Another Day Out!! We're On A Roll!! Lol. :D

So we started out our morning a little on the rough side since my kids seemed 2 have 4gotten that even though it's the weekend. . . .they still have chores. Lol. So I woke up 2 all of my kids wide awake & already starting their day off w/the Disney channel. So not a good sign. Lol. I had them turn off the tv, fold their blankets & return 'em 2 their rooms, wash up, eat breakfast & get started on their chores. Since we're pretty FIRM on them starting out their day w/breakfast & immediately followed by their chores before any tv watching or playing. . . . .they weren't allowed 2 watch tv 4 the rest of the day. :(

I know I know. . . .harsh. But we strongly believe in teaching our kids that their actions, whatever they are, always come w/consequences. Whether they be good or bad. And in this case. . .it wasn't very good. They spent the morning on chores & they did a FANTASTIC job. They immediately took 2 the outdoors & played outside on the trampoline & even helped my dad pull the weeds. :D They rode bikes in the front yard & came inside on occasion 2 refuel on some cantaloupe & rolls 4rom Costco. Which I must add are the BEST!! :D And usually when they're being punished in this way, they are constantly complaining & asking if they could please watch a movie & so forth. But I was quite impressed that that wasn't the case this time around. :D So as the sun was starting 2 go down, I called the kids into the house & told them 2 put their shoes on so we can head 2 the playground. :D

We had a BLAST there & I was even able 2 do my mile while they played!! :D It was GREAT. A life of a mother, right?? :D Filled w/nothing, but multi-tasking!! :D These past 2 days have definitely been FULFILLING 4 me since they have enabled me 2 be more ACTIVE. Something I'm used 2 BEING as a norm. Lol. I swear during these last couple of weeks left in my pregnancy, everything seems 2 be the EXCEPTION 2 the rule, which is weird. So not used my life being like that. But I'm not complaining. I have wayyyy too much 2 be grateful 4. :D Here's some pics 4rom our little adventure this evening. :D

Finally Got Out Of The House. . . .Lol. :D

So we've been cooped up in the house all week long & pretty much on any given week that my husband's been @ work. :( I felt really bad having 2 put the kids thru this w/my pregnancy progressing along the way it has. And it has really been progressing nicely, but it's just been really hard 4 me 2 even think of activities 4 the kids 2 do that required leaving our home.

But I'm happy 2 report that I finally BROKE the ongoing BORE of being a home body & told the kids 2 put on their swimming gear so we can head out the door & spend the day @ the pool here @ our local rec. :D They were so EXCITED!! :D And so was I. I think my morning run 2 the store @ 6 am definitely helped get me going 2day. The weather was PERFECT & being up & out & breathing some FRESH air definitely helped set the mood 4 the rest of the day. We spent a couple of hours @ the pool & then stopped by Mickey D's on our way home cause we were all STARVING. Lol. Not the healthiest choice, but it was still YUMMY!! Lol.

Here's some pics of the kids splashing around in the pool!! We had a BLAST!! :D We'll definitely be going more often now. And not just 2 the pool, but we'll have 2 make our way 2 the park as well. Oh how I've missed being outdoors. :D

A New Family Record Reached. . . . :D

We have totally reached a new record in our family as of yesterday. . . . .that is, in how many movies watched all in one day. Lol. This is my only form of keeping the kids entertained since I have about 4 weeks left of my pregnancy & DREAD leaving my house w/out my husband. :( Those of you who know me, know that I'm such an OUTDOORSY type of person & am never couped up in the house like this so it has definitely been a challenge 4 me. I have the BEST kids ever cause they're so understanding as 2 my circumstances right now so I'd like 2 express my LOVE & APPRECIATION 2 them 4 their patience. It's been a PLUS having all 5 of them cause they seem 2 do very well @ keeping each other ENTERTAINED. :D

My oldest, Aaliyah, is 8 yrs old right now & is potty training my son. Luckiest MOM everrr, right?? :D I know. . . .I'm totally all SMILES everyday. Lol. Well, @ least 4 most of the day. :D He's recently just been telling us that he needs 2 use the bathroom & so we simply take off his diaper & let him @ it. Hahaha. . . .but when I'm already laid up in bed, since my feet & legs have started 2 swell, my WONDERFUL Aaliyah takes over. :D But I must say that I do know that my Heavenly Father is mindful of me & my situation cause he has blessed me w/the BEST helpers everrr!! My kids. And the AMAZING thing about it all?? They don't complain about any of it. We discuss our individual feelings in FHE & they express how HAPPY they are 2 be able 2 help around the house. Their level of service truly AMAZES Hoko & I cause they still seem like our babies. . . .but in reality, they're all growing up. It's definitely one of those things that's BITTER/SWEET.

I can't believe we're already well into the month of July. My kids are in year round school & so they'll be heading back @ the end of this month. :D I'm happy & sad @ the same time cause I love having them HOME w/me. With 5 of them 2 keep up with. . . . .there's never a dull moment in this house. :D Here's a list of the movies we INDULGED ourselves in yesterday. Oh & we popped popcorn 4 this event as well. Lol. Enjoy. . . . . :D

Some More Pics 4rom Our Holiday Weekend. . . .

'The Freedom To. . . .What Freedoms Are You Grateful For?'

Watching this, another beautiful & inspirational message has allowed me 2 look back & ponder on what freedoms I, myself, am grateful 4. Especially coming off the wonderful BIRTHDAY & INDEPENDENCE DAY of this WONDERFUL country. . . .I have much 2 be grateful 4.

1st off, I am grateful 4 a loving Father in Heaven who has given me the opportunity 2 live & reap the benefits of living in this GREAT country. Some of which consist of:

1. The freedom 2 wake up every morning & do whatever it is I want to do.

2. The freedom 2 worship whatever religion I choose to.

3. The freedom 2 walk out of my house @ any time of the day/night that I please

4. The freedom 2 pursue my DREAMS

5. The freedom 2 achieve my goals in life

6. The freedoms of life & liberty that has been promised by our forefathers

7. The freedom 2 pursue as much EDUCATION as I choose to

8. The freedom 2 love & be loved

And the list goes on. . . .I am very grateful 2 live amongst a CIVILIZED people where walking out of my house 2 see soldiers roaming the streets w/guns is NOT a norm. I've been 2 parts of Europe where it is very normal to walk out of your homes & be greeted by soldiers walking the streets w/machine guns in hand. And the people paid it no mind because this was a part of their everyday lives. I'm very grateful 4 the gospel in my life 2 help guide & direct me in my life. With it, all things are POSSIBLE. :D This Mormon message, just like every other one, has touched my heart & reminded me of how GRATEFUL I need 2 be @ all times & 4 all things. Whether they be good or bad. . . . .there's always that blessing in disguise that we need 2 discover in order 2 learn what the TRUE lesson is that needs 2 be learned. :D And I always look 4ward 2 them. :D

Movie Days/Nights. . . .

After spending all morning & early afternoon cleaning up around the house & making sure the girls were getting their chores done, we thought it a GREAT idea 2 run 2 Hollywood Video & pick up some dvds. :D Over the weekend my sister inlaws were talking about a movie called, 'An American Crime.'

I had never heard of it before, but it sounded really good. So Hoko & I decided 2 pick it up 2day since I swear we've seen pretty much everything else. Lol. Well, our a/c has been out all weekend long & was finally fixed this evening. We have been BURNING up all weekend long. :( But thank goodness it's up & running so no complaints from this end. Lol. So we totally took our time @ the video store just browsing around while the kids were @ home w/my mom getting wet in the sprinklers & eating popsicles. Lucky ducks!! :D I would've been out there, too, but my prego self can't really stand having 2 change out of wet clothes. Ugh. . . .wayyyy too much work. Hahaha. . .

Anyways, I totally got off track. Lol. 'An American Crime' is definitely one of those movies that's 'ADULT ONLY.' It was so sad & my heart broke 4 Sylvia that she didn't have anyone 2 stick up 4 her. It was AMAZING 2 me that these kids thought it normal that she go thru everything she went thru. I don't want 2 give anything away 4 those of you who might just plan on watching it, but it's definitely horrifying what some people can do & even what some kids can do. :( I must say though that I felt very little compassion 4 her parents because I couldn't relate 2 how their thinking could cause them 2 be 'OKAY' w/leaving their kids w/complete strangers. I don't care how nice people seem 2 come off. Anyway, it's out on dvd so 4 those of you who want to watch a movie that's based on a true story, here it is.

We ended the night on a lighter note by watching 'The Proposal'

I love Sandra Bullock so I knew it was going 2 be GREAT!! They did FANTASTIC & it is such a CUTE & HILLARIOUS movie. :D Definitely a 2 thumbs up!! :D And I'm a sucker 4 happy endings so it was a PERFECT way 2 end our night. My husband goes back 2 work 2morrow from his 4 day weekend & even tho I'm a bit sad. . . . I loved every minute of having him here!! Except maybe 4 when he was on his PS3. Hahahaha. . . . .Me & that stupid Playstation are #1 enemies!! Lol. I swear if it didn't have BluRay on it, I would've already sold it on KSL. Lol. I'm EXCITED 4 another GREAT week & hope 2 keep motivating this baby w/mile runs & house cleaning 2 come out into the world & join us all. Lol. Til then. . . .this is us & our lives. Enjoy!! :D

Great & Very Busy Holiday Weekend. . . . .

I've totally been M.I.A lately. It's definitely been a busy week, but so not the reason 4 my lack of internet service. Lol. My husband's been off this past weekend starting on Friday & supposedly ending 2morrow, but he's been called out on a 'SPILL' w/his brothers that shouldn't take too long. And he was supposed 2 have 2morrow off as well, but he has 2 head into the office 4 a couple of hours of training. :( I'm not complaining, tho. We've had a GREAT weekend that's been FILLED w/quality time w/family. It's been so AWESOME.

We started out on Friday @ my niece's swim party @ the West Valley Rec. It was tons of FUN & the kids had a blast 4 about an hour. We chowed down on some hot dogs, chips, fruits & all that good stuff before making our way 2 Granite High School 4 the 'Freedom Festival.' Hoko's family came up w/an AWESOME idea 2 raise $$$ 4 our reunion next year by setting up a food booth @ this festival & selling plates. It was REALLY simple. Only chicken & rice & boyyyyy did the sell like HOTCAKES!! :D No exaggeration @ all. . . . .People were asking if we had a restaurant & were coming back 4 seconds & thirds. . . . .It was GREAT!! :D

The fireworks show lasted so long!! :D You know it's great when you keep thinking 'oh this is the finale' & then it's starts up again. Lol. That's how AWESOME it was. :D And even though by the time they were done w/the fireworks, we had ashes all over ourselves, it was all worth it!! :D We had such a GREAT time, once again, w/the Finau family!! :D It's always POSITIVE energy & fun times when we're all together!! :D

Saturday came & we had a bbq planned w/the inlaws. We started it out w/all us sis inlaws heading 2 the District 2 watch 'My Sister's Keeper.' It was so good. And sad & all that mushy stuff. Everyone was saying that I was emotionless cause I didn't cry as much, but hey. . . .I totally teared up & almost broke down on one of the parts. Lol. We headed back 2 my house 2 find none of the food had been cooked. I swear. . . .hahahaha!! We leave these men on their own & that's what we get 2 come back to. We were so starving, but thank goodness Ame & Paul came thru w/corn on the cob that was quick & easy 2 throw on the grill so we can eat it up Mexican style!! Yup!! With mayo, grated parmesan cheese & chili pepper!! It was so YUMMM!! :D After the men got an ear full on how hungry we were, they quickly got 2 work & threw the 'OH SO YUMMY' marinaded pork chops 4rom your one & only, Nick & Sheena, as well as the teri burgers made by yours truly: ME!! Lol. Asi & Tina brought some potato salad that had crab & corn in it. Mmmmm. . . .we killed it!! And Taeao's Nick topped it off w/some bbq ribs!! Woo hoo!! It made 4 such an EVENTFUL day/evening. And that's not even all of it. . . . .We had salad, dessert & watermelons. . . .and the list goes on.

A BIG 'THANK YOU' 2 Nick & Sheena 4 the blow up slides that kept the kids entertained all day long!! :D Literally!! They were outside 4rom when they got 2 our house til everyone left. :D Ahhhh. . . . .the joys of having GREAT family!! :D Everyone pitched in 4 such a GREAT time & we love you all so much!! :D

Unfortunately, I'm gonna have 2 wait 4 everyone else 2 post their pics cause this is all I have. Lol. Enjoy. . . . .