Sunday, November 13, 2011

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. 

Sunday, October 16, 2011

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!! 

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

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.


Tuesday, July 26, 2011

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 



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 


Tuesday, June 28, 2011

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?


Saturday, June 4, 2011

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




Tuesday, May 31, 2011

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:)

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

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.