The Mama Hood

Do You Know of a Family In Need?

2009-11-10T09:48:00.003-07:00

As you know I joined The Naulu Trib e in the
Gifts of Hope Charity contest.

How does it work?
Bloggers will nominate a family need this Christmas season. Their names will remain anonymous. I hope that you will all think of any family you might know of that is in need of help this Christmas season. You can nominate them anonymously and tell us details like the number of family members, ages, and what you think they would need most. Please let us know by contacting devri her email address is here or me: kenzkween at hotmail dot com

You can also donate money on devri's blog.
Gift cards and toy donations would be greatly appreciated.
Just let us know what you would like to do....
Thanks so much!

Have a wonderful week!

Flashback Friday

2009-11-06T01:35:00.006-07:00

If happened to know any of these cool chicks when you
were in elementary school....
consider yourself....

very, very lucky!

No one sported cuter 90's poofy bangs than we did!

L-R:
K.D., J.O., me, Anna, N.T. &
K.D.'s boyfriend L.something.)

I read Nie Nie....

2009-11-05T16:33:00.002-07:00

One of my favorite blog reads is Nie Nie Dialogues. If you haven't read her blog. Stop right now and read it. Seriously. She is an amazing mom that will inspire and lift your spirits. She will be on KSL. Here is her latest post, check it out: http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/2009/11/do-you-still-see-me.html

Halloween Scare

2009-11-03T10:24:00.004-07:00

I couldn't manage to write a new post for almost a week. (I just love my hubby's post and video!) Halloween was really scary for my family. Earlier in the morning, Baby Pearl had fallen off the couch onto the carpet hitting the back of her head. About an hour later she vomited about three times. So we decided we'd better take her to the Children's Hospital to get checked out. She was running a mild fever when we got there and had to have a CT scan to make sure that everything was okay. A few hours and prayers later the Dr. came in the room and told me that she was fine, but that we should take her in for a follow-up appointment with her pediatrician. I took her home and felt so relieved! We took the kids out trick or treating and finished up the holiday. Baby Pearl is doing just fine now, and I am so grateful! I have a testimony of the power of Prayer and Faith. I am very thankful for the blessing that we have the ability to communicate with our Father in Heaven not only in our day-to-day lives but when we are faced with the trials that truly test our faith.

"Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with ^asurety ^bhope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which ^chope cometh of ^dfaith, maketh an ^eanchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in ^fgood works, being led to ^gglorify God."-- Ether 12:4 (The Book of Mormon)

Happy Anniversary Ane:2009

2009-10-28T06:22:00.006-07:00

Good Morning Honey,

I needed to hi-jack your blog for a moment so that I can publicly share my affection and gratitude for you. You are an excellent mother and equally a loving partner. Eight years has flown by and I am excited for the future. I am grateful for your patience, empathy, understanding, and diligence within all that we do.

I appreciate your willingness to remain optimistic during our tough times. The strength that you provide enables me to push forward despite tough and turbulent conditions. I depend on you to maintain our home while working full-time and going to school full-time; and most men would probably agree that what we do in the workplace is a lot less stressful than taking care of kids--let alone, five vibrant and diverse personalities.

I am truly grateful for the wonderful example that you set for our children. Your adherence and testimony of the Gospel of Christ is both, true and exemplary of unconditional love. I have made a Flash-movie for you. I would of embedded the video/movie on this website but I am worried about your load-times.

Happy Anniversary!

I invite you and your readers to view this movie. I want to reciprocate the love and affection that you have expressed for me. Love you! French Toast & Pancakes.

E-Mail Warning

2009-10-27T13:14:00.007-07:00

If you receive an e-mail from the department of health telling you not to eat canned pork because of the swine flu

Ignore it.

It's just SPAM!

8 Years of LOVE

2009-10-24T13:02:00.007-07:00

Next week's our 8th wedding anniversary! The trials we have had seemed to bring us closer to one another and strengthen our trust and love. The greatest blessings have been our kids along with a growing understanding of what it means to build an eternal marriage. (Just because it's Eternal doesn't mean it is going to be perfect each day.) We have our hard days, but we have managed to keep one thing going that has always seemed to help us. And that has to do with humility. Never going to bed angry at one another and apologizing no matter who started the argument. I have a hard time holding a grudge and my husband has such a love for me that, even if it is my fault, he always apologizes even when it was my wrong. (He's so sweet!) I definitely am so blessed to have a wonderful husband who has loved me unconditionally. He works hard in school and at his job.

One memory that I will always cherish is when I was pregnant with our first child. He went out and bought a body pillow to make sure that I was very comfortable, along with beautiful flowers and a card. He does little things each day to remind me that he loves me.

*My new photo header above is a new family tradition. I took the kids to take a picture at the restaurant where we met. I plan on doing this each year in front of this wall. I made an album for Kenneth with photos from where we met, where we had our first date etc.
(He loved it!)

To my husband:

How blessed I am to have you to share this life with.

You are my heaven on earth.

Thank you for 8 wonderful years

our beautiful kids and for being the

amazing man that you are!

I am the luckiest woman ever!

--Love me

Create

2009-10-23T20:26:00.004-07:00

I love this message, I hope you enjoy it!

The next clip is just poking fun at how mothers feel each week...
with loads and loads of never ending laundry...
at least we are blessed to have electric washers!

Help a family this Christmas

2009-10-22T12:22:00.002-07:00

The Naulu Tribe blog The Mama Hoods Goods blog have united for a fantastic charity Christmas contest.

Blog readers will nominate a family in need in the first annual "Gifts of Hope", where companies and individuals will donate goods to Santa's bag to help bring one or more needy families a "Christmas of Hope and Joy" this coming Season.

We would appreciate any products or donations that you have to offer a family in need this season, and what a great way to promote your wonderful products and business!

We know there is so much need out there, especially in these difficult economic times, but through Gifts of Hope, we hope we can share the spirit of Christmas and ease the burden from some families who just don’t know how they will be able to provide presents for their children this Christmas.

With your help we will put a smile on the families faces, so what ever you are donating will be great! There are some business and individuals who have donated products and money, as well as gift cards nothing is too small nor too large.

We will also be holding a raffle for individuals and Companies who donate to help fill Santa's Bag which will include....

Nintendo DSI
Target gift card $50
Bath and Body gift card $50
Darling tutu
Gift basket from Toys R Us
And Many More....

Email me: kenzkween at hotmail dot com or
Devri: makadevri at gmail dot com if you would like to give a product or idea.

Gifts of Hope 2009 will start on November 15Th and run until Dec 1st, So start thinking of a family YOU think deserves the Gift of Hope this Season.

Please grab the Gifts of Hope Button in Devri's side bar and help spread the word about this wonderful Charity Contest. You can also donate via Devri's blog as well.

May your holidays be filled with hope and love.

Thank you.

Layoffs Hit Sesame Street

2009-10-16T13:41:00.003-07:00

Grover gets laid off....

(I know there are still plenty of tough situations people are in
right now, just wanted to lighten up the mood with this picture....Enjoy!)

Photo Credit: Cary Conover

Guess Who's 1!!

2009-10-14T08:35:00.011-07:00

Baby Pearl turned one yesterday!!
We still can't believe how fast time has flown by.

She is growing fast and learning how to do many things, some of which

she shouldn't be doing.

Some fun things she loves to do and say:

Empty out cabinets and drawers and climb in them.
Climb in laundry baskets and standing on a bottom drawer holding on to the drawers above it. She is quite a brave little girl!
Sneaking up the stairs by herself and giggling when I run up to grab her.
Grab trash out of the trash can.
She says "Hi!" to everyone, all day long.
Her other favorite word is, "EAT!"
She loves giving kisses, blowing kisses and waving.
She loves music, and her favorite song to dance to is still "Billie Jean" (Michael Jackson.) She loves a good beat!
She is very photogenic already and says "Cheese!" when I am holding up my cell phone.
Words she says throughout the day: Dada, Mama, Papa, Eat, uma, Hi!
She LOVES ice cream, chocolate and Cheetos! (Wonder where she gets that from?)
She also loves fruits of all kinds!
She loves meat!
She is still nursing and I don't think she will give it up any time soon..(What she doesn't know is that mama is about to wean her.)
She is a very tough girl, she is tiny but she sure can defend herself. (I guess it's only natural when you have two older brothers who like to bother you.)

Baby Pearl is sweet, loving, content child and such a joy to raise.
She has a fun personality that we see develop every day.
We love her so much!

Happy Birthday to our Sweet
Baby Pearl!

Twilight Fun

2009-10-11T18:33:00.004-07:00

Since I am not much of a twilight fanatic....I thought I'd poke some fun
at those of you who are...you know who are....;)
Enjoy! (I love their cartoons!)

Busy, busy, busy....

2009-10-09T15:40:00.003-07:00

I have been blog-glectin' here and I am sorry...just have had a ton of things to get done in the real world! Getting ready to take the kids costume shopping...not sure why I want to, I guess I am crazy...the scenario will probably be the same...whining...boys touching too many things...me pulling my hair out...girls asking for things that are way too much...
followed by me pulling out my hair...then ~~shouting~~ talking softly so that people don't think I am a crazy Polynesian mama...resulting in buying whatever we have in our cart even if they don't go together... after only 10 minutes of shopping...finally resulting in putting the kids to bed 1 hour early so I can actually breathe and my eye stops twitching from being stressed out at the store...lol! Well, at least I already have dinner ready in the crock pot and I will surely be devouring that when I get back! (It's pot roast!)

Wish me luck and have a wonderful FRIDAY!

Disclosure: I am really okay and all is well! That's just how we really roll!
Thanks Internetz for reading my crazy post and LOL'ing @ me!

Redbox free MONDAY rental

2009-10-05T20:34:00.002-07:00

Redbox free MONDAY rental. CHECK OUT WITH COUPON CODE QNGJ7KD. Expires at midnight CST, 10/5/09. Call866.733.2693 for help.

Updated List For Samoa

2009-10-05T16:01:00.003-07:00

Here are some items that can be dontated please email Kuuipo : kuuipovea@hotmail dot com for more information about dropping off items:

It would be wonderful if some Relief Societies could set this up at their wards (hint, hint):

Medical Supplies
First Aid Kits
Gauze (2 x 2 or 4 x 4)
Band Aids
Antibacterial ointments (like Neosporin)
Rubbing alcohol
Wound cleansers
Cotton swabs/pads
Pain medicine (Aspirin, Ibuprofen, etc.)
Pepto Bismol Tablets

Hygiene Kits
Soap (bars or liquid)
Antibacterial hand soap
Shampoo/Conditioner
Feminine Products
Wipes
Hand sanitizer
Toothpaste/Toothbrush
Washcloths
Towels
Toilet Paper

Bedding
Blankets (new)
Sleeping bags
Mosquito nets
Linens (new)
Pillows (new)

Kitchen Items
Paper plates
Plastic Utensils
Coolers
Plastic storage containers
Matches/lighters
Pots/Pans/Bowls
Cooking Utensils
Ziploc Bags
Trash Bags

General Supplies
Tents
Canopies
Gas stoves
Propane Tanks
Flashlights
Tarps

Thank you all!

What's On My Mind

2009-10-05T15:35:00.007-07:00

I have a lot weighing on my mind right now. Most of my thoughts are due to the recent devastation in the islands and around the world. There are some horrible things that have happened there that I could not imaging happening to me as a parent. It has affected me. The good thing is that it has affected me in a way that is positive. I am striving harder to be a better mom, wife, sister, daughter and friend. I am striving harder than I did before. I think mostly because I feel that I have a deeper appreciation for life and the simple treasures of life. (The moments of happiness when I see my kids grasp new concepts.) I have found strength. Hearing stories of families in the islands who have lost everything...even their family members. YES I believe in ETERNAL FAMILIES. However, I also believe that we have been given this life on earth to bless others around us. As for me and my house...we are working on self-improvement. Serving others more, being more self-less in any way that we can. I am working on my health and keeping myself healthy so that I can take care of my family. Of course there are those moments when I feel a bit of stress and anxiety about the world as it is. But the power of His promises and His Plan REMIND me of why we are here. What I NEED to focus on and WHAT matters most. To LIVE IN THE PRESENT-always keeping my roles always first. LOVE OTHERS UNCONDITIONALLY no matter how crazy they are...reflect on his ATONEMENT AND Work to build an eternal family and SERVE WITH ALL MY HEART.

What's been on your mind?

How You Can Help Samoa

2009-10-01T07:52:00.002-07:00

If you are in the Salt Lake area and are interested in donating some food or supplies and if you have couponing items, you can donate, Kuuipo Vea and her sisters from A Sweet Sale Blog are gathering items to be donated to help the victims of the Samoa Earthquake and Tsunami. If you would like to help please contact her by email: kuuipovea@hotmail.com

You can set up a time to drop off items at her home. The items they need are supplies such as hygiene items, canned goods, clothing, blankets etc.

You can also donate money to the American Red Cross:

Thank You!!

Praying for Polynesia

2009-09-30T08:03:00.005-07:00

Tsunami Hits American Samoa

After Massive Earthquake

Towering tsunami waves spawned by a powerful earthquake swept ashore on Samoa and American Samoa early

Tuesday, flattening

villages......

At least 111 people are confirmed killed in Samoa, neighboring American Samoa and Tonga. But officials in the Polynesia region have expressed fears the toll will rise as rescue workers struggle to reach outlying villages submerged and flattened by the wave.

Sources: http://www.foxnews.com
CNN.com

GIVEAWAY ENDS AT MIDNIGHT!

2009-09-28T08:12:00.003-07:00

For some reason my buttons not linking up to my most recent giveaway...I am gonna have to consult with my IT guy...(aka..daddy pearl..) lol! So please click this link if you still want a chance at winning an area rug or lamp for a kids bedroom equal to $37.00 or less. HERE's the direct contest link! There's also the one >>> in the sidebar....sorry for any confusion this may have caused!
Hurry and enter, because this giveaway is ending at midnight!

I love my kids!

2009-09-25T08:27:00.002-07:00

So the other day, Pearlie cleaned her bedroom and ours all by herself without me asking her to do anything. Then when I went to take a shower, she put the baby to sleep all by herself! KPearl gave up the favorite spot..the bar stool, so that his baby brother could site there. I just love the sweet thoughtfulness that kids naturally possess! I am so grateful for kids and the many lessons they teach me.....

Changes..& WW!

2009-09-23T10:33:00.005-07:00

See my new blue buttons... ^ up there...^ right UP THERE^..lol!
Well, I am trying to get my blogs organized. From now on I will host all my giveaways on my Goods blog, that way I can keep this blog as a family blog only. If you click on my button links above they will take you to the other blogs for my current giveaways/reviews/contest links and then the Polynesian recipes as well...As of right now I am giving away a $37.00 product on my Goods Blog. Check it out by clicking on the Giveaways button above. Thanks for entering the contests and for reading my blogs!! Have a wonderful Wednesday!!
And now here's my ~~Wordless~~ Wednesday.....

Happy Anniversary Honey!

2009-09-22T10:03:00.002-07:00

I love u so much!
Thank you for eight wonderful years...I look forward to eternity with you...

Love,
Me

Cool Photo Website!

2009-09-21T00:00:00.020-07:00

If you love creating fun photo effects, I know that you will love the site I just found.
It's a cool Japanese site that allows you to upload any photo and
almost instantly make the photo appear to be 100 years old.
Here are some before and after photos I uploaded.
(Make sure you select ENGLISH, when you go to the site.)
I would love to see your results...try it out!! ;)

**These last two below were not edited...they are really old photos--they were
NOT edited in any way....(2 of my 12 my brothers.) Bwahaahaha!!
Just Kidding!
Both of them are getting more and more "wise" with age...:)
HAPPY Belated B-DAY TO YOU BOTH!!
LOVE YA!

Silent Scripture Sunday

2009-09-19T19:40:00.002-07:00

“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when
he is old, he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6).

Our Little Apple Eater

2009-09-19T07:35:00.006-07:00

Our sweet Baby Pearl has been busy walking
around the house and I still can't believe
how fast she has grown!
(Here she is on her "Birth day".)
(Here she is at 1 month old.)

She has such a fun and cute personality and she already
has a favorite song, " Billy Jean"....(She really loves the beat.)
Every time I turn this song on for her she starts wiggling her little body and her little head goes along with her moves, it's so funny! What our little girl loves to do, is crawl around on grandma's grass looking for Apples to nibble on! I sneak up on her and say with a funny voice, "What are you doing?" She responds with a sweet little laugh and mischievous smile! I love seeing her sweet personality developing and the look on her face when she discovers something that she loves. She also is great at emptying out drawers and cabinets that she can reach. She loves to play with her brothers and sisters and she also loves trying to sneak up stairs by herself, but she still hasn't learned how to get down stairs. She will be turning 1 next month and there will be a fun celebration for her
special day, which reminds me....I need to get to planning it. ;)

We ♥ you, sweet Baby Pearl!