Naomi the Ninja!

Let me introduce you to Naomi, NayNay, the "Pocket Monster," Naughty Natasha, Naomi the Ninja!
                                                     

This granddaughter of ours has a lot of nicknames for such a little girl! When she was a baby, her sisters gave her the nickname NayNay. Pocket Monster and Naughty Natasha..Well, if you know Naomi, you know why the last two names are so appropriate. This little body has a great big spirit just waiting to burst! She knows the world is at her fingertips and she wants it now!

Naomi's grandmother Raejean, loved the name Naomi. She never understood why anyone would call her NayNay. In honor and in memory of my mother in law Raejean, I always call her Naomi.

Naomi is funny, full of energy, witty, smart, artistic, mischievous, imaginative...and a NINJA!

The ninja story will come later...

I love to watch Naomi play as her imagination takes her to far away places. I love her witty comebacks as she converses with her siblings. One day not too long ago, she was trying to get her sister, Jazzy's attention. I don't know if Jazz was ignoring her or was immersed in whatever she was doing, all of a sudden in her "pocket monster" voice, I hear Naomi yell, "Jazzy, Jazzy, snap out of it, just snap out of it!"

Last week the family daily devotionals were on trial and adversity. Each of the kids stated what trial they needed to work on. Naomi decided she would work on listening and not talking back to mommy, daddy, papa and nama. The next day, I asked her to do something. I hear a tiny, little mumble from her. I give her the "Nama Look" and she says to me, "What? I didn't talk it out loud!" I tried so hard not to laugh. Well, it didn't work, I laughed, I laughed oh so much! She's 3! How does she think up these things?

On another occasion, I was watching our granddaughters Avery and Sophia. Avery couldn't find one of her slippers. We looked everywhere. I told the grandkids that I would pay $1.00 to whomever found the slipper. Ciela was the lucky winner of the $1.00. Naomi was not a happy camper! Not two minutes later, the slipper is missing again. I happen to go outside and Naomi is sitting by herself in the yard, with a big pout on her face. I ask her if she knows where the slipper is. She hands it to me and says, "I hid it again, so I could find it and get the $1.00." There are days where she frustrates me to no end, keeps me on my toes every minute of every day, but oh Naomi, how I love you!

We were at Seaworld looking at the fish aquariums. Naomi is pounding on the glass, I tell her to stop, she looks at me and says, "Why can't I break the glass?"

She gets so frustrated, angry and just does not understand why she can't go on the big rides at Seaworld or Disneyland. She stomps her feet and folds her arms and says "I big!" She is no respecter of persons, no matter the age or size!

...The Ninja Story

More often than not, one or more of the kids end up in our bed to watch TV at night. More often than not, they fall asleep.

I am a very light sleeper. I hear everything. If the kids wake up and get out of our bed, I hear them, mostly because our bed creaks. Even if they move in our bed, I hear them...not Naomi! She will be in our bed at night and in the morning, she's not there! The bed never creaks, I never hear her get out of the bed...Naomi is a Ninja! She jumps like a ninja, moves like a ninja, fights like a ninja, treads lightly like a ninja, she's smart like a ninja and is as smooth as a ninja!

Any ninja knows, you can not acquire these skills, you are born with them! You may ask, where does she get these skills? In order to get the answer...you must ask an Olayan!

Angels Among Us

Do you believe in angels? I do! With all of my heart, I do!

I believe heavenly angels surround us, cheer us on, guide and protect us.

I also believe there are angels on earth who surround us, cheer us on, guide and protect us and most especially, serve us.

On my blog today I want to recognize the many "Earthly and Heavenly Angels" that have encircled our family.

I am not going to mention names, because I do not want to take the chance of forgetting any of them.

I want to start with the many angels from the West Hills Ward. Words can not adequately express how grateful I am for their loving kindness, service and love.

Where do I begin? The sisters of the West Hills Ward are some of the most loving and kind women I have ever known. Their love for my daughter and her family is beyond anything I have ever witnessed. Their willingness to bring in meals, take and pick up my grandkids from school, watching them when I have had an appointment or a meeting, is humbling.

There is one angel in particular that I receive a text from several times a week asking if she can bring the girls home from school. Many times with that text, comes an invitation for the girls to go swimming or to get an ice cream. And when she brings them home, she has not just one plate, but two plates of Texas sheet cake in hand!

Countless West Hills Ward angels have come by to see Erika, bringing books and magazines, lotion, candles, flowers, and most importantly their wonderful spirit, love and smiles! I am overwhelmed by their generosity and concern!

Can I also mention one evening, the door bell rings and there stands a group of youth with their leader. They inform us that they are on a service scavenger hunt and they are here to serve. I had just put the kids in the bath. Two of the young women, without hesitation, jumped right in and helped to bathe the kids. Another one of the young women grabbed some lotion and got on her knees and gave Erika a foot massage. Who does this? Angels...Beautiful, Earthly Angels!

I would be remise if I didn't mention Erika's "angel visiting teachers." What wonderful, kind, loving women they are! Their service, kindness and love is beyond measure.

In the scriptures we read that the greatest commandment is to love one another as our Savior loves us. We read that when we are in the service of our fellow beings, we are in the service of our God.
The West Hills Ward is the epitome of this great commandment. They love and serve with all of their heart, might, mind and strength. Thank you West Hills Ward!

Our "Army of Angels" extend to our wonderful family and friends. My daughters and son, Erika's aunties, grandma and cousins who have so lovingly and willingly brought over meals, called to see how Erika is doing, watched over the little ones and given of their time to serve their sister, niece, granddaughter and friend. I have friends who who will take a day off from work to spend with me and the little ones,  I say, "Thank you for being my "angel friends." Thank you family and friends for your love, prayers and service!

 ...Then there are angel husbands. Our son in law Lex, Erika's "lovey," her eternal companion. He is more than an angel! He loves, serves and adores my girl wholeheartedly and unconditionally!

I must also mention my "angel co-workers." As I wrote in a previous blog, I took a 12 week leave of absence. I had half of that time in vacation, sick and comp time. The rest of the hours were donated by my co-workers. As I write this, there are tears in my eyes and my heart is overflowing with gratitude at their willingness to give, so that I can be here for my girl and her family. Thank you to my co-worker angels!

To all the "earthly angels" who have prayed for my daughter, I thank you from the bottom of my heart! Your prayers have given our girl the strength and courage to get through this!

Most importantly, I am most grateful to a loving Heavenly Father, who knows us, loves us, and hears our prayers. My grandchildren prayed each day for angels to be with their mommy. I know their prayers were answered. I am so deeply grateful to Him for placing angels from heaven and earth in our life path!

                              

                                 

AUNTIE MONEY

This is our 2 1/2 year old grandson, Ali'i, whose nickname is Buffalo. Don't ask why...I don't know!

In my last blog I shared that my grandchildren call me Nama.

I will tell you that some of my other grandchildren, while learning to talk, had different versions of Nama. Jelliebean, (Jasmine) and Avery called me "Mum" for a short while. SoSo (Sophia) has called me Awa and Mum. But they all transitioned to calling me Nama, rather quickly

...Not our little Buffalo!

For some reason he started calling me Auntie, that soon became Auntie Money.
Auntie Money?? Where did this come from? So many times I wish I could get into his little brain to see what is the reasoning behind it. Wait, he's only 2, there is no reasoning.

We have tried to trick him into saying Nama so many times. Here is one of our conversations.

Me: "Buffalo, what is my name?"

Buffalo: "Auntie Money."

Me: "Buffalo, say Na."

Buffalo: "Na."

Me: "Ma."

Buffalo: "Ma."

Me:  "Nama!"

Buffalo, with a big grin: "Auntie Money!"

Papa has bribed him with cookies, candy and money to no avail. Our good friend Ghassan Seba has tried every trick in the book. It just doesn't work! Ghassan just laughingly shakes his head!

I must tell you, this has been going on since Buffalo started talking.

I had a meeting the other night. When I came home our little Buffalo greeted me at the door with a big hug and said, "Hi Nama!" What? Wait, did he just call me Nama? I thought I was dreaming! I looked at Eric and said, "Did he just call me Nama?" I got down on my knees and asked Buffalo, "What's my name?" And his response, with that amazing grin of his, "Nama!"

I will miss our Buffalo calling me Auntie Money. In a way it is quite endearing, but oh how I love to hear him say "NAMA!"

My Life in a Nutshell

Hello and welcome to my blog!

My name is Liz Liljestrom. I am a daughter, a wife, a mom, a sister, an auntie, a Community Liaison, a friend, a Mormon, a primary teacher, "Nama" and soon to be RETIREE!

I was born and raised in San Diego. I come from a large family, 8 sisters and 3 brothers. Mom and Dad ran a tight ship. It's a must with so many kids. Mom was a stay at home mom and dad was a cabinet maker. Life was never dull and there was always an adventure to be had with so many siblings. I love being a part of this amazing family!

When I was 20, I met this guy at a young adult dance. When he asked me to dance, I accepted. I thought he was quite cute for a red head, but I thought he was a bit short.

Fast forward a few months-My older brother was dating a girl named Cathy Liljestrom who happened to be the sister of that cute red head I had danced with. He had my brother invite me over to watch "Jaws" with his family...may I say the rest is history?

Eric and I were married in 1982 in the Los Angeles Temple. In March of 1983 we were blessed with our first daughter, Erika. 14 months later in 1984 our one and only son, John, to our surprise, arrived 6 weeks early! Our daughter Ashley joined our family in 1987 and in November of 1988 our daughter, Stevie was born. Our family was complete!

I felt I was living my dream. I was a wife and stay at home mommy! I was blessed to stay home with my kids the first 9 years of our family life.

We wanted to buy a house, and in order to do so, mommy had to get a job. Another blessing came our way, I got a job working at the elementary school my kids attended as a teacher's aide and the yard duty...Yes, the yard duty. I remember my yard duty when I was a kid. I loved her! She happened to be a member of the church and a friend of the family. She was kind, funny and all the students loved her. While I had that job, I aspired to be like her.

I worked at the elementary school for almost 5 years. I needed a job with more hours. My sister in law Jeanette was working as a Vice Principal Secretary at Monte Vista High School. She suggested that I apply for a Campus Supervisor position...Yes, a Campus Supervisor is what we used to call "a narc" when I was in school.

I applied and got an interview and was hired. What was I thinking?? I'm a 36 year old mommy of 4 kids, I'm a PTA mom, not a "narc." I remember the first day of school and as I'm walking to the office entrance, I thought, "These kids are so BIG! What have I done? Take me back to the comfort of children arguing about who was first in line for the monkey bars!

I've been at Monte Vista for 20 years, the last 10 as the school Community Liaison. The best way to describe my job is to imagine being the Relief Society President for 1700 students and their families. I connect families with resources, the school with the community and community to school. I established a food pantry, school supply drives with community churches and partners, and the "New 2 U Boutique." Students and families in need, have access to food, clothes and school supplies. Our hope is that we are giving our students and families a "hand up" and the opportunity to be successful and ready to learn. I'm also the Site Coordinator for our ASSETs After School Programs, the TUPE Coordinator, (Tobacco Prevention) Club LEAD Advisor, Poly Club Advisor, Disney Grad Nite Coordinator and Class of 2015 Advisor.

I love my job and have been blessed to work with a staff that genuinely cares about our students. The students at Monte Vista are amazing! Despite challenges that come their way, situations that they have no control over, they are resilient, strong, and incredible young people!

I have truly been blessed with a good life. There have been trials and tribulations, but I have witnessed the love and answered prayers of a kind Father in Heaven and the many tender mercies of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

My greatest joy has been to become a "Nama." We are blessed with 14 beautiful grandchildren. You may look at pictures of our grandchildren and see only 13 of them. Our sweet angel Kiarra Nicole Collins is in heaven. I know that families are forever and some day our daughter Ashley and son in law Brad will hold and love this perfect little being.

When our oldest daughter Erika was expecting our first grandchild, we would discuss what our grand babies would call us. "Papa" was a given for Eric. I wasn't sure about me. I decided to wait and see what Desea would call me when she started talking...hence the name "Nama."

So...the reason for this blog...

Our daughter Erika was born with an abnormally narrow esophagus. Over the last several years, she has struggled with choking and food sensitivities that cause the esophagus to constrict. Failed attempts by doctors to dilate the esophagus and liquid diets grow old. She started researching different options and prayed for direction. She was referred to a surgeon who specializes in esophogectomies.

You may ask, what is an esophogectomy? In short, the esophagus is removed. the stomach is cut in half and is elongated to create a new esophagus. After prayerful consideration, this is the procedure Erika felt was right for her. The surgery is long and arduous. Hospitalization ranges from 10-14 days. the first two days in ICU. Recovery is 8-12 weeks.

Erika has 5 children, 2-7 years old. There was much discussion on who would take care of the children? I knew when she decided to have the surgery, that I wanted to do this for her and Lex. I knew this was my duty as her momma.

There is so much more behind this story, as I have witnessed the Lord's hand in our lives. Last October we had to move out of the home we were renting. The owners went into foreclosure. I was so sad. I loved that little house. We searched for several weeks and couldn't find anything that fit our needs. Erika and Lex invited us to move in with them. We accepted.

At the beginning of the year we started looking for a home again and still nothing. This is about the time Erika decided this surgery was her best option. We realized then the reason why we hadn't found a place. Our place was with them.


I have taken a 12 week leave of absence to care for these 5 precious grand babies. I have traded my 40-60 hour a week job for the 24/7 sacred responsibility of watching over these souls. I have traded my little Ford Focus for a BMW (Big Mormon Wagon) an 11 passenger Ford Van. I have traded my peace and quiet for the constant need and attention of 5 of Heavenly Father's precious children. Their temporal and more importantly, their spiritual welfare is in my hands. This is not an easy task. I've been in "Nama" and Ms. Liz (This is what my students at MV call me.) mode for many years. I had to transition back to a momma mode. My grown kids will tell you, like my mom and dad, I ran a tight ship. My greatest concern was that my grand babies wouldn't love their Nama after all of this.

I went from this 

to 

this

and this

to this!

I realized that there will be times when they will not be happy with Nama, but their love is genuine and unconditional. As is mine. We will have stress, craziness, and many tears, but we will also have many laughs, fun times, joyous occasions, and opportunities to create memories!

Join me on my journey as "Nama on Duty."