Deuce the Deacon

Yes, that's right folks, "the Deuce" turned the big 1-2 earlier this month! So to celebrate this turning point in his life, he wanted a "BYU-themed" birthday party, and with my sister Norma in Hawai'i and some of my friends out of town, I wasn't too eager to pull one off without them. Luckily for me, Ofa came to the rescue. We had a few competitive yet simple games for the boys to play... and then we had two special surprise visitors show up to meet and chat with the boys, who by the way, all happen to be BYU fanatics. Deuce was in complete shock when he saw Vic So'oto and Masi Tuitama (both BYU football players), walk into the room. Major gratitude to our dear friends Ofa and Mark for making it possible. Perplexed, my poor son did nothing but sit there and smile as Vic presented him with a "Y" cap. We had to tell him to stand up and thank Vic...
Vic and Masi spoke with the boys and emphasized and encouraged them to stay in school, get an education, always do the right things in life and work hard.

(btw, I was disappointed that this was the only good shot taken of Mom and Ofa)

They also talked about their personal experiences playing for Coach Mendenhall and what it took to be a good college football player. Oh, I couldn't let them end without the haka, so poor Vic did the honors... a solo, since Masi, who's been a red-shirt, but will be starting as a blue this year, had not learned it yet. Before Vic entertained us with the BYU version of the haka, Deuce and a few of his friends did their version... which in my opinion, could've been better, but I think they were a bit nervous. Vic's performance intimated the boys... after all, isn't that part of the Kamate haka? Well, after the pep rally and the photo ops, everyone headed into the kitchen for a spread of hapa Haole/Hawaiian-style BBQ...

Ofa, manning the kitchen...

and a couple of the boys took a wack at a very cool "Y" pinata that my bro-in-law, Quinn, made. He was going to make a Utes "U" for the boys to strike, but he didn't have time. Still, the "Y" was perfect (thank you Quinnie!). Because of time, I bought a sheet of cake from Sam's and had Tiani make a "Y" out of fondant, thanks to my sis-in-law, Betheny for the fondant idea (I would've never thought of it). Besides our cougar visitors, we had other out-of-towners stop by, Mum's oldest brother, Tad and his wife, Mahina (we really appreciate their help as well). They were in town for a wedding, so they camped out at our place. It was fabulous having them here, even though it was only for one night. Deuce loved his b'day presents from them and his friends. Heaps of thanks to those who attended (and helped), and to those far away who called him on his special day (he knew how much you cared).

*~*~

So this past Sunday, Deuce was ordained a Deacon by his Dad. Mom, Quinn, Aunt Joyce, Uncle Verl, Vao, Lafo, Nathan, Mike and all our kiddies... were in attendance, squeezed like a can of packed sardines (no, not really, we could've added a few more bodies) into our Bishop's office. I enjoyed the warm and special feelings I got as my son was ordained. Visions of his life from the time he was born... 'til now... swarmed through my mind that I got a little choked up, even though Dallin was nearly successful in distracting my thoughts with the noises he was making. The thought of Deuce, who in 7 years, turning 19, is mind-boggling. He's so eager to perform the duties of a Deacon and to be in the boy scouts program that I find myself feeding off of his excitement. Well, it looks like he and I will have plenty of time to work on merit badges and getting our, I mean, HIS Eagle! lol. ;) I am so proud of him and most of all, I am lucky and proud to be his mum. He's a special young man and I'm not saying all this because I'm biased, okay, maybe I am... just a smidge, but he really is a very caring person, sensitive in many ways and he's a "momma's boy" (which he proudly acknowledges). He especially loves to be called one of my "Stripling Warriors." I am so blessed to have a worthy young man who loves and honors his priesthood, call me "MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!"

Ou te alofa tele ia te oe, Deuce... always!