9 to 5

I've done it before. I can do it again.

I'm gearing up to go back to work full-time on Monday. Not my heart's desire, that's for sure, but it must be done. Having said that, I am extremely grateful to have a job, especially one that I think I will enjoy while it pays the bills.

My kids are at the babysitter's as I type, beginning a trial run this week to get accustomed to a new place and new people. Poor Tevi is adjusting—all at the same time—to no more formula, drinking out of a sippy cup, learning to walk, wearing shoes, taking only one nap a day, and now a new "mama" all day. Maybe some new teeth will come along while he's at it. But he's hanging in there. Such a cute little duffer.
Every day brings a different attitude and feelings about the situation. On one hand, I can be crying in my heart (and literally) when I think of leaving fat Tevi day after day; on the other hand I count my blessings and know this "challenge" is not forever, but is relatively temporary. Then I go back to being stressed thinking of the hectic mornings to come and the short weekends in which I hurry to accomplish all I can; but then ultimately I know that my kids are in good hands, that I am still their mother, and that I can still be a homemaker. And without little ones running through all day, at least my house will be cleaner, right? My mantra, thanks to NieNie is: I can do hard things. Being a working mom may not seem especially hard to some of you, I realize, but it is for me.

For those of you wanting to know, I will be working in Salt Lake City (boo to commuting!)—the Fort Union/Fashion Place Mall area—for a company called URS (engineering/design firm associated with transportation...think road construction projects). I will be a Public Relations/Project Assistant, and the job sounds like it will provide plenty of varied, challenging, and satisfying duties. The people seem to be pretty great, too. My one complaint is that I'll be using a PC instead a Mac. :)

So this is my last week/end as a stay-at-home mom. On the agenda, we have organizing closets, a bit of back-to-school shopping, menu planning, and making homemade ice cream. And lots of loving on the children.

Pool Party

Those of you who know our little family well know that we have the tradition of throwing an all-out party for our kids on their 1st birthday. Crazy, I know.* The child doesn't even know what's going on, won't remember it, and certainly doesn't/won't appreciate the effort, time, and money spent on him or her.

So I'll explain:

It started out as a Tongan thing...it's something the Tongans do, my husband explained, having its roots in celebrating any baby who lived long enough to turn 1, given the high mortality rate in earlier times.

We soon realized that we were throwing a party to, instead of honor the baby, celebrate our having survived the first year—of diapers, spit-up, sleep deprivation and the like. Especially with our first child, Makai. Anyone who remembers him as an infant knows that a celebration was warranted. :)

From there it became an issue of equal treatment for all Funaki children. We had to do one for Ame because we had done one for Makai. And now we "had" to do one for Tevi. It was a lot of fun, and a budget challenge at the same time, but we made it work. I was especially excited about this one because it is during the summer—my other two are both November babies. So here was the invitation we sent out to our family and a few friends:

(click to enlarge) Cute picture of Tevi taken by Jenn S. (thanks again!)

*Disclaimer: This is not to say that those of you who choose to throw your 1-year-old a big birthday party are crazy. It's just "not necessary" to the family I grew up in. :)

Tevi's 1st Birthday - Lots of party photos

Okay, Tevita, when you are 13 and are whining about not having a huge birthday party, do me a favor and check out the next few posts. They are my effort to document evidence that:

a.) you did have a big birthday party once upon a time
b.) you received presents, had lots of family & friends there, and we made loads of food
c.) we love you more than we can stand. Our only hope is that our love will grow and that you'll still know it when you're 13...party or no party.

The birthday boy in a gifted outfit, held by Uncle Matt

A do-it-yourself treat bag station...in the party colors, of course. Idea stolen from many a blog. Special thanks to Jenn S. for her shelf and glassware.

One of two "See how I've grown" garlands. The other one showed the month-to-month photos.

Not so gourmet, but still yum. Homemade "funfetti" cupcakes with buttercream frosting, complete with Skittles decor and cupcake topper (made from a potato stamp!...I told you, this party was on a budget).

Armando and Marcela. His wife/her mom, Daisy, is the wonderful person who took so many of these photos. My sister Symonie took the rest. I am so GRATEFUL to both of you for these!

Aki at the grill. He made his scrumptious shoyu chicken. The menu also included: kalua pork, steamed rice, macaroni salad, crab-and-cream-cheese wontons, corn, veggie tray & dip, fruit salad, chips, hot dogs, and drinks (soda, juice, or citrus water). For dessert: cupcakes or Texas sheet cake with vanilla ice cream. A big thanks to those of you who brought food and supplies!

Tevi's two aunties that spoil him rotten, Melinda and Temaleti.

Cousin Barry chompin' on his sucker

Cousins Nina, Barry, and Will testing the water

More cousins and a brother: Junior, Makai, Lily, Will, Barry, Cole

I fashioned the party hat out of a plain one. Love the string on his fat.

Tevi's 1st birthday - More photos

Uncle Inoke...the kids love when he's around, even though they usually call him "crazy uncle"

Grandma Risa and Grandpa Barry were up in Utah for the weekend. We're so glad they were able to come!

Cousin Noelani and her husband Brent

Tevi's 1st birthday - the last of the party photos

One of the great things about this occasion is that Tevi was able to have both sets of grandparents there. With Aki's parents living in Tonga, this is rare indeed...the last time we had them both together was on our wedding day. Who knows when/if it will happen again. Special day for a special boy.

Cousin Nina was loving the camera! How we love that little girl.

What's a birthday party without balloons? Thank you to Grandpa Barry and Grandma Risa for filling them up, then battling the wind to get them in the car, driving without being able to see, battling the wind to get the balloons out of the car, and tying them up for all to see.

Satchel and his sucker(s). Did he ever eat anything else? :)


HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Tevi! We love you, sweet boy!
(these were taken today, August 4th, his actual birthday)

July Update - Part 2

July 17 - Aki's parents arrived from Papua New Guinea. They've enjoyed their time with their children and grandchildren. They'll stick around until August 18th when they head to Tonga.
July 24 - Another quiet holiday...Makai was in the children's parade, we ate delicioso Mexican food, and did some sidewalk fireworks with the Bells (no pictures).

July 25 - Aki's cousin got married, and Ame was part of the wedding procession, so we did wedding celebration stuff all day long.
July 31 - My parents came into town and were able to be here for Tevi's 1st birthday party...but that's an occasion that warrants a post (or two) of its own. Stay tuned.....