Pranks, Procrastination and Piety

Some people NEVER grow up! Toilet-papering (or any other form of vandalism) your neighbors house, door-bell-ditching or the flaming bag of poop. Take your pick. It was funny, then annoying and now its just downright juvenile which means I'm old. I'll cut teenagers some slack because I was once a teenager and I got a lot of kicks out of the tricks and I don't want to rob my sons of making memories that don't include an overnight stay with law enforcement. But someone has been playing a REALLY bad joke on us.

Chase and Jen kept getting random private calls on their cell phones. The person on the other end, never spoke or responded to their repeated "hello's" or requests to stop the behavior. That is, until Jen finally threatened to bring in the police. Then as sudden as it started, the calls stopped completely. We're still tracking the calls so if you're reading this blog and you think you're ready to spend some extended time with law enforcement, please give it another shot so we can send you there faster!

How do you get your son to move a little faster? I mean, has anyone else had to BEG your kid to get a drivers license so that they can drive the car you bought them? The one that's been sitting outside gathering dust, bird poop and rust? Seems strange to me because when I was a 16-year-old, all I ever wanted was to get behind the wheel of a car. Until he can finally get that drivers test done (he's got until the end of today), the car will stay parked on the curb and he will continue to walk to school. I'm still not sure if that's enough motivation.

Our work with the young men in the Lehi 41st Ward is progressing towards several rank advancements including Mica's to Life Scout. We're very proud of the Scouts we've been working with. They have made a lot of sacrifices and they have been working hard. Jen and I are so excited for our Blue & Gold Banquet (Jen's in charge) and our first Court of Honor since moving to the Ward. We'll have pictures and more from both events.

We've been trying to get our boys up to speed on the new Duty to God program and that's been a struggle. Does anyone else feel like there's never enough time in the day to get things done? Between school, work, church and all of the sports we participate it, its hard to feel like we've accomplished anything during the week. Oh well, on to February. We're gonna give it our best shot.

New and Newsworthy to Us

One of my (Seti) many New Year's resolutions in 2011 has been to make sure that I do everything in my limited power as a living, breathing, working, husband and father, is to make the people in my life happy. If you're a spouse and a parent you know firsthand that making your household happy is much harder than trying to lose weight, chase chickens or herd cats.

So far I think I'm making good on my promise and part of that resolution is to update this blog regularly. I started a new job (which is actually an old job that I'm going back to after five years). Yeah for new beginnings, boo for long commutes. Thanks to my friend Rob, I'm back at Ingenix as a Business Analyst. If you have a few hours and want to know what exactly it is that I do every day, let me know and we'll sit down over a cup of cocoa and try to figure it out together.

It was sad to leave my friends at Ancestry.com. They were VERY good to me and I've made some great friends there. I hope to stay in touch with them (they probably don't feel the same way).

Jen is still working as a Manager at Greenwood Assisted Living, moonlights as a Scout guru, football (fanatic) mom, rugby mom, mom to the world and the love of my life. She still moves through life at an incredible pace. She is amazing. I'd bottle up that kind of energy but its nuclear and harmful for a normal person's health.

Kingston got a haircut. No more Polamalu-like hair on the football field. His friends and family members are still trying to figure out who the 'new kid' is when we go places as a family. Its so nice to see his face again. He donated all of his hair to Locks of Love, a cause that is close to my heart after watching my mother lose her beautiful hair to cancer. The hair actually goes to children, but its still a great and worthy cause.

All of the boys, Kingston, Chase, Mica, Kenyon and Quinn are currently playing basketball but can't wait until they can get back on the rugby pitch. Practices start up next month. Aside from that, we're enjoying school and our time in our new ward. We're now attending the Lehi 41st (Tongan) Ward with Abby and Sam Havea and their kids. Its been a blessing for us to serve in multiple callings there and we're making a lot of wonderful new friends while strengthening old bonds.

Here's are some recent photos of our family (thanks Alisha!) from earlier this month. God bless you all and we hope you're having a very wonderful 2011 so far.

Another Matua Christmas

There will NEVER be a substitute for the time we spend together as family. Over the years we have watched our sons grow older physically and spiritually with their cousins on both sides of the family and each Christmas season the focus has become less and less about the gifts we give and receive and more about the true meaning of the season, the birth and life of our Savior Jesus Christ.

This year as has been the case since I was a child myself, my family gathered to celebrate Christmas Eve by enjoying good food, reminisce about the past and contemplate the future. We were sad that Eddie, Darius and Theresa and their respective families could not join us this time, but we thought of them often throughout the night.

On Christmas day, Jen's family joined us for brunch. It was a relatively quiet day and it was evident even with the Kolowich's that everyone is growing older and soon, the numbers in our family gatherings will soon decrease as our children move on to college and missions. So, we cherish these next few years together as major changes loom on the horizon.

We are so grateful for our families. We love them dearly. As we prepare for yet another new year, we pray that it brings us opportunities to serve others, develop and nurture current and new relationships and do what we can to encourage success in our individual and family goals.

We hope that there are fewer heartaches as we remember the death of our beloved uncle Kepi, less accidents as Seti continues to recover from his broken leg and that we can do everything we possibly can to bring happiness and warmth to others and members of our extended family.

Happy New Year from the Matua's!

VISITORS, HIKING, CAMPING and a RODEO IN JUNE

We had so much fun during the month of June that we hardly had two minutes to sit down and chronicle all the fun. We had a wonderful visit from Carrie (Brennan) Whilhite and her kids. They were traveling from Southern California to a wedding in Boise and decided to stop in a for a few days before and after their trip to spend some time with us.

We took them on a tour of the Oquirrh Temple, a visit to the Kennecot Copper mines and a hike up to the Timpanogos caves; all in one day! By the end of that day we were all beat. Grandpa John, Ricky and the Holindrakes joined us in all the fun.

Our first official visit to the Lehi Round Up. I never thought I'd be visiting a rodeo in this lifetime but I can guarantee you that it won't be my last after my first trip. The boys have been before but I think Jen and I are hooked on calf roping, barrel riding, bull riding and rodeo queens....okay, maybe I'm the only one hooked on rodeo queens.

Aside from the hike up Timpanogos, Kingston and I hiked and camped up Alpine canyon in an area known as Hamangogs. We've been going full speed in scouting since Kingston was twelve but now that Jen is part of the Scout Committee, our involvement in scouting is something bordering on fanaticism. Chase, Mica and Kenyon are all very involved in their respective activities, meetings and camps. Kingston is working on approval for his Eagle Scout project.

July is already turning out to be a busy month for all of us. I've started a new job at a company in Provo called Ancestry.com and Jen has completely embraced her role as a Manager at an assisted living company here in Lehi. The boys have all started football and are looking forward to the new season. Next week, some friends and I will host our very first entertainment event. Island Groove will feature a comedy act and two musical acts at Abravanel Hall in Salt Lake City. It should be lots of fun...after all the headaches it had better be!

Looking forward to more updates from our friends and family. Have an incredible July and God bless you all!

What Happens in Pocatello...Something Happened in Pocatello?

The graduation season is underway and already we've had our fill of pomp and circumstance! Last weekend we traveled to the mysterious, exotic locale of Pocatello, Idaho to witness and congratulate our niece (also known as our Starter Daughter) Emma Filiaga, who graduated from Highland High School.

Emma is the second of many who will graduate from the Matua clan, following in the footsteps of her sister Amanda who graduated last year and is now attending the College of Southern Idaho on a volleyball scholarship. Emma has accepted a scholarship of her own from Dodge City Community College and will enroll in the Fall.

We had an absolute wonderful time while in Pocatello with family and friends. At a luau in Emma's honor (along with two fellow graduates Hailey Hanohano and Cassie Valai), Kingston, Chase, Mica and Kenyon all joined their cousins in a special dance to show their respect and love for Emma.

We're so grateful for examples like Amanda, Emma and all the young people in our lives who have committed themselves to their education, family, friends and the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

A side note: This is the second year in a row that Seti has celebrated his birthday in Idaho (haha!) What does it feel like to be 40? According to the "Great and Wise One" (that would be Seti), "I've waited my whole life to feel this sexy!" Only time will tell how much longer the body and the mind remain intact but the soul is truly ecstatic for the next 40 years!

Heath Wedding
We pulled off the Heath wedding in our backyard and by all accounts it was a huge success. Karen and her helpers did a wonderful job to get everything done in time and the result was a gorgeous backyard that we will enjoy for the rest of the year. Congratulations again to the newlyweds.

Abarca's
Jose, Kassie and their two little ones are now settled into a new rhythm here in Lehi. Jose is working in Salt Lake and it appears that he is enjoying his new learning environment while Kassie and the little ones get reacquainted with siblings and cousins. We have enjoyed having them around and look forward to a Summer filled with fun.

Japan
Ah the life of a stand-by passenger is never aligned with the universe! Our last post indicated that we would be off to visit the Holy Land. Unfortunately for us, hundreds of other people wanted to be there the same time the Pope visited...Go figure! So it was a quick change of plans and suddenly we were in the land of the Rising Sun. What a total surprise and a memorable adventure. We have a new found respect and admiration for Japan, its people and culture. We totally missed out on Israel, but we really enjoyed our stay in Tokyo!

Back On Track

Yes, its been a long time but we have recommitted to getting our blog back in shape. We've reached several milestones in the Matua household, one of which is NOT employment for Seti. Despite what our new President insists is an end to the recession, the unemployment rate continues to climb and the job market becomes more and more competitive. Thank goodness for small miracles. Seti has been picking up contract work to help with mounting expenses and the entire family has made sacrifices to ensure that we survive the economic hardships. We are so grateful for your prayers and for the support from our family and friends. We are given these trials as a test of our faith and we're doing our best to pass the test.

On a much lighter note, Kenyon celebrated his ninth birthday a week ago. He continues to be a wonderful student and has made so many friends here in Lehi. He's looking forward to starting another season of football and has become known in the area for his bright smile.

Mica recently turned 11-years-old and was awarded his Arrow of Light in our last Pack Meeting and is now a Scout working on his first advancement to Tenderfoot. Mica is finally breaking out of his shell (can you believe it?) and his inquisitive mind and athletic abilities make him a neighborhood favorite amongst children and adults.

Chase has really flourished in school this year. He has made a number of great new friends who share his passion for music, art and sports. He says he's going to give football another shot this season. Chase is becoming a VERY good cook and often prepares wonderful meals for our family.

There are so many things that Kingston wants to accomplish this Summer but he's most excited about making money. He wants to referee flag football but for the time being is happy to mow lawns in the area. In our Scout Court of Honor this past Sunday, Kingston was awarded his Life rank and is now working on finishing final requirements to become an Eagle Scout.

Finally, Quinn still rules the roost. He is a great helper but an even better comedian. Quinn has a way of boosting our spirits, even when he's not trying. Its always nice to have a bit of comic relief to get us through the day and Quinn has been a vital part of ensuring that there are always light hearts and warm spirits in our home.

As a family, we earned the Heart of Scouting pin, a religious award that is given to Scouts and families who fulfill the requirements outlined by the BSA. We're so happy that we accomplished a goal that we set as individuals and as a family.

Finally, we are so proud of Jen who has taken a voluntary lay-off from the airlines to pursue an opportunity closer to home. She is the new Customer Care Manager for an assisted living center here in Lehi and we're so grateful that she can use her unique talents and abilities to grow in a new challenge. We listen each night as she recounts stories from the lives of these wonderful, ripe spirits and the funny things they say and do. We'll miss our jet-setting (for sure), but we're so happy to have her closer, where she is the centerpiece of our home.

Once again, we thank all of you, our friends and family, for all of your support. Next on the Matua Agenda:

• A Trip to the Holy Land
  
• A Heath Wedding
  
• Bonding With the Abarca's

CELEBRATING LIFE

Birthdays: A constant reminder that our kids are growing older and we're just....OLD! Yesterday we celebrated Mica's 11th birthday. Today, our youngest son Quinn, turned six.

It is hard to fathom that our sons are no longer the baby's they were just a short time ago, especially as we watch Jen's siblings welcome more new babies into the Kolowich family. Diapers are an abnormality within the walls of our home and screaming is contained within the confines of our television.

We have to admit though that when there are tiny babies visiting our home, cooing and wobbling around on unsure, delicate feet we have glimpses of yesteryear when we were new parents. But those memories are fleeting and we are enjoying the stage they are in now, wondering what tomorrow will bring as our ‘Tweeners’ become true teens.

Happy Birthday Mica! Happy Birthday Quinn! God bless and bring you with many more to come!