A new beginning...

Song and Baby Names

2012-01-23T16:33:00.000-08:00

Last night after work, both the kids were still awake. I got them in bed all snuggled up in the dark and Lyon started singing in the most angelic, childlike 4 year old voice: "If yoooouuuu go to Jaaaail....you get to ride in your own cop-car....yea yea...." HUH?! I had to chuckle.

And then he told me "hey mom, when I get big, I'm going to move out of here"
"ok, where are you going" I asked.
"I'm getting my own house."
"Can I come visit?" I asked.
"Sure. I'll come pick you up in my Jeep" Lyon answered.
"Well are you going to have a wife and kids at your new house?" I asked.
"Yeah...her name is going to be Joya." He answered. "That's a good wife name, don't you think, Mom?"
"Yep, good name" I answered. "What about your kids?"
"Trainer and Conner" He chimed in.
At that point Kiri piped in "I want a wife toooo!
"How about a husband, Kiri?" I suggested. This got her mad. She didn't like the idea of having something different than Lyon so she started to cry. "Nooooo....I want a wife like Lyon!"
"Do you just want to stay here with Mommy when you get big" I asked.
"Yeaaaa....." she said through tears. And then she thought about it for a moment and added "but I want babies like Lyon" sniff sniff
"Monica and Makayla" sniff sniff
"And maybe Jayden" sniff sniff

And that's how we ended Sunday night. Thoughts of babies, future, and a thoughtful song on what perks their are if you go to jail (private cop car ride).
The End

How Old Are You?

2012-01-17T18:49:00.000-08:00

I just had to re-post this story from my dear friends Kim and Jared. Judah is their 5 year old son. Too funny!

Judah was admiring his light up Skechers he got for Christmas. He asked me, "Hey mom, did you have Skechers when you were a kid?" When I told him no, he said, "So, what, did you just wear shoes made out of bearskins like Indians?" He was serious. Evidently I have reached the status of being old...really, really old.

Lyon's Snail Friend

2012-01-09T01:39:00.000-08:00

This afternoon I was out tending to my little garden while the kids played in the yard around me. All of a sudden I hear Lyon exclaim "HEY look! It's Shaggy!" as if an old friend just arrived. I looked around perplexed. "Lyon, who are you talking to?" I asked. He pointed to a snail in the dirt. "Mom, that's Shaggy!" Apparently they had met before. Lyon and Kiri got to work digging out a pool for Shaggy in the dirt surrounding the banana trees. They added a water slide with the banana leaves. Shaggy is one lucky snail so we decided to let him live near our ti-leaf plants.

Realizing Identity

2011-10-05T17:37:00.000-07:00

We have been going to the beach a lot lately. What can you say- it's beautiful weather and there's not much else to do on Kauai with preschoolers. Anyways, on the way home from the beach the other day, Lyon pipes up "Mom, I'm brown. Kiri is brown, Dad is brown. But you're white. Look at you."

Little does he know that I'm actually off-white or caramel-ish depending on what light he sees me. Either way, it's time for a trip off-island to see real white people.

The following day he had another realization in the car ride home: "I'm brown like chocolate"

Yes, my little man, you are brown like chocolate.

Kiriana's First Day of School

2011-10-01T01:20:00.001-07:00

Sept 7th was Kiri's first day of Preschool. For most moms, they have one little one go off to preschool and a baby still in the arms to hold for another 2 years before the whole preschool cycle starts again. Not me. One month after Lyon started preschool, I barely had time to regroup before it was Kiri's turn to start. While Lyon looked out the preschool window when we left, big brown eyes full of tears as if we were leaving forever, Kiri specifically told me "Mommy, I'm not going to cry." And that she didn't. If I could sum up her first day of school, it would be something like:

Hey guys. Great job raising me. Because you had me so close to Lyon, I've learned to be independent since it was kinda hectic. I've got this whole preschool thing down. Thanks for raising me from scratch for three years. I'll see you at 3pm sharp.

And with that, she went up the stairs to the door, waived goodbye and was gone. Be still my aching heart...my babies are growing up.

Gap-Tooth Smile on the way...

2011-09-16T01:17:00.001-07:00

Well looks like Kiri is going to have her front tooth pulled out (it's dead). That means for the next 5 years she will have every picture with a gap smile. When Kiri came home from the dentist, Lyon asked me "what happened to Kiri?"
I said she is going to lose her tooth.
"I have a loser tooth" he replied.
That's going to go well driving his garbage truck.

First Day of School for Miss Kiri

2011-09-09T00:45:00.001-07:00

Kiri had her first day of school on Wednesday. We told Lyon he is taking her to school and he has to take care of her. His comment on this situation: "Do I have to wipe her butt?"

Summer of 2011

2011-09-08T01:52:00.000-07:00

Giant slip and slide at Camp Slogget for LMC family camp
Kiriana and her new friends
The kids first farm fair!
First boat ride to Na Pali Coast. So handsome!
Lyon's first day of preschool. Oh my baby is all grown up now...mixed feelings of relief yet sadness because time flew by :(
View of the Wailua River from our kayak
We kayaked up the Wailua River with our friend Frieda. Kiri wore her Kayak hat. She did incredible for only being two years old.
The Foster's first home. After 5 years of saving...we did it!!
My beautiful daughter of so many countries. Anais made her bikini!
Lyon's 4th birthday at Poipu Beach. I used to have my birthdays at this beach. Life repeats itself.
She was so well put together for the party...five minutes into it she found the flour pit.
when your dad is the drummer you think you can run on the stage and invite your friends. I wasn't about to go get them.

Fourth of July 2011 PMRF sunset. Love.
This is my child, I promise. Before I met Ariki or had kids, I always envisioned a brown polynesian child with big curly hair. Here she is.

Sweet family portrait...Lyon 3, Kiri 2

Almost three!
All smiles
What to do on a cloudy day? Fill up the buckets with warm water and bubbles!

Where's Your Money Kiri?

2011-09-08T01:50:00.000-07:00

Carmel: "Kiri do you have money?"
Kiri: "yep"
Carmel: "Where is your money?"
Kiri: "Its in my daddy's pocket"

No Training Wheels!

2011-09-04T22:06:00.001-07:00

August 4, 2011...Lyon rides a bike without training wheels at Family Camp in Koke'e.

Kauai Farm Fair 2011

2011-08-29T23:27:00.001-07:00

For some reason, the Fair was much more fun when I was a kid and didn't know how much things cost. This was the first year we took them to the fair and they loved it. Photo of evidence attached. I could deal without the heat, lines, people and noise. Oh the joy of seeing first time joy in their faces!

Home

2011-07-19T01:51:00.000-07:00

July 18, 2011. I say this date so I will always remember it. Today is the day we signed the papers on our first home. For some, this is not a big deal. For us, it is huge and so wonderful. You see, I have always dreamed of owning my own home. When I was 18 years old, I would imagine what my home would look like. I would dream about owning a home on Kauai. Seeing the economy affect home prices, I had doubt this would be possible. At one point in 2007, prices were so high on Kauai, I didn't see how any young people would be able to own a home and live here. But there is an old adage: what goes up must come down. And so it did with prices on Kauai as well. I started saving when I was 23. It was a dream, yet a far one. When Ariki and I married in 2005, I had already saved $13,000. I told him we would start a "home fund" with the money. He asked if I planned to buy just a bathroom with that amount. I laughed, but kept saving. Slowly and surely. We paid off debt and arranged our life to be simple and free of most wants. We bought clothes and items second-hand and saved the difference. We ate at home and shopped sales. And waited for the right time. Eventually, we were able to save enough for a down payment. Even we were amazed at the number we were able to save. Persistance. Patience. Dedication. We never borrowed from our Home fund. Finally we found the right house. A little 3 bedroom in Koloa. Great neighbors, great school and beach nearby.
We went to sign papers today. We had to bring the kids to the meeting. Lyon asked if they would have a movie at the meeting. Nope. How about a party? Nope, sorry buddy. Just papers. Just papers that I have been waiting to sign for ten years. On Friday we pick up the keys and the U-Haul. And then we move to a new chapter in our life. Homeowners. Thank you Lord!

Kiriana Almost Three

2011-06-30T02:25:00.001-07:00

I love this age. She is adorable with a capital A. She looks like a little brown doll with cork-screw curls gently attached to her head. She has one chipped tooth in front which makes for good character. She loves wearing dresses, pretty shoes, and all things sparkly. She picks her people. Uncle Nate, Uncle Gabe (after an initiation period), Auntie Momo, Lelo and of course, above the rest, Rock Star Poppa. She loves to draw for at least an hour a day. When you are suppose to be mad at her, she giggles her deep-voice giggle and you suddenly forget your storm. That giggle makes the sun come out. If world leaders heard that giggle their hearts might be softened towards their enemies. It is that cute...and powerful.
She feels other people's emotions. When I bumped my elbow on the car door and howled in pain, she cupped my face in her tiny hands and looked me in the eyes and told me "oh poor mommy! Bweathe, mommy, bweathe!"
I wish I could freeze the moments because time is a rocket I never saw coming. It just happens to fast. In the midst of our busy world I will remember a deeper implication of her words....take time to breathe and enjoy.

She is so loved.

Graduation Party

2011-05-29T23:13:00.000-07:00

I love local parties. There is nothing formal or stuffy about them. They are usually in someone's yard, the food is cooked by family and the entertainment is someone's uncle with another someone's uncle jamming after a few beers.

This was pretty much it last night at our friend's graduation party deep in Hanapepe valley. But there was roughly 100+ people under a big tent in a big field with fabulous food and little girls performing hula in front of the crowd. There was old farm equipment around (it was an old piggery) and drinks were served from huge fishing coolers. The owner of the farm is a 90-something old Japanese man who tells very inappropriate jokes every time I see him. So inappropriate that I can't repeat them to you. Ariki laughs his head off and I turn red, but hey, when you are that old you can do whatever you want. And apparently tell any kind of jokes you want. (He tells the jokes to ladies at the bank and county offices too...awkward!).

One of the highlights of the night was not only the food, but also when the graduate came over to say hello to us at the table. Lyon was eating and the graduate asked for a high five. Lyon, seeing that his hands had a fork and napkin in them, decides to high-five the graduate with his face instead of his hand. atta-boy.

Dolls...ugh.

2011-05-29T02:43:00.000-07:00

I was a tomboy growing up. I liked animals, short hair, running around outside, playing with the boys, making spears and mud and generally anything but dolls.

Today I bought Kiri a baby doll at a garage sale. I think I might have rolled my eyes but bought it anyways. I am thankful for my Costa Rican friend Anais who forced me to buy it. She is good for my girl-mothering skills. She forces me through guilt to buy dolls, princess shoes, frilly things, dress-up things, pink things.

Kiri is lucky Anais gave up everything and moved here from Costa Rica. Thank you.

Your Interpretation

2011-05-29T02:38:00.000-07:00

I love the way kids hear songs and sing them over and over. I love it when the songs don't quite turn out the way they are suppose to be, rather the way the kid hears them. If you are from the 80's like myself, you would remember the Transformer's cartoon. Especially if you had a brother.
"Transformers! More than meets the eye!" is the motto.

So Lyon is obsessed with Transformers right now. To date he has 2 of them and 3 shirts that are shown to everyone because that is important. He walks around the house singing:
"Transformers! More than eats the island"

Close enough.

God Protects Us

2011-05-29T02:24:00.001-07:00

As we lay in the darkness before bedtime with Lyon on my left and Kiri on my right, we recite songs, recount our favorite parts of the day, and ponder what we will do the next day. Like clock- work every night when the lights go out (after bathroom and teeth), Kiri asks to go make shishi (pee pee for you non-Hawaii folks) and drink water. Most annoying but necessary to take care of this, again. Of course when I send her to the bathroom by herself it is always "too dark" or there are some unforeseen monsters blocking progress. On this particular night when it was "too dark" Lyon sits up and tells her "Kiri, God protects us". Mama is so proud at this simple truth. But then comes more: "He has a big sword and he kills those monsters". Okay, that works, problem solved, right? Not really. So brother escorts her to the bathroom just in case God missed some along the path. As we lay back down after Kiri's nightly ritual, I begin to ponder the sweet innocence and simple faith of children. I wonder if perhaps God does communicate with them on a more real level than adults because we are too busy in the world to pay attention. I probe. "Lyon, have you ever seen God?" I ask.
"Mm-hm" he replies matter-of-factly.
"Oh really? when?" I am really curious now.
"I saw Him at a garage sale. He was picking up some stuff"

I think I walked right into that one.

Kids Are Funny

2011-05-11T00:23:00.000-07:00

Young kids are funny because most of the stuff they do is completely irrational. Let me give you an example or two. Kiri gets mad at Lyon for taking her train. She bursts into tears and decides to lay down coffin-style in her toy box and wave a glow stick in the air, all while crying. Can you imagine an adult doing that? maybe.

Kiri and Lyon tell me they want to ride bikes outside (no neighbors can see our driveway really because we live on half an acre by a stream). Next moment I see them outside completely naked riding bikes. Why does riding bikes involve stripping down to your birthday suit? I'm not sure, but it makes for a funny site while you wash dishes.

I found a great way to entertain them in this gloomy, rainy weather. I took the 10 gallon buckets from Ace and filled them to the brim with warm water and bubbles for an outdoor "bubble bath" between storms. They loved it and it bought me just enough time to get some stuff done around the house. At one point I peeked outside to see them both in the same bucket having a conversation with their feet propped up outside the bucket. Cute moment sandwiched between all the not-so-cute ones that if you blink, you will miss it.

May 7, 2011

2011-05-08T01:16:00.000-07:00

Water has been falling from the sky in handfuls lately. Two people from Virginia came to Sunny Kauai to get married on the beach. I worried and stressed because I can't control the weather, and when you are a wedding coordinator, you need to be in control of everything. I prayed and prayed, Lord, just an hour, please. It rained and rained all day. I went to pick up the bride for the ceremony. She was beautiful in her Vera Wang dress. We drove to the beach where her fiance waited patiently and all of a sudden...the skies opened up. I saw my shadow on the ground as the guitarist played Pachebel Canon in D. She came down the sandy aisle barefoot and beautiful. So beautiful that we did not need the sun because she was beaming so radiantly. Today, May 7th 2011 two beautiful souls were united as one and my prayers were answered: an hour of sun.

Kiri's Baby

2011-05-07T00:19:00.000-07:00

And Kiri's baby's name is.....WALLY! (it's a girl, by the way)

A Long Time

2011-05-06T11:01:00.000-07:00

Sorry I have been locked out of this blog for quite some time and never made an effort to get back in.

So here we are, May 2011. So many wonderful things have happened in the Foster world. Ariki's studio is up and running. He has such a talent and gift for what he does. His ear for music is incredible. It's almost a shame we live here on a tiny island when he could be pushed and molded so much more in a big city. But oh well, we make the best of where and what we have!

Lyon is a preschooler (now in age). At 3.5 he is vibrant and funny. He is always down for a good joke and laugh. He told me three times yesterday "Mom, I wuv you" and then my heart melts all over again. A couple weeks ago at Costco an old lady told me "he is your finest piece of work" of course Kiri wasn't with me that day. He is excited about monster trucks, robots, Diego (from Dora), animals, flying machines, and dinosaurs. Typical boy stuff. He loves his sister heaps and is quick to protect her when someone ruffles her feathers.

Then there is Miss Kiri. I was thinking about her the other day and I came up with something to describe her exotic looks: "wild beauty" She is a bit of it all...she looks like my Colombian mother with beautiful Polynesian lips and brown skin. She is all girl complete with drama and a love for snuggling. She is getting so tall and so sweet. She shares with Lyon and loves loves loves.

Behind our house there is a pasture with a horse. Lyon has named the horse "Jack" even though I think it is a girl. The funny part is that they stand outside by the wash house and yell "JAAACK" and the horse comes over to see them. Lyon says that they are friends. I also noticed that carrots have gone missing from our fridge.

As for me, I started my event planning business finally. Legacy Events, here we go! Currently on Facebook but no web page yet. I have to talk to Auntie Momo about that.

A new page has started in the Legacy family. Gabe and Carmel have moved home for the first time in 14 years. Can't wait to be together as a family and hang out. Now, if we could only get Ariki's family in the same place!!

Looking forward to a fun summer!!

A 3yr old Prayer

2011-02-12T23:14:00.000-08:00

Lyon told me he wanted to pray last night. As I lay down in bed at night with him, we held hands, closed eyes and he started:
"Dear Lord, Thanks for coming today. We hope to see you tomorrow. Amen"

Do not address my doo-doo

2011-02-08T00:45:00.001-08:00

Today as Kiri was finishing her #2 business in the bathroom I walked in and said "Whew! oh man!" about the smell. And she looked at me sternly and said "Don't talk to my doo-doo!"

First Day of Swim Class

2011-02-02T22:44:00.000-08:00

First day of swim class at the YMCA.
Lyon and Kiri in the beginning class together with Gabe in charge of Lyon and I, with Kiri.
All the little ones nicely doing what they should be doing. Going under water, kicking legs, and having fun.
Not mine.
"Not my head under water!! NO WAY!! Let's get out of here!! Kiri says while Lyon is doing cannon balls off the side of the pool and splashing everyone.
First day of swim class at the YMCA.

November/December 2010

2010-12-25T00:51:00.000-08:00

Multi-task girl: eat and drive.
Lyon's turn to drive
Good Morning!
Our recording studio in Lihue
Date Night with tired, red eyes
Only in Hawaii does Santa get to drive a jeep.
Lyon holds his poker face
Camping at Poli Hale
We brought the little potty for emergencies since Lyon had the runs. Here he is, early in the morning, watching the waves while doing business.
Most amazing sunset to date.

Brian and Violeta Finch
Will and Tiana with the final baby
Shooting the breeze
Ready for camping!
bowl heads before our cookie project.

2010: The Year of Entrepreneurship And The End of Diapers

2010-12-23T18:29:00.000-08:00

Well, I haven't done a Christmas card or letter again this year (surprise surprise with two little ones). I did however manage to put up some lights and a little tree which the kids enjoy every night. Now you have me inspired, so I'm going to compose a Christmas letter right now, right here for you:

2010: Year of Entrepreneurship and The End of Diapers

2010 was a big year for the biggest to the smallest of the Foster Four. First and foremost, I'd like to focus on the most important aspects of our lives. We are all healthy. We still have a great little house we rent with a huge yard and a stream running through the back of the property. We live close to family and we have a wonderful support system through our family and church. Finally, we are happy and thankful in life and for life. Now, moving on to a little closer look of each person in our family.

After running our recording business from our house for most of 2009 and 2010, we couldn't keep up with the demand and asking two little ones to keep quiet while Ariki recorded at home. That said, I set out to look for a better, commercial location. I credit it to good timing and divine intervention, we stumbled across a vacant location in Lihue that WAS a recording studio! Because Ariki gets asked to play drums at various churches on island, he knows a lot of people. So when we met with the real estate agent managing the location, he immediately remembered Ariki and gave us the lease for dirt cheap. Thus, Dubb City Productions LLC was officially born (yes, the name paying homage to Wellington city). Due to Ariki's expertise skill and gifted ear, we are getting numerous clients and as of right now, booked through June 2011! In his off time, Ariki has taken up water sports such as surfing, body boarding and stand up paddling. He also enjoys doing an exercise training class once a week. He is an excellent father, loving husband, and popular guy on the island. I always marvel at how many people he knows that I don't know, considering I was the one who grew up here! It seems like everywhere we go, someone is greeting him with a big smile on their face.

Lyon

Lyon has had a successful year as well. After two and a half years of intervention services through Easter Seals (due to being premature), we finally decided to end services because he was caught up in all areas. No more speech and physical therapy! Lyon marked the occasion by attending a graduation ceremony at the Easter Seals office in Lihue. We are relieved to put all aspects of his premature birth behind us completely and move forward. We are grateful beyond words that he has not a single lingering symptom of being born at 24 weeks gestation. Truly a miracle we have witnessed in our lifetime. Now at three and almost a half, Lyon is a super bubbly, silly, funny, happy, loving kid. He's always into something he shouldn't be and he's always laughing about something. He carries a lot of features from the Legacy side-pin straight hair, funny forehead, skinny body, and possibly a lot of body hair (bummers, sorry kid). He takes pride in his older brother role and is quick to intervene for his sister if anyone is messing with her on the playground. He is Poppa's (my father) number one fan. I think if we gave him the green light, he would pack up his toys and move to their house in Kalaheo in a heartbeat.

Kiri

Not to be out-shined by her older brother, Kiriana was soon to walk, talk and potty train quickly after Lyon. That makes two out diapers and I can't tell you how happy we are. Our wallet is even happier. Kiriana is the reflective, observing, moody personality. She wants to snuggle all the time and be close to mom. This I don't mind as I remind myself to relish these times. One day she isn't going to want "mom" like she does now. Kiri enjoys animals and playing with whatever Lyon is into. Not so much interest in dolls and girly things just as I wasn't. Oppositely, Kiri takes on the Foster side: cork-screw curls and polynesian features. She is all over Ariki. Let's just hope not his size!

Finally a little on me. I'm still working at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in the private events department. I enjoy this job very much because it allows me to be a mom on my off time and not worry about work outside of work. This year was a tough one for everyone on Kauai. Most of the Hyatt staff was temporarily laid off and I was included in that bunch for 6 months. As usual, when life gives you lemons, you better make damn good lemonade out of it! So that I did! I've been enjoying how to make useful things- environmentally friendly laundry detergent, non-toxic cleaning products, healthy cookies, homemade lasagna. Another great thing that happened this year was time and opportunity to start my event coordination business. Through friends knowing my knack for being uber organized, planned, and already doing this at the hotel, to date I have put on four great weddings of 150-300 guests. Thus, A Perfect Day Events was born! I can't tell you how much I enjoy doing this business. I love details, I love parties, I love the challenge of getting it right and perfect. And since I already work in the industry, I have tons of contacts for everything needed. It was a no-brainer, I needed to do this business. I have another wedding coming up in April and very excited about that.

I feel like I am leaving out a lot of details but this is a good synopsis of our little world. Mom continues to work at the airport and substitute teaching during the day. Dad is retired now, just about lives in his garden with his vegetables and egg laying chickens. My older brother, Gabe, has moved home after 14 years on the mainland USA. Finally we are getting to know each other. Life is good, and we are thankful.

Looking forward to seeing you one day again.

Merry Christmas and Hau'oli Makahiki Hou!
Marie, Ariki, Lyon and Kiriana

Turning Another Corner

2010-12-08T01:11:00.000-08:00

December 2010. After a very trying year with Lyon and Kiriana being so young and needy, I finally feel like we are getting somewhere. And by getting somewhere, I mean Lyon has entered this phase where he is so agreeable, sweet, funny, and obeying. It's amazing. It's like we have come out of a war zone into peacetime. I can't begin to articulate what a change he has made compared to the frustrations I have had with him. He finally wants to listen. That about sums it up.
As for little miss Kiri, she's always been sweet. I guess she can't help her mood swings being that she is female. She's grumpy in the mornings but sweeter as the day goes. She likes to be held and cuddled and I'll take all the cuddles I can get. One day she isn't going to want Mommy so I'm enjoying the moments together.
They have also developed a nice relationship together. They play together, they eat together, they even watch out for each other. Lyon is very over-protective of his sister. He watches her in public. Once he was sitting on my lap at the playground and I wasn't paying attention. I guess a kid grabbed Kiri's toy. Lyon silently got up from my lap, went over and fought the toy out of the kid's hands and gave it back to Kiri. Silent justice. He is kind of like Kiri's Secret Service agent and brother all rolled into one.
One more note on their personalities: right now these are scary things: robots, monsters and bugs. On the flip side, Lyon is a heavy equiptment junkie. He told me the other day (afterthoughts on our beach camping trip) that we need an excavator to move the sand around. Kiri likes to draw and prefers a balloon with helium over a doll. She already loves horses and animals. She has no problem getting down and dirty with Lyon and dump trucks. She also loves shoes, princesses and pretty things. Good mix.
Looking forward to what the new year brings. We are so near preschool time I can't believe it. Looking forward to the break it brings, but bittersweet my babies begin their journey out of the nest :(

According to Lyon and Kiriana

2010-12-04T22:16:00.000-08:00

According to Lyon, he was the "Credible Hulk" for Halloween. Not to be confused with the Incredible Hulk.

According to Kiri she has a baby in her butt and one in her opu. It's a girl baby.

Tonight the kids were really tired from a great afternoon at Violeta and Titus's birthday party. As we lay down to go to sleep, Lyon was really irritated at Kiri because she wouldn't stop singing. It was a rendition of "Jingle Balls" followed by a medley of "Aloha Kakahiaka, My Body and Firefighters of Kauai." Lyon suggested maybe we should call Daddy to come deal with her. Daddy was at work though.

Kiri on her gurgling stomach: "Oops! did you hear the bubbles in my opu?"

Squeals of Delight

2010-11-10T21:32:00.000-08:00

As I was cleaning the kitchen tonight Kiri took out all the can foods and lined them up on the kitchen table. "Look Mommy! A Train!" she exclaimed. She had made a train out of the canned foods. Genius.

I just love how she squeals in delight when she sees something she likes. It's the cutest thing ever.

Both kids are potty trained now. I never thought I would see the day!

Big Doodoo and Sharp Teeth

2010-10-17T11:22:00.000-07:00

Last night Lyon went to the bathroom and made the biggest, longest, straightest doodoo I've ever seen. It was like a perfect log. "Kiri!!!" he yelled. "Kiri!! come look at my doodoo!"
"Ok" she responded as she started walking towards the bathroom.
So he got her in the bathroom and she looked down in the toilet at Lyon's request and said,
"Ohhh my goooshhh!"

Story #2:

We were driving home from the beach in the evening and Lyon says from the back seat,
"Mom, look at all my sharp teeth! I have all these sharp teeth!"
"oh yea?" I said.
"Yea, you can look at all my sharp teeth but don't touch them cause they'll give you an owweee" he warns.
"where did you get all your sharp teeth?" I quiz him.
"I got them from the man at the garage sale and the doctor fixed them"

The humor doesn't end with these two!

2010-10-17T02:09:00.000-07:00

Summer 2010

2010-10-13T17:44:00.000-07:00

I have finally got around to posting our summer pictures. What a great summer it has been. Kiriana turned 2, Lyon turned 3, we had some fun camping trips, Ariki opened his first official location studio in Lihue. Lyon and Kiri comparing notes.

I wake up and go to the bathroom only to find this guy in my bed. Gooooood morning!
Lyon and Ariki taking a break at the end of the road on our East side bike trip.
Kiss for your father.
Here's the rented ride from Coconut Coasters.
Lyon and Kiriana anxiously wait for the ice cream maker to finish it's job.
Lelo and Kiriana share almost the same birthday (by 3 days) so Lelo bought Kiri this new outfit and they went out to lunch. She came home so happy to have the day all to herself.
Ready to ride!
This is the face of victory for a little Maori warrior!
This summer we greeted our new friend, Kallie Akau.
When it gets quiet downstairs you know they are up to something. When I came downstairs Lyon told me they were doing their work (on Popa's laptop)
Kiri opening her birthday present
Lelo cooking Kiri a birthday breakfast
Birthday gift for Kiri
First very successful camp trip. LMC family camp @ Camp Sloggett. Soooo fun!
Kiri chillin on the steps of the lodge
Lyon is wondering how he can get in on the action
Poppa took Lyon to the local fire station and they gave him this hat.
This summer we celebrated 5 years together. Ariki surprised me with the OWNER'S suite at the Marriott. Good man!

The view from our suite
Oh my love! I wish you could hear the private musicians serenading us while we ate!
He did the set up here! so good.
They decided it would be fun to wear shorts on their heads that day.

Big brother and his little sister.
I told her, "Kiri, make cheesy face"
Lyon making his cheesy face

Love this little dirty face

Lyon back from harvesting mango at the neighbor's house
art by Ariki
Lyon's 3rd birthday. Ariki made him a pumpkin bread cake.
He's a bit of a ham

Sharing a birthday kiss

see the resemblance?

Good Night

2010-10-02T09:43:00.000-07:00

At night I lay in bed with one kid on each side until they fall asleep. Lyon was particularly tired last night and asked if we could go to sleep after a couple songs in the dark. We said our good nights and there was a pause of silence in the dark. All of a sudden I hear from Lyon:
"I love you, Kiri"
silence...
"Kiri, I love you"
silence...
"Kiri, Lyon said he loves you. Tell him you love him" I said
"No!" she says
"Lyon, Kiri loves you" I relate the message.
"But she said no" he replies.
"She's just tired. She loves you" I answer.

Robot Lady

2010-09-28T22:00:00.000-07:00

I got out of the shower today and Lyon insisted on brushing my hair while it was wet. So I let him. He brushed it every which way, forward, backwards, into my face. He finally finished and exclaimed "There! Now you look like a robot, Mommy."

Kiri's Quote of the Day

2010-09-17T00:32:00.001-07:00

"Mommy, I need to see your Butt."

Imagination

2010-09-10T21:24:00.000-07:00

Lyon told me last night that he has a baby in his belly. Her name is Ayvin and she's coming out on Thursday.

Silly Boy

2010-08-25T23:03:00.000-07:00

Kiri to Lyon "Lyon give me hug"
Lyon to Kiri (laughing) "you silly boy!"

5th Anniversary Surprise

2010-08-24T01:41:00.000-07:00

Ariki wins the best husband ever award (sorry ladies). For our 5th anniversary this is the story: After dropping the kids off at my parents, he blindfolded me and drove me somewhere. When we finally got there he took it off only to see us standing in the OWNERS Suite of the new Marriott in Lihue ($800 a night!) on an ocean bluff. The head chef from Dukes, in full uniform, was making us a private dinner. Out on the patio overlooking the ocean and sunset we had dinner with 2 live musicians serenading us!!!! We had lobster and steak, wine and dessert. He had my favorite flowers-tuberose! And to top it all off, he got down on one knee and proposed again with my wedding rings all redone!!! Too much this husband! Love you honey!!!

Funny Lyon

2010-08-24T01:40:00.001-07:00

Lyon jumped in his car in the yard and told me he was going to work. I asked what time he was coming home and he said "umm..around 97". He does indeed live in his own world

5 Year Anniversary!

2010-08-20T10:41:00.000-07:00

Today marks our 5 year anniversary. I woke up this morning with a smile on my face as I remembered the day of our wedding. I feel so blessed to be married to Ariki. He's a never ending source of sunshine, encouragement, patience and love. He's a great father to our little children. He's always willing to forgive and move on. He's one of the best decisions I have ever made!
So here we are, five years later. Two beautiful children, a business, no debt and happy (most of the time. Its not always roses around here :). So here we are...and today let's toast to love and growing old together! I love you honey!!!

Little Composer

2010-08-19T02:25:00.000-07:00

Lyon is taking after his father in music. Tonight as we lay in bed he composed his first song. It went like this (with variations):

"Trucks, trucks.
Trash truck
Garbage truuuuck
trucks trucks
bulldozer, crane
trucks trucks

You gotta love it!!

Praying for Daisy

2010-07-18T02:39:00.000-07:00

We have been watching the blog for Daisy Merrick who is 6 years old and has cancer. I show the kids the blog and we look at her pictures and I talk to them about Daisy. I tell them she has an "owee" in her opu (stomach) and that she needs healing. They are interested. The other day I asked them if they would like to pray for Daisy. "YEA!!" they both said.
"Okay, let's pray. Let's hold hands and you guys close your eyes" I said to them.
"Okay, ready!" they chime in. Silence follows.
All of a sudden Lyon pipes up: "Haaaapy birthday to yoooou, happy birthday to yoooou, happy birthday dear Daisy, happy birthday to you"
A simple prayer from a three year-old. He wishes many birthdays to come for Daisy!

First Date

2010-07-12T02:35:00.000-07:00

My good friend Pamala, "Auntie Panama" according to Lyon, came over to take Lyon to the movies. He was pretty excited. He came out of the house in his nice outfit and purple slippers, jumped in her car, and said "have fun Mommy" and off they went. No hesitations, tears or separation anxiety.

When they came back later that afternoon I asked Pamala how it went. "Well, he wet his pants on the way in so I had to put a new pull-up on him and no extra pants. So he went to the movies in his purple slippers, pull-up and shirt" Lol....

She also said that he was super excited about the movie theater. Once the screen came on he was like a wide-eyed deer in the headlights. Apparently he was the only one who cheered and clapped after each preview and asked her "was that the movie Auntie?" after all three previews. Kids are funny cause you have to explain the world to them. It's like taking Encino man to the movies!!

Lyon, Time for Breakfast!!

2010-07-03T01:29:00.000-07:00

"Lyon, time for breakfast!!" I called from the other room
He walks into the kitchen wearing Kiri's one piece bathing suit with inside floatie attachments. geez that boy!!

June 2010

2010-07-03T01:13:00.001-07:00

I feel so fortunate. I love my life. What a blessing to have two beautiful children and a loving, kind husband. Life is about perception-the glass is always half full for me. I find joy in the little things, triumphs, people, creation around me. We are moving forward. Lyon is turning 3 this month. He is fully potty trained (I thought it would never happen) minus peeing on the floor today because he was so excited about his new dump truck. Miss Kiri is almost two and talking up a storm. She doesn't quite take to dolls or girly things like that. Although she does like animals and insects. She likes to snuggle and Lyon like to wrestle. Whenever we want to lay on the bed and talk he insists on doing all his flying wrestling moves on us. We are trying to think of a good wrestling name for him. Some that come to mind are "the Flying Tamale" or "Captain Stinky Butt". Haven't decided yet. Anyways, the moments are precious and fleeting like the wind. You wish you could hold on to them forever, but they aren't meant to be held, just enjoyed and cherished in memory. More later...

Lyon's 3rd Birthday

2010-07-03T01:06:00.000-07:00

For Lyon's 3rd Birthday we bought him a giant oversized dump truck. He had his eye on them at the beach so we figured why not. When we got home from the store, we got it out of the box. Lyon was so excited he had a potty-training relapse, excitingly peeing on the floor. So there they went pushing the giant dump truck and train around the house. When it came to bed time, no matter what reasoning I gave him, he insisted the dump truck sleep with him. I gave in and on the bed the dump truck came. He even gave it a back scratch and asked the truck if it was sleeping yet. So there we were...Momma, Kiri, Lyon and a gigantic dump truck snuggled in the bed.

Funny Babies

2010-06-18T02:21:00.001-07:00

Lyon on getting his foot stuck while wrestling:
"Hey, what's going on here?"

Lyon on a sudden downpour outside:
"MOOOMM!!! ITS RAINING!!! WE NEED TO GET OUTTA HERE!!!"

Lyon's rendition of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star:
"Twinkle twinkle little tar, how I wonder what u are. E ef gee, aych I jay kay el em en o p"

Lyon on why uncle Noah (Hamilton) sleeping in our living room:
"Mom, is uncle Noah sleeping there cause he made doodoo?"

Kiri's version of "itsy-bitsy spider"
"It-y bity pider climb up the water pout"

Things I've had to say in a very serious voice today:
"Lyon! Stop licking the TV!"
"Kiri, stop crying and stand up. You're in half a foot of water (at the beach)"
"Lyon, no more licking people"
"Kiri, move. Go dance somewhere else besides in front of the TV"
"Lyon, no you cannot drive the truck"

2010-06-03T02:22:00.000-07:00

2010-06-03T02:18:00.000-07:00

I took this picture on my cell phone of Kiriana (very close to 2 years old) one afternoon as she was laying on the bed by the window. Everyone says she looks like my mom and Ariki put together. Speaking of my mom, the first time she saw Kiriana in the hospital, her first comment about her was "what a beautiful baby" !!

Lyon-isms

2010-05-08T03:19:00.001-07:00

Lyon (at 2.5 years old)

"Mom, I need to drive your car. I neeeed to drive it!!"

Lyon was on the potty making #2 today. Kiri went over to harass him. Ariki told Kiri to leave the bathroom and let Lyon do his business in peace. So Kiri runs out, peeks around the bathroom door at Lyon, starts imitating doo-doo pushing noises and laughing at Lyon. Lyon tells her "BAAABY!!! Go 'WAY! Leave Lyon alone!!!"

Lyons new catch phrase to me is "Mooomy...whatcha doin?"

May 2010

2010-05-07T14:48:00.001-07:00

One day we decided to take out the eyeliner and draw on their face. Ariki wasn't a fan of Kiri's new bold eyebrows.
Lyon shows off his feline growl!
I was washing dishes and he called for help. Apparently you can get stuck in a diaper box.
Kiri loves a good smoothie.
Cereal face
Cereal face!
Amazing how you can so artfully fall into a puddle of mud. Kiri, ruler of the mud people.
Kiri brought me this shirt (it was mine) and told me she wanted to wear it. So she wore my shirt as a dress all afternoon. Check out that face!!
Big dress, check. Bacci ball, check. Big hair, check.
I love Kiri's lips in this picture.
After shower time.

Bath time with our friend Noah!

Spring 2010: A Time for bikes, love and a new found love of mud.

2010-04-08T01:58:00.000-07:00

Let's start with my favorite picture of the bunch. Miss Kiri oh miss Kiri how we love you! She's like the cherry on an already perfect ice cream sundae! Just when you thought life couldn't get better, Kiri comes along and shows you what better is! She's got crazy curly hair and a mean appetite. She loves to snuggle, blow kisses, and dance. Every day she gives Lyon a run for his money as she is just about the same size. She's a drama queen for sure, but no princess...bring on the mud!!

Since we finally got two bike seats for the kids, we took them for their first family bike ride the other day. They were so pumped to wear their helmets and didn't want to take them off. We rode around Poipu and stopped for a quick playground play at Poipu Beach park. They thought this was so great and so did we!
When I look at this face I think so many things. My heart just pours out love. I think of how much this little boy has been through and he is only two years old!! I can see why he survived....even today when he wants something he won't give up until he gets it! He is extremely determined and a bit stubborn. Words can't describe how much we love him. Words only offer a glimpse of the greatfullness we have towards God for allowing Lyon to be with us in full health. Mahalo ke Akua!!

Simple math: Handsome daddy=handsome son.
Lyon runs through the mud as Kiri takes a break to check her wheels.
Mom is begging for a concrete or gravel driveway! Everyday they ask to go play in the mud.

Can you believe this? Mud is so fun! Kiri about to ride her bike through the puddle!
Spare us the ham, Mr. Cuteness.
Big love, small loves.
Ngaariki, Kiriana and Lyon. What could be better in life?
Our fun neighbor Jason! He is a portrait artist and his daughter is married to Yogi Berra's son! He bakes us fresh bread and shares his extra Costco food with us. One of the great things about a home is good neighbors!
I love this man!
My Honey through and through! Such a great daddy, partner and provider! The best decision I ever made!
Miss Kiri one and a half years old. I love that curly afro!
Attempts at a family picture but we can't always get everyone to look at the camera at the same time!!

Easter Sunday. 2010. In our neighbor's garden.
Our first house as a family. Always will be a special place to us. Thank you Neal and Allison!!

Easter Sunday before church. 2010.
Lyon gives Banx a quick lesson on stearing. Wonder if Banx felt weird about a guy in his underwear giving directions.
Off we go for another spin!
Lyon, in his sky-blue underwear, takes Banx for a spin around the house on his train.
Lyon helped Dad hull long branches over to the mulch pile. Dad was super proud of his little man!
Why is it that eating oatmeal has to be so good for you, yet so labor intensive to clean up? Why is it that Kiri has to be so cute?
Movie Night at the Fosters with new friend Noah.

Kalaheo Crew

2010-03-08T02:32:00.001-08:00

Here is the gang on a rainy Kalaheo day! Banx is now almost 13months and we just love this kid!!! (Banx 13m, Kiri 18m and Lyon 2.5 yrs)

Conversational Keikis

2010-03-01T00:12:00.001-08:00

As they are getting older they are starting to have little conversations with each other. Tonight I was laying in bed with both of them trying to get them to sleep. The moon was bright, shinning through the window. Between the moon and the window our lychee tree created a shadow on the window. Lyon happened to notice this.
Lyon: "Baby! Look! a bird!"
Kiri: "oh yea, bird"
Lyon: "yep, its a bird!"
Kiri" "mmmmhmm....wow"

Priceless moment

Beautiful Kiriana

2010-03-01T00:08:00.000-08:00

Our darling baby girl now 17 months old. She's ready to go to the party! Purple dress compliments of Auntie Pamala!

Fix Her Hair!

2010-03-01T00:06:00.000-08:00

Our friends Jason and Leilani are staying with us. Leilani has beautiful long hair. Today Lyon came up to me and said "Mom, fix Aunty's hair!" So I told him to go fix it. He went up to Leilani's hair and "fluffed" it and told me "There! all better."

1st Birthday Kiss

2010-02-21T20:31:00.001-08:00

Kiri gave her little friend Banx a good smack on the lips for his First birthday. Then she took her loot of balloons home from the party.

Ariki's 27th Birthday

2010-02-21T20:27:00.000-08:00

The kids surprised Daddy (after he slept in) with two hand-made birthday cards. He loved them. A great way to start the 27th year of your life!

Funny Stories

2010-02-19T00:04:00.000-08:00

Both these little kids seem to think it is funny to take off their diapers, jump on the bed and start dancing around naked singing their preschool song "My Body, my body, so good to be in my body!" Lyon leads the show while Kiri giggles and dances in the background.

Today we went to see Uncle Raymond's dog named Waldo. He's a beautiful chocolate lab that loves to play. After our visit we got in the car and our conversation went like this:
"mom where's Waldo?"
"He's with Uncle Raymond"
"Is Waldo eating cookies?"
"There's a good chance he is"

You gotta love it.

Funny stories

2010-02-04T00:11:00.001-08:00

Today I made banana smoothies to freeze into pop-sickles. Lyon was so excited about them that he told me "Mommy, I need a sip. I need a sip NOW!!"
He also has discovered that he can bite his fingernails and toenails (don't ask me where cause Ariki and I don't do this). So after campaigning on his own toenails he resumed happily playing until Kiri's delicious foot caught his attention and he zoomed in straight on that. Lucky thing I was there to run interference and stop him from biting her toenails, which he threw a good battle to do, but lost. We better make sure we wear socks when we sleep :)

December 2009

2010-02-01T00:58:00.000-08:00

Poli Hale....One of the best places on Earth!

New families in the works: Ariki and Kiri, Lila and Banx, Marie and Lyon, Tiana, Will and Ella, Jerin and Nika

Poipu Beach Day
This past Holiday season was probably the most fun we had in the last 2 years (yes, since kids arrived in our party). I always love December because all our old friends that have moved away come home. The Byman-Cacals, The Litvins, Shannon, Carmel, oh! we also had the Land family from New Zealand with us! It just doesn't get better than this! Everyday was a party: we went to the beach, had a huge New Year's party, a radical ping-pong tournament that Pierre Byman took the 2010 reign, and most fun, we went CAMPING!!! We have been waiting to go camping as a family since the kids were born. We use to go all the time before them. I would say they did really good. Next year it's on! The Fosters are a camping family!

Dog-pile Auntie May! (Marie's old surf friend from high school)

December 2009

2010-02-01T00:54:00.001-08:00

Kiriana. December 2009. 15 months old and very cute!

Hold Hands

2010-01-30T18:12:00.000-08:00

Sometimes Lyon will jump in my bed. Last night was one of those nights as it was raining all night. Around 5am I hear "Mommy......"
"yea Lyon"
"Let's hold hands Mommy"
So we held hands and cuddled into the morning hours

Kiri

2010-01-04T15:19:00.000-08:00

Sippy Cup Run

2010-01-04T14:50:00.000-08:00

2010-01-04T14:48:00.000-08:00

First camp trip out to our favorite beach, Poli Hale, on the westside. The kids really had a great time and loved being outdoors. Lyon's black eye is from running into a mirror at Lelo's house.

Christmas 2009

2009-12-26T01:22:00.001-08:00

I woke up this morning with two babies in my bed taking turns kissing me and giggling about it. Ariki did a great job cleaning the house and from there we took our time going up to Lelo's house. We cruised by the beach and got a bag of home-grown oranges from Mark White. Treat! then we went and had pancakes, bacon, papaya, and fried bananas at Lelo and Papa's house. We did a short present opening as we really don't do presents...but the kids got a couple of things each. Lyon's highlight gift was a monster truck that makes all kinds of noise and sounds. Kiri got a puppy (not real, no way) named Susie Cinnamon by Ariki. She carried it around for about half a minute before giving it to Lelo and finding interest in a book.
After a couple hours relaxing we all decided to head up to the public golf course up the road and play some golf. The kids loved riding in the carts and being outside. Golf was followed by yet another awesome dinner by Uncle Fab-shrimp, lasagna, garlic bread and salad.....Merry Christmas to all our family that we couldn't be with today...we love you!

2009-12-22T00:17:00.000-08:00

Peanut Butter Jelly Sandwich

2009-12-22T00:12:00.000-08:00

This morning Lyon woke me up at 7am and it went something like this:
"WAKE UP MOMMY, WAKE UP! UP MOMMY, UP! EAT! COME ON, MOMMY LET'S GO!! (then he rips my blanket off me)

Then we get to the fridge and he opens it and points to the bread "BREAD" gives it to me. Then he says "AND THIS" and hands me the peanut butter. "OHHH THIS" and hands me the jelly.

That's how you get a peanut butter jelly sandwich at 7 in the morning.

Kiri and the Nonaka Kids

2009-12-04T01:21:00.000-08:00

Sunday Morning and Friends

2009-12-01T00:18:00.000-08:00

Sunday morning with our cute clothes on. The ones we get to wear only to special places that don't have food or dirt.
Here's our little friends Linkin (3) and Bo (5). Bo took charge of Kiriana. She enjoyed looking after the "baby".

Sad Day...

2009-11-30T00:13:00.000-08:00

Today was a hard day. We got news this morning that our dear friend, Auntie Gail, passed away. She had been battling cancer for some time now and this morning she went home to be with our Lord. I spent the morning with Raymond, her son, and his girlfriend, Blenda. It was hard seeing Auntie Gail but she looked so peaceful in her bed in her own house. How sad that Raymond had to say goodbye to his mother today. It made me reflect how we should never pass up on the opportunity to tell those we love....quite simply that we love them.

End of November 2009

2009-11-22T00:36:00.000-08:00

It's almost the end of November. Kiriana is now almost 14 months old. Her personality is changing a bit. She is coming out of her shell, so to speak. She laughs a lot more now, she is a bit more accepting of people besides mom and dad. She doesn't take much guff from Lyon, she will tell him "no" and whack him back if needed. She likes to cuddle. Her favorite is to lay down on your chest and sleep. Her other favorite pastime is eating. This girl eats like no other!! I was thinking that Ariki would be competing soon with Lyon for food, but it looks like Ariki and Lyon will be competing with Kiri for food! She says words like mom, dad, uh-oh, doo-doo, no, bye, juice, doggy...Nothing is better than our little curly-hair girl!

Now for Mr. Lyon....Lyon has a bright personality. He is very goofy. He likes people, anyone really. He knows when you are joking with him and he likes to joke too. He is curious about everything and wants to investigate it all. He likes to kiss, read books, watch movies, run, be with animals, dance, and watch monster trucks on the internet. His eyes are so big and warm, and his eyelashes are a mile long. He loves to smile and laugh. He likes to eat crackers and has a favorite blankie for comfort. I look forward to hearing all the funny things Lyon says everyday!

Baby Motor

2009-11-22T00:30:00.000-08:00

Lyon always asks Kiri to get in the car so he can push her around in it. Most of the time he finds this easy to do naked...I'm sure when he gets a bigger vocabulary he can explain to us why naked?

UNCLE FABIO

2009-11-22T00:21:00.000-08:00

This is Uncle Fabio. He's my mom's brother, so technically he is Lyon's Great-Uncle. He's been here for about a month now and he is teaching Lyon some Spanish. Here they are at play.

Moon Doodoo

2009-11-22T00:20:00.000-08:00

I just got done explaining to Lyon tonight that the moon doesn't doo-doo.

Lyon-isms

2009-11-18T11:41:00.000-08:00

This morning I was changing Lyon. He had his shirt off. He grabbed both his nipples and said "Mommy, look! little boobies!"

Later on Ariki farted in the kitchen. Lyon said "Mommy, Daddy make doo-doo!"

$3 Horse

2009-11-02T23:57:00.000-08:00

Every Saturday morning we go find treasures at garage sales around the island. Lyon picked out this horse that makes noises when you press its ears...it was only THREE dollars!!

Halloween 2009

2009-11-02T23:47:00.000-08:00

Here we are Halloween 2009. Lyon was Elmo because he got the costume free from his friend Moses, Kiri got hers for $1.50 from a Garage sale, I got mine for $3 from a garage sale and Ariki recycled his from last year and added a mop for his hair. We took the kids, accompanied by Papa and Uncle Fab, to trick or treat at Weliweli track (a popular street where lots of kids go). The kids got a few pieces of candy each (not too much says mom) and then we drove to the airport so Lelo (grandma) could see them in their costumes.
Happy Halloween,
Kiri mouse
Elmo
Roaring 20's
and.......a random scary guy that wanted to be in our photo

Boogers

2009-10-28T17:04:00.000-07:00

Today marked the end of another Preemie issue for Lyon. Since coming home on October 18, 2007, Lyon has had regular visits from the Easter Seals therapists. They have worked with him on many developmental issues relating to his early arrival. Since he has done so well catching up, we decided to end therapy services. Today was his last day with his educational therapist Eileen. She came in the morning after Lyon had finished his oatmeal. As they were "playing" Lyon came across a piece of oatmeal on his body and wiped it on Eileen. He then said "LOOK" indicating her to look at the oatmeal. She said "Oh Wow Lyon! What is that?" and Lyon's response was "a booger".

Thanks to the speech therapist who got him all caught up!

Goofy Kids: The Movie Coming Soon

2009-10-26T01:04:00.000-07:00

New Shoes

2009-10-26T01:00:00.000-07:00

If you take a close look in this picture, you will see Kiri's new orange shoes. she LOVES these shoes. Today she wore them around the house all day. She had to take them off for nap time, but right when she got up she brought them over to Ariki and demanded they be put back on. She took them off for bath time, but they went back on afterwards. She even wanted to wear them to bed (which she did)! The best part about the orange shoes is that they cost only 50 cents!

Serious Play

2009-10-25T14:02:00.000-07:00

Caught in the middle of playing hard!

Kiri has a "shoe" thing. She loves to wear her shoes around the house. She got a new pair of orange shoes that she insists on wearing every day around the house. Kiri is also now officially booby-free! We finally had success in weaning her at 13.5 months old with the help of band-aids. This is now day 6 and since day 2 she has become a different child; less whiny and more independent.

Master of the High-5

2009-10-21T02:10:00.000-07:00

Kiri is now the high-5 master and the kisser. She loves to kiss people with big, open-mouth slobbery kisses followed by a "muuuah" sound. Sometimes if it is a good kiss she will give you a high-5 after. She got Banx good down at the Harbor beach the other week.

So Lyon is now in his toddler bed in the corner of my room (we don't have enough rooms for everyone to have their own room). The other night I put him in his bed and turned out the light. As I was making my way to my bed I heard "Moommmyyy" and it sounded like he wasn't in his bed. I said "HEY! Where are you?!!" and he replied simply "in your bed". It was pretty funny hearing him say a whole sentence because he is just starting to do that. He also likes to use a pillow now. In this case he was laying on my leg pillow so I started to take it from him and he told me "HEY, HEY, HEEEEYYY!!!" what a guy!!!

These are the days

2009-10-18T22:52:00.000-07:00

This morning Lyon discovered that his nose has buggers in them. So he took one out, I told him what it was, and he said "bugger" and wiped it on me. After that he wanted to check my nose for some. I think he almost touched my brain he put his finger so high up there before I got it out.

He has an official name for Grandma Carmen. Her official name is "Lelo" which comes from Spanish word "abuela" for grandma. He loves to go see Lelo and Papa and Tito (uncle Fab).

Miss Kiri is teething again...she has two teeth coming in on top. For the longest time we were wondering if she was only going to have 4 teeth because its taken so long to come in! She loves to kiss her daddy and dance. Her words are getting better and better even in that raspy voice.

We are all healthy and happy...life is good!

Foster Country Club

2009-10-09T02:42:00.001-07:00

Featuring private pools on a hot day!

Add These To The List

2009-10-07T00:57:00.000-07:00

Here's more words by Lyon:
Moot=Moon
tdo-tdo=cho-cho train

Lyon has a little friend named Po'okela who has a train in his room that they can get on and ride around with the push of a button. When we went over to Po'o's house the other day Lyon was enthralled with his train. He went around and around. Po'o walked into the room to find Lyon riding the train and Lyon looked at Po'o and said "Hi! Nice tdo-tdo!"

Today Kiri was in charge of handing out goldfish crackers (cakas according to Lyon) while we drove to Kalaheo. One for her, one for Lyon. One for her, one for Lyon....all the way to Kalaheo.

Sometimes while we drive I like to listen to Lyon talking to himself. His conversations went something like this today:

"Auntie, mommy, baby, daddy, yellow bus, bug (grandma's cat), yellow bike, lelo, yellow nuk (truck)...."

Lyon's Own Language

2009-10-04T23:52:00.000-07:00

We have a new language emerging...Lyonish!
Here's a few things we have been able to decode:

Bobble: Bottle
Bankie: blanket
tantu mommy!: thank you mommy
mobie: movie
Mu-haha: Lilo and Stitch (the movie)
monuk: monster truck
nummy: food
lelo: grandma
dad: grandpa
wa: water
cacka: cracker
yummy bear: gummy bear
peace: please
pepa: paper

Here's Kiri's vocab (1 year old)
mama
Dad
Juice
Ball
Tantu (thank you)
RAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRR: "Lyon if you touch my toy one more time I will smack you"

Oatmeal Lady

2009-10-04T23:49:00.000-07:00

Oatmeal in the hair
Oatmeal on the chair
But she doesn't care
Nor will she share
Her yummy oatmeal everywhere!

Table For Two, Please!

2009-10-04T23:45:00.001-07:00

Good Morning! Welcome to Foster Cafe where healthy oatmeal with stevia is served daily (well, almost daily). We have a table for two where the diners can feed themselves and the maid will be by later to clean them up and clean up their mess. If diners do not behave and decide to push the table into their dining partner, there will be time-outs issued by the cook. Enjoy your meal!

More Birthday pics

2009-09-23T00:34:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure if he was being tailgated but apparently there was a reason to pull over and have a word with onlookers...naked or not.

Kiri and her smoking gun have a moment with Daddy

Princess of the Birthday

2009-09-12T01:07:00.001-07:00

Lyon tries on the crown with Kiri in close watch

Kiri telling Lyon how to wear the crown and how long he may wear it for.

Hard work being a birthday princess...have to give the crown a break

Birthday princess looking over her friends

Enjoying her new crown

Kiri getting crowned "Birthday Princess" by her daddy.

Lyon and His Hair

2009-09-12T01:05:00.001-07:00

Lyon needs a hair cut. Due to two giddy-giddies (cowlicks, swirls, etc) on the back of his head and his stick-straight hair, his hair only grows straight up on top. Even if we get it wet it sticks up.

Holding Hands

2009-09-12T01:03:00.001-07:00

Lyon and Kiri after playing hard at Tutu and Me Traveling Preschool Program. Kiri was passed out and Lyon held her hand the whole way home while he looked out the window at passing cars.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KIRIANA!!

2009-09-06T14:34:00.000-07:00

On Saturday Kiriana turned ONE YEAR OLD! We reflected on how time has gone by so fast. It seems like just yesterday I was calling Ariki at Duke's Restaurant in the middle of his gig and telling him to hurry to the hospital-she was going to be here within the hour!!! And then there she was...perfect, tiny, peaceful, beautiful....And today, on her first birthday, here she is with brown curly hair, honey-brown skin, big eyes, a cute gap between her teeth. She likes to snuggle and be held. She walks around the house now and talks with a raspy voice. When she kisses you she opens her mouth and ends up licking you. We never imagined that we would have one kid, let alone TWO! We never dreamed our life could be more full of love after Lyon, but it is, and we are grateful for our little Kiriana Heimataura Kauvai Foster!
For her birthday we had a small party down at Poipu Beach Park. Grandpa Tom and I worked very hard to prepare all the food. We had pineapple-Teriyaki Chicken with Coconut, coconut-lemongrass rice and a great salad. Everyone loved the food. We also had a volleyball court to play. Everyone went swimming and had a great time. Auntie Sandy prepared two marvelous cakes, one special one for Kiri that she delighted in after everyone sang "Happy Birthday" Everyone had a great time and now we are so tired. Happy Birthday Kiri! Mom and Dad love you!!

Just Driving Around

2009-09-06T14:33:00.001-07:00

Somehow they manage to fit into this little car together and drive around.

Ice cream on a hot summer day

2009-08-16T01:35:00.000-07:00

August 2009

2009-08-16T01:22:00.000-07:00

Here we are approaching the end of August 2009. Kiriana will be turning ONE in a couple weeks. Time flies! I can definitely say it has gotten easier. As I write, Kiri is finally getting her two top teeth in. We suspect she might have a gap between the two front teeth...we'll see. She has also added some new words to her list. She says "juice" and "duck" now. Her walking is getting better too. She took 3 steps today. She loves to wave "bye" to people. Her hair is getting curlier and curlier by the day. Lyon goes looking for her when he wakes up from his nap. He looks at me and says "where baby?" In the morning he can't wait for her to wake up. He goes into her room and sees her on the bed. As soon as she stirs from his noise, he says "BABY! YAY BABY!" She gives him this look that says "I'm tired!!"

And Mr. Lyon....so many words...This morning I made him a piece of toast and he looked at me and said "ooooh mommy! Thank you mommy!" Tonight when I got home from a quick trip to the store for ice cream, I came in the door and I heard him in the kitchen say "YAAAAY MOMMY!!!" and start clapping.
I think the best story is the other day he was playing in his room while I was cooking in the kitchen. He walks into the kitchen with this confused look, throws his hands up in the air and says to me "Where daddy's balls?"
I wasn't sure if he was referring to his volleyballs or his bacci balls.

Babeeez

2009-07-29T01:41:00.000-07:00

Here is Kiriana at 11 months old at the beach on a hot summer day. Ariki is holding Banx, almost 6 months old. Banx is my best friend Lila's first child. He is younger than Kiri but already bigger than her.

New Words

2009-07-29T01:21:00.000-07:00

Lyon has added some new words to his vocab. He is also doing 2 word sentences now. Here's what we have been hearing:
"where daddy?"
"Thank you mommy"
"please"
"dodo"
"oh yea"
"I love you"
"where bobble (bottle)"
"baby. baaaaaaaaby"
"wait"
"Mobie (movie)"
"nooooo"