BIRTHDAY BOYS

It's that time of life when I go back in time and remember the "birth" days of Rakai and Asa.  Rakai, my firstborn child and the many hours of labor.  Asa, my 5th child and the fright of premature delivery.  We are all still here.

Rakai was ordained a Deacon the Sunday after Asa was born.  Asa and I couldn't go to church so the Bishop and Grandparents came to the house.  It was a wonderful opportunity for Rakai.

So we celebrate Asa and Rakai during March.  This year we had to take pictures in separate locations.  Asa was wishing Rakai was home for a photo together but we had to do a collage instead.  Hamilton tried to feed Rakai his cupcake through the computer.  Silly boys!

Asa was ordained a Teacher today.  He bore a wonderful testimony and talked about a scripture Isaac sent to him.  D&C 103: 36 - "All victory and glory is brought to pass unto you through your diligence, faithfulness, and prayers of faith."

This is good advice from our missionary.

ISAAC'S MISSIONARY FAREWELL

Isaac reports for his mission on Wednesday. We celebrated this weekend. We enjoyed a family gathering on Saturday night - good food and good conversation. Today he gave his talk in the Bloomington 7th Ward. He is so excited to serve his mission.

The focus of his talk was his love for the Book of Mormon. He quoted scriptures and told stories and said that he feels addicted to the words. He just can't get through the day without reading it.

Isaac has experienced complete conviction of the heart and is ready to serve. We are happy for him but will miss him very much.

Not far from our minds throughout this weekend is the fact that Rakai will be leaving for New Zealand on November 30. His one way ticket is scheduled and he is ready for new adventure.

Everything changes.

HAIRCUT

Rakai has been contemplating a haircut for a few weeks. I came home from work and he announced to me that he was going to shave his head. Carlie did the deed. By the look of that smile I'd say he's happy about his decision.

Hamilton was the photog for this event. He took before during and after pictures. Filmed 2 videos and even had enough time to spell out Rakai's name with the dreads that were falling to the floor. Thanks for creating the memories.

BUSY SUNDAY

While we were home taking care of religion, Rakai was in Texas playing rugby with the Las Vegas Blackjacks. They won both games and are on to the Semi Finals in Denver. I think my boys will be headed to Colorado in a couple of weeks to support their brother.

usarugby.org tells it like this...

DIVISION I
Pearl City is the only 2008 semifinalist that will make a return trip to Glendale’s Infinity Park in 2009. Last year, the Iowa-based team met a disappointing semifinal loss at the hands of the Glendale Raptors, but with its 41-11 Round of 8 victory over Atlanta Old White, the squad gets a chance to redeem itself this time around.

Pearl City took control of its match versus Atlanta early on and led 17-3 before the end of the first half. They steadily built their lead in the second half and defended aggressively, only allowing Atlanta to score in the last five minutes of the game.

The Iowa team now looks ahead to the semifinals where it meets Las Vegas – and getting past the Blackjacks should prove a trying task, as they roll into Colorado on the heels of a thrilling playoff finish versus Glendale. Down by as much as 22 points in their Round of 8 meeting against the Raptors, Las Vegas refused to back down and try-by-try, the team muscled its way back to a 22-20 game as the second half wound down.

It seemed time was running out for the Blackjacks, who missed two late penalty kick opportunities that would have put them up top, but at the death, No. 7 Tom Carter powered in for a huge try. The successful conversion ushered in the final whistle, with the score stuck at 27-22 in Las Vegas’ favor.

ADVENTURES AT THE MALL

Yesterday we drove to Las Vegas to watch Rakai's rugby game. When it was over Rakai wanted to go shopping at the Outlets. Uggh! Have you ever been to this place. Frolicking through the throngs of people is not my idea of fun. Crowds and me do not go together. But we went. Ra found a bench close to the door of each store and Hamilton found this...

SIMP'S WEDDING

Saturday April 4 - Rakai's best friend and one of the many sons we have adopted was married. Rakai was one of the groomsman. The wedding was tons of fun!

BIRTHDAY BROTHERS

It's birthday time again! Rakai and Asa were born a day and 12 years apart. Every year since Rakai was born we take his picture at the minute he was born. We have 25 years worth of pictures at 10:10pm. I made a heart cake for the occasion because I LOVE THEM SO MUCH!

Happy Birthday Boys! You own my heart!

LOVE MOM

TRADITION

Rakai was born on March 11, 1984 at 10:10pm. It has been tradition every year that we take his picture at the exact moment. Some years we have cheated and manually moved the hands on the clock but most years we have been right on the moment. This year he was with friends. According to the digits on the pictures they took the photo a little early. But maybe the camera wasn't programmed right.

BIRTHDAY PHOTO UPDATE

OK! I finally have a second to work on the blog and update the birthday photo of Rakai and Asa. Yes the birthday cake was a few days late but we still did it and that's what counts. So now Rakai can officially be 24 and Asa can officially be 12. HORRAY!

First Love

This is Rakai. Rakai plays rugby. Rakai loves to play rugby. If Rakai never did anything but play rugby he would be happy.

Chapter 1 - Rakaipaka Keith

Born - March 11, 1984

Namesake - Rakaipaka Puriri and Keith Scoville

Rakai is our firstborn. He wants to play rugby. He wants to play rugby. He wants to play rugby. Rakai lives in NewZealand and is trying to figure out where to play rubgy. Maybe he'll even see if he can find a good helicopter school.  Rakai is at the gym when he's not working and sleeping when he's not eating. He has a quiet wit about him and recognizes that "one can be useful without making a noise." He reads a lot but fools us all into thinking that he doesn't like it. He is a good friend. Considerate of the feelings of others and quietly kind to everyone. Rakai quiets my soul.