Kids say the darndest things

My kids never cease to amaze me when they open their mouths. Sometimes I think "what are you talking about" and other times I cringe because I know exactly where they got that exasperated sigh from or that sassy-filled "gosh". Yikes.

But to go along with my recent posts on enjoying every day and every moment, I have to back track a little and tell you some of the darndest things my kids have told me this week, and it's only Wednesday morning.

First of all, you all know how much Lohena, my younger son adores me. He tells everyone that we are boyfriend and girlfriend. He always cuddles and wants to play with my hair. He wants to hold hands and is constantly giving me compliments of how beautiful I am. (Yes, I am worried for when be becomes interested in other girls) Anyway, he and I were at the mall and I went into one of my favorite addictions, I mean stores, MAC cosmetics to recycle some old containers and in doing so I received 3 free lipsticks. After much debate and encouragement, I tried "candy yum yum" the hot, neon pink lipstick, and Lohena and I both agreed  it was for me.

Later in the privacy of our car, he again complimented me and then nonchalantly asked,"mom, you're my girlfriend ya?" With an all-expecting nod I replied, "Yes." Then with a coy smile he asked, "when we go home you want to kiss?"

He was dead serious I knew he was to. And when we got home, he surprised me and planted a big one on me. He was not only proud but laughed and giggled with delight when he saw the bright pink lips on his face. :)

Sunday night my wonderful husband had planned and led Family Home Evening. A weekly gathering with the family to go over schedules, accomplishments, have a short Christ-centered lesson, sing some fun songs and usually follow up with a treat for all. Well, this FHE we learned about how we believe Families Can Be Together Forever. What an amazing and reassuring gift.

Anyway, I did not, I repeat, DID NOT make any dessert this time. So after our amazing lesson, Marcus who so obviously wanted dessert yells out "This family is junk!" Ummm EXCUSE ME?! Did we not just learn to love your family? So Cameron and I went back and forth with our extremely stubborn five year old and apologized that there was no dessert tonight. It eventually escalated which led to a dramatic display of stomping up the stairs and followed with the dreaded four little words, "I hate you mom."

*STAB*IN*THE*HEART*** die mom die....I'm on the floor....

I must admit I knew those words would come one day and I MAY have heard them whispered under a breath before, but this time it caught me by such surprise.

My reaction after just having this lesson on Families can be together Forever....I LAUGHED HYSTERICALLY!!

I know I shouldn't have but the timing of it was so humorous and completely ironic. After I gathered my breath and realized that my laughing made it worse, I managed to spit out, "Sorry buddy, you're stuck with me FOREVER!!!!"

And who said Children weren't rewarding?!?


www.mormon.org

Earthly Father, Heavenly Father

This video, is EXACTLY what my life is about!

We have such an amazing opportunity to be parents here on Earth and I want to enjoy every single second that I have here with my family.

My children only know what I have provided for them. They never doubt only trust, in me and Cameron as their parents. I read this amazing article the other day, The Day I Stopped saying "hurry up" and it has changed my perspective tremendously. The late mom always saying, "hurry up we're going to be late, we're going to miss it...etc" is oh too familiar. So from this day forward I am going to enjoy every loving and annoying moment. Every meltdown and funny joke that my beautiful children have to offer.

As Thomas S. Monson said,  "If you are still in the process of raising children, be aware that the tiny fingerprints that show up on almost ever newly cleaned surface, the toys scattered about the house, the piles and piles of laundry to be tackled will disappear all too soon and that you will-to your surprise- miss them profoundly."

I vow to always find joy in the journey. In this miraculous thing called life, with the people that we chose to be with even before this life. 

I love my husband who works so hard for us, to have the comforts in this life that my children rely on. Cameron, you are an amazing father and I love you so much!

"They trust so deeply. How I yearn to do the same. They see so little of how it all came to be. Never questioning, only trusting. "

Big Island Vacation 2013

A few weeks ago I was asked to do hair and makeup for a wedding in the Big Island. The bride was kind enough to send my sister and I over for free, so instead of taking the time to myself to run away for the day, I decided to turn it into a Heide Family Vacation! I think this is only second time that we have gone on vacation. A real vacation, not a "visit" to see family. Cameron and I were looking forward to taking some much needed time off. Cameron has been working obscene amounts of hours at work and with our personal business, and I have been longing for some vacation and family time.

The night before I packed everyone's bags and loaded it in the car. I told the boys we were going for a ride and we ended up at the airport.

They were so excited! They kept running around and jumping exclaiming how much they love us.

The 40 minute flight was just long enough for me to handle between who gets to sit near the window and a toddler who is constantly trying to wiggle out of my arms. Although, she did pretty well since she spent most of her time flirting with the flight attendant.

Luckily, my close friend was gracious enough to house us at her beautiful mansion and feed us as well. They have a huge pool with a pirate ship with slides that we just couldn't get enough of. I did eventually dry them off and drug them out for some sight seeing. 

"Helenihi Resort"

We saw the Volcano and learned about lava and lava rocks. We even learned about the Hawaiian Legends and Pele-The Fire Goddess. We were lucky enough to see some "smoke" and feel the hot steam right on our faces. 

We walked through a real "lava tube" which Marcus was deathly afraid of, that lasted all about 2 minutes. 

And managed to get a half-way decent family photo in too. 

Unfortunately, after a day at the Volcano and the sulfur in the air, it was followed up with a trip to the Urgent Care for Layla and her breathing. But, after one treatment of albuterol, she was fine. 

We visited the Big Island Candies Factory- my favorite! YUM!!

 "Mom, they have so many FREE cookies here," Marcus said, as she stuffed his face with "samples".

And of course we ate at some of Cam's and my favorite restaurants when we traveled with BYU-H. 

Layla in her "Sassy Seat" at Ken's Pancake House. 

She definitely is "sassy", she ate all the banana mac pancakes.

Overall, it was a fun filled week. It is nice to be home again, but the time away and together as a family was wonderful. Until our next family adventure. 

For a SPECIAL TREAT: click on this link to see Lohena "walk the plank"!

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10151719717352210&l=7801673127274887791

to infinity and beyond

December 10, 2004

Laie Hawaii Temple

Eight years ago today, Cameron and I were sealed in the Laie Hawaii Temple for all time and eternity. We rushed to the temple that morning after Cameron's last final and made our vows together in front of close friends, family and God. Eight years ago we chose each other forever. Although it hasn't always been glitz and glam, we are surviving and finding joy in the journey (I'm pretty sure that is the definition of marriage).

Husband, 

Thank you for being the man that you are. For having an awesome family, (you really can't take any credit for this one) whom I love. For being even tempered (although it can be annoying), for working hard to support our family and for always putting us first. Thank you for going along with all the little plans I have and plan with out letting you know. For dealing with my crazy. Thank you for being able to fix cars, bikes, sinks etc. and build whatever I want. For having lots of hidden geek talents that come in so handy. Thank you for loving to be a kid like me, and acting so goofy. For daydreaming and spending time talking and wishing that we could be in Disneyland again. For having big dreams and goals and for seeing them through. I have NO doubt that you will accomplish all that you want to. I hope that you instill these characteristic to our children. Thank you for being so patient with them, when Lord knows I can't. Thank you for being a good father, for loving them and watching them to give me a break. Thank you for always having my back in parenting. Thank you for honoring your priesthood.  And thank you for understanding and supporting my love for volleyball. We may not be the most lovey, dovey couple, but we are without a doubt best friends! You are the first person I can't wait to tell all my drama or good news to. The shoulder I cry on, the one I laugh with and my everything. I am so thankful for you and our three beautiful, crazy children.

Here's to 8 crazy years, and a million more to go.

I love you!

xoxo

Marcus 9.10.2007

This is Marcus.

My fun-loving, creative, extremely stubborn and shy 4-year old.

It's funny.

I've been trying to upload these photos of him to mark his 4 year old shots, all-day now. Only now I have been able to sit down and blog. Ironically, here I am trying to be sweet and sentimental of where-oh-where-has-the-time-gone, kind-of post all the while

Marcus is screaming in a full-blown tantrum in his room.

I cannot help but giggle to myself.

I'm sure my neighbors at this very moment think I am beating my child senseless. If only they knew he was doing it to himself.

This kid is a funny one to explain.

My mom says he and I are the same.

I guess this is payback.

Beside the occasional temper tantrum Marcus really is a good kid.

He listens and picks up quickly. He is a great big-brother, he loves to learn.

He draws until the pen run out of ink and sings "It's a Small World" every single day.

He wants to please others and is so scared to try anything new. He keeps me on my toes and reminds me of why it is such an amazing pleasure to be his mother.

Marcus, I love you and hope that you have a life filled with love, adventures and wisdom.

Thank you Alana Yates, my not-so-baby sister for the wonderful photos.

He was such a little poser.

Alana Yates Photo+Design

www.alanayates.com

808-258-2781