It's Always Fun When Grandpa Comes!

Since it is June, we are singing all the fun Father and Grandfather songs for primary. "A Great Big Kiss" is of course a keepsake; but for some reason, this past Sunday, while singing 'It's always fun when Grandpa comes,' I couldn't help seeing Grandpa's truck, usually with racks still in, snaking it's way down to the farm. After awhile, it would make its way up the dirt road to the canal and then on the way back would stop at regular intervals, door ajar, to allow Grandpa to take care of the dams. Then, when all the chores were done, and especially if it was summer or the weekend, (because that is when I would be home) that truck would meander down "THE LANE." That's when Grandpa would come a calling! I loved it when Grandpa came! He loved to see what we were up to, got us out of doing whatever chores we were supposed to be finishing up, and let us know the happenings of the day. He always let us know that we were loved. He always expected us to be good kids. He always told us how proud he was of us. He got after us, only when we were in danger, or doing something extremely foolish. Many times he would bring us some prize from his garden. Like, Chinese Cucumbers, or a top-notch melon. I can still see his work-worn hands, his sometimes scruffy whiskered face, his well-worn work pants and shirt and old farm boots. Inside his pocket, with still a bit of lint usually attached, were pink Wintergreen candies. We were always welcome to have one.

I remember Grandpa with his thumb sideways between his front teeth, almost itching it, as he thought about things. He always wanted to hear our music, and sometimes had time to read a story.

Right outside the back window of my 2nd Grade classroom (Mrs. Barlocker), I can still remember Grandpa's truck parked in the shade of a mulberry tree. He was waiting for Shauna to get out of Kindergarten so he could take her home, while at the same time, going to the farm to do the chores. That is the year we moved to the farm. I was always a bit jealous that she got to leave part way through the day! I always wanted to be her, just so I could spend time with Grandpa!

Caroline did an awesome job reminding us of fun stories at the family reunion. We talked about hand-stacked hay. Grandpa never really minded us playing on a haystack that was hand-stacked. But the minute we had a machine stacked pile, we were never supposed to be near it! I also loved the memories of the warm milk. I'd hear, "Would you like to see stars? Just as I would be squirted in the eye with some fresh milk - straight from the cow." We learned to NEVER put our tongue on the cooling pipe that came out of the ceiling into the big holding tank! It was a lesson learned FROM doing it, because even when told, the frost on a hot day was just too irresistible!

I remember the ice box that held all kinds of farm trinkets, along with the old fridge that held medicine for the cows, and cold water for us to drink.

I remember feeding the baby calves. Their long tongues reaching out to grab the bottle nipples. It was important to hold on tight to the lids so the calves didn't pull them off and let all the milk run out.

Such good memories! I have a bundle more. I'll have to write them down when I get some more time!

Thanks - Grandpa Schuyler Bentley Everett for being you!

Oh, What Do You Do in the Summertime?

One of my summer projects was to go through a box and organize it. Well, I found this Character Sketch that I wrote for Renee' Hazen's 9th Grade Honors English class. I remember how much I enjoyed writing this short paper. So, here is my memory of Robbie playing baseball. For some reason, when I think of him playing, I don't see him playing on the ball field at Pine View. My mind's eye takes me instead to the field on the North/West side of the Sun Bowl.

A Proud Pine View Panther

The Dixie sun’s blinding glare isn’t blocked by the stubby green grass or the red dirt of the ball diamond; so Robbie shifts the black visor on his cap which outlines the smooth neckline of his neat, short hair. Bronze cheeks set off Robbie’s taught jaw and straight white teeth. A determined glance proves that his true blue eyes are going to help get this job done!

The maroon shirt he fills is centered with a big number eight on the back and Pine View proudly visible on the front. Surprisingly clean, white pants perfectly fit his thin hips ending midway down his legs where black stirrups are set inside well-worn baseball cleats.

Robbie quickly straps his hand into a batters glove and opens and closes it to ensure the gloves perfect fit. Robbie tests the position of his feet in the soft sandy grooves of the batters box. Muscles bulge the terrain in his arms and hands as the bat, now steadied is positioned behind his head. His whipping swing breaks through a fastball, sending a hard line drive squeaking just inside third base. Involuntarily he drops his bat and with agile quick steps sprints to first base.

Counting Down the 12 Days

As has been a family tradition since I was a kid, we are again doing the 12 Days of Christmas for two families in our ward. Sione caught this spirit when as newly weds, we helped out with the annual Everett Family 12 Days of Christmas - that year for Helen Shurtliff, and she kept calling out, "Thank you whoever you are!" He realized the great delight that came to her and he was hooked! That tradition went down in history for the Toluta'u family to continue. (Helen Shurtliff has a double relationship with our Everett Family. She is a Bentley cousin of Grandpa Schuyler and was a mission companion for Grandma Ida. - There is quite possibly no other person on this earth that has this type of link to Robert and Janet!)

This year we are doing it for two families with young children. They are harder to do! They are more agile and quick to the door! They are also very observant and ask lots of questions of our kids at church. We hope that we can keep our service a surprise and allow everyone to delight in the reason for the season! This type of service has been a great benefit for our family! We need to remember the delight in GIVING and the joy in DOING for others.

We are most thankful for our many wonderful blessings at this glorious time of year and reflect on our Savior - the GREATEST GIFT EVER!

'Til We Meet Again!

It is 6:00 a.m. on Monday, October 5, 2009. Elder and Sister Everett are loading the travel van as we speak. They will not fly until around 9:30 a.m.

So about 5:50 a.m. on Friday, I got a phone call from Dad. He said, "So are you watching the BYU Football game tonight?"

I said, "Yes - did you want to come watch it with us?"

No, he said, "We have something else in mind, if you wouldn't mind."

Then he told me about their Australia mission conference that would be held in American Fork.

So happily, I headed up 9th East as if I were a faithful game goer and waited for Dad and Mom to emerge from the MTC. Before long, there they were! Mom had on her gray puffy sleeve suit and looked great! It was so fun to see them again! They are sooooo happy!

While on the way to American Fork I heard stories of attending the temple, and other couple missionaries and their faithful service. Couples at the MTC this week have also served missions. Dad and Mom are amazed at their faith and dedication. Mom was amazed to meet a guy she played in the Tooele High School Band with, that was not a member of the church. He is there serving another mission. Dad told me of a single sister that is out again - and this time off to South Africa. Adventures await! They told me about the devotionals, the talks, and their faith building teachers. It has been a great week for them!

At the mission conference Dad and Mom were able to meet some favorite people from their mission. The new Adelaide Temple President and his wife were there. He's in America to attend Conference. He used to be in the Mission Presidency. There were a few Elders that Dad and Mom knew. Dad was impressed with the dedication of one of the Elders from a small town in Idaho. He had been a bull rider. He used this experience to teach while a missionary. He explained that you don't just get on a bull and hope to ride. "That just wouldn't be pretty!" You have to work at it, and learn and practice, just like about anything else. With dedication and determination, you could become good at it - with time and practice.

Then it was off to the Lindon Wal-Mart to gather up some forgotten necessities! Eye drops for Dad and BLUE TAPE for Mom! (Just in case you were all wondering, it can't be just any blue tape! It HAS to be "Duck" tape with a white inside section, and mid-strength if you want it to stick! And Mom would know!) As we waited in line, Dad was already striking up conversation with the people around us and getting to know them better! He is so excited to share what he knows!

Dad and Mom said to let everyone know that they really love them! They said it was hard to say good-bye, but that they would love to get a letter from everyone!

All to soon, it was time to drop Dad and Mom off. Since I was waiting for traffic, I took occasion to watch Dad and Mom's silouette walk off arm in arm through bright and then dim lights of the MTC outdoor walkways as they headed back to their dorm. I watched until they were not able to be seen. I hadn't really noticed before that they are the same height.

May God be With You Dad and Mom until we meet again! Enjoy the Emerald Isle! Mom said we can count down their return based on General Conferences. Not a bad idea!

With Wondering Awe - The Island Gals SAW!

So, while out doing some church work at 7:45 p.m. tonight, we happened to be passing by the MTC when Litia said, "We need to keep our eyes peeled for a Grandpa and Grandma sighting!" When What to Our Wondering Eyes Should Appear? But a gray haired couple walking arm in arm around their corner of the MTC on the way back to their dorm after an evening stroll. Litia went balistic! "Mom, you just have to stop! You just have to! We want to prove it to them that we actually saw them!"

Kalina was in the back seat making high pitched screeches of, "I can't believe it! I just can't believe it!"

So, we turned down the stadium street, went into the parking lot of the church that shares property with the MTC, stopped the van, and jumped out to holler, "Elder and Sister Everett!" for the second time in three days! They looked up, were shocked . . . again, and actually walked over to say, "Hello!" to the girls, through the gate.

Dad and Mom look great! They are very happy and CONTENT! They said they have been kept very busy. They teach a lot of 'lessons' and enjoyed the fireside last evening a great deal. They said this was their first chance to get out for a walk. (After the crazy weather we've had today, it was a pleasant evening - autumn crisp and perfect!) Everyone said, "I love you!" and it was back inside the van for us.

We were shocked that we had just had that amazing experience! Litia said, "It was meant to be!" Long sigh, "It was just meant to be! I get to be the first one to tell Dad and Fotu since it was MY idea!"

Kalina commented, "I have such a good feeling in my heart right now! I just know that I want to serve a mission someday! I was really hoping I would get to see Grandpa and Grandma again before they left! AND I DID! I Can't BELIEVE IT!"

Seneti - not to be outdone whined, "I wanna go mission - too!"

What a fun, happy, and crazy way to end the day! We will chalk that experience up as a kind tender mercy of the Lord!

Grandpa and Grandma, "May God Be With You 'Til We Meet Again!" We LOVE you!

Let the Mountains Shout for JOY!

September 28, 2009 will officially go down in my memories as one of great JOY! It was a sweet delight to accompany Dad and Mom to the MTC this morning! The mountains were bathed in Autumn sunlight and adorned with bursting red. Squaw peak stood out above the temple with distinct shadows and brilliance! What a beautiful day to be alive! As Sione drove the van onto 9th East, Dad said, "Can't this rig go any faster?" Dad and Mom had smiles on their faces so wide you would have thought they were kids in a candy store! I have NEVER seen them so happy and excited!

Mom mentioned, "I am so glad this day has finally arrived! If we had had to wait a moment longer, I would have called the whole thing off!"

The front of the MTC was EMPTY. The gentleman who hopped up to help us invited us to take some pictures in front of the MTC since NOBODY was around!

Calling all Couples! You are needed now more than ever! Sione and I offered our missionary services, but wondered if our little Seneti could tag along. The answer was an affirming, "NOT NOW!" Then we drove around to the Jacob Hamblin building! (How fitting!)

Sione drove right up on the sidewalk - next to the outside door, and we all got out - against Mom's "Rule Abiding" desires. Seneti helped hold the handle of Grandpa's bags as we walked up the stairs to get them situated into their humble abode! Sione man-handled the rest of the bags and grandpa checked the car one last time.

Man, I forgot how much baggage a missionary carries around! (Not to mention 2!)

Seneti said, "Grandpa (the loving name she has christened Grandma - not to be confused with Grandpa-pa which is really Grandpa) you bed is funny." That is because the bed had all the linen folded neatly, but was not made. They have a south facing window, a double sided closet, a small desk with two chairs, a sink, mirror and small bathroom. I remembered that this was the same building I did my Celestial Service in when at the MTC. Dad remembered that it is the same building where he worked as a custodian when we were living in Provo.

We gave happy, content buttermilk hugs and walked down the stairs just as Dad and Mom were getting out the ironing board!

Called to Serve - and TIME TO WORK! Oh, how jealous I felt!

As Sione was dropping me off at work, we noticed that Dad's President Hinckley hat was under the seat in the van. Tucked inside, hidden from view was also a BYU baseball cap. Oh, shucks! We would just have to turn around and get those belongings to their rightful owner! So, back to the MTC we cruised. We bypassed the front desk and went straight back to our unloading spot. Undetected, I made it up to their hall and just as I topped the stairs, I saw a candid moment! Elder and Sister Everett were arm in arm - almost ready to leave the other end of the hall. I called out, "Elder and Sister Everett!" They turned around and I saw NAMETAGS! Official! "Did you want these?" I asked, while holding out the hats. Understatement of the century, if you know anything about the President Hinckley hat!

A minor miracle was underway - Mom and Dad had only returned to their room because Mom had forgotten to take their medical papers with them on their first trip out the door. Dad acknowledged that both members of the companionship had been a bit forgetful already and that they'd strive to do better! (Dad rode to the MTC with the hats on his lap!) With a good laugh, an unforgettable memoir in my head, and the lightest heart, filled with the sweetest spirit I've felt in a long time, I bounded down the stairs and back to the mission I am sequestered to for now!

May God be with YOU until we meet again!

Out of the Mouth of Babes!

     How does a two year old going on three figure out all the nuances of our English language?  Listening to Seneti in action leaves me speechless!  All I can do is laugh!  A deep down toenails laugh - might I add!  And don't you forget that a few years out from this stage - I help kids with correct speech for a living - and I'm STILL awestruck by the learning a language miracle!  How does she figure out grammar tenses?  How does she figure out pronouns?  She practices, listens, and observes - BUT STILL!  Her national test score results for speech acquisition are right up there in the CUTEST EVER range!

     Drum roll "peez!"  (No 'llllll' yet! - I hope she is not developmentally delayed!)

     Some Seneti quote-ables:

     1.  "?What ya do-in?"  To imitate - please notice the question mark smothered at the beginning of the question!  Seneti has this tactic down pat!  There is no question that she is asking you something!  Then you must use your best sing-song teeter-totter vocal pattern.  Begin on the lowest note in your range and quickly jump to the highest note, then come down and back up on middle range notes.

2.  "?You jus fine?"  To imitate - please scrunch up both eyebrows in dramatic 'oh, dear' expressions while at the same time opening your mouth wide to expedite the required quick inhalation of air a millisecond in front of the question posed loudly at the very same high pitch for all three words.  She gets a lot of practice with this question at our house!  Seneti aspires to be like Joe and John - and is our little medic!  She has to come storming dramatically in for a closer look at any casuality - no matter the extent!  In fact, just yesterday there are three noteworthy laughable examples of this.  

2.a.  I was helping Litia with a problem on the bottom of her foot and had her lay on her bed so I could doctor her up in comfort!  Litia has a low tolerance for 'future' pain - and thought what I was going to do would cause more grief - and was letting the whole world know about it!  Seneti (no longer asleep) came bursting through the previously closed door with questions spewing forth as fast as water coming out of a fire hose with the beginning one being, "?Litia, you jus fine?"  Seneti doesn't stand back to ask these questions but wants to be an eyeball away from the action.  

     2.b.  Fotu was playing shortstop for the All-Star team at the state tournament.  We had stolen some great shade and were enjoying the show.  When a hard ground ball was hit closer to third, Fotu jumped out literally level to snag it in his glove and landed hard on his side.  Seneti reacted with, "?Totu dead?"  Then when he quickly got his bearings and threw the ball to snag the next runner, Seneti with relief stated, "Oh, Totu jus fine!"

     2.c.  We have a very small garden in the back yard.  Seneti helped me pick our first 'Summer Squash' (Oh, Sione - why Summer Squash?).  When I handed it to her she screamed, "Oooh" and promptly dropped it.  "Mom, this lellow baby has bump owies!"  (Exactly Seneti - you and I have a keen understanding!) 

     3.  (Special note:  I constantly embarrass Litia - without it even being on my agenda!)  Litia had just finished her violin lesson and I was helping get a chair for an elderly grandmother that was coming in to listen to the next lesson.  As I left the room, a petite hand found its way into my hand and then Seneti stopping me so she could look up into my face and asked, "???Mom, au you STUPID???"  I looked down at her and said, "Nooo, I don't think I am!"  Then she pulled her hand out of my hand and pointing with straight conviction at Litia said, "She say it!!!"  I started laughing so hard, and Litia had a VERY CONVICTED look on her face.  Now I know what Litia says behind my back while I am off embarrassing her! 

     4.  As I was putting Seneti to bed last night, her best delay tactics began with a buttermilk hug (she pats your back or the back of your head with her dainty little hand while doing this) and, "Mom, you my best fwiend in the hoe wor_d!"  She knew that would give her a few more minutes of rockin' and huggin' before she'd have to go to sleep!

     5.  The girls all got a new tiny purse.  Litia and Kalina have mirrors.  In the van, when the mirrors were discovered Seneti said,  "Peeze!  I wanna see mysef!"  

     Edition one must close now.  I so enjoy this fun time of year with my kids!  I have had a funny observation multiple times this summer.  I've run into parents of kids I teach around town and ask them how their Summer is going.  They have ALL reflected on how ready they are for school to begin again so they can have time to themselves.  I have always reflected on how much easier it is to take care of 4 kids than 27 or 28 kids!  Summer time - hold on as long as you can!  

  

I Hope They Call Me On a Mission!

     Oh, the joy of telephone conferencing when a fat oversized white envelope is about to be opened!  There was Mom, silently speed-reading ahead on the paper signed by Pres. Thomas S. Monson (in blue ink) and leaving all of us in her wake - even Dad!  She always has been one to need to know every detail - even if we are left behind!  She was crying before we could hear an audible - "Oh, my goodness!" BUT - that was a:  GIVEN!  It took some prompting from Dad - "So, where is it?" - before we heard the cracked and happy teared voice of Mom say:  Ireland, Dublin! ! ! ! ! ! !  Nobody predicted that one!  Mom came in as the closest 'guesser' having picked Scotland.  At least as far as I know.  

So off to the Emerald Isle they go!  I am so happy for them!  Mom asked, "Do they speak English?"  I replied, "Yes, but you won't understand it!"  

And to think that Fotu spent so much time trying to find an island that spoke English to put down as his mission "guess!"  Oh, how could he miss such an island?  

     You should hear Seneti say, "Dubin!  I-an!"  It is the cutest thing!  She asked, "Can I come with 'em peez?  OK?"     

     Wow Dad!  You have really outdone yourself now!  Taking Mom on an 18 month Island cruise sounds like you are treating her like your queen for sure!  And you didn't even tip her upside down this time!  I hope you meet some amazing people who are ready to receive the gospel message!  I hope you cherish every day that you have together while serving there!  The people I know who have served there LOVED IT DEARLY!  We will miss you, but are so excited for you!

Called to Serve Him!  I have a twinge of jealousy in my soul?  Oh, how I would love to serve an official mission again!  I'm looking forward to the day!  

     While I'm waiting on that day, I better enjoy the mission I'm serving right now!  I help run an MTC!  It just happens to be family style!  Crazy, wild and certainly unorganized, but MTC non the less!  I've got work to do, to be better at the work there is to do in that regard!   

     Tonight for Mutual, we had the theme of Missionary Preparation.  I was asked to teach the youth about leading music.  Oh, the flood of memories that come back to me!  Music and mission go hand in hand for me!  Who would have ever known that I would need to play music so difficult that it would be beyond my ability and make Joe and Misha stretch their skill.  The music still needed to be played, so we pooled our resources and came up with a plan.  It was called the Treble Clef - Bass Clef duet with the four hands and minimum skills of Hna. Hatch and Hna. Everett.  We got by without anyone knowing it wasn't supposed to be that way! (Except our mission president.)  It sounded like it was supposed to in the end!

     That reminds me of the time Dad told our family that he had lead the music while Mom played the piano while on their mission in Australia and Fotu burst out laughing so hard he was ready to split a gut!  Only those who know Dad's musical ability would understand the joke!  Can you even imagine!  LOL for sure!

     I distinctly remember being asked by Pres. Pratt if I would like to do my mission over.  I told him, "No way!  But, I would give anything to keep on going from here!"  I didn't want to go home!  I was allowed to extend one transfer and I cherished every moment!  

     I hope this is a mission to cherish for Dad and Mom!  

     "Grandma and Grandpa are going away on a mission!"  Can you think of anything more exciting? 

Come Follow Me!

     Late last evening Kalina was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by her dad.  The baptism was at 9:00 p.m. and was held at our Stake Center.  This is the small spotlight about her that was printed in the program:  'In the light of the St. George Temple and before the Dixie Sun had a chance to smile down on the springtime beauty of March 2001, our happy Kalina announced her turn on earth and became a member of our eternal family.  Kalina LOVES life!  She has a special gift of finding JOY in everything!  She has a deep love for family and friends.  Kalina enjoys singing, art, reading, writing letters, swimming, ice skating, soccer, softball, tennis, camping, and hiking.  Kalina loves the Savior and the scriptures.  As she was preparing for her baptism she said, "I am so excited for my baptism!  I've been waiting for it my whole life!"  We love you very much Kalina and are very glad you are in our family!'

     People in attendance were:  Uncle Talikavili, Aunt Louisa, cousin Atelaite and her husband Samu and their young son Loketi.  Grandma and Grandpa Everett were there along with Ephraim, Brenda and Madilyn; Selma, Josie, and Ellie; Martha, Anna, and Addi; Rachel, Riley Jo, and Kinley Drew; Misha; and Ida.  Friends from our ward were Paula, Va, Viliami, Fatai, Simote, Noah, and Anau Mounga and Ofa, Ulu, Koli, Siousi, Daniela, and Sesi Palu.  It was very kind of them all to come and support us.  

     Dad conducted the meeting.  Fotu played the prelude and interlude music.  Misha played the piano while Selma lead the music.  Ida gave the opening prayer.  Grandpa Everett spoke about Baptism and gave Kalina a beautiful puzzle called, "Hand in Hand."  It has a picture of a little girl that looks a lot like Kalina holding the Savior's hand.  Uncle Talikavili spoke about the Holy Ghost.  He did a wonderful job speaking in English.  Then the baptism happened.  Kalina looked so beautiful.  She had her hair in little while elastics around the crown of her hair.  Then it was pulled back in a pony tail (messy bun looking because of her curls) and there was a pretty white flower.  Kalina was wearing her bracelet and necklace.  She had love sparkling in her eyes and a bright smile on her face!  

Dad did a wonderful job with the ordinance and Kalina was fully immersed in the water to follow the example of our Savior.    It was nice to see so many of our little cousins gather closely to see the baptism.  Kalina dressed carefully into her new white dress that has a beautiful lace pattern.  Kalina then received the gift of the Holy Ghost.  Then Kalina and her two other 8 year old cousins sang, "When I am Baptized."  Litia played the violin and I played the piano.  Then Kalina bore her testimony.  It was very simple and sweet.  The closing prayer was given my Grandma Everett.

     It was then time to head home and enjoy the evening and night with family and especially cousins.  

     As we were driving across town to arrive at the baptism, the Y was lit up on the hill.  Kalina said, "Oh, look, my prayers were answered!  They lit the Y just for me!"  I said, "Well, they light the Y for graduation."  Kalina said, "Oh, I thought they just lit it for special occasions like my baptism!"  Then I said, "Yep, they must!"  Kalina is so full of love and focused JOY!  

Sing, Sing a Song!

    Kalina has been in our 3rd Grade choir this year because she is in a 2nd/3rd split class and was invited.  She loves to go to choir and learn the fun songs they perform.  Miss Dickson is a great director that has a fun time with the children.  This past week was their performance.  There are always musical instruments and funny songs that make the audience laugh.  Her favorite song has a beautiful melody called, "Oh, How Lovely is the Evening."  Other songs they sang were, Old Farmer Brown had a Cow; The Cat Came Back; and Knick-Knack Paddy Whack.

    Kalina is so excited to be 8 and loves going to activity days.  She can't wait for her baptism.  She is a happy helper around our home and is becoming a better reader all the time.  Keep up the great work Kalina!

Shine On!

     We awoke to at least 6 inches of snow!  We had to pull out the ol' shovel and do the walks.  This is "Spring Break!"  What is the deal?  We are bummed!  Now, finally at 9:30 a.m. the sun has broken through and there is a beautiful blue sky overhead!  Shine on sunshine, shine on!  Get us warmed up around here!  So, now the day is a one of a kinder!  There is beauty in the color exchanges of the white in contrast.  The poor daffodils and tulips are COVERED and we have so enjoyed having them bloom in their full wonder!  

     This morning as I was helping Seneti get breakfast, she saw the hard boiled eggs and decided that she wanted to open her egg by herself.  So, she got cracking and then with her dainty little fingers, she began peeling off little pieces of shell.  This took a great deal of time and energy for such a little friend, but she stuck with it.  The expressions on her face as she concentrated on her task kept me cracked up the entire time.  Her eyes would go a bit cross-eyed as she got to a tiny piece.  It was fun to see her so determined to complete a task.  Seneti is a fun little friend to have in our home.  Her morning koala hugs can go on and on.  She hugs so tightly that you can walk around without even holding her and she will still stay attached to you.  (Thus the Koala hug name.)

     Seneti wakes up each morning, wondering where every person in the family is.  She has to make sure that dad hasn't gone to work early, because that always makes her sad.  She has to make sure that she sees every person on her list.  If Dad and Fotu are gone to scout camp, she has to know exactly where they are and wants to know when they are coming back.  

     When the kids come back from an activity they have left home for, Seneti goes running up to them with her arms open wide.  She is the most excited about having her family together.  She is still very sad every morning when most of us head off to school.  She cries.  She needs a hug and kiss from everyone.  She stands at the front window and waves wildly.  She wants the rest of us to stop the car in front of the house and wave back to her before we move on.  These rituals she has created endear her to us deeply!

     At this moment, she is putting on long sleeve shirt number three (she must be cold)  and carrying around an old phone at the same time.  She is always a busy little soul!  She keeps us hopping!  

     Oh, how fun it is to have time in the morning with my kids and do regular mommy things and enjoy the pleasure that the kids bring into my life.  It is so much better than running off to work.  I am enjoying and have needed this break!  It takes this type of experience to appreciate the important and little things in my life.  

Togetherness

     Well folks, it is Spring Break!  Yes!  Taxes are complete and all is well at the foot of Y mountain, except that it is snowing profoundly!  What is up with that?  I can't believe this weather!  It has made it an inside day all the way, since there is so much water in the snow that snow sport is not part of the storm.  So . . . what to do with these energetic kidos who continue to have CABIN FEVER?  

     At this moment, the oldest three kids are having remote control car races on tracks prepared down the hall and around the round about of the kitchen and living room.  This was only accomplished after a trip to the dollar store to replenish batteries, and thanks to the remote cars given to us by friends who moved overseas.  Siblinghood and tears are getting equal amounts of time in this effort.  The big brother knows how to share as long as he gets the strongest car of the bunch.  The little sisters know how to turn on the tears when things are not going their way!  Don't worry, Seneti and I are doing a great job of being the ref's and before you know it the batteries will run out, or someone will send a car down the steps for instant crash dramatics. Then, we'll be off to different adventures on this snowy day!  

      It was wonderful to sleep in a bit this morning, and get some projects accomplished that have been on the waiting list!  It's not every Wednesday that you can have family time in the middle of the day!  

Dancing with the Stars (Twinkle, Twinkle Variety)

     Seneti has taken up dancing.  She turns on music (all by herself) and dances her heart out!  She loves to tug one of the rest of us into the family room to dance with her whenever possible.  She is the funniest when she puts on a long dress from the dress-up box and holds the skirt up with her two hands and twirls and twirls!  Many times she will sing along with the kid music and give the funniest facial expressions!

    Seneti is coming up with new vocabulary on a daily basis.  Just yesterday she came running into my classroom with green gum.  I asked her what she had.  She said, "Mom, gum is watermelon!"  She was right!  Today she said, "Ouch!  My yittle fingernail!  I need band-aid!"  

    Seneti keeps us laughing and enjoying life!  

    Dance, Seni, Dance!  Dance your heart out!

Take Me Out to the Ball Game!

     It is officially the beginning of Softball and Baseball season at our house!  We must admit that it is something we enjoy.  Sione signed up to be an assistant coach for the girl's softball team and instead the city needed him to assist with Fotu's baseball team.  Fotu has decided not to be on the traveling team this year.  It was a good experience overall, but because Fotu was not born in the area and didn't arrive at practice as soon as he emerged from the hospital, he is not able to play positions that were given to those that have warmed them from birth.  (That is only slightly stretching it!)  Fotu became a great home run hitter (way over the fence at times), but he has some skills to hone that he just can't learn if he's not allowed to.  Fotu hopes to be on the city team with a great friend he has in our neighborhood.     

     Kalina is playing up a level so she can be on the same team with Litia.  They enjoy softball and should have a fun time!

When It's Springtime in the Rockies!

     Well, what do you know . . . our heater is still ON!  Snow is still falling, and a few of our daffodils and tulips have "hatched."  (That was what Kalina said about our flowers when she was in kindergarten.)  We are worried that the frost will damage the blossoms because we don't have as many as years past, but I hope that patient TIME will still allow them to bloom.

     It's one of my favorite times of the year!  I love the rebirth of nature!   I love bulb flowers.  I love to see the first hint of spring green on the twigs and branches of trees and bushes.  I love to see the Pussy Willows outside my classroom window.  I love to see Popcorn blossoms.  I love ot get out and play with my family.  

     Spring brings another love . . . I love Conference Weekend!  I love to spend time together with my family listening to the voice of our living prophet and apostles.  What wise counsel they give!  What wonderful ideas are infused into my heart and soul.  How much I want to have my own rebirth of action and improvement!

     There is nothing like a fresh start!  

Just ONE Voice!

     Litia sang with our elementary concert choir at the tabernacle on March 31st.  Every elementary school in the district sang one number independently.  They did a wonderful job.  The parts were delightful!  Then, at the very end of the concert every child gathered at the front of the tabernacle and up in the balcony to sing two numbers together!  There were hundreds of children singing!  WOW!   What an experience!  I could just barely see Litia, but she was one voice adding to the miraculous sound!  What a full, rich, wonderful sound they made!  

     Litia is a busy young lady!  She went straight to violin lessons at 3:15 and with only a bathroom and drink break continued on with orchestra class at 4:00.  I picked her up to change clothes at 5:00 and had her eat a sandwich on the way to the tabernacle.  She practiced with the choir and then performed.  We didn't make it home until 9:20 because we helped clean up.  She had homework and didn't get to be until after 10:30.  Needless to say, I didn't have her attend early morning choir practice the next morning.

     The Provo Tabernacle is the very place that I sang with the BYU Children's Choir when I was in 7th Grade.  It is an experience I will always remember.  My very favorite memory is singing with a whole orchestra that had timpani drums right close to where I was standing.  We sang the new primary songs by K. Newell Dayley, "I Feel My Savior's Love and Every Star is Different and So is Every Child," while he directed us.  To this day when I hear either of those songs, I still have the entire orchestra playing along with the music, and the added emphasis of timpani drums echoing in my soul.    

Just a Little Science!

     On March 24th, Fotu attended the Central Utah Science and Engineering Fair at BYU.  When I went to pick him up at the conference room to attend the award ceremony with him, he came racing down the stairs and piled into the van saying, "Mom, that was a lot of fun!  No matter what happens . . . that was a great day!"  

     Then he excitedly told me about climbing the rock wall three times (in his suit - minus the coat and tie) bare footed and getting all the way to the top where he could ring the bell.  This was quite amazing to me since when we were in Salt Lake, Fotu was scared to death of being on top of the Conference Center and was hugging the wall!  I guess the difference was that when he was climbing the rock wall he was inches away from what he felt was security!

     Background:  Fotu won our elementary fair and then did not earn any award for our district fair, but was allowed to go on to the next level.  He was very distraught and decided that he just didn't want to do it!  I explained to him that science fairs are very subjective and that the experience alone would be fun and interesting.  Since he's done it before and enjoyed it, he finally decided to fill out the paperwork, write and edit his proposal and turn everything in.

     So, when he made the comment stated above, I was very pleased that Fotu had enjoyed the day and grown from the experience.

     Cosmo presented the awards and Fotu was excited - yet again - for the chance to hang out with Cosmo!  Fotu was tense during the 4th Place Awards. (All the different categories made for about 10 awards in each place.)  Then during the 3rd Place Awards he began to relax.  And by the 1st Place Awards he whispered, "It's OK, Mom!" While he stretched out and came to realize that his Science Fair experience was over.

     Oh, BUT WAIT!  There were still 5 HUGE trophies coming out from under the table covering.  10 National Junior Scientists were named.  Fotu was called for Life Science.  He quickly jerked upright and with jaw dropping and buggy eyed he walked up to the stage.  

     Then it was announced that there would be 5 Grand Champions awarded.  Fotu was named the Grand Champion of Life Sciences.  He earned a cash award of $50.00 - that he is very proud of!  

     The botany professor talked with me afterward and said that there is potentially great interest in medical research based on Fotu's research and had us talk with his secretary for future communication purposes.

     Fotu wanted to know why people were not doing more to prevent Plagiocephaly (Flat Head Syndrome) instead of working to fix it after had already happened.  His research noted that there has been a 500% increase in the problem since the launch of the "Back to Bed" campaign to prevent SIDS.  Although this has decreased the number of infant deaths due to SID related causes, it has created a much greater problem with Plagiocephaly, especially with premature infants whose skull is still maturing and much softer, and even more with those who have a health condition that does not allow them to be held.  

     Fotu first learned about this when Seneti was born premature.  He read a pamphlet and said, "That's dumb!  Why don't they just put the babies on a different surface?"  So, he went about figuring out some different surfaces.  He of course did not have permission to use live infants, so that was a limiting factor in his experimentation process, but he still used a great deal of creativity to figure out a way to prove his point.   

     Way to go Fotu!  I hope you know that my favorite part of the day was the talk we had that evening about how you had said your prayer the night before and told Heavenly Father that you wanted to do your best, but that you would be fine with the outcome, no matter what it was!  You have matured a great deal through this process, and I am happy to see you building your life around good choices and learning that you can't always have the outcome you want (like what happened at the district level), but that you didn't give up and kept trying!  It's just especially nice when the outcome was such a positive experience!  Thanks for being a good friend to the younger kids who went and helping them feel comfortable and get what they needed throughout the day.  Your example to them is also a great part of what you did!  Keep up the great work!

     

We Thank Thee Oh, God for a Prophet!

     On Wednesday, March 18th, 2009, Fotu was one of the four docents (narrators) for his 6th Grade play, "IN THE MIDST OF WAR."  Our entire family was able to attend and then right after the play we went to the Citizenship Ceremony for Sione.  We got home in time for a nice family dinner and then rushed Fotu back to school to participate in the play for the evening performance.  Sione took Litia and Kalina with him to the church for meetings.  Seneti and I went to the play to watch Fotu.

     Since Fotu needed to be there early and we didn't want to waste gas, Seneti and I were already stationed at our spot on the steps.  (The audience sits on the stage and stage steps while the performance is down on the gym floor level.)  There were probably no more than 15 people in the audience.  Within a few minutes Grandma Monson arrived and took her seat.  That is when I knew who was coming:).  I quickly realized that we were in a great spot.  We were out of the way, but could see everything!  I knew that the youth needed a chance to speak with President Monson, and that Grandfather Monson had come because he was a Grandfather!  I even heard my own mind whisper - "Just let him be a grandpa!"

     The people who knew what was going on stood up.  And while still standing, President Monson turned to the young men around him and said, "You will serve missions!"  He extended his hand in greeting and handshake to all that were present.  

     Then he teasingly said to a grandfather, "You will serve a mission as well!"  The grandfather reported back that he had already served his missions and they had a happy exchange about where those missions had been.  

     Then, President Monson mentioned that there was no red line on the edge of the top step where he was to be seated, and he was concerned that you couldn't differentiate the colors of the top stair and the stage.  He said, "Someone is liable to fall on their kanoodle!"  

     The custodian said, "We will put a red line on the edge of the stage."  Pres. Monson said, "Let it be spoken.  Let it be done!"  

     Then Pres. Monson's son asked him to take his seat, but Pres. Monson wasn't quite ready yet.  He had just spotted a darling little 2 year old girl dressed in bright blue and wearing pony tails dancing to the darling Jitterbug music that had just begun on the loudspeaker.  "And where do you get all your boundless energy honey?"  he asked Seneti.  

     Pres. Monson's son who knows our family said, "Her energy comes from being half Tongan!" 

     "Well, I bet you sleep like a rock when you finally go down at night!  What is your name sweet sister?" Pres. Monson asked her.  Seneti stopped dancing and looked up, up, up into Pres. Monson's eyes and face.  He is very tall already and was standing two steps above where we were.  Seneti whispered, "Seni."  Since Pres. Monson couldn't hear her, I answered, "Seneti."

Then Pres. Monson continued.  "What have you been doing today?"  Seneti just smiled.  I said, "Well, she went to watch her daddy become an American Citizen."  

     Pres. Monson said, "Oh really, from where?"  

     Pres. Monson's son said, "Dad, from Tonga." (Realizing that his father had missed the explanation of Seneti being half Tongan.)

     Pres. Monson said, "Malo e lelei!"  Then he spoke two other polynesian island language greetings and said, "I don't reckon you know those languages yet!"  

     I said, "Not quite yet!"

     President Monson said, "Where is that papa?"

     I said, "He's at bishopric's meeting."

     President Monson said, "We wouldn't want him to miss out on the young folks acting!"

     We quickly explained that Dad had seen the play this morning.

     President Monson said, "That's good.  Very good.  Thanks for talking with me young lady!"  

     Then, he sat down.

     A sweet family of a different faith was sitting in front of us and asked, "What is all this excitement about?"  

     I said, "That is President Monson of our church."

     The mother stated, "Oh, now I understand." 

     What a feeling of peace, joy, and the spirit had been present with us all day!  This experience was the icing on the cake!  As I think back to the exchange that was made, I realize that just like the Savior, Pres. Monson is drawn to the little children, as they are drawn to him.  Seneti was not at all afraid of him!  She loved to look up at him and 'talk' to him and stayed very focused for having so much energy.  I loved how Pres. Monson used his "story voice" with her as he is so skilled in doing.  It makes listening to him interesting and memorable.    

     Also I noticed that, Pres. Monson chose to draw us in, when we consciously were staying aside.  Teaching by the example of pure love and charity - making others feel important and special is also what I witnessed.  

     The audience continued to grow and remain reverent.  Many YW groups were attending the play and each YW was given the chance to shake the prophet's hand.  Looking at their eyes and faces made my night!  Like Seneti, they each just gazed into his face, and it was what I saw on their faces that was beautiful!  

     The play went off without a hitch!  Each person played their part tremendously well!  The entire experience was reverent and peaceful!  Pres. Monson wiped away a tear during the part when his grandson (playing the part of an American soldier) crossed cultural and waring boundaries to bridge the gap of brotherhood on Christmas Eve.

     What a wonderful experience to see our mouthpiece for the Lord on earth, take time for family, grandchildren, little children, youth and the rest of us!  People and relationships is what it is all about.  We are, every one of us, after all, the work and the glory of God!  Our Prophet KNOWS exactly that and LIVES it!  He definitely LOVES each of us and wants to SHOW us.  How thankful we are that the Lord has anointed a Prophet in these very days!  

     May we HEARKEN (do) as we listen to his voice and then RECEIVE (willingly) what the Lord would have us learn.  

AMERICA - God Shed His Grace on Thee!

It's Official!   Sione is a Naturalized CITIZEN of THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!  He laughingly said, "Now I'm Americonga!"  We have a new birthdate in our family!  A new birth of freedom and responsibility on this March 18th, 2009 for our Dad!  Freedom to Vote!  Freedom to apply for a United States Passport!  Responsibility to bare arms when asked!  Responsibility to Vote!  Responsibility to participate on jury duty and the like!  Oh, the BLESSINGS we have!

WHAT A GREAT DAY!  There is nothing like the wonderful feeling of patriotism that comes while being with those who RAISE THEIR RIGHT HAND and are taking and have just taken the Oath of Citizenship in this great country!  Sione was sitting only 4 rows in front of us.  He had on his dark blue suit with a white shirt and red tie.  He looked the part!  As he stood, he looked TALLER! (He says that is because all the people around him were so SHORT!)  From where I was sitting I could see his HUGE hand perfectly!  He raised it LOUD and PROUD!  He has been very respectful, but has WAITED PATIENTLY to say the Pledge of Allegiance for the FIRST TIME - TODAY!  (A personal choice.)  TEARS were glistening from all of us!  We listened to a lovely rendition of The Star Spangled Banner and heard two short essays by two 5th Grade boys.  

The Honorable Judge was himself a naturalized citizen of America.  At age 14 he was working along side his father as a migrant farm worker.  They landed on a farm in Franklin Idaho.  When the farmer found out his age, he told him that he was welcome to work on weekends and after school, but he was not welcome to work when school was in session.  That was the turning point for this Federal Judge.  His schooling took him to Utah State, then on to the University of Arizona and while at Law School realized that he could not take the Bar Exam unless he was a citizen.  So, he went to work to fix that.  Now he is a Federal Court Judge and loves to participate to help others as he was once helped.  He respectfully told his story in short detail, and then left the time for those who had just taken the Oath of Citizenship to tell a bit about what they were feeling.

Americans Old and Young (in more ways than one) turned on their tears for what we heard!  A young Chinese girl was thankful that she would now have an American passport and travel home to help her father get out of jail for something that he didn't do.  Without the American Passport, she would never have the chance to help him, or a chance to leave there after trying.  An elderly Bosnian woman who was thankful for America a place of PEACE!  (Wow!  I would love to hear more of her story!)  A middle aged Cuban man that was thankful for the opportunity to TOUCH a Bible at age 30 upon arriving in America - something he was NOT allowed to do before coming here.  An Elderly Pakistani Woman that was thankful for the Rule of Law of America!  The opportunity to live with people that treated each other with kindness and respect.  Even the great chance to speak in a public setting - even invited to - when she was just as regular as the next person.  A young Argentine woman who was thankful her daughter would have a chance to grow up and go to great schools and have a chance like the judge.  A Bolivian Grandmother that had finally fulfilled her father's dream to come to The Land of Promise and  become a citizen here.  She has been taught all her life that America will be Great as long as She is GOOD.  That America will cease to be GREAT when she ceases to be GOOD!  An Australian born Asian was a fun speaker that joked about his culture, but the delight of being an American Citizen since his son was born in America.  A New Zealand lady that had her Dream come true after a visit to Disneyland when she was 11.  From that moment, she realized that she wanted to have what America has to offer.  

Yes!  198 people from 60 countries were made citizens today in Salt Lake City.  

As we entered the theatre, a hispanic teenager became the unofficial door holder.  I quickly figured out that he hadn't intended to stand by the door holding it open for the throngs of people entering the building, and so I let him know that we would take our turn.  He said, "Oh no worries!  I can get back in line with my family easier than you can, so I'd be happy to do it." For just under an hour I wrangled Seneti while we were waiting to enter the Theatre.  We were lined up numerically next to a sweet hispanic family.  They were watching the different needs of people around them and helping out in any way they could.  It was genuine brotherhood at its best!  As I spoke a little more to them, they told me that it was their Mother that was receiving her citizenship.  They were just acting as she had taught them.  Seneti was very worked up by the time we settled into our seats.  This same family helped entertain her during the ceremony.  

What the World Needs Now is an Attitude of Gratitude and an eye for all the good that is going on in this old world around us!  We have some very grateful people going to bed tonight!

Thank you America for being so generous!  Thank you America for allowing these huddled masses yearning to be free to find a freedom that was not their birthright!  There is much that is right about America!

BIG Band - Bananza

Fotu played in the Spring Honor Band at TimpView tonight.  Wow!  What a melodious sound!  It was inspiring and beautiful music.  What miracles have come to pass this year!  This year Fotu's a trumpeter.  He promises that next year it will be percussion.  You'll have to stay tuned to find out what he decides. The elementary musicians played first followed by the middle school and high school symphonic bands.  At the end, they all played Beethoven's, "Ode to Joy" TOGETHER!  That took 3 conductors and a HUGE stage!  The sound was phenomenal!  BIG band all the way!

Seneti perched herself excitedly on my knee for the entire concert!  She was happily entertained for the entire hour!  She loves music and watching all the instruments.  She loved seeing the string bass players, and kept pointing and saying, "Yook, big Yitia!"  (Connection to Litia's violin.)   

Today - ALL DAY - I helped rewrite and edit a grant for our school.  I'm thankful that on a regular day I'm teaching in a classroom of children!  They beat computers, buggle eyes and headaches any day!  It's nice to know that what you do on a regular basis is right up your alley and LOTS MORE FUN than other things!  Today I feel sorry for professional grant writers, and those who write grants because they must!

Today we heard that Pres. Obama wants to reward good teachers.  Now, that ought to be a proposal to read!  Who do you think will write up this lovely legislation?  Will those writing it ever have the chance to teach according to their own regulations?  How will it ever be valid?  It will certainly be interesting!  Hoop jumping comes to mind.  Practice will be held at 4:00 tomorrow afternoon.  However, we need not hold our breath!  I can imagine that it will take S-o-m-e TIME to get it all written!  

Whatever they do, give BAND teachers the raise they've already earned!  Have you ever heard someone learning to blow a trumpet?  Sick cow comes to mind!  Case dismissed!