Verner
THE
FAMILY
OUR
2016 RECAP
inside:
merry
CHRISTMAS
UPDATES ON AVA’I & ANO’A
ALTE & SINA’E plus, more on DJ, Jaxx
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to our loving family and friends! As the 2016 year starts to wrap up, we would like to share with you where God has led us this year! -THE VERNERS
Ano’a As the year started out, Ano'a was hospitalized at 6 months young with pneumonia. Although this was a scary and life threatening situation, God blessed the doctors and nurses with the knowledge and love needed to heal our baby boy! We can also say that Ano'a has a pretty strong immune system since that experience. We (Alte and I) have witnessed him drink water from the dog bowl - without getting sick; Eww! I know, right?! That's our boy for ya! As we approached the summer, little Ano'a started walking and we were all blessed to witness his 1year young birthday and his Christening. Following Anoa's big "number 1", he became a pro at "trick or treating" and also joined his big brother Avai’ on the soccer field this fall. As winter has approached us, Ano'a has surprised us with singing his favorite holiday day song "hohoho" and the Barney classic "I love you.”
Avai’ This year started off rough for Avai's health. He was constantly sick with chronic ear infections. Additionally, Avai' was running into behavioral issues because he was having trouble communicating. After 4 consistent ear infections, Avai's bod became immune to antibiotics. In May, Avai’ underwent surgery to get tubes in his ear and have his adenoids removed. Once June came, Avai' had an evaluation for Autism and speech. Avai' passed all of the tests and scored above average, twice. As parents, we were stuck. We were excited to know that our son is a 'genius' but sad to hear that he didn't qualify to get the help he needed. We fought for a few months with our insurance and doctors; asking for speech therapy for our son. But one day, God brought us to the best speech and occupational therapist in Tampa, Florida. Their schedule was full, our insurance wouldn't cover it, and Avai’ didn't qualify for the need of a therapist. As parents,we struggled to say that we needed guidance in helping our son become vocal. Through prayer, God blessed the program leader's heart and she found a way to get the help Avai’ needed. Avai’ has made a great improvement and is now very vocal. This fall, Avai' finished his second year of soccer and gymnastics. He loves school, Bible study, and speech therapy. He cries when he has to leave speech therapy.
T H E S E T W O A R E B E S T F R I E N D S.
Ano’a & Avai’ They have so much joy and laughter everyday! They wake up looking for each other. Please continue to pray for them to stay healthy; for their sprits to be led by God with joy! We also pray for them as they are growing toddlers who have daily challenges and that they overcome those challenges in godly ways.
Delano Most of you already know Dj. He is a new addition to our family! Dj is 13 years old and a very smart yet goofy young man. Dj will be finishing his 8th grade year with us and preparing for his high school years. He enjoys sports- football and basketbal - video games, history and science. We are praying for Dj to continue to stay healthy and that he is lead to the Lord. We pray that he continues to have joy and laughter in his heart. Please pray for his spirit as he has experienced his first passing of a loved one, (his mom) and for him to strive for success in his academics.
Jaxx Jaxx is now 3 years old and very protective of our family especially his little brothers Avai' and Ano'a! Jaxx still loves to eat and play! Jaxx has been diagnosed with a small case if arthritis in his back, but he doesn't let that stop him. He chased our friendly neighbor on their golf cart this summer and he is looking to break another record!
Alterraun Alte started this year with many positive thoughts and vibes! Football was on his mind and he has been on his grind since; working hard to succeed in God’s eyes, and on the football field. As his baby boys suffered, he has been a prayer warrior; asking god to heal and protect them. As a husband, he leads his wife in morning prayers daily and even does the dishes sometimes. The best is the smile he puts on his wife face everyday! As a father, he and his little boys wrestle before bed and Alte falls asleep as our 2 year old reads a book to him. As a son and brother, Alterraun finds ways to spend time with his parents and siblings every chance he gets. On November 25th, Alte's father passed away. This was completely unexpected. But, Alterraun, always seeing the good knows that his father is in a better place now. He is in heaven smiling down on us all and pain free. He is cooking the best meals in heaven and watching all the Western and football that he wants. As the legacy carries on, Alterraun has stepped up (almost to his father's level!) and he has become a 'grill master' this year! He also stays up with the latest dances and movies! He has taught his boys the 'right way to go to the movies' and they love "popcorn" with an "icee".
Sina’e As a wife I recently discovered myself not being a good listener to my husband. He would come home from work talking up a storm and everything would go in one ear and out the other. And catch this; if you really know my husband he would quiz me on his 'glamorous news' of the day. I would get an epic 'fail.' I'm proud to say that I am doing much better now at just enjoying the moment and taking the time to listen. This year started off rough for me. My boys were sick which gave me reckless and sleepless days and nights. I also discovered at this time that the lump I had in my breast from the previous year had returned. Alterraun was always positive and lifting me up in spirit. He also respected my wishes in not telling anyone about my breast lump returning. Alterraun and I stayed in God’s word and pray together. We sure do balance each other out. When I'm negative he is positive and when he is negative I am positive. As I reminisced over the many ways God blessed us in this year it just brings tears to my eyes. Our god is soo loving. I learned in our experiences with Avai’ and Ano‘a's health that God will have what needs to happen take place. Whether it is good or bad in my eyes; there will be a positive affect for someone. You see, Avai’ and Ano'a were having health issues at the same time nd I was stressing, running to the store to get new toothbrushes when they got sick, making every natural remedy there is from Samoa to Jamaica and I can't forget the toys. I would bleach and wipe down every toy everyday the boys were sick...
... and you know if you've been to our house in Florida that our toys accumulate to a year's worth of cleaning. I drove myself crazy trying to be the best mom and protect our boys from the outside 'critters'. I learned that everything is a process and i am a great-loving mom. God has sent angels my way to guide me as a mother and he keeps motivating me to stay in his word while doing so. With Avai's speech delay I've learned to be more patient. But God also brought to my attention that I truly love our baby boys. Even though Avai' has his moments, and I have my moments too, when I get overwhelmed... I'm not ashamed to let someone know that he has a speech delay, or to translate his sign language to someone. I do get scared and worried most about how others may treat him if I can't be there to translate for him or to calm him down and that is why we knew we needed to get him the proper help that he needed. I have learned to be open minded to professional health employers. You see, it is hard when you have a career or degree in the health field and you know some of the things that go on behind the scenes. But through the many doctor visits and hospital experiences, I have learned to pray over our children's doctors and nurses - that they be given the knowledge needed to heal our baby boys and that I trust in the LORD. I have also learned smart techniques like if one kid needs to go to the ER I get them both checked in. This fall, I dove into gods word and participated in 3 bible studies!!! I didn't know what God was preparing me for - but he sure has prepared me! You see, on November 2, a friend of mine had a passing in their family. On November 3, a friend of mine from my bible study passed away unexpectedunexpected ly. Then, on November 4th, my beloved grandmother passed away. And 2 weeks later, on November 25th my father-in-law passed away. November was he hardest month for me. I tried to be strong; I broke down. It has been a emotional roller coaster. God has spoken to my heart and reminded me that he is calling all of his angels home and I need to be ready for him. My body and my loved ones’ bodies are temporary temples here on earth; But our spirits live on! I am thankful for how supportive my husband and I have been for each other and our families for loving each other as well. I have also learned that everyone grieves in different ways so to just take baby steps on this journey.
Alte & Sina'e
We are looking forward to 2017. We will continue to strive for excellence in serving the LORD but our hearts really want us to focus on the moments with our loved ones and one on one time with each other. Please pray that we don't become overwhelmed or over book ourselves and that God helps us to find time to pick up the phone and make more calls to our loved ones! You are in our thoughts and prayers!!!! We love you forever.
with love, THE VERNER FAMILY
rest in paradise G R A N D MA LULA-LAVONNE & DADDY ROBERT