The Mama Hood

Sweet 16 ❤️

2024-10-28T13:56:00.004-06:00

Reminiscing

2018-08-31T12:38:00.000-06:00

I have been reading my old posts on this blog and reflecting on memories that we have as a family. Irie just started her junior year in high school and got her driver's license. Francella is a Freshman in high school and just is on the Sophomore's volleyball team. Kenny is in the 8th grade and seems to be doing better this year than last now that he is more familiar with junior high routines and classes. Itula is in 6th grade and his last year in elementary and he is nervous about junior high. Ilaisaane is enjoying her new teacher in 4th grade and she looks forward to school every day. Hunter is so excited about being in Ilaisaane's previous teachers class but always looks forward to being at home to play games and with his toys. We are looking forward to the 2018-2019 school year and all that the kids will accomplish but at the same time, we are sad that they have grown up so fast! We love you kids! Have a great school year!

❤

2018

❤

2017

❤

2016

2016-2018 Family Update

2018-04-13T11:34:00.000-06:00

We have had some crazy times this past couple of years! Overall we have had some fun family reunion trips, some major events and milestones and one of our big life goals finally came true, when we bought our first home in May 2017. There have also been some very difficult family tragedies.

In August of 2017, our beautiful, intelligent and humble niece Taiana tragically passed away after her courageous battle with cancer. She was only 18 and had her whole life ahead of her, she had plans to attend BYU and she was the biggest BYU football fan. She always made everyone feel welcome or loved and she would always call me twin because she looks a lot like me when I was younger. She would have people tell her all the time that she looks just like me. She made a huge impact on so many lives and even though she has passed away she has still made an impact. We love and miss her so very much. Her story was shared on the LDS general conference general women's broadcast by Sister Jones. Thank you Nana for teaching us the to have faith in the Lord and trust in his plan!

The end of 2017 was very difficult, my husband ended up hospitalized due to his ongoing health issues. He was in and out of the hospital then came home in January then ended up back in the hospital in March due to more health issues unrelated to the other health issues. He is now doing well and things are getting back to normal. This fall we will have two kids in high school and 3 teenagers!! Life is great, we have a lot to be thankful for and my hubby turned the big 4-0! lol! We are grateful for all that we have overcome and we look forward to the future with optimism.

2017 Tupea fam reunion photos

Bear Lake Tupea Family Reunion 2017

May 2017-Bought Our New Home/first home

Irie's first dance 2017 (Stag with friends)

2017 On the roof of the Conference Center

2017 Halloween

Irie's Volleyball banquet (10th grade 2017)

2017 Temple Square

Christmas 2016

We love you Nana!

Playing Catch-up

2016-09-18T14:44:00.001-06:00

It has been quite some time since I last posted,

I have been so busy working Full-time and helping with family things.

Since the last time I blogged, there have been numerous milestones and events that have taken place. A few that stand out are all kids are now in school all day, we have a high school aged daughter. We have had a ton of fun reuniting with the kids older sister Saiva, as seen in the photo below in the center.

My mom left on her LDS mission to Laie, Hawaii PCC mission along with a two nephews and one niece of mine. We went on a family reunion trip to St. George, Utah, went on an Ensenada Cruis and a family reunion trip to Las Vegas, most recently.

The younger kids all attend the same elementary after a few years of going to separate schools. They definitely love being in one school together. We have moved back to our old house in the Kearns area and we have enjoyed having our own space again.

I have been at the same company for almost one year and starting some other ventures soon. We have definitely been blessed and we are so thankful for all that we have. As the saying goes, "We may not have much, but together we have it all!"

Time flies....when you're having fun!

2016-04-15T12:38:00.000-06:00

It's been a few years since my last post. I know I have tons to catch up on. Let's just summarize for now. My oldest is entering the 9th grade this fall, 2nd is starting Jr. High this fall, the 3rd eldest my son will be in 6th grade, 4th oldest will be starting 4th grade and then my youngest daughter will be in 2nd grade and finally my baby, the youngest son starts first grade this upcoming fall. All the kids will be in school all day. Wahooooooo! I may just change my schedule at work to days so that I can sleep regular hours instead of being a zombie working graveyard shift.

I really, really love my family, I am so blessed to have them and there are a few things that have been eye-opening since my last post that have changed my life. I have a lot to work on.

Until next time......

Thanksgiving 2013

2013-11-21T01:45:00.008-07:00

This Thanksgiving will be one to remember. Here in Utah the colors of orange and red have colored the trees. The breezy chills have been calm but content. These holidays have been anything but somber as Fall may feel like for many of you. Instead I have found a second wind in life. I have learned to live with an illness and have finally allowed myself to forgive myself for what many call an irreconcilable debt. I have so much to be grateful for. Once upon a time I lived life within the shadows of an empty shell. I lived on the fringes of agony and strife, while barely maintaining day to day. But no more will I allow the selfish concepts relative to self-defeat consume what little life I may have to live...yet to live.

Today at a stop light my wife played a playlist with musical numbers from my childhood. The warm memories of my childhood kindled a fire. I remembered many good friends I have come across. As a military brat I have been through so many different schools that it is often hard to remember the name of every good person I have met. I feel bad when people remember me, but I have forgotten a name. I began thinking of all of the people in my life and I am grateful for all of those people I could share "war stories" with.

For the most part--my life can be broken up into geographical pieces. I had a piece of Hawaii, Guam, American Samoa, Salt Lake City, UT; West Valley City, UT; Saint George, UT; Euless, TX; Las Vegas, NV; and Mesa, AZ. If you live in these areas, chances are we may have been down the same streets. I am grateful for all of the friends I have made while treading this somewhat infamous journey we call life. I have had so much fun in my life it is not surprising to me that I have some kind of illness. Or perhaps it is because of my illness that I had so much "fun!" Either way life has been a roller coaster of ups and downs that I am grateful for the magical pills they give me that make the pendulum swings a lot more tolerable.

I am grateful for things that make life tolerable. Having a strong familial support network has helped me through my recovery process. My family is well educated about my disease and they know what to do when I am having a symptoms. Truthfully, some of the symptoms never go away. It is a matter of minimizing the symptoms to where I am able to manage them. I see a therapist once a week and a doctor about once a month. I am grateful for a wonderful treatment team. My therapist is awesome and she is really supportive and most importantly an open minded intellectual. She's the type that likes to be the smartest person in the room. (At least when I am not there! LOL). I think the most important part of my treatment team is my wife. My wife is beyond supportive at times. Like she says: "Kenneth, you are like my seventh child." Ane is the most amazing wife and mom. Let's not forget she had to play Daddy while I was in the hospital. She had to be strong when inside she must of been feeling weak. I am grateful to be blessed to have such a strong wife.

My wife is a part of a broader support network. My immediate family and extended family have all shown their support. They have compassion upon me and I am truly grateful to be a part of such a wonderful family. I may not have much materially, but I have an abundantly rich and fulfilling life--knowing that I am a part of a family to which I have been born. They are so understanding and concerned for my well being that I am truly humbled to the handicraft that binds a family for all the eternities. Families are Forever. I am grateful for Jesus Christ and his plan of happiness. In this life I have felt the tender mercies of the atonement.

I am truly grateful for the atonement and know that through the plan of salvation all mankind may be saved.

After I got out of the hospital I was able to baptize my son. This was one of my greatest moments. I was in the hospital for the most of two years so my father had to baptize my two eldest daughters. I was grateful to baptize my eldest son. It was a humbling experience. I am grateful for such wonderful children. If you are wondering what spawned such a long blog post--it would have to be my children. Especially my 2 older children. Today they gave us their Christmas wish lists. My two oldest daughters (11 & 9) have begun to realize that Santa doesn't always bring them what they want. Thanks to an obnoxious cousin I think they understand that my wife and I are the ones bringing home the gifts. (Besides all of the secret Santas we have each year...Thank you much!!!) The kids just have their way of finding these things out. Long story short, when reading their lists I was touched by what they asked for:

Pearlie--Needs:

Tanktops
Sport's Bras
Long black socks (sporty)
Long black and white school socks for school uniform

Pearlie--Wants:

Hard Luck (Diary of a Wimpy Kid)
Big (or not) Fluffy Stuffed Panda
Journal (Fat one like Pearly Shella's)

Pearly Shella--Needs:

2 Jeans
1 Hoody
Pencils
Bras

Pearly Shella--Wants:

Books
Robe (Fluffy)
Fluffy Penguin

Our budget is tight. I feel for my children because they know that we do not have very much money right now and so they know not to ask for anything outlandish. I am grateful for children that are low maintenance. They take after their mother. I had a sigh of relief when I looked at their Christmas lists and realized that we should be able to afford to get them all of their needs and at least 1-2 of their wants. Don't get me wrong. I know there are kids out there with less. But I am just comparing my children to myself. When I was growing up my Christmas list would be about a book long with the most popular toys and video games. I am grateful for my two oldest daughters. I loved their 2013 Christmas lists. They each picked 4 "needs" and 3 "wants." I am glad when they do things together.

So in conclusion, I am grateful for all of the wonderful people in my life. I am grateful for friends (old and new). I am grateful for the loving and nurturing support of my family and extended family. I am going to make Thanksgiving 2013 my greatest.

Catching up.....again!

2013-01-05T17:41:00.004-07:00

Just realized I haven't blogged for three months. So here is a quick update for October.....

We celebrated Lil' Pearl's 4th birthday with a tea party, break dancing, games, her favorite Mochiko Chicken served with rice and veggies and of course her flower Chocolate-Chocolate cupcakes.

We love you sweetie!

Halloween-0

New School

2012-10-12T16:32:00.001-06:00

This school year, we have 3 kids in one charter school and one still in public school. Only because the charter school has a waiting list. Hopefully our son will get in this month. If not, he will have to wait until next year.

We made the decision to pull them out of our local public school, because our kids were coming home from school complaining about other older kids displaying immoral, vulgar language and bullying behaviors at school during recess. It's been a relief to have them at the new school, but it has also been challenging. We don't have many options close by that have good testing scores. Our kids were uncomfortable, and I felt that they needed more challenges at school, rather than being bored waiting on classmates to catch up.

So far, we love the new school. They are more strict and follow through with discipline instead of brushing the kids off and letting the behaviors escalate. The new school also uses Seven Habits of Highly Effective People as a guideline for helping the kids reach their educational and life goals. So the kids spend time in their first class learning techniques that encourage I always want to support our local districts, but with this school we have given up. I wish we had a better option available for our 7 year old son, who is still at the old school. He's doing well although he really does want to move to the new school soon.

Just going to keep on praying that he gets in soon.

The kids had a Monster Dash at the charter school.

(I love how they encourage Health, Fitness and good values...love our charter school.)

Yahoo!

2012-08-30T13:15:00.000-06:00

We have some great things happening with our little family and I am so excited! It's been something we ahve been praying for and it's finally going to happen soon! :)

Also, school is back in session for the kids, but not for me. I had to postpone plans for school this fall, because I am super busy. I have 3 kids at a charter school and 1 in a public school waiting to get into the charter school. So now that we have their schedule set, we just have to get organized and set some goals for our family. We look forward to this fall season and another great school year. We are very impressed with this charter school. It's definitely been a happier place to be, for the kids. I just hope and pray our 2nd grader gets into the same school. I feel bad that he is at the other one alone.

Have a blessed weekend!

How time flies....

2012-08-22T06:14:00.003-06:00

I sure do miss them being so small! So grateful that I could capture some of these memories through pictures. Another school year is starting and I can't believe that we will have a 5th grader, 3rd grader, 2nd grader and Kindergartener and a 3-3/4 year-old-ish...lol! and 2 year old at home. In 3 years they will all be in school! (Gasp!) I have definitely made sure to capture more photos recently. At the beginning, with our older ones, we didn't have a good camera. So I didn't get as many photos of the older two. Kinda makes me sad. I am very grateful that I have been blessed to be a mother. Especially to these mostly sweet but yes...sometimes naughty kids. I am thankful that I have a great husband by my side to help me parent these kids. He's a great dad and I am so thankful for him. I have a lot to learn still...but as a mom, I have grown a lot. In some ways I still need some "help". (Potty-training...I loathe it, my husband can confirm this! lol!) I love my husband, and I am very grateful for his patience, love and support in raising these kids. He's definitely the more patient, nicer parent. I am grateful for each day that I have to be a mother. I have a tons more to learn from them.

Cherish the time you have....it will definitely fly right by.

(FT&P honey! XOXOXO! Don't forget you can click on the pictures to make them larger, it opens up a gallery that you can click through...also Play a song from below, while you are watching this.)

K-Pearl @ Amazing Jake's AZ

Just moved to AZ.

Dancing in the new house.

Tired K-pearl, fighting a nap.

iPearl in nursery AZ Tongan ward

iPearl taking a nice nap- Las Vegas town home

Pictures @ the Las Vegas Temple

Pearly Shella doing her famous pose...lol!

iPearl being a Lazy boy in the La-Z-Boy recliner

iPearl did NOT like Kpearl holding him..lol!

Pearly Shella and her Princess kite

K-Pearl and daddy!

Kids @ trunk or treat in AZ

Yummy cotton candy

the 4 little monkeys in downtown Mesa, AZ

Fun kids Poly Style photo shoot

Doing a real Hawaiian-style pose...lol!

She still has the same huge smile...love it!

Pearly Shella and another of her "poses"...silly girl!

Pearlie's first day of Kindergarten...so hard for mama!

iPearl- 2 years old

K-pearl 3 years old

3 little ones..@ the Mesa, AZ temple

K-Pearl @ the splash pad in AZ

Pearly Shella @ the splash pad in AZ

Pearlie lovin' the splash pad!

Pearly Shella and her new birthday dress...

Her new laptop too!

Cheesin' with the cake...

Silly girls

iPearl @ Moki's in AZ

iPearl's 1st bday!

Making sure they fit...

Testing out the costumes

iPearl looking @ the temple- Las Vegas, NV

iPearl 4 mos old

ipearl 5 months old

K-Pearl 2 years old

iPearl 6 months old

iPearl NOT loving nursery

K-Pearl looking for every toy he can find...lol!

Grandparents visit 2007 Mesa, AZ

iPearl (03/2007)

Besties (West Valley City, UT) Spring 2006

iPearl peek-a-boo


Lil' Pearl @ 1day old.

The boys having fun baking with grandma Brown

K-Pearl spending time with new sis Lil' Pearl

Trunk or Treating in Arizona

The 3 stooges...lol!

Pearlie so small...2 years old.

Pearly Shella...the most calm baby I have had.

K-Pearl - 2years old

I love Him!

2012-08-08T16:38:00.000-06:00

There are times when I reflect upon the past, when we first met. When we were married. When we had Pearlie. When we moved out of state to Nevada. When my husband was promoted and we moved to Arizona. Each of these moments in time have helped shape our marriage and our relationship. These moments have helped us in many ways, prepare for life's challenges. They have strengthened our love for one another and for the Lord. We have been blessed with a great relationship and marriage. It's not perfect, but it's definitely perfect for us.

I can't help but be truly grateful for the great husband that I have been blessed with. He inspires me to overcome anything. He has definitely been the greatest blessing in my life.

HERE's a lovely post from my sweetheart...

To: KTT- FT&P Always! Thank you for all that you do for our family! You're the BEST! I love you!

To our children: I hope that someday you'll each have great spouses and I hope and pray that you will love them and appreciate your spouses. It's such a gift to have someone to love and someone who loves you. Treasure your marriage and keep your focus on the right priorities. When challenges come, you will definitely be grateful and you will be able to face anything. Marriage is ordained of God and is the key to eternal happiness.

Summer Fun {Part Two}

2012-07-25T16:02:00.000-06:00

Fun at the park, on the play ground

Playing some football

Teasing brother

Fishing on Nephi's Ship @ the Church History Museum

Steering the ship...

Scripture puzzles and mazes.

Translating the plates...

Getting dressed to do some Mexican dancing

Loading the truck with all types of animals...including the
rare..kPearl mammal....lol!

Checking out the Primary songs

Collecting eggs from the hens

24th of July Pioneer day parade

Still tired from lack of sleep from camping out along the route

To: KTT- I love you....have a great day! FT&P Always! xoxoxo

Summer Fun 2012 {Part One}

2012-07-18T15:19:00.001-06:00

Summer Hats! lol!

Digging for Gum...in Mama's purse

Fun in the Sand @ Pineview

Swimming all day long!

Glitter toes...haha! We caught our 2 year old son trying to paint his footsies! lol!

Graduation time!

Fireworks time! Happy 4th!

Our little "firecracker" posing! lol!

Family Reunion Cowboy dance! Yeehaw!

Family Reunion Olympic Games!

Dancing with grandma time!

Enjoying some yummy Otai!

Muddy fun!

Building in the sand!

Summer has been fun for the kids!!

More to come!!!

To: KTT:

Happy Anniversary Honey!!

I love you sw33ti3!

Have a great day!!

FT&P Always!

Bebe Pearl's 2nd Birthday!

2012-07-18T14:21:00.000-06:00

1 day old

2 years old

Our 2 year old is a cute little boy with such a fun personality. We celebrated his 2nd birthday at home and just kept it simple. He received some some fun toys and cute clothing. I made him a chocolate pudding cake and we had some good family time with him. We love having such a cute and funny little boy in our family. Our son's favorite things in the world are cars. He talks about cars all day long. He loves playing with his siblings. He is definitely the one who makes the majority of messes. It's just crazy how fast time flies. He was just a newborn and now he is 2!

He was the only one of my kids that used both formula and was breastfed. Unfortunately, I think that made him more susceptible to illness. He had Bronchiolitis when he was about 5 months old and again the symptoms returned at 7 months. He had a bout with HFMD and recovered well. He has also had to deal with Eczema. He is definitely a tough little boy. Thankfully, he has been quite healthy lately and I am really grateful for that. As a mother it's always hard to deal with any illnesses that kids face, because there is guilt that we always feel....just because we are the "MOM".

As parents, we look forward to watching this little boy grow. Guiding him as he learns about himself and especially as he journeys through this life.

We hope to instill in him, first and foremost:

Love the Lord
Love others
Serve Others
Serve a Mission
Pursue a college education and career
Marry a great woman in the temple
Be a Great Husband
Have a family
Be a great dad!

(Thank goodness we still have a great amount of time before we have to worry about girls! lol!)

We love you son!!

Mommy & Daddy

One month old

Five Months old

10 months old

Happy 2nd Birthday!

Opening some of his gifts

Capturing his fun personality!

Pearlie's 10th Birthday Spa Party!!

2012-06-27T16:20:00.001-06:00

We started it off with the Spa time...

Facials made of bananas, honey and oatmeal.

Manicures which included hand soaking in warm water
and salt and olive oil exfoliating
for soft hands.

We played some games outside which included
cherry tree and mingle-mingle.

She opened her gifts and then we sang happy birthday to her

and had cake. She also handed out treat bags.

Some of her friends went home before we were done, but we

ended the party with a water balloon fight.

Here's the lovely birthday girl enjoying one of her cakes...this one is the chocolate cake with
chocolate and caramel syrup, whipped cream and chocolate pudding, and slivered almonds.

She definitely enjoyed her simple-but-fun....spa party! :)

A few things about Pearlie:
She is very athletic, she loves music, singing and dancing...though she can be shy at times. She loves to do crafts and art. She enjoys reading and writing songs. Most of all she loves being with her family, cousins and friends. She is also a great helper. She loves being organized. She loves turtles, horses and killer whales. She also loves her adopted semi-aquatic turtle named Yoda. When she grows up, she wants to be a pediatrician, athlete (Olympian) and singer.

We love you Pearlie!!

Thank you for being a great daughter and for being a great example to your younger siblings and cousins. We look forward to watching you accomplish the goals that you set. Keep your standards high and always put the Lord first and he will bless you.

Love Always, Daddy & Mommy XOXOXOXOXO DFTS--FT&P

[To: KTT--I love you! Thanks for everything you do for us!]

K-Pearl's 7th Birthday!

2012-06-07T09:08:00.001-06:00

I am totally behind on Birthday posts.....sorry! :(

On his birthday we sent him some yummy treats to share with his class. The rest of the day we spent together and then we spent some time with my dad who is under hospice care. (Our son is one of my dad's many namesakes.) It worked out good, since my dad couldn't make it to his party the next week. We celebrated that evening with a donut cake...lol!

On Saturday morning I took him out to breakfast alone. Afterwards we had a BBQ for his birthday. The kids played some games and had a good time. He loved his birthday. It was simple, but fun. I love how he enjoyed his birthday. He is such an energetic child. He is very athletic, he loves anything to do with science, mechanics, and the solar system he is curious about how everything works and the purpose of everything. He also loves to ride his bike. His favorite gift was definitely his Vans...from his aunty. He wants to wear them EVERYDAY! lol! He is definitely a silly, prankster, and he though he is a bit timid...he also loves to be the funniest kid.

We are blessed to have him in our lives. One of his great abilities is that he loves to CLEAN....you give him a task he will clean it....well, anything BUT his room! lol! I ask him to vacuum the floors and he does the floors and the couches.

Son, we hope that you will always go the extra mile. Work hard, study hard, be a good example to your younger siblings. Always keep your testimony strong and and put the Lord first, then everything will fall into place. We love you son, and we look forward to seeing you grow in every aspect of life. We look forward to seeing you serve a mission, get a college degree and most importantly marry in the temple and start a family of your own. Thank you for choosing us as your parents. We hope and pray that you will always remember that you are loved. You are special, you are a son of a loving and living Heavenly Father.

Love, Daddy and Mommy

Weight Loss

2012-05-09T16:21:00.000-06:00

I am super excited that I have lost 14 lbs! I know it's not much, but for me...it's A LOT! I have been working out 5 days a week at the gym doing lots of cardio and some weights. I have a lot of weight that I need to lose and I hope that I can drop 14 more this month since I started a little over a month ago. I would like to lose at least 90 more lbs. and keep it off. I have the working out part down and drinking water part down, I just need to work on eating healthier. I don't plan on using any type of weight loss programs. I do an hour of cardio and lift weights for 20 minutes. The classes I attend vary between, Step Aerobics, Kickboxing (Turbo Kick), and Zumba. My favorites are the last two. I plan on walking on the weekends or jogging on the elliptical when I have time. I have a great cousin that helped me to get moving and get back to the gym. We would work out together, but she had to move an hour away. I am going to miss her, but I am grateful that I have finally gotten to the point where I feel like I NEED to workout at the gym. I just need to change my eating habits so that my workouts won't be in vain. I am grateful for a husband that also has inspired me to lose weight and works out often. It's nice to work on it together. Wish me luck!

{KTT- I love you honey! Thanks for being such a loving supporter in everything I do. FT&P Always!}

Grateful for Our Girls

2012-05-02T15:44:00.001-06:00

Pearlie and Pearly Shella in Steamboat Springs, CO -2009

I just had to take note here on the blog, about how proud I am of my two oldest girls. They have definitely matured in the recent years. If I ever have things I need them to get done. They do it. They also do things with out being asked to. I love the fact that they are learning how to serve others while they are young. They have their moments and I step back and let them be kids....but for the most part. They are definitely a HUGE blessing in our lives. I am forever grateful to the Lord for sending my 2 angels....he definitely knew I would need them.....We Love you Pearly Shella and Pearlie!!

Foot-in-mouth mommy moment! :/

2012-05-02T15:35:00.003-06:00

I was shopping at Wal-Mart and I had to change our 1 year-old son's diaper so we headed to the restroom. Our 3 year old daughter was standing next to me at the changing table. A woman had just walked in, did her business in the restroom and then started walking out. She didn't wash her hands. :S

Our "talkative" 3 year-old daughter took notice, as she is VERY observant.....lol!

She then shouted out, "You didn't wash your hands!" The woman, continued to walk out.

I whispered to our daughter that it's not nice to shout out things like that to people.

And she replied, "But that's gross mom!"

I am so glad that the woman was on her way out of the restroom, I even waited for a bit to walk out of the restroom, because I was embarrassed.

Yeah, she sure is talkative! Which is cute, just as long as she doesn't shout out things to strangers.

She definitely needs to learn some manners.

Anything like this ever happen to you with your little ones?

{FT&P....Love you always!! I am sure this moment made you proud too...lol! LOVE U!}

Home Videos- Funny Stuff

2012-04-11T12:06:00.000-06:00

Our 23 month old loves music...well, sometimes he's too into music. lol!

(KTT-FT&P Always! Happy Belated Birthday Honey!!)

Happy 34th Honey!

2012-04-09T12:27:00.000-06:00

I am so grateful to have a wonderful husband, who truly loves me. He understands me and encourages me in many ways, to follow my dreams and accomplish my goals. I am so grateful for all the times he worked long hours, the times that he cooked and did laundry so that I could take a break, the times he took the kids to the park....so that I could have some "me" time. The times that he showered me with gifts and pampered me with breakfast in bed. I will ALWAYS be grateful for the little moments that we have shared, talking about our kids, our goals and hopes as a family. I am so thankful for the great memories that we have as a couple, dates, movie nights, Wal-mart shopping trips...things that are simple but definitely enjoyable. Everything that my husband has done, he's always done his best. He's truly a great man, great husband and great father. He has the most amazing ability to overcome difficulties. He has the drive and courage to succeed.

Honey, I love you for the thoughtfulness, the love, the service, the dedication that you have shown to me and for many other reasons that I can't possibly name because I would run out of words to say, there are not enough words to explain how much I love you! I will definitely continue to reciprocate all that I can. I will keep striving and doing my best. I will continue to support you, encourage you, and love you indefinitely.Forever.Always. I love you sweetie! Happy 34th!!

FT&P Always!

Just a thought....

2012-04-04T15:56:00.001-06:00

....to my husband I love you, I am so grateful for you. I am thankful for everything you do for our family.

FT&P Always!

♥Your wife

An Aspiring Writer

2012-03-28T12:43:00.002-06:00

Our Pearlie has always loved reading and writing. She has decided that someday, she is going to become an author. In fact, she is already working on some short stories. She has the determination to achieve goals that she sets. I love it that she takes initiative. I always call her my little mama, she is a natural leader. She really loves to help out with her younger siblings. Her dad and I have encouraged her to start writing books. She has written some great short stories. I hope that she will always be a passionate person and pursue her dreams. I want her to know that she has great potential. She will become someone great, she's already amazing. We love her so much and we think she rocks!

Love you Pearlie!
♥Daddy & Mommy

A comic Pearlie created through a website

Irish Tales

(A short story that Pearlie wrote which was featured in her school's newsletter.)

One morning in Ireland lived a short and very smart leprechaun named Lee. He was sleeping in his comfy warm bed. The next morning his pot of gold (that was right by him) was gone! He looked everywhere. Then he found foot prints in the mud. Next he followed them until they stopped at an old tree. He climbed the old tree and found the thieves! A short and stubby one and a tall and skinny one. They were both bald. He took the pot of gold and reported them to the leprechaun police.

They went to jail.

The end.

Pearlie babysitting Baby L with cousin J

Spring is here!!

2012-03-21T11:04:00.002-06:00

Although I was born in the winter, I absolutely LOVE spring! The temperatures here are just right. Spring is symbolic for me. I love when flowers begin to bloom. Ultimately, spring brings thoughts of the resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ. We are so blessed with the same opportunity of being resurrected. This spring we have been blessed to enjoy and celebrate new life.

We were blessed with two new nieces, one on each side of the family.

L and her baby sis baby E

Baby L

We are also blessed this spring to celebrate 38 years of marriage for my in-laws and 53 years in May for my parents marriage.

my wonderful in-laws

We have also sadly, had to say farewell to a cousin who has passed away as well as a former bishop. That's just the beauty of Spring. Remembering that although we will each go to rest someday.....there is always spring....or the resurrection. We are so blessed to have this knowledge as well as the knowledge of eternal life and eternal families. Celebrate and appreciate each day you have with your loved ones. :)

Happy Spring!!

{To: KTT-FT&P Always honey I am especially thankful for you!}

First and Second Haircut.....

2012-03-14T16:04:00.001-06:00

The other day, I went to get a new Utah drivers license,

(I was still using my Arizona license because it didn't expire until 2046) I needed to get a Utah one for residency purposes. I left the kids with my mom. They love being with any of their grandparents. Well, my mom had been complaining for about a month about Bebe Pearls hair growing too long. Especially because he is a boy. I had my personal reasons for leaving it long, mostly sentimental. During the 3 hours that I was gone, my mom decided to take the "hair issue" into her own hands. Well, if you don't know my mom...she is a very is a silly, fun-loving and old-school woman with some major FOB mixed in...lol! She decided to "trim" his hair in front. Her idea of "trimming" resulted in the image you see above. Yep, that's right. His grandma gave him a very crooked, 'Dora the Explorer' look! lol! I asked her if she had her glasses on when she cut it, she said no and that she forgot to put them on. lol! To ease my concern, she said, "Don't worry it will grow back in a few days. It's ok, my mom gave my brothers the same haircut when they were his age."

I replied, "Mom, that was in the 50's.....in Tonga!"

So unfortunately, due to the hair incident....I had to fix his hair by cutting it all off! :'(

Here is the final result, he looks so much older now....I am still not over the cut! :\ It will probably take me a while....but I must say, he does like rather handsome! Much better than the Dora look! lol! :)

(To: KTT-He looks a lot more like K-Pearl huh? FT&P honey! Love you sweetie!)