Perspective

They come every year. They cause stress, happiness, commotion, and merriment to name a few. The Holidays. This year I have been focused on one thing: what my perception of contentment is. In years past, it might have been focused on material items or lack there of, or on friends who didn't call to hang out. I've been doing some pondering. Does it really matter if we have 50 pairs of shoes or a really nice car? Does it really matter if we have the biggest, nicest house with all the most stylish furniture? Does it really matter how cool we are (perception!) in the eyes of others and in our own eyes?

I think about parents who's children are losing the battle to cancer at an age far too young. Would they give everything to have my few humble belongings and meager salary if their child was as healthy as mine are? I reckon so. When the December storms pass over the island, I think of all the families that don't have adequate shelter over their heads. I am humbled and grateful for my little home with little rooms on a little lot. It might not be a sight to see, but it is ours and it serves its main purpose: shelter.

It is all about perspective. I have enough. I am happy. I am loved. I am full. I am grateful. I am good enough. I am thankful. I am blessed.

Good Advice?

"Kiri, you would look so cool if you cut off all your curls"
-Lyon, 5

Gardening Hats

They are so lucky. One set of grandparents lives 15 minutes away and they get to spend just about every Friday night with them (oh wait, WE are so lucky). How wonderful to see knowledge passed to the younger generations. Grandparents are like treasures. At Papa and Lelo's they learn about gardening and chicken farming among other things. Of course, you have to wear your gardening hat when you go out to garden! (Kiri 4, Lyon 5) They love their special time at this house!

More Coined Phrases

Oh the joys of being on Earth for only 4-5 years! :

"Mom, do you know why I want to sleep next to you? (sniff sniff) Because you are warm and I like you" -Kiri, 4. Working it.

"CANYON BALLS!!!" (Lyon diving into the pool)

Ariki: "Lyon you have Yoga after school"
Lyon: "Yogurt? What?"

Girl Turns Four

 Kiriana Heimataura Kauvai Foster: You are named to remember your elders who came before you. Kiriana as in Karen, your maternal great Aunt. Heimataura was your great great great great grandmother and she was a queen in Tahiti. Kauvai is your paternal grandmother's last name..we gave you that name so your people would know who you are when you return to Rarotonga one day.

But your face tells another story. The night you were born, you came sudden and early, true to Foster form. It was late, around 11:30pm and you were born via C-section. When you came to my arms, I fell in love helplessly and hopelessly in an instant. Lelo was there and the first thing she said about you, "She's really beautiful" Your features were a perfect mix of Latin and Polynesian. You did not cry except one single yelp when the doctor took you out. You did not cry for another 3 weeks after that.

Today you are four. You are beautiful, tall, lean, exotic, studious, creative, astute and sweet. Your sweet side is balanced with your fire and determination. You are the center of your father's heart.

Last night you told me you never want to move out, never want to get married, never want to have kids and never want to leave mom and dad. You told me you want to live here forever and take care of us. Okay, fine by us. the laundry and dishes are waiting.

The world holds possibilities for you that have yet to be seen. Our creator has laid out a life for you that has not forgot any detail or thought. You were born into a family that loves, therefore you will love and be loved. We knew you were coming. Papa had a dream about you before he knew about you. God has purpose for you, Kiriana. Take heed and wait upon Him and see what an amazing life unfolds.

Te Quiero mi amor, mi muneca, mi mundo....

Stand.

This morning at church a mom and her physically disabled teenage son sat in front of us. Her son was mentally "there" but his body was served by a wheel chair. The implications of having such a child are beyond my imagination.

During one of the worship songs "I Am Set Free" most people stayed sitting. The boy, physically disabled, struggled with the help of his mom to stand on his feet and raise his hands to God. His mom braced him to stand as he stood and sang out "I am free" to God with his hands in the air. I was so moved by this moment. What we take for granted, being able to stand, is what takes one person all he has and the help of another. And then again, one day this boy will be set free from a body that hasn't served him well. 

Questions from a four-year old mind.

"Mom, this year for my birthday I want a unicorn Pinata and a flute" says the girl with curly hair.

"Mom, are dolphins nice to people? Are they friends with turtles?" says the boy with the big brown eyes.

"Mom, does the wind help or hurt fire? What about your mouth-wind (breath)?" says boy.

"Mom, do dinosaurs have big bones?" says boy.

"Mom, I never want to get married because I don't want to leave you" says little girl.

"Mom, why do sharks eat people?"-boy

"Mom, what do turtles eat" -boy

And many, many more....