A Visit to The House of The Lord

I finally got to pay a visit to the temple last Saturday with a 

cousin of mine. [Her dad and my dad are cousins.] We got 

together at work during lunch to walk and talked about 

how she's always going to the temple on the weekends, 

and I thought about how it's been a year or so, that I haven't

gone. So I asked her if I could come along too. 

I've always wanted to get away for an hour to pray and 

meditate on the things that I'm currently struggling with 

and ask for God's blessings in everything I do. Since I've

gone with my cousin, things have been starting to fall in 

place for me, I'm more at peace with where I'm at in 

life and striving to keep moving forward. 

Lani and I are sort of in the same situation right now. 

We're both married mothers, solo parents and so we 

understand each other. Her dh is in the islands and I'm 

still separated with my dh, yet he's in Portland and I'm

here in Salt Lake with the kids. 

She's so strong and has taught me many things about 

being more patient, forgiving and understanding. I'm 

glad that she's in my life right now and hope that some

day I can help her like she's helped me. 

I haven't had many friends like her that are honest and 

strive to live a Christ like life. I wish her the best in all 

that she does and that things may go her way soon. 

We've talked about getting together to get our children's

72 hour kits/backpacks ready for any upcoming emerg

encies and maybe introducing the kids to each other. 

Nesi's got a birthday coming up so I'm planning on

 inviting her and her children to stop by and have

some fun with my kids. While we get some mommy 

time to talk with the other mothers. 

I hope that you may cherish the friendships you have, 

It really helps when you have a network of friends that

are positive and non judgmental to help you get through

the good and bad times in your life. 

Seeing Ami off to Hawaii

My two oldest ones pictured above before my son, Ami heads

off to Hawaii to work with my uncle. I'm so proud that Ami 

has chosen to put in his papers to serve his mission this December. 

A couple of weeks ago he received his Melchizedek priesthood 

along with his bestie, Braxton Tuiono and it was a joyous time 

for both our families. 

My dad thought that it would be great for Ami to meet his 

cousins in Hawaii and work with his uncle to save up for his 

mission. Ami was kinda sad to leave, so am I. But, I believe

this will build his character. I told him it won't be that long. 

His little brother told me last night that his big brother must

be homesick and that we should send him back home. I 

agree, but we'll give him two weeks. If he doesn't like it there 

we can always send him back. I miss him already and hope 

he's making wise choices, helping out at the house and cleaning

up after himself. 

Congrats Luti and hubby!

I'm so beat from the last 3 days. My mother, sister-Meliani and I
got together to make a wedding cake for my cousin Lutimila who
got married today to her sweetheart she's been dating for 7 years.

I got off of work at 11:30 pm last night and stayed up all night til'
this morning baking cakes with my mom, Tia and Meliani getting
ready to prep them for Luti's wedding reception yesterday. We
were debating on whether we should do fondant or buttercream.
Looks like buttercream won this round.

We went with apple spice cake with walnuts and pecans, red
velvet cake with cream cheese filling and buttercream frosting.
Meliani's ideas was for the flowers between the tiers, she was
inspired by Ron Ben Israel's cake designs.

Congrats Lutimila and her hubby!! 

The Latest Updates

Visits to the duck pond 

It's been a while since I've been on here to update my page. 

So far, I've finally gotten a job received my first pay check 

last Thursday, paid my tithing on Sunday and took the kids 

out to the drive-ins to watch Rise of the Planet of The Apes

movie and Cowboys and Aliens. We got to the movies late

Saturday night and caught the last of Cowboys and Aliens,

and the Planet of The Apes on time. 

I also went coupon shopping with my mom on Saturday 

night before I went with the kids, so it was really great 

spending some quality time with her talking and stuff. 

Nesi feeding the ducks, we even saw a peacock on 

the other side walking around. 

 I was tagged on Facebook last week through our 

Olympus High Class Page 90-91. We had our 20 year class reunion this 

past weekend at the hotel and get togethers during the week I guess. I 

couldn't go due to work. Good to see most of my classmates pictures 

of them and their families. 

The week before we made a care package for Elder Moeaki [above] 

he's serving here in Utah and my daughter was super excited  to 

bump in to him at the park with him and his companion. Happy day 

for her. 

Here's our latest trips from the last month or so. Our last haul from 

Saturday night 8/13/11 will be posted tonight after work with the 

breakdown. 

So many things to say yet not enough time. I've got to get ready for 

work. So I guess I'll catch up with you guys later tonight after work.

Past Week's Events

The last week was hectic, busy and fun. We had a family wedding,
visits to the duck pond, etc. Remember my little sister that got engaged
last year? Well they broke it off after and now they decided they were
going to tie the knot. She's the baby of the family, yet not the last one
to commit. I just wanted to share a couple of photos from their wedding.

They decided to tie the know under a gazebo at Laguna Beach, Ca.
I unfortunately couldn't attend, since I was broke. Long story..lol.
Some of our siblings attended. Others couldn't. We all wished our
little sister well and the best for her.

Mom, Siva & Siva's mil Setaita Mataele

pic. by capturebykt.com 

(picture taken by Siva's sil, Krystal Tukuafu)

 

Love Siva's dress, it was made last minute by 

Ray's cousin in the picture below. 

Siva's sil Krystal Tukuafu made her beautiful bouquet 

and took the fabulous pictures. Check her out at 

www.capturebykt.com

The girls and The Party Rockers

Bishop Muli Kinikini, his wife Latu and children

Tia, nephew Sione and cousin Vil Nau

Eating out after the wedding...

Krystal and sister Meliani setting up the cakes last 

minute from Costco. Thank goodness.

one of our favorite pics. by Krystal at 

www.capturebykt.com 

Handcart Trek and New Jobs

Yesterday I got the girls ready for their Pioneer Handcart Trek 

Event that kicks off today until Friday, July 1st. Just in case 

you didn't know..Youth from all over the globe participate in 

these Handcart Treks sponsored by the LDS Church. It's an 

annual event that's open to all youth ages 14 to 18. My son 

that just graduated isin't going since he just landed a job at the

Barricades starting off at $16 an hour. My little brother, Aaron

got him in, so I'm really happy for him. 

The girls are going and I'm sure this will be a humbling exper

ience for the both of them. We attended a fireside held especially

for the Trek and the youth were introduced to their Ma's & Pa's 

and the family that they're assigned to stay with for the duration

of the Trek. We were told to have our youth start walking every

day for at least 15 minutes 3 days a week until the actual Trek. 

So that they're prepared for the Trek. So far we only went once

last week, I hope the girls will do well. We sent them off with a 

digital camera (the only thing they can take, no cell phones, etc.)

to take pictures of the journey. I can't wait to see them. 

Last night, we dropped the girls off for a big sleepover at their 

young women leader's home and from there they left this morn

ing for their 7 hour drive to where the trek will begin. We were

asked to prepare a lunch for our children. They had Coldstone 

Creamery Ice Cream last night for a treat. The girls are so excited

about leaving today. I told them that they have to make do without

showers and so they'll have to adjust to using wipes for every

thing. I've heard that they come back humbled and more appre

ciative of what they have. 

How is your week coming along?

Viliami's High School Graduation

This past Thursday, my eldest son, Viliami graduated from West Lake High
in Saratoga Springs, Utah.

The commencement ceremony was beautiful with wonderful speakers, and
an excited crowd of family and friends. I loved the speech their principal
gave and hope that my son listened to his wise words and advice. My camera
wasn't working so well that day, so I'm really glad my lil' sisters had their
cameras on hand to take pictures. The picture above is of all my children
and I.

This week has been so busy. We stayed up making his candy leis the
night before until 2 am. The commencement ceremony started at 9 am. So
we were walking around with not enough sleep. The flower and plant lei's
were shipped in overnight by my 1st cousin, Mana and his wife. She hand
braided the necklaces just for Ami. I'm so blessed to have family that
loves and cares.

Ami and one of his besties

side view of Ami and my mom, who he also 

calls mom:)

Ami and my youngest sis. Siva

Ami w/ all the aunties, sisters & nieces

Line (ami's 1st cousin), Ami, Hinalei (sister)

Loni's Baptism

Loni and his lil' sister 

Loni turned 8 on May 15th and got baptized on the 21st by his uncle

Saia Lutui. He's was pretty excited to see all his cousins and siblings

attend. Grandma and Grandpa came in from out of state also..after

wards we had a little get together at the house. It was fun and the 

kids enjoyed their time with the family. His aunt, Nia (his dad's sister)

flew in from Mesquite, Nevada and his uncle, Saia (his dad's bro.) 

flew in from SLC, UT.  We just had a lot of friends & neighbors 

attend as well.  

Tia, Grandpa Iki, Hinalei, Grandma Neti, Big bro. Ami,

Nesi, Loni and 1st cousin Sione. 

Loni and his aunt (his dad's sister)

Our bishop and Loni 

Loni's dad, Loni's aunt, Loni, Loni's uncle, Nesi

Trip To The ER

Sunday evening we found our way to the ER to take Nesi
in for a cyst that grew on the right side of her head, next
to her ear. This is the second time that she's had it, the 1st
one was in Portland, around August last year. We were
assured that it wouldn't come back, but here it is again &
even bigger. She wouldn't let anyone near her since it hurt
her so much. We were at the ER for 2 1/2 hours and left
with Nesi relieved and the cyst removed.

They told us she's the 4th child that's been treated for
the same thing within 2 days there. We were told that it
could've been caused by a mosquito bite or a virus, some
thing like that. We just have to change her dressing every
24 hours and treat it with some medicine they gave us.
Other than that, she's coming along just fine:)

Spring Break Extra Curricular Activities

Finally getting around to updating you all with the latest

happenings for spring break last week. The kids had a 

blast at the carnival around town. We hit up two different

ones. I forgot my camera and cell phone on the first trip

and was bummed I couldn't snap some pics. But happy

that I didn't forget my camera/cell this time. 

All week we practiced reading, doing homework and 

putting in a bunch of hours watching Netflix, doing Zumba

workouts on the Wii and spring cleaning the rooms and 

kitchen..well the whole house. We also made pumpkin and

red velvet whoopie pies with cream cheese frosting/filling

and whipped cream. So yummy! We decided to make use 

of the canned pumpkin we had in the pantry and so glad 

we did. The red velvet whoopie pies went so fast! We did

get a shot of the pumpkin/cream cheese whoopie pies. 

How did your spring break go? I'd love to hear all about it!

 

 

 

 

Loni finally getting off. He was the only one 

on this ride. I wish the operator could've waited

for more kids or people to get on. But he was a

good sport.