Look who came to see us!

Jolly old St. Nick!

Look who I caught on camera! What a wonderful Christmas this has been.

Hettrick Family Christmas Party 2009.

This year my mom and her cousin Kathy hosted the party at my mom's church. I was so happy that I was able to go. When I woke up in the morning I was very weak and in a lot of pain in my ribs. I had a migraine the night before and could feel the weakness moving up my body. I took it easy all day, one hour before we were to leave I was in tears because I still was not sure I was going to make it. I did however, make it as you can tell from the picture below! Yeah! Kev pushed me in the wheelchair which has been a lifesaver. I love this pic of the kids. Keo never knows how to smile for real! He is always goofy, lol. I got these cute sweater's from Children's Place.com for like $4.50 each and free shipping, so $22.50 total! So I was happy. Kev was supposed to wear a black polo but he is stubborn and would not change for the party. Now that I see the pic it really bugs me, but what can you do?

This is the best pic of the entire family including Ke'Lao! Love my family.

This is Santa and Mrs. Claus, that Kevin fishes with in Alaska every year. We love Art and Margaret and our kids think it is so neat that their Dad fishes with Santa. They come to the party every year. We ate, had a fun white elephant exchange and then a homemade gift auction! It was good to see everyone, but I sure was glad to come home when it was over, as it was very tiresome for me. I love this time of year, I have to say that it has been a very different year, but not in a bad way. It has been harder but also the spirit of Christmas is much more evident and it is almost as though I can smell it! Love you all, and hope you have the best Christmas ever!

Ka'Lya 7.5 months old!

Sweet smile!

Look at the adoration she has for her Dad!

OK so I think this pic looks like those babies on that commercial where they make their eyes huge !?! Well I think that is what it reminds me of, Branson said it reminds him of something too but cannot place what it is. Hmmm, Maybe you can figure it out.

This pose lasts about 10 seconds before she falls flat on her face, lol.


Full body pose!

Another great shot to show her beautiful eyes!

Wow does time fly when you have a sweet babe! She is truly the best natured baby I have ever had, not to say she is not spoiled. I mean how could she not be with 6 people in our home constantly fighting over her (still). I have not even mentioned Nana, Papa, Brittnie and even Branson love her to death! All the kids friends want to hold her and play with her when they are here. As my mom says....I have never seen a more loved baby, and baby number 5 at that! She is beautiful and sweet and as I have said she has brought a peace to our home like never before. Anyone that knows her or even sees her, strangers at that, comment on her eyes, eyelashes, a smile that lights up a room, and her sweet nature! I love that one sweet soul can bring happiness to so many. I do not know if it is because she is baby number 5, or the sacrifice it was to get her here, or if it is her, but I have never felt frustration with her when she wakes up twice a night, and I have never had any anger or irritation when she cries, (baby number 1, 2, and 3 were oh so hard). I just have to post my love for her! I love you Kya you are the sweetest soul!

Gratitude!

On December 31, 2008 I fell on the ice while I was nearly 18 weeks pregnant and tore my placenta, I spent new years eve in the ER at Jordan Valley. It seems that this night was the beginning of a very long 2009 with many days spent in hospitals and at home in bed for me and the family. In January Keo was dancing around and fell and broke his collar bone. It was not too serious but it required an ER visit and weeks of a sling. The next week Ku'uipo was having extreme abdominal pain and was diagnosed by a CT scan with acute appendicitis. She was admitted to Primary Children's and was later found to have a bilateral kidney infection while they also monitored her appendix. She was later released and the next few weeks there were many doctor visits, priesthood blessings and lots of prayer to aid her complete recovery. In the meantime, I was put on bed rest due to pre-term labor and was no longer able to work. Over the next few months I was hospitalized three different times and monitored to help protect the baby from coming to early and me for my clotting disorder. The stress was immense on Kevin, myself, and the kids. Our income was decreased significantly due to me no longer working. On April 22, 2009 Ka'Lya was born nearly 8 weeks early. She was in the NICU and step-down unit for 8 days. She was tiny but doing well when she came home. Kee'Onu had his bout of illness this summer but recovered quickly. On October 15, 2009 Kev had surgery on his hip due to severe pain over the past several years. Dr. Zeluff agreed to do a surgery that is rare and he had never done before, hoping to fix and help Kev with is pain. So far Kev has felt an improvement and we hope that when he is fully healed his pain will be completely gone. On November 15, is when I was hospitalized for the guillain barre and am still recovering today. Just last Friday Keo woke up in excruciating pain in his tummy. Kev took him to Primary Children's and they found a small bowel obstruction, they gave him an enema and it helped. They took another x-ray and found that his large bowel was mostly cleared but his small bowel was still blocked. They gave him medication and sent him home. He was in extreme pain for several days, and he sees the doctor tomorrow to make sure that it is all cleared up. He was able to go back to school on Tuesday and seems fine right now. Kevin went off light duty on Thanksgiving and I am doing much better than I was when I came home from the hospital.
I write the above for journaling and because there is so much that this year has brought. I must lay the story for all of you above, so as to allow the rest of this post to explain the immense love and gratitude that this year of trial and triumph have brought.
When the kids were sick, that was hard, and my heart ached for them. I wished that I could take away the pain and all the fear that they were feeling. I knew that I could not. I am sad to admit that I, at times, rushed them to the doctor before I went to my Heavenly Father. It was when Kevin and my Dad gave them a blessing that not only did we get answers and help, but I too was comforted in knowing that they would get better.
On Thanksgiving, the night before he went to the ER, for 3 hours Ke'Lao cried in pain, Kev was at work and I had only been home a few days from the hospital unable to take him to the Doctor. I gave him the normal children's pain reliever all to no avail. It was then when I knew there was nothing more that I could physically do to ease his pain. I realized that a priesthood blessing was the one thing that I knew and I had faith would help him. I said a short silent prayer before the blessing, asking that Ke'Lao be taken from his anguish at least until we could get him to a doctor. I knew that this was all that was needed. My Dad placed his hands on his head and gave him a blessing of comfort. Within minutes Ke'Lao layed down and fell asleep for the next 3 hours. He awoke at dinner time and was out of pain, which lasted for the next day and a half. I think back and realize what else in this life can you rely on when you have exhausted all other options? Where else can you turn when no tangible person or thing can comfort you? Our Heavenly Father. There is a peace that envelopes your soul when you turn it over to Him. When you ask for help and it is given freely what gratitude it stirs.
This same gratitude and love I have felt from Angels who have served my family. By Angels I mean all of you that took the time from your own busy life and families to serve mine. Meals, babysitting, messages of love and encouragement, phone calls, and cleaning. I have had a lot of time to ponder all that has been done for us and tears are evident. I sit here and realize that you who have served us were thinking of us while preparing a meal, or watching my kids, or writing that card. It is overwhelming to think how many hours of your time was given to lighten our burdens. What a sacrifice you and your family gave. Although many of you say it is no big deal, I beg to differ, the impact and the lessons that have been taught through this year are priceless and cannot be learned without these trials. I say this is a year of trials and triumph because the trials for obvious reasons, but the triumph from all that we have gained. I have a most wonderful spirit that was added to our family. She was a sacrifice for so many to get her here and yet worth every hospital stay, illness, and worry. She is a triumph, proving that we can make it through adversity as a family, luckily the reward is tangible and forever giving.
I have wondered why the illness, why the pain? One of many answers that I have received is the ability to show one another that we can overcome, but not alone. Each bump in the road has taught us that we cannot do this alone, whether it be the need for a parent to care, a doctor to treat, a blessing to heal, or a loved one to serve, we cannot do it alone. That is where the testimony is gained. It is a group effort to live to tell. I cannot teach my kids all that they have learned this past year. By others serving our family they have learned the importance of giving back. They have seen the tremendous blessings that have come from all of you. I hope that this will pave the way for them to live a life of service. If that is the only lesson learned than it is worth it. Fortunately that is not all that they have learned. They know that the power of prayer is real. They pray for help, health, and strength. They know they are not alone and that there is a higher power. They have seen it through the miracles of the year.
I also have to say that there are those that are answering a prayer and yet do not know. Kevin was on light duty due to his hip surgery a few weeks before the day I was admitted to the hospital. His job allows him to dress casually and answer what they call telephonics when they are on light duty. He is not allowed to drive his police car or carry his gun. The day after I was admitted Kevin got permission from his Captain to work from my hospital room due to the fact that he was on light duty. He later told me that it took such a huge burden off of his shoulders. He was able to be there everyday with me and did not have to use sick time, much was already gone due to his surgery. If he was not on light duty this would not have been the case. A prayer was answered. Ku'uipo was having a hard time at school and this was evident to her teacher. She asked Ipo to have lunch with her and even gave her a brownie. A comfort she needed and that I prayed for. A prayer was answered. The night before I went into the ICU due to complications, my Mom felt she needed to be with me. She wrote a note on facebook and asked for help with the kids. My visiting teacher offered to have them. My Mom was able to be there when my illness took a bad turn.
Another prayer was answered. Many fasted and prayed daily for me. I recovered and was able to go home more quickly than others. Many prayers were answered.
In the end, I love you all and the gratitude that fills my soul is overflowing. What love I have for you. What compassion you have taught me and my family. Please know that when you serve others it becomes a chain reaction. You instill in others the need and desire to pay it back. I only hope that the rest of my life I can teach others through service what we have been taught. I love you!!!

Happy Birthday to my Mom and Best Friend!!!!

Mom at Keo's graduation.

Sweet mom at Temple square.

So my Mom turned __ this past week. I just had to post a Happy B-day to her!

This is Mom and Brittnie on Thanksgiving.

I love them both so much! My Dad is so amazing to my Mom. He treats her so good. What a cute couple they are!

My mom is the best Nana! She is one of those grandparents that does not just see the kids occasionally. She sees them often and when she sees them she does the greatest things with them. She teaches them skills that even I do not possess. She also teaches them to serve others. She is always thinking of others and is so thoughtful and creative.

We love her and all the great talents she has. I cannot wait to see how she will be with my teenagers, lol. I am sure she will be the one person that I can turn to for a support and that my kids will go to because she can be sensitive and understanding when I cannot. She keeps saying she is going on a mission when I have teenagers. That is fine, because we will just follow her wherever she goes!!

Dearest Mom, I know that this past few weeks have taken a toll, but I also know that the strength you possess have allowed us to move on. You are strong and faithful. You listened to your promptings this past month and because of that I was blessed. We are two alike and yet two opposites. We compliment each other and nourish each other. Thank you for building me up and guiding me when I feel there is nowhere else to go. I love you and hope you know that I chose you to be my Mother. I know it. I was granted this privilege and for that I am grateful. I thank my Heavenly Father for giving you to me. I love you and cannot wait to see what else you will teach me and my Family. Happy Happy Birthday!

Glad to be here!

Last Sunday I went to Jordan Valley ER due to weakness and pain in my legs. I was admitted to med/surg while the docs tried to diagnose me. They already believed it to be guillain barre syndrome but wanted a test to confirm the diagnosis. One symptom of this is short term memory, which I experienced. I know from Kevin and my mom that I had several MRI's, CT scans and X-rays. I also know that when I returned from having a procedure my O2 sats dropped in the 70's and would not return even with 15 liters of O2. I was then transferred to ICU. Dr. Wallace came to see me in the morning and I remember him saying that he did not expect to see me awake or even without intubation. He let me know that he was afraid that I was not going to make it after the phone calls he got the night before. That scared me. I am truly so blessed to be here. I do not remember so many things and that really upsets me. I do not remember most of my visitors and all the kind people that took care of my family. I cannot recall so many things, but at this time I want everyone to know that I am so thankful for all your service to me and my family. I know that it made it a lot easier on Kevin. So many of you made meals, watched my kids, and came to see me. I love you all and know that because of your help and prayers I am home today!

I want so badly to tell my mom that I am so blessed to have her. She took care of all the kids and made it so Kevin and I had no worries. I am also thankful for facebook a wonderful site that made it easy for my mom to get in touch with so many of our friends. She is the most wonderful woman. Many of you know how thoughtful she is. She always is thinking of others and she is a true example to me. My mom is struggling with her own health and she still came everyday to help me and stay with me. I love you so much Mom.

Brittnie was also there everyday. She stayed by my side. Something that even I would have not enjoyed in the hospital. It is strange how such an awful thing can bring you closer to your family. It made me so thankful to have her, even when she yelled at a Doctor for me, lol. I know she loves me and I am hoping she knows that I know how blessed I am to have her.

I have the best family. Branson came to see me and stayed late even though I know that he had school and homework. Then when I got home he brought me my favorite, La Luna. All my kids were jealous, hahaha. They all wanted it for themselves, luckily I shared with them today. I also have to thank Cami for being my nurse even though she thought it was one of the hardest and best things she has done. She also came to see me, I am not sure when, yet I know she came and then she got the flu and is still sick. I love you Cam! Alisha came to see me twice and she brought some turkeys from a bakery her mom works at for the kids. Here is how bad my memory is....I thought they were rats or mice, lol. At least I can remember they were good! Thanks for coming up Alisha! There are so many others who came and I love all of you!

Since I have been home I have noticed something that I am sad that I did not realize in the hospital. The toll that all this has taken on Kevin. His eyes are tired and bloodshot, every moment he gets he takes a short nap anywhere he can. Anytime I make a noise he comes to me asking what he can do. He is a rock. He was there everyday and even got permission from his work to do his light duty and take calls from my hospital room just so he could be with me everyday. I love him, I am so in love with him, and I know he loves me. He did all the research on Guillain Barre syndrome and knew inside and out the symptoms and the treatment. When I would feel a certain way he would say, "that is part of the syndrome stace." He also was in close contact with the doctors hoping that instead of them trying to diagnose me they would treat me. He is still upset that they did not do anything for me except for give me one of the best pain killers in the world, Dilaudid. I am so glad that it was able to help me with my pain, now that I am home nothing compares, so I just have to buck up! I love you Kevin Troy Fuller! You are the best thing that has ever happened to me and I am so thankful for you and the fun and laughter you bring into my life even when the happiness in life is hard to find!

Last but not least this week was the hardest week due to the fact that the hospital recently changes their policy in allowing children to come in. They have to be 12 and older due to the H1N1. I was admitted on Sunday and on Monday my mom and Kevin snuck around the policy and had my kids come to the lobby and I got to see them, unfortunately I do not remember this at all! I was reminded of it several times, but have no recollection. There were so many times I cried because I missed the kids and wanted so bad to have the chaos of my life and kids back. I cried when I was alone and knew that they were going to bed. I cried because I was sure that Ka'Lya would forget me. I cried because I was sad that my kids were not able to be comforted by the normal routine of their life. I cried because it felt good to cry and I cried because I was weak.

I am home now and the normal chaos of life is exhausting. I love that my Kya still knows me and reaches for me and lays her head on my shoulder. I love that she is sweet and her smile lights up our home. I love that the day I came home Ipo and I fell asleep holding hands. I love that same night Aja and Ipo slept at the foot of our bed because they missed me. I love that I have the best kids and that everyone that watched them made sure to tell my mom and Kev that. I love that Keo gave me a note today that said "I mist you and I wil luve you For ever and I wil never forgit that I luve you I wil olwes be with you." It made me cry. I love that Kee put my socks on my cold feet because I was too weak to myself. I love my family and know that they all will get me through the darkness of this illness and that my Heavenly Father loves me and heard the prayers of many to help me recover faster.

Happy 9th Birthday My Sweetheart!

This is Ku'uipo, my sweetheart. She is the most lovely sweetest child ever. She is fun and caring and crazy. I am so blessed to have her in my life. I love her and cannot believe that she is 9 years old today!

She is named after someone that I admire. My childhood friend, and still my friend today, Ku'uipo Vea has always been so sincere and caring. She is a wonderful person and mom and I hope my dear Ipo can follow her example in life knowing that her namesake is a wonderful person who loves the gospel and our Heavenly Father and strives to serve others with love! My mom named me after someone that she looked up to in school, someone that was kind to others and it made me want to exceed her hopes for me! I am happy that Ipo has a name given to her and someone that she can look up to and follow throughout her life, Thanks Ku'uipo!

This is Ipo on her 7th birthday.



Ipo on her 6th birthday!





5 years old!

3 years old. Look at that puffy hair!

I cannot find the other birthdays on my computer but at least we all know she had them, lol!

I caught her asleep with Kya when we went up to the cabin. I love it.

Beautiful!

Her best friend and cousin Kaili. I am so glad that they have each other. It is so special to have a best friend be there for you at all the family parties and throughout life being only 3 days apart! I love them both.

I put this up here because my mom thinks we look so alike in it. She shines!

I love this picture it shows how much she truly loves Ka'Lya and the light they both bring to the family is contagious.

Ipo I love you so much and am so thankful for the patience and peace that you emulate. You are such a joy and I do not say that lightly, sweet and sassy and everything in between. We love you!

Halloween 2009!

This is the project that Nana had for the kids on Halloween, Cake decorating!
Here is our big family. Me and Kev cannot believe that we have such a big family until we see it in pictures, kinda crazy! So this Halloween was full of business. We had a lot of things that we had to do. the kids had their parade at the school at 9. now call me crazy but I was all planned and ready to have video of them in the parade and then snapshots of them also. So I give Kev the snap camera and I take the video. Perfect idea right? ummmm NO! Kevin used the snap camera to take video of them, grrrrrr. I already had that, now I have all video and no pics. It made me bugged and I guess pretty mad. Not much I could do it is over, but hey one of us needs to think and one of us needs to follow.....And I am the one that THINKS! Ok so enough of that.

I so love this pic of my mom and Ipo. They are so cute and carefree here.

Crazy face Fuller's. We have fun.

Gorgeous Ipo as Hannah Montanna

All four Hannah Montanna's. I had a hard time getting all the girls ready and pretty for their big entrance on the streets of Halloween. I also had to get 2 boys and a baby ready! They all looked great.

Ke'Lao as a dead pirate. He loved his costume, he kept saying he was only missing a gun. Dang I forgot.

Barbie Doll Hannah. Aja loved all the Halloween make-up and dress-up. She loved it.

Kevin with his girl!

I love this picture of the kids. They are so cute together and sweet. They even look a lot alike, weird as a mother when you see your offspring made of your loins look alike and look like you.

Just a little of these two sweet personalities. Ipo is kinda crazy and Lexy is sweet and just basking in the light!

Me and Kya at the kids parade. We had fun and Kya loved all the kids walking around.

Kya Monkey.

Cannot wait until next year to see what all my kids will be. Hey you never know I just may dress up too.

Baby Hannah Montanna!

Little doll. Because Ipo and Aja are going to be Hannah we decided to help her be that too. We threw together several sized costumes to make this one. Kinda funny but it worked out. She is just cute no matter what. I love the wig.
This is so cute and yet the hat is way too big.

She looks to me like a witch more than like Hannah. I love the wig and at least she is smiling. I love her so much and we had so much fun doing them.

Sweet Baby Ka'Lya 6 months old!

We went to Sears and did the fun portrait sitting. It actually went well. She is such a happy giggly thing that it was a breeze.
You can kind of see her first tooth that she got on October 16. Her second is coming up right behind. She has been fussy and in pain, but she is still so sweet!

My little 20's bunting baby!

Full shot with me and Kev holding each of her hands.

Naked and chubby. She weighs a little less that 13lbs and yet she looks like she is so chubby. I love her chubby cheeks they are fun to squish and kiss! I cannot believe that she is 6 months, but I am so happy we have her and only hope the next 6 months go by slower!