The Naluai Bunch

It's officially Summer 2010

2010-06-20T00:50:00.000-07:00

In the last week of May.....Two important birthdays....My mom's bday and Keola's 40th Bday! Made mom her favorite dinner....meatloaf with mash potatoes and brought home a bouquet of spring flowers. Celebrated Ola's bday @ the Beach House with two Zippy's Cakes....Chantily and DoBosh.

Memorial Day Weekend was spent @ the Beach House in Kaaawa next to Swanzy. This was our 2nd year and it was a blast. We had smores, night crab hunting, lots of beach time and onolicious food. We definitely hope we get the invite again next year from our good friends the Unga Ohana.

Smylyn and Serene started Summer Fun @ Kamilo Iki District Park. They've been going to bed later and still waking up @ 5 am each day....gosh girls give mom and dad a break...LOL :0)
Ola and I decided on Hawaii Kai Summer Fun, because the girls had so much fun last year, not too mention they are so close from my work place that their back again this summer.
Ola is not teaching summer school this year, and have been a great help at home. Who would of thought he'd be so domestic! It's so nice coming home from work to a clean house and dinner on the table....I love summer already!

Mom left to Michigan 6/16-6/30 for some summer R&R. So the house is ours...YaY! The Tamale cuzzies Elijah, Kekoa and Tanalei are here in Hawaii til August so we are planning some play dates and sleepovers before they leave back to Cali.

A NEW START!!!!

2010-04-30T00:26:00.000-07:00

This year 2010 has been busy.....lets see.......

Smylyn is now in the third grade still attending Salt Lake Elementary. She has been struggling on paying attention during class time and at one point I was getting behavior reports from her teacher almost every day. After two meetings with her teacher and a meeting with the principle, Bruce and I decided to test her for ADD. The Kaiser behavioral MD diagnosed Smylyn with ADHD. It is not our intention to medicate her but we do know the importance to find her the extra help in her academic performance. We may have Smylyn repeat 3rd grade. She has been working hard on improving her behavior in class and we can only hope she doesn't loose her drive to do her best in her work.

Serene is in 1st grade and is very independent in her studies. She is excelling nicely and has been trying to remind her sister to stay focused while doing their homework @ At. She is still the tallest and biggest in her grade and has learned to deal with it...she actually is the same size as the 3rd graders.

Keola is finishing his fourth year teaching @ Aiea H. S. He is still assistant coach for the school Golf team. The group Vaihi has been busy with various gigs and Tiki's Fridays has still been our family time outlet.

As for myself....I'm still working full time @ Koko Head Dental and will make one year in August. I do plan to finish my B.A. but not till Keola's secures his job first.

In other news, my parents are doing fine since their divorce. My father and his new wife live in town and have become pt.s @ my dental office. Meeting her for the first time wasn't easy but I can tell she makes him happy. My mom has gotten emotional stronger and keeps herself busy with work.

Summer Time!!!!

2009-06-17T23:23:00.000-07:00

Summer is here!!!

So here is the updates for this crazy Ohana!!!

Angie is now full time at Koko Head Dental....training in the front office as well as assisting in the back when needed. I won't be returning to Salt Lake as PPT.....tears.....but I do plan to volunteer when ever possible.

Serene and Smylyn are looking forward to going on to 1st and 3rd grade next year. Serene was awarded Dolphin of the Semester and Smylyn was awarded Dolphin of the 4th Qrt. We are so proud of both of them.

Bruce finished his 3rd year at Aiea High School and still working on his teacher certification and Master's Course classes. He recently came back from Kuwait with Vaihi in Da Sand Jam Tour and all the pics are posted on Facebook...Yes, He has a facebook.....LOL

The girls are enrolled in Summer Fun program in Hawaii Kai, mommy is busting her butt at work and daddy is being Mr. Mom. Go Daddy Go!!!!

Easter Fun

2009-04-24T06:26:00.000-07:00

Easter Treats for Smylyn and Serene's classmates. These cupcakes were a big hit not too mention very yummy.

Easter Bunny Picture
Smylyn and Serene love seeing the Easter Bunny at Pearlridge and mommy and daddy especially love this years pic with the Easter Bunny.

Easter Fun at the Naluai Hale
As always we had our egg hunt and dyed eggs. The girls had loads of fun with all their cousins. They scored on lots of candies, pretty eggs and this year, Serene found the silver egg and scored 10 dollars.

Spring Break

2009-04-07T10:36:00.002-07:00

Spring Break was from Mar. 21st to April 5th and we were certainly busy.

Babysitting the Asifoa Cousins.
So we aka I missed my cute nieces and Smylyn and Serene wanted to sleepover in Laie. We stayed three days in Laie watching and playing with Terina and Tati. Now the girls are asking for a brother....LOL....I told them not anytime soon.

Kanoho's Vocal Recital.
While staying in Laie...my bff Noho had her vocal recital. I did her hair and make-up and helped serve the ono grinds that followed. So proud of her. She was awesome.

Hanging out with friends.
While staying in Laie....which was only three days I got to squeeze in some time with good friends at tva. Esther and Siope are doing good and their daughter sure keeps them busy. Too cute!!!! The girls loved Esther and Siope's baby and again asked for a brother....so persistant.

Movie Review: "Monster vs. Aliens".
Loved the movie...the girls give this flick two thumbs up!!! Even bruce and I loved it. Definately planning to buy this on dvd.

Mom reading Twilight series and the dvd released.
Ok....so my mom needed something to do doing the spring break and I handed her twilight....she was hesitant at first...cause she hadn't read a book for fun in years. But since she loved the movie she decided to read it and three days later she finished all four....LOL....she's hooked. We bought the dvd and compared the movie to the book....New Moon movie can't come any sooner.

St. Patrick's Treat!!!

2009-04-07T10:36:00.001-07:00

Made St. Patty's rainbow cupcakes for three classes, Smylyn, Serene and Mom. Bruce helped, cuz he took my airhead candies and I thought I was going mentally insane.

Dolphin of the Semester

2009-03-18T16:28:00.000-07:00

Serene has worked really hard in school and because she's produced quality work and worked well with her peers she was awarded Dolphin of the semester. Ola and I were so proud of her.

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Honolulu Zoo field trip

2009-03-18T14:24:00.001-07:00

Just another Salt Lake Elementary Kindergarten Adventure!!! The kids loved the zoo and they got to see all the animals including the apes, which were one of their favorites. The weather was perfect *thank goodness* and Mrs. Higa and I couldn't of asked for a better behaved class. The highlights of the field trip had to be our picnic lunch and visiting and petting the goats. I took lots of photos and video clips as usual.

More February updates

2009-03-18T14:22:00.000-07:00

"We got spirit!"
On Feb. 23rd - 27th Salt Lake Elementary had "Spirit Week". During this week students and staff participate in relays and dress up to show school spirit. There was Career Day, where you dress up portraying a certain job/career. Smylyn dressed as a ballet teacher and Serene was a music teacher. I wore my work scrubs. On Hat Day we wore various types of hats. The girls and I especially loved Freaky Hair Day. My kindergartner's were very creative with their Career Day costumes. Two of them were dressed as President Obama and a Plastic Surgen.

"Welcoming a new member"
On Saturday Feb. 21 2009 Kau'i Naluai was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints. Daddy Alika, Mommy Paoa , younger sibs, family and friends were all in attendance. A big early dinner followed and we are all happy for her and her family.

"Thank you mommy I had lots of fun"
On Saturday Feb. 28 2009 Serene held her 6th birthday party in Laie at grandma and papa's house. We had messy food games and the kids tore up the pinata. When all friends and family left Serene found me washing pots in the kitchen. She gave me a big hug and said "Thank you mommy I had lots of fun". I was so touched by her words I knew that it didn't matter how stressed I was putting her party together. My baby was happy.

My Valentines Gift

2009-03-18T14:15:00.001-07:00

For Valentines this year Keola and I had to go the cheap route. With Serene's party coming up I wanted to save our money. So we decided (by "we" I mean "me") that we would just make each other something. I put together a slide show with all our pictures and got a musical card (ok, so I cheated) and Ola asked me what he could do for me. I told him that I really wanted him to sing to me. He gave me a shocked look and never asked me anything else. But by midnight, before we went to bed he grabbed his ukulele and sung me this song. It was the best gift he has ever given me.

February

2009-03-18T13:50:00.000-07:00

Since Valentines fell on a Saturday I made and past out treats to both Serene and Smylyns class. I made pink rice krispie heart lollipops. Unfortunately, I can't take credit for the idea of these treats, just the labor. I get all my ideas from this awesome website /www.familyfun.com/

Serene's Birthday was Friday Feb. 13th and she had chosen cloth drawstring bags, sewn by her grandma Naluai to be filled up and passed to her class as goodie bags. Funny thing was, she was so particular. She told her grandma while she was looking at different yards of fabric that the girls and boys in her class MUST be different and separate from each other. So she picked out a girly fabric for the girls and a boyish fabric for the boys. The bags were bright, cute and Serene was very pleased with her choice.

For Serene's birthday Keola and I decided to take the girls to Tiki's for dinner and to watch Vaihi perform. Serene is her daddy's number one fan. So after school the girls went home to shower and change into their party dresses. They both danced and laughed the night away. The birthday girl was totally partyed out by 11:30 pm so were her parents.

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

January

2009-03-18T13:39:00.000-07:00

Smylyn's friend and Kindergarten classmate, Naveah turned eight in the month of January and we had the opportunity to attend her baptism. It was held at Temple beach in Laie followed by a "Poly Style" breakfast. Later on, after her baptism we found out that it was decided by the church leaders that baptisms at the beach were no longer allowed and that all baptisms would only take place at the church baptismal font. As a thank you, I put together a short montage of that day and sent a copy to Naveah's family.

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

The Updates!!

2009-03-18T12:37:00.000-07:00

Yes....I know I haven't blogged in a while, a month and a half, and I've been trying to keep from falling a part. Life has been busy and I have soooo much to update since my last post. What's important is that all is well and we started the New Year with lots of family time and outings. I'm planning to post them soon, I promise.

Kolohe Time Demo Spot

2008-12-14T16:36:00.000-08:00

Well.....it's been many months and hours and the work has not stop too put this Vaihi project into motion....the guys are planning to do a childrens show.

Here is a taste of what's too come....

Mr. and Mrs. Keola Silva

2008-12-14T16:01:00.000-08:00

So I know it's been months since Keola's nephew, Lori's oldest got married (Aug. 2008) But I just had too post this up! I'm getting OLD!!!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

November Fun !!!

2008-12-14T15:12:00.000-08:00

So the Month of November came and went soooo fast it's hard to share all the juicy details soooo......I'll touch on the highlights.

Thanksgiving.....

I decided this year I was going to bake and cook for thanksgiving, which was at the Naluai Hale in Laie. I baked my first pumpkin pie and Keola prepared the Ham (imu style) his friend had access to an imu...lucky me....one less thing too cook and monitor.

The girls had fun with thanksgiving crafts and stories at school and I had my hand full preparing my K students for DIBElS testing in Dec. Serene's class wore their indian outfits (which they made themselfs) during lunch so it was like their were having a thanksgiving feast. Cafeteria Lunch hardly substitutes as a feast but hey they have incredible imaginations and they all looked soooo cute....I took pictures offcourse.

At the last day of school before Thanksgiving Break I made chocolate cookie Pilgrim hats for Smylyn and Serene's classes. I think I've found a new hobby....baking? Hahahahaha :)

The Circus Came too Town...

I was excited to hear that Cirque Du Soliel would be touring to Hawaii so I went online and bought tickets ASAP....so as a family we saw (in the words of Smylyn and Serene) the greatest circus show ever!

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Harry Potter Halloween Party!!!!

2008-11-09T01:20:00.000-08:00

Towards the end of October as Halloween sneaks around I tend too get a little loopy....why you may wonder?? Well, for the past four years we have been celebrating Smylyn's birthday on Halloween. Yes...her b-day is the day before but it's just easier too celebrate it on that day. So on Halloween the cousins gather at Papa and Grandma Naluai's house and the party begins. This consists of Paoa's fantastic and creative homemade goodies, my chocolate fountain and off course Grandma's Beef Stew. This year was a little different...I decided too do without the chocolate fountain and split the baking list with Paoa. We did a Harry Potter theme with all the goodies....we had butterbeer, acid pops, cauldron cakes, magic wands, pumpkin pastys, wizards hats and Berrie bots every flavor beans.....it was not only cool looking but delicious. The Beef Stew was too die for as usual!!!!

Look at our goodies.....

Serene aka Violet in The Incredibles

Wizard hats and Berrie Botts every flavor beans...

Smylyn's Birthday Cupcake Cake

Smylyn aka Hogwarts Griffindor wizard

Look at our floating candles....

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Clash of the Kindergarteners

2008-10-20T18:19:00.000-07:00

So as a good parent I decided to volunteer to chaperon Serene's class on a kindergarten field trip to the Moanalua Fire Station and then the Public Library. I thought too myself this would be too hard to keep an eye on 21 kids because there was the teacher plus another parent that would be with me. Can we say sooooooo under estimated myself and my ability too keep up physically with little 5 and 6 year olds. After the day was done I told myself and Ola that I found a new method of birth control...that's right ladies....if the desire to add just one more bundle of joy too your ohana....trying watching 20 plus kids on a field trip and see if that same desire is still there. All and all the firefighters gave a great fire safety demo and the librian gave a short and sweet storytime and puppet show. I think most of the time was spent transported and unloading.....talk about crazy......there were five K teachers and their classes consisted of 20 plus kids each!

E Komo Mai...

2008-10-16T00:04:00.000-07:00

After updating and checking my various internet blogs like Myspace, facebook, bebo and youtube....I've decided to just create a family blog. Through my family blog I can post my montages, my thoughts, photos and video clips. I'm excited and hope I stick with it. I'm pretty sure I will.

So the updates on the ohana so far......

Bruce is on his THIRD year teaching as a SPED teacher for Aiea High School.....He's enrolled in the Arlise program and has too keep his sanity doing on-line college class and teach "hard-head" kids. He is still performing with Vaihi and just got back from a trip to Vegas playing the Ho'olaule'a in Henderson.....my friend and I got too tag along....was good fun!!!!

Angie...that's me.... has been balancing two part-time jobs. Because Bruce's teacher certification is vital too keeping employed with the DOE I've decided to take a break from school until he finishes his classes and graduates with his Masters and certification...this will hopefully happen in June '09.

I am working as a part-time tutor for Salt Lake Elementary tutoring Kindergarden. Now since both Grandma Tamale and the girls Smylyn and Serene are at the same school we all compact in one car thus saving millions on gas.....:( [gas has gone down now $3.85 reg]. I also work part-time dental assistanting for Dr. Ann at Koko Head Dental. Dr. Ann is Dr. Lia's best friend. For those of you who don't know Dr. Lia...she was my ex-employer of 6 yrs. She is also my friend and I miss her very much.

Smylyn and Serene are enjoying being kids!!!! During the summer we, as a family had adventures at partys, outings and Vaihi gigs. Now in school the girls are studying hard on the weekdays and partying on the weekends. They are both excited about halloween and constantly count the days if not hours till then.

Here in this picture.....the girls are shown "crashed" coming home from a vaihi gig.

We the "Naluai Bunch" have had a busy schedule this month with Bruce's 20th class reunion campout and that i'll be posting soon.

Till then....i'm signing out :)