It's Christmas Time!

Mele Kalikimaka! I love this time of year. It took 6 days but my decorations are up! I love the house at Christmas time. Everything feels so warm and cozy. I'm always sad in January when it's time to take things down.

Christmas is going to be extra special this year. It will be our first one with our "complete" family. Ngun is unbelievably excited. They do celebrate Christmas where they come from, just not quite as elaborate as we do. And presents? This is all new territory. We are really trying to focus on the "true" meaning of Christmas. I want them to feel we know this holiday is really about the birth of our Savior and the everyday gifts we receive because of him. Because we have so much more materialistic things then they've ever seen, it would be easy for them to think we might have forgotten this. I want to focus on the events surrounding Christmas instead of the gifts but it is soooo hard! It is so much fun buying presents for them because they are so appreciative.

I had to relax more than I usually do with my decorating this year. Usually I have one tree the kids can help with and the rest is off limits. Part of my OCD I suppose. I want things the way I want them. This year I've tried to let everyone help where they've wanted too. It's been worth it. The kids have had so much fun decorating all the trees and helping with the other things too. I'm just trying not to notice those ornaments not quite where I would have put them!

We are having Christmas with my parents on Sunday, December 13th. They are going to Florida to spend the holiday with Jenny and the kids. Everyone is very excited to head up the mountain for this occasion. My mom has always made Christmas so special for me, and now she does it for my kids. Her house will be decked out beautiful and the presents will be wrapped like the receiver is the most important person in the world. She has a beautiful gift, something I wish I had inherited. My dad will be "teary" most of the night caught up in the spirit of it all. He'll tell me 10 times how special I am and how blessed he is because of me and my family. I'll tear up too. He's my daddy, and I'll know he'll means everything he says. We'll all go home that night on a huge high. The kids each believing that they are my parents' favorite grandchild and us in awe of the love and gratitude we feel for being so loved. I can't wait until Sunday. I am fully aware of how blessed I am to have been born to the parents I have.

It's snowing again today. I actually don't want to cry. I'm cozy and warm and filled with the spirit today. The snow seems like it should be here and ya'll know I don't ever say that. Maybe I'll work on our annual Christmas letter today. So much has happened this year....how do I chose what to include?

Always a Southern Girl.....

Do you ever listen to country music song and think "That's exactly what I want out of life"? I don't mean the cheating and drinking and partying songs, but the songs that bring out the important things in life like...
Country roads, fried chicken, cotton blowing in the wind and really big front porches. Do you see a theme here?. I'm a jeans and pearls kind of girl. Breakfast is rich biscuits and gravy with a side of cheese grits. Music is meant to be 2-stepped too. Humidity keeps you looking young. "Yes, Mame" should be everybody's first words, only second to "ya'll and fixin". I love that people love to talk. There is no "in and out" at a 7-11. First because it's a Circle K not a 7-11, and next because people genuinely are interested when they ask "how are you today?". In the South, that isn't a rhetorical question. You can actually keep a poinsettia on you your porch at Christmas time because the odds of a deep freeze are pretty low. I just LOVE the smell of a magnolia. Nothing smells better than that except maybe a babies head. I miss balmy evenings, lightning bugs, whoopie pies and swimming well into September, because Indian Summer is the best.

I NEED to live in the South. It will always and forever be a part of me. I dream of it constantly. I don't know if I ever will get to again, but my heart will always be there. Lance got me a personalized license plate for my little bug that says "GRITS". For those that don't know, it means- Girl Raised In The South. He knows me. Couldn't have picked it better myself. I am proud of the fact I was raised there. Proud of the values and lessons that were instilled in me. I wish that most for my children. I try to keep my southern roots alive in our home here west. Where we live is a good place for kids, but it saddens me to know just what they are missing out on. Patriotism is not just a holiday act, but a way of daily life where I come from. It's God, your Country and your football team all the way. Family is anyone you love and loves you back. There is always a space at the table because there is no such thing as a guest.

So all my western friends out there.....don't wait to be invited, the backdoor is always open. My southern friends already know this. I make Biscuits and gravy on Sunday and always have extra.

My Pineapple Man

Can I just say I love this man? I have a friend who laughs because I refer to him as my Pineapple God all the time. I can't seem to help myself. Heavenly Father gave me a great gift when he matched us up. Today I'm listing 10 (it's going to be hard to narrow it down) reasons I can't imagine a day in my life without him. Yes, this is a pretty sappy thing to do. Maybe I'm just extra hormonal, or maybe he hasn't made me what to strangle him in a while.....no that's not it.....must be the hormones. I'm kidding of course! He really is the cat's meow in my book. So here is my list in no particular order.

1. He has the best hands. Seriously. In my list of what I wanted in a husband many moons ago I actually wrote that my hubby had to have "man" hands. Lance's hands are the best. Manacured nice but they still look like they've seen a day's work in his life. Stong. When he holds my hand, his are the perfect size to make me feel safe and protected.

2. He's funny. He has me laughing constantly. His sense of wit is immediate and he knows just what to say to put a smile on my face.

3. He thinks I'm funny. It's nice to have someone laugh at your jokes. We crack each other up! Each the other's biggest fan.

4. He is sensitive. He gets embarassed if he tears up during America's Home Makeover, but he'll do it anyway. Chic Flicks.....just between us........he loves them.

5. He can fix anything. I mean ANYTHING! He's just a handy guy to have around all the time. One of my favorite memories of times together is when he was changing the brakes on one of our cars. It was raining soooo hard and I was standing over him with an Umbrella. Some of the best memories stem from being young and broke!

6. He loves kids, all ages, he doesn't care. He's comfortable holding a baby, changing a diaper, or hangin' with the youth. Kids like him.....they can always detect the good ones.

7. He's a Boy Scout. Literally and always. He actually lives by the code. If someone needs help he'll be the first to volunteer. He'll stop and change that lady's tire on the side of the road.

8. He's a Poly. Polynesian that is, and to me that means just a fine speciman to look at. Broad shoulders, great legs, and the greatest brown eyes.

9.He likes football. Really don't think I could be with him if he didn't like football. He's the biggest USC fan I've ever seen. Love to watch him do a dance when we win.

10. He loves me. Despite of all my hot temper, lack of laundry energy, forgetting to put the garage down everyday, pretzel mess making flaws and more, he still loves me. He thinks I'm the cat's meow too.

Though I'm sure you're all jealous by now, this wasn't my intent. It was to just let my Awesome Pineapple God know he is my reason for loving my life.

It's Winter...right when Autumn was just getting started

I'm not going to cry. I'm not going to cry. I'm not going to cry. Just because it snowed here on September 30 does not mean it's going to be freezing cold for the next 8 months. Right? Right?!! Oh heck.....now I'm going to cry. I am going to go to the tanning beds this winter. Never been before In my life. I keep having people tell me though that it helps those of us that need sunshine to function. Such is life in Utah. One day I'll learn to accept it!

I'm actually pretty good spirited all things considered. I decided if I was going to make through another winter I needed to get my house in order. I've been a working fool all week! I've rearranged the dining room, breakfast nook, family and living rooms. It almost feels like I live in a new house. If I could just conquer my bedroom there just might be a light at the end of this tunnel.

Things around our house are good. School started too soon. Everyone busy all the time, but I guess that is to be expected with 7 of us. I was released from the Relief Society Presidency about 2 weeks ago. Once I finally stopped crying I realized it's a good thing. I'm still in Cub Scouts, and I was called as the Welfare and Employment Specialist. This will be another busy calling but at least Sunday's will be calmer. Because I had all this extra time on my hands (hahaha) Lance and I joined the football booster club at our new High School. We actually really love it. We basically just work the concession stand at all the home games for JV and Varsity. It's fun getting to see the community and being in the middle of everything. Lance kind of is anyway since he's doing the Cop thing in town on the weekends.

Our kids are good. ALL of them. Ngun and Ling seem like they've been around forever. The honeymoon is over. This is good. I can really holler and yell and be myself now! All of them are growing like weeds. We seriously go through some food around here. Is it their constant need for nourishment or am I just an amazing good cook? I'll choose to think the second, it's good for my winter moral.

Ngun had her birthday on September 20th. I had a surprise birthday party for her. First Birthday party ever. First birthday presents too. It was a wonderful night. She actually cried. Only the 2nd time I've seen that happen. First time was at girls camp during testimony meeting. She cried when she told the girls she loved them. We played all the games you would play at a party if you were 5 years old, not 17. Pin the tail on the donkey, Pinata, musical chairs, limbo, and followed up with 2 hours of Volleyball. All the kids laughed and had a great time. It was fun seeing all the teenagers pin the tail. Ngun was very overwhelmed and just kept repeating over and over "Tank you Mom."

Kaikea's bday is next. He'll be 6 years old this month. Feels like he should be 16. I'm positive that kid has been around for a very long time. How can I have gotten all these gray hairs in only 6 years? I'm not sure what we are doing for him yet. Time will tell.

Ok...got to get off of here. More rearranging is calling me name. Or better yet, I think I'll go to the home decorating store and see what's on sale!

Life in the fast lane.....

"It is my pleasure that my children are free and happy, and unrestrained by parental tyranny. Love is the chain whereby to bind a child to its parents."- Abraham Lincoln

I love that quote. It make me happy. Makes me smile. Makes me proud of the decisions I've made in my life. I haven't updated in almost 4 months. Not for having nothing to say but more because there has been too much to say... if that makes sense. I don't even know where to begin. I guess I'll start with me.

I'm happy. I've pretty much always known I've had this blessed life, and despite various trials in life have still managed to be a "happy person." I didn't know though that this amount of self contentment and personal peace could be possible. I can honestly say I am busier then I have ever been in my life. Too others it may even seem to busy. A day planner is my constant companion these days. That and a prayer in my heart that I'm not forgetting some responsibility or person that needs my attention. I'm been learning what I'm good at, and definitely where my shortcomings are. I suppose the difference is that I'm learning to accept both. I'm surrounded by love constantly. Lance....I'll never know what I did before this life to deserve him. My children....wow! I can't even begin to express.

Ya'll are wondering about our newest additions I'm sure. It has been a surprisingly easy transition. I may not be the mother by whom they entered this world, but I can truely say my heart doesn't know the difference. As more time goes by, I'm not sure their's does either. They seem to genuinly love us. I have opportunities to be around other refugee children, and they don't seem to feel the same way in most cases. Let me tell you about my kids....

Ngun- She quickly became "Sissy". She is the big sister my boys have always wanted. She laughs very easily and her smile lights up a room. She shows very little anger when she is upset. She is quick to forgive and quick to love. She is not shy when you get to know her. Her English is much better, but she is slow to try to speak it when she's around those she doesn't know. She loves chocolate. Peanut M&M's to be exact. And gum. Lots and lots of gum. Pizza is an absolute No! She's not sure what we Americans can't seem to live with out when it comes to that! She cannot wait until her birthday in September. She's decided she really likes the way we celebrate here! Presents....that is a totally new concept to them. She is the daughter I never really knew that I wanted. I've joked about wanting a girl....but deep down was very content without the girl drama. I can't imagine my life without her now. I think I'll keep her.

Ling- He turned 16 on July 4th, which in case you don't know if my absolute favorite day of the whole year. I'll never forget this years if I live to be 1000 years old. He is funny! Not shy in the least. He loves to joke and tease. His English has gotten very good for 4 months here. He likes to talk and initiates conversations easily. He wants to be a Doctor someday. He's very smart. I wouldn't be surprised it he does just that. He loves banana icecream. He is pretty much a typical teenage boy in that he will eat just about anything. At least he trys it. He had a cold and fever a while back. He stated he wasn't sick because he "no like sick". That's pretty much summerizes how he thinks. If he likes...it's so. If not...can't be true. He was outwardly affectionate sooner than Sissy. He is quick to say we are a family. He has a temper, but forgives quickly. He never ever goes to bed with out saying "goodnight mom, I'll see you in the morning". Him...he's a keeper too.

Kaleo- Has been the one I worried the most about the transition. He has surprised me with his generosity and kindness towards them. He seems to have accepted they are not going anywhere and loves them too. Kaleo sooooo has his dad's sense of humor. He laughs and cries easily. I think Nunu is his favorite person in the whole world. At least Nunu would think so. He is very excited to be in 6th grade this year. He is loving Boy Scouts. He thinks he can have his Eagle before he's 13. Who know's he just might do it. He's addicted to facebook, and he is the world's best "yo momma" joke teller. Seriously. No one can beat him.

Kaikea- Kaikai is my little freckly face white boy. I suppose "little" wouldn't be the best description. He's only 5 and looks like he's 7. He has the kindest heart of all. Also the worse temper! I would say he should have red hair with his personality! Kaikai is the button pusher. He is also the peacemaker. His little face makes me smile because I see my father everytime I look at him. He has me wanting to scream about 100 times a day. The rest of time he has my heart melting. He's an all or nothing type of kid.

Keanu is my baby. At least I treat him that way. He's our Linus. Wants his blanket wherever he goes. He is a perfect combination of Kaleo and Kai. He's going through a pinch phase I could do with out. He is our kisser. Loves to kiss your face. Makes it easier to pull your hair I think. He loves Buzz and Woody. Loves naps. Does not like to share. What's his is his and what's your's is his. He's the only kid I've had that REALLY like to sit in my lap. He thinks Lance's "peace car" is the coolest. At night he cries while he pats his chest and says "sit". His way of telling me he wants me to rock him and pat his back. Don't you know I do it. He is my baby.

We've had lots of new adventures for Sissy and Ling the last 4 months. Too many to name and talk about. I wish you had been a long for the ride. You would be able to love my kids as much as I do. How come Heavenly Father loves me so much to give me so many amazing people in my life? I haven't even started on Lance yet. That would have to be a blog in and of itself. Sorry it's been so long. Ya'll are in my thoughts.

It has been a crazy week! It's been so much better than I could have hoped for. Ngun and Ling are adjusting really well. Their English gets better by the second. It's amazing how their brains can just suck up info and remember it. Oh...to be young again. It has been really fun watching them experience things for the first time. We took all the kids to a play place that has all the blow up slides and bouncers. Honestly you would have thought those teenagers were 5 years old. They played so hard. Laughing and giggling constantly. Going on a bike ride was a huge treat. They have learned to play Dominos and Uno. You can really see their sense of humor while they are playing games. They love to win. Who doesn't! Really good sports too if they don't. My little kids ADORE them. I was worried how Kaleo would adjust but he has been great. He really likes that they are older and can do things with him the younger bros. can't. Last night they were all dancing and singing around the family room to music videos. All of them laughing at how funny the other one looked. Another moment I had to keep myself from crying like a big boob. They (the kids) really do act like one family.

Ngun and Ling had their immunizations this week. It was horrible! Ling took it like a man. Poor Ngun wanted to cry to badly. They are not good at showing that type of emotion. She was shaking she was so scared. They had just had some in Malaysia so they understood what was coming. I tried to make a big deal about how I cry EVERY time I get a shot so maybe she would feel ok to cry, but she held it in. Ngun had 7 shots, Ling 6. It's only the beginning. They have to start like newborns because there are no records of them being immunized. They also had their TB test. Ling was good. Ngun's came back positive as a carrier. She doesn't have an active case to she is not contagious and won't be since they are treating her with Meds. She was Very upset to find out she had TB. It is very common where they come from I guess. A lot of people still die from it. It was very hard with limited English getting her to understand she was really fine and would continue to be so.

Ling started playing soccer last night with the coach for next years High School soccer team. We are hoping maybe this will turn into something for him. He seems to be a really good player. We meet with the Principal, School Board member, counselors and social worker next week for a pre-school meeting for them. They are very ready for school to start. We are holding them back a year. This will give them both an extra year of English in school and will allow them to graduate with a high school diploma versus a GED. So Ngun will be in 9th this year and Ling in 8th. There is only 2 more months of school but this will give them an opportunity to make friends too with Jr. High kids before they are both moved to the new High School next year.

The picture was taken Sunday before church. That was a fun experience! I know they were so confused. Mainly because we attend a Tongan Branch. Everyone is brown just like them, and we sing the songs in Tongan not English unusually. When we got home that day we pulled out the globe and did the best we could explaining Lance was poly and where he comes from and the people at church come from. They seemed to really understand.

Ngun will NOT smile in a picture. She can be laughing hysterical the second before you snap a picture and she sees the camera and her face goes blank. I think she feels she is not supposed to smile. Ling does sometimes for pics. In real life she is smiling constantly. So....with that being said, in the pics she really is happy despite what she looks like. She called me mom today. I had to try hard once again not to cry. They refer to Lance as father when he's not around. They really, really, really love it when he's home. He makes them laugh alot. Imagine that. Lance making someone laugh! :) Our family feels like just that...a family. Everyday things get easier and the laughter gets more frequent.

There here!

As tired as I am right now, it might as well be 3:00 in the morning even though it's only 9:20. I just really felt I needed to publish while my thoughts and feelings are fresh.

Ngun and Ling came in last night at 11:45 from Malaysia. I had such mixed emotions. I can't believe how scared I was. Lance and I watched about 8 Burmese people walk into the luggage area. Butterflies like crazy. We looked at all of them, and we both knew instantly which two were ours. We didn't even have to discuss it. They weren't together, but somehow looking at those people, it just felt perfect when we saw them. It's odd having that feeling about someone when you know they don't feel that way about you.....yet. They of course were scared to death and very nervous.

My friend Jodi whose Burmese kids arrived in Dec had called before we left for the airport to ask if her daughter Biak, could go with us. She was very excited to meet new friends. Jodi lives about 3 miles from us. We of course jumped on the chance because even though Biak has only been here since Dec., her English is great. The translator at the airport didn't show up, so Biak was a huge blessing helping everyone.

On the way home in the car Biak translated back and forth. She explained all the things she was scared about when she got here. Someone was watching out for us. She came home with us and showed them the toilet, how to run water, how to get a drink....pretty much all the very basics. I had learned from Jodi that the kids wouldn't know how to get inside the covers on a bed. They've only ever slept on top without blankets...so Biak explained that too. My little boys were excited and somewhat shy. Which is soooo funny if you know Kai. That NEVER happens. Ngun (the girl) took to Nunu right away. Scooped him up and became the little mother to him.

Today has been crazy with meetings with different social workers and agencies. The poor kids were so tired that all my kids were in bed by 7:30 tonight. Food is somewhat of a challenge. I kept trying to give them rice, veggies, meat. The basics. I did learn tonight that they want to eat more American food. That takes some pressure off. Girl Scout thin mints seem to be a success!

I'm having a very hard time being patient. I want them to know right now how safe and loved they are. I almost totally lost it last night when I showed Ngun her room. You would have thought the room was built for a queen. Her face just beamed! She said through Biak..."so pretty." Honestly, we wouldn't think twice about how nice it was. It's just a typical girls room.
Ling has been REALLY quiet. This afternoon he did play ball with the boys outside. I could hear him trying to talk to them. He's obviously much more comfortable around the kids. I know it's all going to take time. I wish I could hear their thoughts, (In Eng of course!) and take away their fears. We were told through the social workers that they desperately want to please us so they agree to anything we ask. They are afraid we would put them out on the street, in a country they don't know, with no money and no English. It is so sad to me they can't trust us to know this could never happen.

Here is our very first family picture. In reality not very good, but will always be priceless to me. They look very tired and very sad and scared. They have smiled quite a bit today and are beautiful when they do...of course I just might be biased. I am their MOM after all.