Gemini Family

This is month is special because each member in our family has a birthday in June (including skofeild)!

We also celebrate our fourth wedding anniversary!!

Derek had been studying 24/7 preparing for COMLEX, I wasn't expecting much but he surprised with what he knew I would appreciate most which was some time with him. We spend the majority of the day at the Greenbrier river trail, which made me so happy. I've spent many hours on that trail training for races or just unwinding after a hectic day, I'm definitely going to miss it once we move to Clarksburg.

Thanks for the bike trailer tio Simi!

Acalias loved his new trailer, he relaxed while Derek, Skofield and I strolled down the river trail.

(Please excuse the helmet head hair.)

Acalias giving mommy ambrazos (hugs). He has been responding to few Spanish phrases that I've been repeatedly using. I really hope that he will love the Spanish language as much as his momma does.

He's not a big fan of looking at the camera, can you tell?

This was the best we could do:)

He love's his daddy.

On Derek's birthday, I surprised him with a little too much for the reserved man that he is.

Derek doesn't like any unnecessary attention drawn toward him...at all, me neither but I had to do it!

You only turn 30 once!

He thought the car was mortifying?...He forgot that we live in the The coolest small town in America!

I think, my insistence in him standing by the billboard was the most embarrassing, but he did it because he knew I had to blog about this.

It's crazy to think that my husband is 30...and I will be 30 next year...eeek! We had a small celebration at home, with one of our favorite desserts.

Yum!

We were moving on Acalias' actual birthday, June 25th. Once we got somewhat settled in our new home we had a mini celebration with him.

Excuse the open cupboard...oops.

He loves to share his treats.

Skofeild had a little piece of cake too, he's 3 years old now!

Here is one of our engagement pictures.

Don't we look so young? My husband especially.

I love this guy!

It's amazing how one decision can determine a lot in your life.

He makes me happy, I couldn't ask for a better husband and father to our son.

 Happy 4th Anniversary honey!

He's ONE!

He's curious. He's independent. He's silly. He's ONE!

We sure do love him!

Happy 1st birthday to our little, BIG munchkin.


A special thanks to my loving family who helped plan a memorable 1st birthday for Acalias. 


The details.



My sister-in-law Stacy was the master mind behind all the amazing decorations.

My brother, the BBQ king and personal GPS to those who had trouble finding his home. 

My goofy family making Otai (a delish Tongan drink).

The guests.

The gifts.

Grandpa Rodeback gave him this talking card and he loved it. 

The cake!

                                                                          

I love the picture with his two elder cousins, they all look so happy.

More candid shots.

The newest addition to Brooke and Damion's family. He is so handsome.

My BFF Susiane & Malia. 

Grandpa Garn, Brooke, Damion and the family.

My BFF Alithe & her sister.

It will be so fun to watch these two play together when they get older!

Many attempts to take a family picture. 

Proud Mom & Grandma.

We love and miss you all!

Grandma’s Surprise 80th Birthday

By Friday evening my Uncle Greg and Uncle Jean had arrived from New Jersey and Georgia. I was so thrilled I woke up at 5:30 am on Saturday morning with edgy butterflies in my stomach anticipating the party. I went for a long run to calm myself down and organize my thoughts and plans for the day.

We had to swing by the store for some last minute items such as the balloons, flowers, fresh fruit and salad. My mom also sent fresh flower leis from Hawaii that we picked up from FedEx. Although we had 2 GPS systems in the car and an ipod, somehow we got lost for 3 very long hours looking for a Michaels craft store. I was trying hard not to get frazzled but it was inevitable due to the time slipping quickly.

When we returned, we fired up the grill and dad BBQ’d the meats while I finished the flower arrangements and Kura laid down mulch in the front yard.

My dad is great at the grill, his specialty is his famous BBQ ribs.

The flower arrangements and decorations were a cinch set up.


Dad had fooled grandma into thinking she was going to take a family portrait. Guests started arriving at 5:30pm and everyone brought their dishes that they offered to share. Dad called me and I pretended to be an employee at Wal-mart photo studio, I gave him the green light to bring grandma to her party.


My videographer, thanks Kura!



Grandma was in shock, she has never had a party to celebrate her birthday. March 11th was grandma's actual birthday and she is accustomed to people calling her to wish her a happy birthday. We all called her as usual and Sabrina visited her and gave her flowers. Once she greeted everyone, we played this tribute video that my brother Simi made for her.




The response to the great tribute video, thanks for doing an EXCELLENT job Simi! We all missed your presence at the party.

Grandma sitting next to her younger sister Rose. My mom loved them both very much and sent them each a lei.

I couldn't have done it with out these lovely ladies. Sabrina was a great host and sent out all the invites to family. Shikura seemed to know what I was thinking and would do things to help out without being told.

We played a memory game, grandma sat in the center of the room and each family member shared their favorite memory of her. Kura caught it on video but it's far too long to upload.

Grandma's sons had wonderful memories of her. It was enjoying and at times humerous to hear what family members had to say about grandma.



I'm so thankful for my grandma. She is so loving, attentive and sincere. I'm thankful that she is healthy and still very much a part of my life. I'm pleased with how the party turned out, grandma told me that she felt very special so my mission was acomplished!

I have a lot of pictures, I will post them on Facebook:)

Nifty Thrifty: Personalized Vases

I was honored to plan my Grandma Nativa's 80th birthday this year. I wanted it to be a picture perfect birthday party with out being frivolous with money that I don't have. I'm excited to say that I didn't lift this idea off another craft blog like I typically do, I came up with this idea just for grandma.

Step 1: Gather the following items to complete your vase: Spray paint, modge podge,rubber bands,glue gun, ribbon.


Step 2: Look around your home for containers that you may already have. In my case I use my old gel bottles, sugar free juice containers and old Tupperware. Measure each container for photo sizing. Spray paint or paint each container a few days in advance to allow the paint to dry

Step 3: Find your favorite photos. Add text to the photos. I use photo shop, for those of you who may not have a photo editing program you can do this at any local digital printing store. I requested words that describe my grandmother from each of my family members.

Step 4: Use modge podge as adhesive for the photos and use the ruberbands to keep photos secure. Allow photos to dry overnight. Use modge podge to create a textured finished look. I used 4-5 coats for each vase.

Step 5: Add ribbon

Step 6: Add party favors.

Step 7: Add flowers


Step 8: Pat yourself on the back and be prepared to receive a lot of complements. Everyone loved these vases, grandma felt special to have these homemade personalized vases at her surprise party.


Stay tuned for more about grandmas surprise birthday party...