Hema's Patriotic Program!

Hema had a Patriotic Program at his elementary school last week. It was so fun to see him singing. He was pretty serious up there. No goofing off for him! 

So focused on his song! Love it! 

My favorite part was when they said the Pledge of Allegiance and he was one of 13 kids who did it in sign language.  

Grandma Hawkins came to cheer him on. 

I am so proud of Hema. He is such a good boy and really just enjoys life. He always has a good attitude about everything he does. It is such a joy to be his mother. 

♥ Valentines Day!! ♥

Boy somehow I've fallen way behind in blogging. Here's the rundown from Valentines.

Vela's Valentine buckets for her preschool class. Filled with treats of course.
I had seen cute little shovel Valentines on Pinterest, but found these buckets cheap and went with them. 

I did several fun heart hairdo's on Vela during the week,  but only took this picture. 

We had a fun party at Hema's school class. He was home sick though and missed it! :(

Our traditional Seafood Valentines dinner. Yummy!

Hema and Vela opening Valentines presents from Dad. 

Touch MP3 players. They love them!  

This little cutie loved all the treats, especially the chocolate. 

Sweet Hema, such a good boy! 

The beautiful Vela!!

Had to post this sweet smile! 

I sure do love my sweet Valentines Hema, Vela, Cora and of course the love of my life my eternal companion Hema! 

Yummy Chili Recipe!

I made this chili on Sunday and it was super yummy! It made a lot. Enough for us to eat two days in a row and plenty to take into a family in the ward. It would be easy enough to cut in half. The flavor is really different and we all really liked it. It has lots of flavor without too much burn. I started with this recipe I found on Pinterest HERE. Of course I hadn't planned ahead so I didn't have any ground turkey or zucchini and I wanted to add beans so I made quite a few modifications and it ended up lovely!

Tasty Chili
-Brown 2 lbs very lean hamburger and drain any grease
-Add 2 packets of taco seasoning, 1 1/2 tsp coriander, 1 1/2 tsp oregano, 1 small can tomato paste and mix well. Continue to cook on medium until the meat is well coated.
-Add 2 cups beef broth, 1 small can diced green chilies, 1 cup salsa, 2 14.5 oz cans diced tomatoes, 2 cans drained kidney beans, 2 cans drained black beans and 2 cans drained pinto beans.
-In a separate pan cook a large onion diced small in a tablespoon of olive oil until it is softened. Then add it to the chili.
-You could simmer it on medium low for a couple hours or I threw mine in the crock pot on low while we went to church.
-Top with sour cream, grated cheese, crushed tortilla chips or anything you want.

Super yummy and makes a bunch.

Below is a picture of how Little Hema likes his. He'll eat 2 big bowls in a sitting. Hope you like it too! 

Feeling Blessed!

I am feeling very grateful today and thought I'd count my blessings:

• HEMA - the best husband in the world - loves me so very much and treats me like a queen - works hard to support our family so I can be home full time - the most amazing father - a worthy priesthood holder who loves to serve and help others - a total hunk
• HEMALOTO, VELA & CORA - so blessed to be their mother - I get to be with them all day every day & I love it - they teach me so much and keep me trying to be my best - they are so cute and smart and fun and nothing beats their laughs, hugs and smiles
• HEALTH - nothing makes you more aware of what a blessing good health is than having kids - hope to be around for a long time to see these guys grow up and settle in their own families one day
• FAITH - I know God lives - I believe in Jesus Christ - I know where to turn for peace - where to find answers to the really important questions and what will happen someday when I do die
• AMAZING PARENTS - my parents are the best - they have always lifted me, made me want to be better - even when I was a real pain - they are the best examples 
• INCREDIBLE INLAWS - love them as my own parents - they have taught me so much about giving - they are examples of faith and fidelity - such great grandparents
• ADOPTION - pretty much my life would be very empty without adoption
• BIRTH PARENTS - not only am I grateful for our birth parent and love them, but I really like them all too - we are blessed that they allow us to be part of their lives - we have learned so much from them and they have added so much joy to our family
• GREAT FRIENDS - it's amazing how you can meet some people and there is just a connection there - or you can not see one another for years and then pick up right where you left off - I am grateful for all those around me who lift me and make me better
• MY MISSION - they things that I learned those 18 months have blessed me every single day since then - wouldn't trade those experiences for anything 
• EDUCATION - I feel blessed to have been able to study at BYU and graduate from there - I would love to continue my education, but this is not the season in my life for that - maybe one day
• MY HOME - I love it! - it is simple and comfortable and warm and safe and full of family
• MY CARS - they work most of the time - I may have had to jump start the van today - no big deal - still they safely take my family everywhere we need to go and fit all kinds of junk that we seem to need when we are out and about - and they are paid for which is always nice
• BLENDTEC - cheesy right? - but seriously I am obsessed with green smoothies - they give me so much energy and my kids will drink them too - well not vela, but Hema and Cora 
• GOOD MUSIC - I love hearing Little Hema practice the piano - I am taking lessons again - I love my cello - I wish I could play it like I used to - there is something about good music that makes me feel so uplifted
• SUNSHINE - I miss it during the winter - I am really looking forward to spring
• UNLIMITED LONG DISTANCE CALLING - why do my sisters all live out of state anyway? - but at least I can talk to them every single day if I want to, and I pretty much do :)
• BIG FAMILIES -I am one of 8 kids - Hema is one of 9 - so many wonderful sisters and brothers and   36 cousins for our kids to run wild with (with 2 more on the way) - that was probably the hardest part of infertility - knowing that we wouldn't ever have that big family like we grew up in - luckily we have our kid's birth families and that makes our family big too! 
• OUR COUNTRY - what a blessing to live in this great land - so grateful for those who have served and continue to serve to allow us our freedoms 
• BOOK OF MORMON - always brings the Spirit into our home - love reading every day with my family - even if the kids are sometimes wrestling or laughing or talking to one another 
• OUR TONGAN WARD - always said I would NEVER go to a Tongan ward - you should never say never - I've learned so much - feels like a big family - I love every one of my sweet little Primary kids

I could go on all night, but I won't. I'm sure I'll think of lots of good ones I missed while I am laying in bed. Its good for the soul to count our blessings. I am very blessed indeed! 

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