Happy Birthday Grandpa

Mote: "Happy birthday Grandpa!!"

Grandpa: "Thank you Mote!"

Mote: "How old are you Grandpa?"

Grandpa: *laughs* "I'm an old man."

Mote: "But how old are you Grandpa?"

Grandpa: "61"

Mote: "60 months?! ... I knew it!!"

It's a Utah Thing!

While we were out in Utah we went to the lake a couple times with my family --blogs still to come. But anyway the boys were sitting in back of Neo's car and Siope came across this...

He picked it up and asked, "Neo what's this?" Twirled it around a couple times in his hand and said , "Wow this is a BIG toothbrush!"

After recovering from a good laugh, Neo explained to him that it's used to scrape the ice and snow off your windshields. Something we don't have to deal with here in Vegas.

More Than Meets the Eye

To many this may seem like an ordinary bubble wand, but to Siope it's much more!





We had these bubble wands from Easter and Siope saw one laying on the floor one day, picked it up and kept acting out this Disney Channel commercial. Gotta love that imagination!

Teti's Team

"Mom, is Teti's team called the Flap Jacks?"
-Nic

I couldn't stop laughing when Nic asked about the "flapjacks". I didn't want to correct him cause I thought it was hilarious so I told him "Yes, Teti's team is called the flapjacks :)

I came across another article on rugbymag.com where they featured a pic of Ti front and center. Here's what the had to say about him: "While the backline featuring Esikia, Seta Tuilevuka and Mike Palefau was superb against Shore, the real stars, said Esikia, was the front row of Bryan Savelio, Clay Mihaere and David Fangupo at hooker."

Big Texas

Ti left to Texas on Friday for a rugby tournament. It's only been 3 days, but we miss him so much! We were hoping to have him home today, but he didn't make any of the flights, so we will have to wait one more day before we see him. He called today and Siope asked him where he was and if he was going to come back. When Ti Tonga told him he was in Texas Siope asked him if he met Sandy out there.

You know you're a huge Spongebob fan if when you hear the word "Texas" the first thing that comes to your mind is Ms. Sandy Cheeks. Unfortunately Ti Tonga did not get the opportunity to meet Sandy, but they did win both of their games- not as cool I know, but still worth the trip (for Ti Tonga at least).

When I Grow Up...

So I was listening to Ti Tonga talk to the boys today and he was asking them what they want to be when they grow up.

Mote's response: "A chef."

Nici's response: "I want to be in sports. I want to be a football player."

Siope's answer (and this one killed me): "I want to be a bowling ball player!"

This really was one of the most interesting conversations I've overheard. When Nic heard Siope's answer he laughed and told him that only girls are bowlers. I'm not sure where he got that impression, but Ti Tonga told them that guys can bowl too- guys can do anything they want... except have babies lol. I've always said I would support my kids in anything they pursue, so if Siope really wants to be a bowler- I'm sure he will be the best Tongan bowler out there =) but honestly, I think he plays the WII too much. We'll have this conversation many more times I'm sure, and it will be interesting to see if their goals change... or remain the same *crossing my fingers that Siope's answer will change* hehe

WWJD?

Siope: "Mote can I have your wristband?"

Mote: "No."

Siope: *pouts* "Man, you're mean! Jesus doesn't like when you don't share"...



.... "so I'm gonna punch you!"


The kids say the craziest things sometimes. Siope especially! He's been saying a lot of unkind things to his brothers. It's like he doesn't even realize what he's saying is mean, and that he's completely contradicting himself. I know he probably says things because we let him get away with a lot more being the youngest. I'm trying not to turn a blind eye as much when it comes to him. When I tell him that what he says is not nice he pauses and looks at me like he honestly didn't realize what he did was wrong until I just pointed it out. Today I asked him, "Do you not want anything for Christmas? Is that why you say mean things? Cause Santa's not going to bring you anything if you keep saying naughty words." I think it actually hit home for him. He quickly apologized and said that he wants to say nice things so Santa can bring him something for Christmas. Hopefully it works.

Spelling Lesson

Each Sunday I have the opportunity to teach and be taught by the CTR 5's in our ward. I have a classroom full of 5 year old boys who are all very excited to have just started Kindergarten. We have some pretty interesting conversations in class- spiritual and sometimes just really random chatter. Last Sunday while the boys were coloring Xavier turns to his neighbor and says, "You know what Jesus starts with? It starts with the letter G... you know how I know that? Because I'm smart! Jeeeee-sus... Gee!"

{I love my class}

Photo(s) of the Month {July}

The morning of Tuesday July 7 I was sitting in the living room when Mote comes out of the bedroom begging me to turn the T.V. to channel 39. He did this several times before I finally did and realized that he wanted to watch the memorial services for Michael Jackson on the "big t.v." I'm so glad he kept bugging me! I tuned in as soon as the services were starting and both Mote and Nic joined me for the entire program. When I got word that Michael Jackson passed away- my boys were almost as sad as I was. They spent a summer week at my parents house in Utah and it was then that they were introduced to the King of Pop- thank you Falatea kids! They camped out over the best of MJ's videos and when they made their way home they ranted and raved about how Michael Jackson was a zombie (Thriller), that had magic powers (Remember the Time). Every time my boys would talk about him, adults would turn in surprise and say "They know who Michael Jackson is?!" So we watched the memorial together and later when we were going to the store I told the kids to put their shoes on and get in the car. While they were in the garage I overheard Mote say to Nic, "Nic do you know that Michael Jackson doesn't wear slippers?" I laughed a little then heard Nic say "Oh, I don't want to wear my slippers. I want to wear these." He walks in the house and when I glance over at him I see him doing this...

After he sees me looking and laughing at him he asks, "Mom can I wear my church shoes?"
Sure why not?! We walked up and down the mall with my son sporting his "Michael Jackson shoes." Got a couple funny looks, but I couldn't help but give in to the request =)

Nici Nic

My second son Nic might be the epitome of the term "black sheep".... but we love him for being the unique one in the family. I've been struggling to find a way to teach him his letters. What worked like a charm for Mote and Siope seems to have little effect on him. This morning he comes up to me and says "Mooooooooom, Siope called me the "S" word!" Right away I looked at him thinking "If this kid really knows a word that starts with the letter S, I might very well bust out a cartwheel"... so I asked him, "What was the "S" word that he called you?" To which my little Nici replied, "Liar. He called me a Liar." Hmmmm L, S, same difference? Then he sat next to me and laid his head on my arm... (I was out running this morning and was still in my sweaty clothes)... he breathes in, then kinda flinches. So I giggle and say "What? Do I stink?" And he politely answers, "No. But that arm smells like exercise." Oh Nici, you crack me up!

{Nici} Just Making Sure

{Leaving my Mom's house on Monday}

Nic: "Mom, where are we going?"

Me: "We're going to pick up Mote from Makai's house."

Nic: "Why?"

Me: "Cause we have to go back to Vegas."

Nic: "But how about Toakesa?"

Me: "Yes, Toakesa's coming too."

Nic: "And Samiu?"

Me: "Yes, Samiu is coming too."

(then the burning question)
Nic: "And how about their Xbox?"



I swear my kids think that Mote and Toa's Xbox is their 3rd child. It is practically part of the family and I'm sure if the xbox had arms and legs Nici would pick it as his favorite cousin.

Dislike vs. Hate

Mote: "Mom, Nici said a bad word."

*Nici runs in to plead his case*

Me: "What did you say Nic? Did you say a bad word?"

Nici: "No I didn't! I didn't! I said I didn't LIKE you... I didn't say that I HATE you Mote, I said I didn't LIKE you! I didn't say a bad word!"


Hmmm... who should I punish? The tattletale or the word switcher? Decisions, decisions.

Mobile Request

This afternoon when I went to drop off Mote at school he picks up my cell phone and asks, "Mom can I have a phone?" I think I almost fell out of my seat. According to Mote, two other kids in his class have cell phones. Kindergarteners?!!

Okay, I had a hard enough time with my little brother getting a phone... and he's a senior in high school! And I didn't get a cell until I was 18 and graduated! So Mote- come back in about 12 years and I will think about it. Kids these days!

Mote-Mei

"Neo, Mote got a new haircut. He's poko like Ruby Mei."

-Siope

Presidents

I was telling Neo about how we were at the dentist the other day and while me and the 2 older boys were with the dentist, Ti Tonga and Siope were in the waiting room. As Ti Tonga's trying to pass time by reading a magazine, Siope's climbing on each of the chairs jabbering away. All the sudden he rants off something about John Mccain ( which is normal to us) and the secretary started busting out laughing... "Did he just say what I think he said?"
Neo thought it was hillarious, so I recorded Siope talking a little about the President/Candidates. It's just funny to hear him say the names in his little voice.

I promise I don't force politics on my kids. They've just happened to be around while we were watching all the campaigning. If I can sit through hours of Disney Channel, then a little CNN here and there can't hurt =)

BOO!

When we got to church today there was a poster advertising a ward trunk-or-treat right outside of the chapel. Mote and them noticed the Halloween decor and begged me to check out the poster up close and to read aloud what it said. There were pumpkins, a witch, and a ghost with wording across that read BOO! The boys could hardly contain their excitement when Nic all of the sudden points to the ghost and says,

"SHHHH! Look, it's the Holy Ghost!"

Ha! I eventually got them all inside where we sat down for fast and testimony meeting and were able to feel the real Holy Ghost =)

Keyshia's Return

Siope: "Mom, what happened to Teti's car?"
Me: "It's broken."
Siope: "Oh. Where Teti's car at?"
Me: "In the shop."
Siope: "Teti's car got owie?"
Me: "Mmm Hmm. Teti's car's getting fixed in the shop."
Siope: "Oh. Teti's car gonna get a shot?"

Ti Tonga got into an accident back in July and this is the conversation that me and Siope have had since then (seriously, like verbatim. Over and over and over again). When he found out that "Teti's car" was broken and in the shop he automatically thought that the doctor was going to give the car a shot to make it all better.
I can't believe I'm saying this but I'm actually sick of driving a rental car. I didn't think that was at all possible- I love driving rentals! But I've just had it. They've delayed the pick up date on our vehicle so many times that I've started to wonder if I would ever see my car again. Well here we are 43 days later, 2 rental cars out, and a whole lotta money out of pocket- she's finally back!





And she's lookin Fab! Welcome home Keyshia (I named her Keyshia after watching the Keyshia Cole "Let it Go" music video ;) I didn't get a chance to see the damages caused by the accident (which is proably a good thing- I think I would've had a heart attack)... but I know it was pretty bad cause Ti Tonga thought that the car was totaled. You can't even tell that she was hurt!
It's funny cause Ti Tonga got in the accident right before his birthday and me and the kids were trying to figure out what kind of gift to get him. When I asked Mote he said we should get Teti a new car to drive to work in. I told him we couldn't afford a new car and we decided to just clean Teti's current car and make it nice and pretty. So I bought a bunch of cleaning supplies from Walmart and before I could even tackle the cleaning task- Ti get's into an accident. When I found out we were finally getting her back I was kind of excited to use my untouched cleaners that have been sitting in the cabinet under the kitchen sink... and lo and behold- our dealership took the liberty of doing it themselves. They vacuumed, shampooed, and shined. Thank you Findlay Chevy- I take back all the horrible things I said about you when I thought you were taking too long on my car =)

Yay Me!

Another conversation I overheard that made me laugh...

Siope: "Me! Me! Me! Me!"

Mote: "Siope! Don't Say That!
Only rich girls say that!"

I'm Thirsty

"Mom, I'm thirsty for Hamburger Helper."
-Nici

"Lucky" Hat

Anything that Siope can balance on his head is considered a hat to him... napkins, books, stuffed animals- you name it. This morning he was the last one at the table finishing up his Lucky Charms when all of the sudden I hear him calling for my attention... "Mom! Mom! Look it!" I glance over to see what could possibly be so important. "Look Mom, look at my hat!" I'm not sure how it got there, but a tiny little marshmallow was chillin on the edge of his head. I would've never known it was there if he didn't shout for joy about his new little creation.
I'm guessing he flicked a whole spoonful of cereal up in the air cause he had milk dripping off of his cheeks... what better way to compliment the lovely new hat =)