Bellaland

Goldfish

2012-01-17T18:32:00.002-07:00

I just wanted to share this lovely video with you guys. Such amazingly patient artwork.

2012 Goals and Hopes

2012-01-02T21:41:00.000-07:00

It's not unusual for me to go crazy with my New Year's Resolutions and inevitably every year I fail them. So this year, besides my normal weight loss goals I thought I would plan some FUN goals!

Goal #1: Add more color to my wardrobe! Yes, I may not be to the weight I want to be to and I hate buying clothes for myself at this size...but I should look good despite my size! Right?! Anyways, goal number one is to add more color. Here are a few ideas I'm looking at...

Goal #2: Try a new recipe or DIY yourself project from Pinterest once a month! I spend all this time looking through the amazing ideas that people have, but I don't make time to try them out. So each month I will try one. Oh and I'll make sure to let you know about them! This month I am working on a daily photo challenge I saw on Pinterest!

And that is it! Nothing too overwhelming or crazy. Just fun simple ways to really enjoy this New Year! What are some of the things you are doing?

Potato Bowl Fun

2011-12-29T19:58:00.000-07:00

Now, when I heard we were going to be heading to Boise to watch my brother play in a bowl game I remember being excited for a little vacation and being excited to see Naki play. However, I do remember thinking, "Boise...how much fun can that little city really be?" Well, surprise, surprise...it IS a fun little city. Although we sadly did not win against Ohio, we had a blast. Here are some iPhone pics from our trip...because, YES, I forgot to bring batteries for my camera.

Haha, one of my managers made this Prep Kit for me. Those are real Idaho potatoes. HAHA!

We got to watch both of the teams warm up, which was real interesting. Also, how GREAT were our seats.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-23T16:11:00.000-07:00

I know that we should reflect more often than just during the holiday season, on what we are so thankful for. But I do want to take a moment and thank all of those who have been so kind, loving and supportive this year. So much has happened in just the last few weeks and I'm so grateful to family and friends who took the time to reach out, help me move and offer their love. We're really going to miss living with John, Lo and Inoke. Daniel and I have loved being in our new home, but we've missed those three! And can I just say that I LOVE my siblings...boy are they the cats meow! Funaki played in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl last Saturday and my uncle's funeral was the same day. It was so great to see my family pull together to support my father, and my brother at the same time. I'm also so thankful to the people I work with who laugh at my jokes, support my decisions and are willing to come in on their day off to cover a shift. I'm so thankful to Daniel for understanding that sometimes Mom is just simply crazy and that at the end of the day, he knows that there is no one else who loves him more than I do. I am so thank for my parents who have been so kind (oh dear, I'm starting to cry!) They have been so complimentary of my choices and have supported me every step of the way. Thank you to my friends who are the best friends a girl could have! I love the people in my life! I am so blessed!

Also, thank you so much to Marissa Gardner who was so patient with me as I tried out every prop I brought. :) Don't you love this location! AAHHH, I love it!

Day Two of Christmas

2011-12-02T21:33:00.000-07:00

Enjoy a hot cup of Cocoa!

And of course we listened to some Glee Christmas Music while we drank our cocoa!

Day One of Christmas

2011-12-01T19:39:00.000-07:00

I made an advent calendar for Daniel this year full of fun activities that would help us celebrate the holiday season. Day One's activity...

Watch the movie Elf and pop some popcorn!

Who Needs Santa...

2011-12-01T19:33:00.000-07:00

Monday night, Daniel and I joined Inoke and Lorien for a fun night in Pleasant Grove. We got to see where Lorien works, see Santa ride in on a firetruck, watch Santa light the piddly little Christmas tree in the park and then hang out in the library while we waited to see Santa. Now the line that formed to see Santa was a bit ridiculous. We contemplated waiting for about three seconds when we decided to leave and catch Santa at Thanksgiving Point instead. On the way out, we stopped to say hi to some of Lorien's coworkers and this is when Daniel's night of fun really began. He got to sit in the police car, turn the siren and lights on, see inside the jail, etc. He was in 7th Heaven, really it was so stinking cute. Here are some pictures from our night. My stinking camera wasn't cooperating...but here you go::

The Asisi's are Heading to Idaho

2011-11-28T21:24:00.000-07:00

That's right!! Utah State University accepted an invitation to play for the Idaho Potato Bowl. This is so exciting, considering it's the first bowl game since 1997!!! AND it's going to be my little brothers first and only chance to play in a bowl game. I am so proud of that kid! Check out the story in the Salt Lake Tribune here...STORY!!!

Last Home Game

2011-11-26T20:59:00.000-07:00

It was a beautiful day, cold but beautiful. Daniel and I drove up to Logan for the last home game of the season and Naki's last home game ever. It's was most definitely bitter sweet to see Naki take the field for the last time. It was a day of lasts in a way, which made me tear up several times. I would like to take this moment though and tell Naki just how proud I am of him. He has worked so hard these last five years, he's grown and matured in so many ways. I have been honored with the privilege of supporting him along this journey and I've appreciated every moment of it. Naki you are an inspiration to me in so many ways and I'm so proud to be your big sis. I love you buddy!

Here are some pics from our lovely day and click here to see some of my Aggie posts throughout the year.

The kiddies watching Uncle Naki warm up before the game.

The team lined up on the field and cheered the seniors out onto the field. I won't lie, I totally started crying at this point. Mom, Dad and Lindsie were at the end of the line up to meet Naki.

Dad, trying to stay warm. :)

Fia and Scott; Fia made over 20 candy lei's for Naki. Amazing!

Lua, Lorien and baby Inoke, hamming it up for the camera.

Sione, king of Hot Cocoa. It was especially delicious this time.

Lua feeding Ari some yummy whip cream.

Vita trying to stay warm.

Cute Grandma in her Aggie blue. :)

The whole team after the win. Yes, I started crying again.

All six of us crazy siblings. We're soooo old!

Naki and the sisters.

Naki and the ladies!

Daniel and Ari joking around on the car ride home.

Here I am crying again. This was really the perfect ending to an amazing chapter of our lives. Go Aggies!

Trick or Treat

2011-11-02T18:48:00.001-06:00

This was such a fun Halloween. It was the first time we both really got in to the holiday and I think we have created our Halloween tradition!

First we decorated and got the candy ready to be handed out to the trick-or-treaters.

Second we got some Papa Murphy's pizza and started cooking that.

Ari came over and Daniel got his costume ready.

We ate dinner and joined KJ for our Trick-or-Treat adventure.

Once they couldn't hold their buckets anymore, we took the kiddies home for some hot chocolate and marshmallows.

After I sifted through Daniel's candy he got to have a few pieces.

Speaking of sorting candy, Daniel got some apples in his bucket...which I understand is a healthy treat and I appreciate that some of my neighbors are so health conscious. BUT...I don't know about the rest of you, apples were a Halloween no-no growing up. Granted this stems from my memories in San Fransisco. When we were little you weren't allowed to eat candy that wasn't wrapped, home baked items, or fruit!! Hmmm...when did it change?

Here are some pics from our super fun night...

Halloween Video

2011-10-24T21:50:00.000-06:00

So every year, my sister and brother-in-law through a crazy, fun Halloween Party. Each guest is encouraged to bring a video to share. This was our submission...

Inspired by this....

The Foos

2011-10-23T12:30:00.001-06:00

Did I tell you that I went to a Foo Fighters concert a couple of weeks ago? Melanie bought me a ticket for my birthday. I won't lie, when I heard it was on a Tuesday night, all I could think about was..."I'm so old, I don't like to stay up past 10:30 on a week night." Haha, yes, it's true. But I had an amazing time and boy, I really love these guys. I would go any night of the week to see them again. :) What an amazing band with an awesome set! Loved it! Thanks again Melanie!

If I had $1.7 million dollars, I would...

2011-10-20T16:42:00.000-06:00

I spent a good long time today dreaming about winning 1.7 million dollars. Haha, I know it's ridiculous! Why spend my time, time I don't have to waste, on dreaming of something so preposterous. I had it all figured out too, so sure that this would actually happen. I would:

Pay off all my debts.
Call my old economics professor, Sterling Jack, for investment advice. Turn that 1.7 into 2.9. :)
I would buy Daniel and myself a cute little home. Nothing too fancy, just something perfect for the two of us.
I would pay my parents house off for them and help them fix it up.
I would set up a trust for Daniel to pay for school and/or a mission.
I would give a little to each of my brothers and sisters.
I would buy a fun little summer house in Bear Lake, so that my family had a place to get together each year.
I would take $1,000 and go on a super fun shopping trip at Fashion Place Mall.
I would buy Daniel his dream car...a swagger wagon. (haha)
I would quit my job and focus on school full time.
Once I graduated from school with my Master's, I would start my own business (a cute Lomography shop in the Riverwoods Shopping Center or a company that would help others get their dream businesses up and running.)
During the summer, Daniel and I would join a relief mission to help others.

I know it's so silly, but that's all I could think of for a good portion of today. Don't get me wrong, life is great and I have nothing to complain about. But it's fun to dream...

Kid History

2011-10-07T21:48:00.001-06:00

Today at work Laura and Jessica introduced me to Kid History and boy am I so glad they did. There are six videos so far and each video is based on an actual event from these brothers childhoods. But the story is told by their children, yet reenacted by the actual brothers. Oh my Hannah, these are so hilarious. This is probably my favorite one. Enjoy!

Whip Cream vs. Daniel

2011-09-30T18:01:00.000-06:00

I'm afraid the whip cream may have won!

Daniel's 2nd Grade Photo

2011-09-29T17:59:00.000-06:00

So handsome! Really, I just can't help but smile when I see this picture.

Here are a few fun facts about Daniel:

Daniel's teacher is Mrs. Houlin.
Daniel loves playing football and is really good at it.
Daniel still hates eating green beans, but I make them anyways.
Daniel's favorite movies are Tron, Transformers and Megamind.
Daniel's favorite meal is anything with cheeseburgers.
Daniel loves going to Nickel City and the Provo Beach Resort.
Daniel loves taking care of his little cousins.
Daniel's favorite colors are blue, white and green.

Afternoon Photo Shoot

2011-09-21T20:10:00.000-06:00

Today, Daniel asked if he could put last year's Halloween Ironman costume on and play in the backyard. I thought, ummm...okay. Haha, I couldn't miss an opportunity to get some photos though!

After a few pics, baby Inoke came out to visit.

He didn't really love tummy-time on the grass.

Do you feel it?

2011-09-12T22:00:00.000-06:00

Do you feel it?

The build up of excitement, the hum of stadium lights, the locker room prayers, the stomping of feet, clapping of hands, roars of fans...

FOOTBALL SEASON IS HERE!

Oh this is my favorite time of year! And football is my favorite all time sport. I'm so excited for it all!! This last Saturday, I got to cheer on two awesome people. First off, Mr. D, Dan the Man, Lightning Dan...played a great game of flag football. He captured two flags and ran in an extra point. I was such a proud mama. Go Green Hornets!

Then it was a quick wardrobe change and we were off to Logan to watch Uncle Naki play against Weber. Woo, talk about a great game. Uncle Naki is out with a small injury, but the team did great and we were so excited to go and show our support! USU 54 vs Weber 17, Go AGGIES!!!

We have been...

2011-09-05T19:34:00.000-06:00

...started school. Daniel is now in 2nd grade and is loving it. I am also starting my last year of school. Woo hoo!!

...being creative. Daniel created this toy city and was so proud of his work he had to take a minute break. :) I like the little guy scaling the blue wall. HAHA!

...playing! We joined Claudio and his family for the ropes course at the Provo Beach Resort. I was so proud of my little guy!

...relaxing!

Hope you are all doing well! <3

Bike Magic

2011-08-18T17:21:00.000-06:00

Danny MacAskill is an artist on his bike. I'm serious, what an awesome video. Enjoy!

And for those of you who were LOVING the music, it is Ben Howard and the song is called The Wolves. Enjoy!

Mommy Time :)

2011-08-07T18:41:00.000-06:00

I hate to admit it, but I am definitely one of "those" mommies! You know, the ones who are so excited for some "me" time, but once their child is no longer in sight...she cries! LOL! Yes, I am one of those mommies. My good friend Melanie asked to take Daniel for a night and I ~~happily~~, excitedly agreed! A whole night to myself, yes please! It just so happened that my sister Fia was celebrating her 30th birthday party at the Tavernacle that night as well, win-win!

So Friday came, I got Daniel packed up and the minute I dropped him off with Melanie, I started to tear up. Some of it was guilt, I kept thinking "Am I a bad Mom for wanting "me" time?" Another part of me was worried, "What if something happens to Daniel and I am not there?" "What if that was the last time I ever see him?" Lastly, there was a bit of relief "I am by myself and I really enjoy this moment of quiet." By the time I got to Olivia's house I was composed and ready to get ready for the night.

What a FUN night! I love the Tavernacle! If you have never been, you MUST go! It's a dueling piano show and these guys sing everything from Queen to Michael Jackson to Guns 'n' Roses! By the way, Happy Birthday Fia!

The next morning when I woke up, I was feeling a little sad again that I didn't have Daniel with me. I gave him a call and he was just about to start a hike up through Brighton with Melanie. He was happy, excited and too bothered to talk to me. Once I hung up, I began to tear up. "Why isn't he sad too?" I mean, I'm glad that he was having fun and that he can have fun without me. Also, I was so thankful to Melanie for planning such a fun weekend for him. He got to go see a movie, eat ice cream, go for a hike and do some swimming. While I got to go out for a fun night with my family, sleep in, have lunch with Olivia & Claudio and then ~~happily~~, excitedly reunite with Daniel at the end of the day. We both had such a good time doing our own things, but we were so excited to be back together again.

This morning after breakfast, Daniel jumped in bed with me and told me, "I missed you Mom." Oh, YAY! He did miss me!

Here are some pics of Daniel on his hike with Melanie!

I was going to post some pics from the Tavernacle, but decided against it...I think that you had to be there to find them funny. :)

Funnies from Bear Lake

2011-07-30T20:37:00.000-06:00

I honestly could't remember the last time I laughed so hard. You know that laugh that leaves you breathless, where you lose all control and let loose the loudest, craziest laugh! That is what my trip to Bear Lake was. I laughed so much and so hard it was exactly the release I needed.

Things I won't forget:

LAWTON'S SNORING

PAPCORN

John and Lo's Photo Shoot

The INFAMOUS Volleyball Tourney

SCATTERGORIES

NE-YO!!

And this...

I had come back to the beach, from getting lunch to find Daniel doing the following...

1 - Seagulls...

2 - A pile of crushed Doritos...

3 - Daniel hiding behind a beach chair with a loaded water gun...haha! Everytime the seagulls got too close, he would pop out and shoot them with the water gun.

Beautiful Bear Lake

2011-07-30T20:19:00.000-06:00

Daniel and I spent the Pioneer Weekend up at beautiful Bear Lake with some of our lovely family members. Every year we go to Bear Lake and we LOVE it! This year we stayed at the Ideal Beach Resort instead of my Mom's childhood home. What a fun place! It had something for everyone! Here are some fun pics from our trip! Here are some past posts of our trips to Bear Lake!

Yummy Farr's Ice Cream, I had Blackberry Cheesecake!

Handsome Vake and his beautiful mama.

Tua

All the kiddies.

Someone left their shirt on the beach and we dared Tevita to put it on. LOL! I told him I was going to post this picture. HAHAHA!!!

Some NEW FAVE Blogs & Blogposts!

2011-07-11T20:32:00.000-06:00

It's been a really long time since the last time I posted some of my favorite blog posts. Just a way to share with you some of the finds that I deem as treasures. Cause really, doesn't a great post or blog not make your day? Okay, maybe I care to much! Anyways here go friends!

I'm addicted to some of these celebrity blogs. First off, Jay Z's blog called Life and Times is GREAT! Full of new music, art, products, interviews and personal tidbits. LOVE THIS BLOG! I also love Zooey Deschanel's blog called Zooey's Miscellany; love, love, and love some more!
Hither and Thither had some AMAZING pics from their day trip to Sandy Hook and for a few moments I escaped! Follow the link in the post to their last day trip. Just as many lovely pictures.
Carl Zoch, one of my favorite photographers and fellow lover of Holga, published this beautiful picture. I adore it!
Ambrosia Girl posted a DIY post on tiny polaroid magnets. I will be doing this soon! Yes, I will!

Picture taken by Megan Weems!

Last but not least, we have had some of the loveliest guest posts on the Live My Life Project! Especially, the Idaho post, Movie post, and our 4th of July posts! Check them out and tell me what you think.

Hope you like these! :) Ela

Cutie Pa Tootie

2011-07-09T16:39:00.001-06:00

How cute is this little guy?!? I remember seeing him on Ellen, now look at him. This is a lovely song as well. Some of his other songs are a little young, but they should be! He's too young to being singing songs that I could connect to. Anyways, this is Greyson Chance and Waiting Outside the Lines...