Change

I don't particularly like this word! I sat down one day and pondered this word and it's not like I despise the word..it's not knowing what's ahead...not knowing the unknown! Alot has happened since I posted last. Danny got back from his first football camp with QCHS and he loved it! He will be playing on the Junior Varsity Team as a freshmen. We had a very long discussion about enjoying his time with high school but also making sure he is eligible to play but keeping up with all his responsibilities which is school, seminary, and of course football but most of all, remember his duties to God first and foremost above all else and then the rest will follow! Sam got to go to scout camp and now he has his 1st and 2nd class and a few more merit badges and he can advance! He might just catch up to Danny..and he still has a few more merit badges and then he can start working towards his Eagle Scout! Lani is looking forward to starting college and is working hard..Tane, leka, and simon are anxiously waiting for school to start!

the Vineyard ward and the Ironwood ward were split again to create a 3rd ward "Cambria Ward". Bishop Nevitt was released and I am super sad! He gave the most uplifting and meaningful testimony yesterday to say his goodbye as a Bishop and I cried the whole time! I am so grateful for Bishop Nevitt for all he has done for me and my kids! What mattered the most was that he told me he was proud of me! Bishop Nevitt prayed for me so that I can take care of my children and he saw something in me that I didn't know I had..courage to endure! I will never forget Bishop Nevitt and his unconditional love! The Vineyard Bishopric was rearranged also..Bro Davis was released and we are just as sad about that too! These two great men loved my children and I and always made us feel loved and welcomed! I am so grateful! Bishop Hyde is also a great person and I know Heavenly Father chose well!

part of wayne Ranch was also split too..they'll be going to the Cambria ward...which includes john and karen harris, the Morgans, the Hales, Megan Curran and her kids, the Merrills and I'm super sad! But, Brother Davis said "it's just a line" and the friendship that we all created will never end!

School is about to start soon..well one more day for Danny (he is going into the 9th grade - high school), Sam is going into the 7th grade, Sonatane is going to the 5th grade, Simon is going to the 4th grade, and Taniela is going to the 3rd grade..Iwalani is starting college..man do I feel old..and what's sad is the change..they are all growing up and getting older! me..I enjoy my job and it's challenges! I have 6 more classes for my master's and i'm still overweight! haha! One day soon, I'll be motivated to loose these baby fats! LOL...okay.that's my change for July 2011.

Father's Day x 6yrs without you...

house you took your last breath... :''''(.

After saying my morning prayer, I had the strongest prompting that no homework today, no housework, no worries about bills, but to gather my children and just drive and hangout! We did just that! Dropped off Lani at work and then the boys and I headed out...there were lots of quarreling and nit picking about space and don't change that song and all that..but for some reason, I felt it was okay to hear that..Danny changed the station and Michael Jackson's song "you are not alone" came on and the van got quiet! We drove in silence hearing that song and that same feeling I felt after I prayed confirmed to me that through some kind of force from the spirit world..my husband wanted to hang out with us today...before he died..he made sure every Saturday were spent with the boys and as much as I wanted to just hang out with him alone, we would start to go out on our date night and within 30 minutes of leaving the house, we would just end up picking up a movie from blockbuster and picking up junk food and going back home to hang out with the kids!

He made some choices that were not good ones and he paid the ultimate consequences with his health but that didn't mean that he loved children less...He ADORED his children and he would have big dreams and hopes for each one of them..he was on cloud 9 knowing that he has all these boys because he was the only boy in his family. We drove by memory lane...our house he took his last breath...he was breathing hard gurgling casping for air, I whispered in his ear that I loved him and that I will do my best at raising his children..he took another breath and that was his last...I touched his lips and I touched his eyes, I traced his forehead down his cheeks to his chin..I was trying to paint that picture to last a lifetime in my mind..and it still is in my mind..day in day out..never a day without thinking of him....I dream of him..he comes to me in my dream..he stands with his white suit looking over me...I wake up thinking it's real only to feel his side of the bed and he is not there! This Father's Day is just as any other Father's Day..a day to remind my children that you are not here...I miss you terribly!! I Love you sooo much!!! Our children are gowing up..Leka keeps asking to talk about you because he doesn't remember you...his little personality is your minnie you...you would be so proud of your children! WE LOVE YOU!!!We will never forget you!!! Love you, hun!

Danny Taunima - 8th Grade Promotion - Combs HS 8th Grade Academy (5-26-2011)
Danny and his oldest sister Ainise who traveled down from Utah with her husband for Iwalani's graduation but then surprised that Danny was also being promoted to the 9th grade..
Iwalani L Taunima - Class of 2011
this is the class of 2011 (Queen Creek HS) they're class was too big for their homeschool stadium so it had to be held at the ASU Wells Fargo Arena...
(ema and lani)

she did it..class of 2011 QCHS

May 22-2011 marked the 6th anniversary of my love and father of my children...also on this day..Iwalani graduated from Seminary...let's just say...it was an emotional day! May 26-2011..Danny was promoted to 9th grade..Iwalani graduated from high school...wow..I have a college student! It is summer time now and the weather is starting to creep up to the triple digits! So not fun! I am still working hard, but not hard enough cause I'm still broke! I'm still taking classes for my master's..not going well! It's been an emotional roller coaster this past month and even more emotional this month just knowing the reminder of what June is on the calendar! But, I can't linger on the things I can't control...will update soon!

Update...

Iwalani...it's May now and according to her schedule..she has only 2days left of high school and then she moves on to "bigger and better things" (she says)..but really she is super excited to be done with this chapter in her life and is excited and nervous to be out in the world as an adult! her plans: work fulltime during the summer and "resting my brain" (she says)..she got a scholarship to Central Arizona College where she will be starting a new journey in the world of Radiology..eventually she wants to be a Cardiovascular Radiologist but for now she will take this course to get there. Serving her mission is on the schedule but she is open to options and although she dreams of marrying a New Zealand return missionary and loves to play Rugby...She's got finals these last few days of school and yet she proclaims that she has the senioritis really badly! She did get asked to go to mormon prom with Nathan Merrill and she looked beautiful! Graduation is 5-26-2011 @7pm held at the ASU Wells Fargo Arena. Seminary Graduation is 5-22-2011 @7pm at the Stake Center on Ocotillo next to QC High school.

Danny.....he's mad at me again but life is all about choices and making commitment and when you place Heavenly Father first and foremost even before your own family...everything else will work out and somehow...oh well...he'll be fine and eventually he'll want to talk to me again because he will be hungry..he knows how to make mac n cheese and ramen noodles..and he can cook breakfast but when it comes to a dinner...he's all about the meat and that he hasn't quite figured out how to cook it. He has been struggling with this last quarter of school to catch up for his lack of attendance during the 3rd quarter but he has really been working hard and I'm proud of him for admitting that it would've been much easier for him to just get things done the first time than "messing around". He understands, now, the consequences of his actions this past 3rd quarter and I hope he doesn't give up now. He was asked to play football for a league (NYS) for their Spring season and as a reward, I placed the option to Danny that he can choose to and to understand the consequences of those choices. We agreed that he would keep up with his school work and to not let football affect his school either..I also made him understand that once you commit to something you need to keep that commitment and Danny agreed. well..his team made it to the playoffs and I noticed that danny wasn't going to practice at all...yet on Saturdays..he'd gear up and says to take him to the game...so now..I don't think it's fair to his teammates that danny can just make up his own schedule and where is the commitment we talked about in the beginning...he's mad at me now because I won't take him to his playoff game this coming up Saturday which is in glendale....commitment danny..it's high school only you also have to commit to Seminary somewhere between football and holding regular school classes..welcome to growing up with responsibilities! So, he is mad and he refuses to say anything to me but he'll be fine! Oh..although he failed science in the 3rd quarter..they are allowing him to get promoted with 8th grade promotion day but he has to take summer school so he can get his 8th grade promotion certificate..how weird! Promotion day is also on Thursday May 26-2011 at 0900am.

Samisoni.....well..Sam is Sam..random but I love his goofey attitude to everything! He goes with the flow..he has a new best friend (Wyatt Fyffe) they seem to be inseparable along with their friend Brian..they all go to the same school and it's awesome that Sam has his friends to hang out! Sam is infatuated with Rugby..he says he is going to be an All-Star Rugby player one day...I say we'll talk about it! He is always the last to leave the house for school and I love just hanging out with him just for that short amount of time..he makes me laugh on my way to work which is much needed! He has been cooking breakfast and on his day to cook..we know for sure we are going to eat breakfast or some sort of breakfast something.lol.School will be out soon and he is looking forward to the summer..we aren't going anywhere he just want's to sleep in...Sam also will be going on the boys scout camp this coming June and i'm not sure if he's excited to go but he wants to go explore the great outdoors..he loves scout camp!

Sonatane......I had the opportunity to meet with Sonatane's counselor and she states that Tane loves math and I know because he never asks for my help with any of his math assignments...he maybe the only one who loves math! which is cool..we need a math genius in the family! I found one of his dad's rugby shirt and it's just his size so he has been wearing this shirt non stop...he also does his own laundry and he washes this shirt every single day! I finally had to tell him that he will need to wash this shirt withother clothes because he is just using up all the energy on one little thing...lol...he loves to help cook..he knows to make cakes and cook eggs..he is almost done with merit badges to earn his WEBELOS in scouts..Tane is my punctual kid...if I say a specific time to do anything he is always right there to remind me of the time...I love that about him...although he still needs to be a little nicer to the younger boys (simon and bubba).

Simon......still simon...always lovable..always helping with anything but very dramatic...I love that about him..it only shows he can be compassionate...he really enjoyed being in Ms Alva's class and is always helpful in her class! Simon loves to eat chicken! any which way I make it..he will eat and always compliments on it! He helps Danny cook but he mainly does dishes..which is okay! looking forward to summer!

Taniela....well..bubba is bubba...he will complain..like drop to the floor with tantrums but he will also give the biggest hug..I guess that's why he gets away with everything! He loves his many friends in our neighborhood and really loves his scout pack...his favorite Primary teacher is Sis Norris. He brought home is AR reading level and started to cry and was afraid to show me and when I asked why he was crying he says because it's bad...I looked and and his reading level is 4.0 (4th grade level)..he is only in 2nd grade..it took awhile to explain to him that it's not a bad thing...then a little bribe with chocolate and he was fine! Taniela's life is busy with his many friends..i'm always sending the boys out to bring him home because he forgets that when the sun goes down..it's time to come home...he's my cooking partner and he is famous for his 10 minute dessert (cookies and ice cream and he makes it into an ice cream sandwich and freezes it for 10 minutes)...however..not everyone is into that whole icecream and cookie thing so bubba gets to eat more than his fair share.

Me: work is getting a little more intense...still crying now and then but I'm learning to leave work at work..although it is very hard...school thing getting a little overwhelming..thoughts of quitting run in circles in my brain....got a parttime job to help push us through until November...if I don't quit school..I should be done with my CORE Master's program by November....My struggles still surrounds me but I have a testimony that it will all work out! My testimony of the gospel and it's truthfulness is immovable and without the gospel..I wouldn't be able to do what I can do now! I love my children, family, friends, and I am grateful for the knowledge that I have and of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ! It will all work out! Until the next update....

He knows me....

It has been an eventful week at work this week and I'm ending my Personality class this week as well and that means ...papers galore! I've seen kids being removed from their mothers, kids - teens being passed on from one foster to another, kids given up because the mothers just don't want them anymore. I've driven home down Ironwood an as therapeutic as it can be watching the mountains turn to warm inviting colors as the sun sets ending yet another day of sadness to some, and loneliness; I still can't fathom the idea that there are soo many children out there who just wants to be loved..unconditionally and not give up on them! I went to the Temple tonight to seek guidance and comfort for my own sadness and loneliness but for mostly to feel that unconditional love that our HEAVENLY FATHER has for us..for each of us..because he KNOWS us...HE KNOWS ME!...this is the message I walked away with tonight!! To all those children sleeping in someone else's home and wondering why....HE KNOWS YOU!!! HE WILL GUIDE AND COMFORT YOU!! ALL WILL BE WELL!

SLACKER! SERIOUSLY!

My new adventure and with grad school underway...I have been slacking in our family journal...here's just what we are up as of lately:

Taniela:
He is basketball and with four of his bestest friends and loves it! He didn't like it at first because he says he doesn't get to hit anyone (like in tackle football)..but he loves being with his friends! He has been sick with the influenza and this weird rash off and on for awhile..we finally figured it out that he might be allergic to chinese food and mexican food or something in the recipes...

Simon:
Simon is still Simon..he is doing much better with his spelling words and brought home a 98 percent on his last test. He was also sick with the influenza and was on antibiotic for awhile..he is much better now!

Tane:
Tane is doing better with AR goal and is getting better at asking questions when he doesn't understand. He also got sick with the influenza and he was the one who took a while to get over dang sickness...poor kid...I can tell that he is getting a little bit more mature as he grows and I can't believe he will be 11 this year...yikes!

Sam:
-Sam was sick with the influenza got over that and still had this lingering cough and couldn't hear for awhile...now he is on double antibiotics and a nasal spray for his nostrils..poor child..he is working on this science project that he does not need my help with and i'm a little sad about it but he knows what he is doing...oh well..btw...he grew...wears size 36 in men and is a size 11 in mens shoes...where that come from?..seriously!

Danny:
-well...Danny...we are working on slow progress...it's been a very difficult road and we are taking major turns..however...it is temporary and we will get over this phase...I hope! he was also sick with the influenza...and then the doctor thought it was his appendix but then it was just everything surrounding his appendix that was inflamed...he also played football with the neighborhood boys at the park and seemed to hurt his shoulder...but he can move it and so it's not broken (i'm sure of it!).

Iwalani:
THE PRINCESS Taunima..turned 18 (1-29) and it was very emotional..for me anyways! I can't believe she is 18...i am very pleased with her accomplishments and she is so looking forward to graduating in May...she is looking to enroll with CAC with their Radiology program as she wants to pursue Cardiovascular ultrasound...she has been my huge confidant and helper through everything! She is the seminary president! BTW..she has Sadie Hawkins tomorrow 02-12-2011 and she is very excited!

Me:
this new journey has been a challenge (understatement!)...I've meant different people along the way and I'm getting too attached to these children and I wish I can take them all and provide unconditional love for them like they deserve! My master's...not going so well...I received a letter that I am put on probation because I am suppose to keep a 3.00 GPA and at the moment I have 2.87 GPA...I have until the end of May to pull my GPA up to par otherwise I will be dropped and have to reapply again and start over with my credits needed...aaarrrrggggghhhhh!!!

This is what's been happening in the Taunima household...fun times....oh btw...my nieces moved in...3 of them...it's a full house but that's what makes a home..right?

HAPPY NEW YEAR! 2011

Happy New Year to ALL!! i can't believe it is a whole new year!!! where did time go? it was just Thanksgiving..sheeshh. Christmas was focused on HIS PRESENCE this year..with a new job and trying to play catch up with finances..it's been hard..but hey...we made it...time came for New years...my kids and I had spent the new years together..minus Lani who worked with sis smith and danny decided to go to the Stake Youth dance but they made it home before the new year began. I don't have any resolutions for this year, only to be safe and to continue to be more consistent with spending time with my children and with reading the scriptures and be consistent with FHE. Life is still busy in my little household but I wouldn't know how to act if it was not busy. I love my children and my family and my friends and I hope that everyone will have a great year!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

wow...the end of November already!!!! I am very grateful to know that I belong to a faith of the Living Christ!! I am grateful for the Temple and its ordinances!!! I am grateful for the ATONEMENT!!! I am grateful for my children and the challenges we face...I am grateful for my parents and I am grateful for families!!! I am especially grateful for my wonderful friends and their unconditional love!! May you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!!! we love you all...

a new journey

I've neglected my online journal first it was due to FB and so I've decided to ween off FB and be more productive with family scripture time, family time and family prayers...so far so good...however, we are still in chaotic mode with football and everything else to goes with that...i noticed that i didn't blog about the excitement in my little household and so I will begin with my children starting from oldest to youngest to catch up to the up to date happenings with the Taunima's.

Iwalani...the month of August has been a blur..but she did get her driver's license back in July and she is anxiously awaiting a car (a friend of ours is giving her their 1992 toyota corolla - but it needs work so they are working (luckily he's a mechanic) on it and will soon be driven around town by the Taunima princess)...in September..she has been diligently trying to gain straight A's in school and her scripture mastery in Seminary and she has done awesome...she is struggling a little bit with her piano lessons but she is working on becoming the next mozart (not really) but she is trying...October..she counted them days until fall break and she is out as we speak for 2 weeks of break(who needs 2 wks of break from schoo?- i know i didn't get that many days off nor a fall break).

Danny...turned 14 on the 27th of August and was ordained by non other than Grandpa Harris with Teacher priesthood holder....it was an emotional blessing. September..football began and so our chaotic schedules began...he no longer is a Patriot, they merge with the Alliance footbally league and now Danny is playing for the Blackhawks in which homefield is Williams Field High School. I get to go and de stress at the practice field waiting on them to go home..it's really good to sit and watch all these boys get into something they really love...October...as we speak..it's fall break...they have a week off...why?..not sure...but our fridge is running low and the pantry has become bare again...but..Danny is home and safe...(8th grade)

Sam....started Middle school and he loves it...(my only kid who loves school)....September, he turned 12 (09-21) and is awaiting to be ordained by non other than gpa Harris to become an Aaronic Priesthood holder( I am so blessed to know that I have all these priesthood holders in my little family)....now, he is on fall break..and SAm...sam is my one and only child who can't stand football..his logic: "why does anyone want to hit someone else for a football"..his goal in life...he is into military...anything military..very booksmart..can create something off a small piece of paper...he loves to watch the military channels...he wants to serve his mission and then serve his country...i'm still thinking about that one...to serve a mission..yes...military?..we'll see...(6th grade)

Tane....turned 10 in August and is now in WEBELOS, joined the Blackhawks Jr Pee Wee football and loves it! He is their kicker..kick returns...the one who kicks..he loves it...and he is doing great at school, struggling a little bit with reading but he is doing much much better...his team is undefeited thus far....and only 2 more games to go...(4th grade)

Simon...turned 9 this September and is now in BEAR scouts.he loves it. He is still my one and only child without selective hearing and is still my most compassionate child. he really wanted to be in football this year but with lack of funds, he opted for being a waterboy instead, although, he has not made it to any of the games so far because he hates the heat! he is doing great in school and he got the most outstanding roadrunner at school..(3rd grade)

Taniela (Leka)...he is turning 8 next month and celebration will be going on around here..so he thinks...he is really looking forward to going to scout especially with all his best friends (chad, connor, and Jimmy). HE also wanted to be in football; but i couldn't afford it so he is the official WaterBoy of the team and he is awesome at it!!(2nd grade) he loves school and loves to read..anything and anything..it's scary...

Malakai...he made a visit out to see us this past Summer and he is quite small than the rest of the taunima tribes..but he does have the taunima signature ears and the cheesy smile...he is in 1st grade and has moved with his family to Dallas Texas...he is very smart and is very spoiled, but we love him!

ME.....I have been searching for something to apply what I have learned with these long years of schooling and so...today, I was offered a position with the STATE..it is a new journey and I am very excited and nervous at the same time! it is close to home (no more 26 miles trek one way to work)...I will be responsible in making sure children are safe and in a safe environment and are protected...new adventure..new journey...but I feel its a direction to my dream job...Child Crisis Social Worker...I prayed about it, pondered it...and after 2 interviews, a writing test and long waiting...I accepted the position today! so...here is the up to date news so far in the Taunima household..my new journey starts 11-1-2010...no weekends, no holidays..I am also looking forward to continuing my education starting December...until next time...

tranquility...

It's been awhile since i've journaled/blogged....you would think that now i have graduated and have put school on the shelf for a few months that i would have all the time in the world...i do...right around 930pmish i am tweedling my thumbs...what to do...i used to wash our bed linens two to three times a month or when i remember to do them...now it's twice a week...we are talking tranquility at its peak around here.....RIGHT!!!....are you kidding me...I so want to be in the middle of this cherry blossom garden and just dream my life away....dream away my teenage kids....just take me to my happy place......but then...i have to be back because i have to sign off reading logs for leka, simon, and tane...oh..and I've made a promise that i would work on their individual scouts....my sweet spirited daughter keeps reminding me that 'this too shall pass'....i really don't know how i am going to survive these teenage years...REALLY....can't they just turn 11years old and then automatically jump to 19?....is that possible?...I was very tempted to sent an email addressed to the grave but then someone reminded me that things like that just don't work......tranquility....peace....i am in search of.....