there. Then on Saturday we had a talent show and our Yuen 'ohana was awesome of course. Thanks to Shaun and Chad, our choreographers we did great. We did a dance number with a medley of songs-Thriller, Kung Fu Fighting, and Jai-ho. We had a good time doing it and we only practiced a half hour before we went on. We pulled it off.

It was hot in Kona but man, it's hot here in Utah. "I'm melting, melting." Shaun is still getting used to the dry heat. Kainoa surprised me with some improvements to our home. He put up some new pictures and set up beds for the kids so Shaun could have his own room. He also rearranged our room and decorated both of our bathrooms. I'll have to take some pictures and post them. It was so sweet of him. After we got back, we rested for a little while and then we went to Costco and Walmart. The fridge was pretty empty so I had to restock it.

Friday was Pioneer Day. We went with Emi and RJ to Fiesta Days in Spanish Fork. They had a carnival there. The kids rode on a train and a merry-go-round. Then Ku'uliko wanted to ride on the ferris wheel so I went with her. I was surprised that she wasn't even scared. I was getting scared for her. It was going pretty fast and it went pretty high. I'm just glad she enjoyed it.

Yesterday we went to the Provo Farmer's Market at Pioneer Park. They had some pretty cool things on sale. I should get a little stand and sell some stuff. Hmmm...that's an idea. Anyways, I ate a steak tostada. It was really good. After that we went to the Nickelcade in Orem. It was $2.25 for adult admission and most of the games were only a nickel. I enjoyed playing Skeeball. That was my favorite game to play growing up.

Well it's indeed good to be back. Kamalu just woke up so I better get going.

Maui No Ka 'Oi

Well I'm here in Maui now. I'm enjoying the Maui life and being back home. It's nice to have the kids spend time with Ama and Grandpa Yuen and also my grandparents and my grand uncle Aichi. It's been lots of fun but of course we miss Kainoa. It's not the same being here without him. I really missed him on Father's Day but it's also been good for us. We appreciate him so much more.
Since we've been here, I, of course, have eaten guri guri, Homemade Bakery manju, and Saigon Cafe food and bought some Maui Built stuff. The kids have really been enjoying themselves. Kalei loves Ama and Grandpa's pool, especially the jacuzzi. He goes round and round in circles because of the jets. It's so funny to watch. He also taught himself to float on his back and hold his nose while he blows bubbles. Ku'uliko is a little more scared now. She used to be like him but now she knows what fear is so she's a little apprehensive when it comes to swimming by himself. I also took Kamalu into the jacuzzi yesterday. I made sure to lower the temperature for him. He was fascinated with the bubbles.
Tonight Kalei accomplished something huge. I took his clothes off to get ready for his bath. After I took of his diaper, I held him over the toilet and told him to use the potty....And he did! It was trying hard not to shake him as I laughed. He was so proud of himself. His face just lit up as he did his business. Then I gave him a high five when he was in the bathtub. Hopefully we can keep it up.
Well that's about it for now. Hopefully I can get more pictures up.

Locked out!

Our big boy (he turned 2 yesterday) Kalei was being extra mischievous today. I stepped out of the house with Kamalu to get some DVDs from my cousin Pi'i. We were talking for about 5 minutes and when I went to turn the door knob to go back into the house, the door didn't open. I was like, "Oh no!" Kalei decided to lock the door while I was outside. He was crying and I think it was because he knew he did something wrong. So kolohe. So I'm all frantic and Pi'i hadn't left but saw me stuck outside. We were trying to figure out how to break into the house and I was trying to coach Ku'uliko into unlocking the door. She was getting frustrated and kept saying, "I can't do it," and she started crying too. So I ran next door to get some help from the Eskarans. Good thing Aunty Terry and Adam were there. Adam tried to break into the house through a window but as he was about to get in, I checked the door again because I saw that Kalei was there. Sure enough as I turned the knob, the door opened. I was so relieved. Am I a bad mother or what? I asked Liko if she had unlocked the door and she said she didn't and that Kalei did. Wow. Kids do the darnest things, especially my kids. I've recovered from my heart attack and panic attack. Nah but I'm grateful that I wasn't alone when this happened. Thanks Pi'i and Eskaran 'Ohana.

If you're asking where Kainoa was during this whole event, he's back in Utah. He went back last week Tuesday night. He had to get back to do an externship at BYU and find a job. Saying that it's been difficult is an understatement but we're surviving. The kids miss him a lot, especially Ku'uliko. I miss him tons too. It's hard being with the kids and not him. I wondered if I made the wrong decision in staying in Hawaii but he reassures me that this will only help us appreciate each other even more. I do appreciate him more and more each day. I just miss having someone there next to me when I go to asleep and wake up in the morning. I miss how he is with our kids. Tomorrow makes one week that we've been apart. 6 more to go. I'll keep telling myself that I'll be okay.

Twilight, more swimming, and Kalei's early birthday celebration

So here's some fun pictures and videos. Ku'uliko has been exposed to Twilight a lot since we've been here. Kainoa's mom and sisters are big fans. They have posters of Edward up and pillows and all kinds of stuff. I also have the movie and the soundtrack and I really like listening to Bella's Lullaby. I usually listen to it in the car. She's heard it while she's been here and her Tutu (Kainoa's mom) was watching the movie the other day. She just started singing it out of the blue and told Kainoa that it was "Tutu's Twilight song." It's so hilarious.

These pictures are of the kids swimming at their Papa's pool in Kailua. Ku'uliko and Kalei had so much fun as you can see. The two of them were swimming all over the place. Kalei is a little braver than Ku'uliko. We spent some time with Nuna and it was a really nice day.

Yesterday we celebrated Kalei's birthday a week early. Kainoa is actually leaving tomorrow to go back to Utah while we spend more time here and then on Maui and the Big Island. It was really nice to have a lot of the family there. Thank you to those of you that came. Kalei had so much fun. He loved wearing his Thomas condutor hat. He loved his cake. My mom made it. It was 9 little individual train cars. Kalei ended up putting all the train cars together. He tried pushing them to make them go like a real train. I missed recording that but I did get him making his "choo choo" sounds. The food was really good, the company was great and Kalei was in a good mood. It turned out well. Thank you everybody!