MPuanani

Another Blessing For Our Family

2012-12-03T10:09:00.004-08:00

photo credit: zazzle.com greeting card

Last Thursday 11/29/12 on Nesi and Mom's birthday our family
got another surprise and wonderful news. I'm expecting! I was
scheduled to go in for my colposcopy Friday morning at 11:45
when I decided to run to the store Thursday night to get me a
pregnancy test. After the swollen feet on thanksgiving night and
bouts of nausea after smelling certain foods, I was certain that
I was pregnant. But wasn't sure, since it's been like 8 years or
so. After seeing the double lines on the stick, I knew I had to
make a call asap in the morning to let them know that the test
came back positive.

The day before I was on the phone with them and they asked
if I've already had my period, so it wouldn't interfere with the
surgical procedure and I told them that I hadn't had my period
and was still waiting. So they asked my when I last had it and
told me to get tested before coming in or I could go in and they
could do a test on me. So I decided against the latter, since I
was too eager to find out.

Dh is so excited that he was just walking around the house
singing and smiling! I was feeling happy and scared at the same
time. Thankful for the blessings, but totally not loving the morning
sickness deal. Most of this weekend, I've just stayed in bed with
closed doors, not able to handle the smell of my husband's
cooking in the kitchen. When I called mom to say happy birthday
to her, I also told her of the news and she was surprised and
asked me, "How long has it been since the last one?" Not sure
if she was happy for me, I said, "I know it's been a while and I
thought I was done as well." She told me that Heavenly Father
has more planned for me and to just pray about it. I'm one year
away from turning 40 and it's still a surprise to me, when I wake
up in the morning and thinking about it.

The kids are excited and arguing whether it's going to be a girl
or a boy. Loni says that it should be another boy to make it even.
3 boys and 3 girls..lol..Nesi said she's thankful for whatever He
blesses us with, she just wants a baby sibling to feed, change,
play and talk with.

Thanksgiving and Nesi's Birthday

2012-12-03T09:38:00.003-08:00

Thursday- Thanksgiving 11/22

This thanksgiving turned out to be different. We had a full house

but not for thanksgiving but for a funeral here in town, a friend

of my husband's family. My girls flew down from Salt Lake to

spend some quality time with us and we ended up cooking 11

hours straight until 9:50 pm for this funeral to feed about 200+

people for that day. By the time 10pm hit my feet were so

swollen, I told my hubby that I'm done and going to put my feet up.

My hubby asked if we could cook that day with his sister, but

she was arriving late from Nevada..so my girls and I did most of

the cooking. I felt bad for the girls because we hadn't had a chance

to sit down and spend some time together and they were hungry

from their flight. So I told my hubby he'd better compensate the

girls, since they came down to spend time with me, not cook for

a funeral they were not going to. So he agreed.

Dh's sister, brother and two other friends of the family flew in for

this funeral. So the house was pretty packed and we only have 3

bedrooms. I slept with all the children in our bedroom and dh

camped out in the living room with his two friends. His brother

took Loni's room and his sister took Nesi's room. So it all worked

out.

Friday- Celebrating Nesi's birthday 11/23

Nesi's 8th birthday was coming up on the 29th, same day with

my mom and so I decided that we were going to celebrate it

the next day since everyone was here. Nesi was not only excited

but was thankful that her sisters were here to be with her.

Dh's sister offered to buy the birthday cake from Costco since

we were still feeling the effects of cooking the day before and I

had to run to work. By the time we were singing happy birthday

later that night, my phone was no where to be found and I ended

up not having any pictures for Nesi's birthday. But her sisters did

take some and posted them here on Instagram.

Happy 64th birthday mom!! Love you!

Hope your Thanksgiving was a wonderful one!

Ami's First Letter from His Mission!

2012-09-21T13:01:00.000-07:00

Ami getting ready to go into the MTC.

My mom called me last night to let me know that Ami has
finally written them back through, Meliani. He says that
he is doing great and they're living in a barn. Not sure if
that was a joke or not. Maybe it was...so slow here.
Anyways, he was so excited to say that he and his comp
anion are doing great and have already baptized their first
family and are still working on the eldest son.

If you don't remember where he was heading, he's serv
ing in Fort Worth, Texas Mission. I wrote him through
www.dearelder.com and didn't hear back from him and
then found out that the day I wrote him was the day that
he left the Provo MTC to head out to Ft. Worth.

So glad to hear that he's doing well and hopefully not really
living in a barn. Hope it's a nice one if he is. I just put the
youngest ones to bed after we had read scriptures and a
family prayer. Now to go and pack up his boxes to send
out in the morning. Just seeing his letter made my day.

Week Full of Busy Preparations...

2012-08-05T00:02:00.000-07:00

Lets say the past two weeks, I've been worrying about the headlines
I've been seeing online and the news about what's going on around
the world regarding the droughts, articles about the collapse of the
financial system coming ahead as soon as this month or September.
yikes! etc...

It's got to the point where I'm using every dollar I get in my hand
to purchase canned food, meats, veggies..whatever I can find to
stockpile our cupboards. I'm still short in the first aid kit department
but slowly getting there. Hubby thinks I'm crazy and says that I
worry too much. I tell him to watch the news with me and he really
doesn't get it. So the week before Cash and Carry had a great deal
on the tomatoes 25 lbs for $13 and 50 lbs of white or yellow onions
went for $8 and change..I bought those and the strawberries to
bring home and make some jam and freeze all the onions and toma
toes, by cutting, dicing, slicing them into ziplock bags and freezing
them. Next up I'm ready to learn how to can or pressure cook the
chicken.

Hubby and I have worked up enough money to pay the rent for
3 months. So that should give us leeway to keep adding to our
stockpile.

my little helpers, Nesi and Loni helping me peel the onions. Loni
was too shy to be on camera.

I got rushed and accidentally added the sugar before the pectin and
now I have a runny jam. Not so happy with that one. Did finish the
whole bag of onions and glad that we let them sit in a bowl of cold
water to avoid getting tears while we're cutting them.

So making a wreath yesterday wasn't part of preparation. I saw the
tutorial on how to make it and had all the items already in my house to
make it and so proud of myself that I finally made a wreath that I
actually like and want to hang up. It took up 1 18 inch. straw wreath,
200 floral pins and corn husks to make this awesome wreath. It was
really messy too..

Ami's Mission Call...

2012-06-29T01:50:00.000-07:00

Thursday night my phone was still not working (it's been a week or so)
and I haven't been able to keep in touch with the older children in SLC.
I've been thinking every night and day about my eldest son's mission
papers that he's submitted. He posted an update on Facebook about
how frustrated he's been lately with not hearing back from them about
his papers, then my little brother jokingly comments to go back to his
bishop and tell everything that he's keeping behind and forgot to tell
bishop. So I inboxed him and asked him to pray some more for help
from Heavenly Father. Didn't hear back from him, then I noticed on
Thursday he no longer has a facebook page.

I then get inboxed by my eldest daughter Tia that he got his papers
for his mission in the mail and won't open it until that evening when
my parents get off of work. Nobody contacts me yet about where he
is getting called to because they were busy getting ready to fly out to
San Francisco to a family reunion for my mom's Taumoepeau family.

Just found out that his mission call will be on August 22nd!

I really wished that we could've gone to that reunion. I haven't seen
my cousins for over 20 years..yes, long overdue. My children need
to see their cousins and know who their family is. But due to bills
and a house to pay for, we just won't be able to go.

I finally get onto fb last night [friday night] and my daughters had
already announced it on their updates that he got called to Fort Worth,
Texas! I cried tears of joy and felt so happy and at peace that he
will finally be able to go.I wished that I was there at that moment
to sit with him while he opened it.

Now that everything is for sure and guaranteed, I've switched into
preparedness mode. My parents are paying for his mission, even
though I asked them not to and that I will make payments on it.
But they've been adamant about paying it off before he leaves. So
I figure the least I could do is to stock up on ties, shirts, suits and
shoes..etc. Time has gone by so fast and I hope that in the future
Ami will be able to convert his father to the gospel. His father has
always disliked the Mormon church and felt that things couldn't work
out between us because he was a strong Methodist and I a Mormon
who wouldn't convert to his church. It's been years since he's seen
his father or heard from him and I told him, Ami maybe you will
be the first to convert him and help him out and he just shook his
head. I pray that Heavenly Father will help heal his broken heart and
give him hope for a better future with his earthly father and I. We
haven't always been there for him and I hope he'll forgive us for
our parental mistakes one day.

Memorial day weekend, birthday and family time

2012-05-30T13:20:00.001-07:00

Hope your Memorial day weekend was a good one! I'm glad to be back
and writing again. It's been another couple of weeks and I hadn't planned
on being away so long. So what's new? For me, I've been trying to get in
as much time with my online courses learning more sewing and today...
gardening. I got paid today and said good-bye to most of my check as
they went to the utility bills, then I treated myself to a new online garden
ing course with Craftsy.com. The week before we celebrated Loni's 9th
birthday. He wanted coconut-cream cupcakes or cake and I made him a
Bakugan cake.

For Memorial day, we just spent family time in the back yard, cutting the
grass. The grass was so long it was up to our thighs, so Mel took to the
over-grown grass with the lawn edging machine or however you call it.
While I took over the bbq he started of Teriyaki chicken and hot dogs.
The kids had tons of fun running around the back-yard and helping rake
up the mounds of grass.

Last week, I got caught up with making cupcakes with the kids. It was
fun, but after gaining an extra 8-9 pounds tasting and what not..it wasn't
so fun anymore. So I left cup-caking to another time where I'm more in
control of my will power. You can go here for the Hawaiian cupcakes
recipe at Foodista, recipe by Leah Rodriguez. They're sooo yummy, you
have to stop yourself at one or else you'd eat the whole batch..hmm,
kinda sounds like what we did..

Hawaiian Cupcakes with Coconut Cream

Cheese Frosting

Red Velvet cupcakes and Lemon Cupcakes

with Lemon curd filling


Guava rose cupcakes with Guava buttercream

This week I started a welfare group with my friends, Umu and Ta.

What we're doing is taking turns buying $50 worth of products for

the person of the week. So Umu is this week and Ta and I would

buy her $50 worth of products that she wants for emergency stash.

She's requested $50 worth of Scott's Toilet paper and cases of

bottled water from Costco from me, Then she'd request something

else from Ta, again $50 worth say, toothpaste, shampoo, etc. Next

week is Ta's turn and her requests, then my turn the week after.

We're doing this every week until our stockpiles are full and set for

winter, when the guys aren't doing construction anymore.

So it works out for us. Other groups would have 9 women and do

$20 per person. So it depends on the group you're in and the women's

needs in the group. We do make sure that we only deal with women

who won't flake out. So that's a quick look at what I've been up to

for the past couple of weeks. Hope this week brings you and your

family many blessings. I'd love to hear how your week is going!!

Learning to Quilt

2012-04-20T09:05:00.000-07:00

Yesterday morning, Yolanda and I decided to get together
to learn how to quilt on our own. We wanted to do some
thing like Hawaiian Quilts, but more on the side of how
the Tongan ladies do it with a more simpler design. She
called me up to meet her at a cheap fabric store with beau
tiful fabrics for less.

I'm pretty excited by all the fabric I see in this place and
for an affordable price. I can definitely see myself coming
here very often! I've never made a quilt before and figured
we'd need batting and all the necessary stuff you'd need
to make a quilt. Yolanda brought one for us to go off of
and it seems pretty easy to make.

We purchased 2 yards of this white quilted fabric and 2 yards
of velvet fabric (to be cut out with designs) in two different
colors, emerald green and mustard yellow. I'm sure it'll
look nice. We decided to do the sewing at my place. Well
when we got to my place we laid out the quilt and looked
at the pattern and decided that we needed bigger tracing
paper to copy the pattern on the quilt. An hour or two later
and a trip back from Wal-Mart, we have a paper ready to
go, taped and copied. By the time we're done cutting the
entire pattern, it's already time for Yolanda to hurry home
to pick up her kids from school.

I'm really liking this whole quilting thing, it's pretty relaxing
and I'm already thinking up my own patterns for baby
Hawaiian Quilts. I just want to start small. Right now,
I'm drawing up my own before I head out to work today.

Have a great weekend, happy Friday!

Check List

2012-04-19T08:54:00.003-07:00

Yesterday morning I woke up at 6 am to the alarm
on his cell phone going off, reminding me to arise
and get the kids bathed and ready for school. As I
was sitting up my lower back was aching from extra
weight gained since my return back home.

After seeing the kids get on the bus, I decided to do
something about it, but before that I would get the
house cleaned up and my last two loads of laundry
done before leaving the house.

I was behind in going to the temple for a session,
and was planning to go with Yolanda to the temple
but leave by 9 am. Yolanda texted the night before
to see if we could leave by 11 am since her kids
will be having a late start for school. I said, sure
not knowing that I would find out in the morning
that 11 am wouldn't work for me either as my
children will be getting out of school early at 1 pm.
and sessions are for 2 hours. So that wouldn't
work for me. So it'll be initiatories for me then,
I'll still be able to make it in and help in some way.

After returning from the temple, I decided to put
in the Zumba disc and play it on the Wii. It's been
a while and I need to get some exercise in for today,
I've been slowly watching my arms and derriere get
bigger and decided I need to get back to where I
need to be, a size 10. (I haven't been that size since
my second child, which was 17 years ago.) I did a
full hour workout going through three levels :) by
the time the kids walked in through the door from
school I was on the last part of my cool down
session. They cheered me on and said, "Burn that
fat, mom!" I was too sweaty to give them a hug,
so they got a smile and thank you instead.

Those were my two biggest things that needed
to get checked off on my to do list. I'll be back
to doing Zumba today again after a good hour
of walking.

What's on your Check Off List today?

General Conference Catch Up

2012-04-02T12:05:00.002-07:00

On Saturday we watched both sessions of General Conference.
It was wonderful to hear the messages given, I felt renewed
and spiritually fed. Loni my 8 year old actually listened and
told me that he loves the talks that were given. It really made
me happy to hear him say that, Nesi already had her General
Conference booklet in hand from her Sunday school teacher.
So that kept her busy for a while.

I also was contacted by my supervisor asking if I could cover
for a co-contractor on Sunday in Sherwood. I was told that she
is in the hospital, so I agreed and covered for her yesterday.

I really wanted to stay and enjoy General Conference, but knew
that we are struggling and I need to help out Mel with the finances
and figured that I'll catch up,while the kids are in school on Monday
morning.

This morning I did just that. After getting the kids to school, I
turned up the computer so that I could hear the messages from
the kitchen while washing the dishes and cleaning the house.

While listening to our President and Prophet, Thomas S. Monson
and others speak, I thought about the list of things that I was going
to change about myself starting today. These are things that I took
from the messages and talks given Saturday and Sunday.

Family time is precious and hold our family home evenings every Monday night no matter what. Change our schedules so that nothing else is held on Monday nights but FHE [Family Home Evening]
Don't Judge Others
Spend more time in the service of others
Preparing my daughters to be prepared as women before reaching Relief Society through self-reliance, making sure they're not spiritually deprived, take them with me on my visiting teaching assignments so that they can learn early on how to reach out to our fellow relief society sisters to strengthen the homes of Zion.
Reading the scriptures daily as well as the church magazines with the family to strengthen our family relationship and home.
Be closer to my hubby, family and siblings.
Pray always with family and for them

Downton Abbey...My New Favorite TV Show

2012-03-03T07:23:00.001-08:00

I recently did a book review of The Maid of Fairbourne

Hall by Julie Klassen and learned about the way things are

run in a Hall in England. I've been fascinated ever since

that book review and then came upon Downton Abbey on
PBS channel last month. I then found out that the Season 1

of Downton Abbey was also on Netflix as well. I can

tell you that on Tuesday we watched all of it in one sitting

while packing all our 72 hour backpacks for emergencies.

(I figure if we're going to watch this we might as well be

doing something useful at the same time..)

Yes, it's that good and soo addicting. I love the characters

and can't wait to see Season 2. The costumes are exquisite

and I just can't get enough. The girls love to watch for

the fashion. I just like that it's somthing different from
what's on tv every night.

Which is another reason I want to get my sewing on!
I've been searching for all types of Edwardian patterns
that I can get my hands on. My favorite is the Gibson
Girl blouse top pattern that can be found on amazon.com

The Cast of Downton Abbey..

The Crawley Sisters of Downton Abbey in Vogue

Click here for the article.

The Crawley Sisters & their mother.

Thank goodness it's Sunday tomorrow. I always find myself

counting down the days until Masterpiece Theatre comes on.

Handing Out Mother's Cookies at Work

2012-03-03T05:53:00.001-08:00

Yesterday was a great day at work. My second day and what's
more fun than getting paid to hand out cookies and coupons?
I had so many women taking a sample and leaving the coupon
saying that they'd eat the whole bag if they bought it. Others
just beamed as soon as they saw the Circus Animal cookies
and said that it reminded them of their childhood. I had to take
a picture of it and forward it to my supervisors. Hope they ok
it. I sold out of cookies by my 4:10 pm. and then got my paper
work signed by the manager, cleaned up and then headed home.

Today's going to be even better! I'm going to be passing out
Oreo cookies, Oreo 100th birthday party hats and $1/1 coupons.
I'll be asking shoppers to sample a free Oreo and have a Oreo
licking contest where winners will win a free Oreo 100th Birthday
Sticker. I love my part-time job!

I'll update you later on a picture and what happened. Other than
that I'm going to turn in for an hour then get up to wake the kids
for school. oops, forgot it's Saturday today.. Happy Saturday!

My New Favorite Hobby....Sewing

2012-03-01T23:51:00.002-08:00

Yes, my friends..ever since I became a seamstress

at Beehive Clothing. I walked away wanting to sew

more. So I bought myself a new machine. After

paying bills, I decided to go with something afford

able and that wasn't going to break down on me.

I've only had experience on the commercial power

machines and figure the home machines should be

a cinch. So I got on to Craftsy.com bought a few

courses on sewing dresses, couture techniques,

hand tailoring and more. I'm telling you, it's addicting!

first one class, then another one! I'm also addicted to

Pinterest and all the lovely DIY, Cooking and Sewing

ideas found on there.

So far I've sewn a plaid scarf (from a pillowcase) off

a tutorial I found on Pinterest. Now I'm waiting for a

Vogue pattern arriving any day now for the Couture

Dress tutorial I signed up for on Craftsy! So excited

about my new hobby, I stocked up on items I might

need for upcoming projects at Walmart this morning.

So I wouldn't have to run to the store for a while.

Here's what I've found fun to make so far from

Pinterest. I'll update you later on how I did with the

Couture Dress Tutorial and the Starlet Suit Jacket

Tutorial. Want to check out a free tutorial? They

have one on how to make Dipped, Dusted & Rolled

Handmade Chocolates. I love that one!

The tutorial is here at Vermillion Rules

My version of The T-Shirt Ruffle Scarf!

(took me a minute or two to make it!)

My trusty Janome machine. I'm wanting the
Threadbanger machine, but that one sold out
on Amazon.com, so this one will do for now:)

new sewing tools, most of them were .97c ea.
at Walmart.

What are your favorite hobbies?

Latest Updates....

2012-03-01T22:50:00.000-08:00

Hi Friends! It's been a while since I've been on here and
alot has happened since I last posted from Salt Lake. I'm
currently back in Portland and working again. This time,
I'm getting my contractor license back up again to be able
to start working and pay off my son's mission coming up
pretty soon. How much? $10k....Yes, my eldest son is
going to be 19 on the 10th this month and getting ready
to put in his papers to serve the Lord. I'm so excited for
him and the road he's chosen to take. I found a little part
time job on the side that's part time and the pay isin't so
bad. I'm sure you're itching to find out...I'm started last
week as a product demonstrator for $12 an hour. That's
not bad, considering people are out there looking for a job.
I thought it was something to do in my spare time while
getting everything set up again for the business.

Last week, we finally received our tax refund and paid
some bills and saved the rest to get re-licensed and all.
I really miss Salt Lake and my old job at Beehive Clothing.
It was a wonderful environment to work in and I made
friendships for a lifetime. Now, I'm on to a new chapter
and new things. On my exit interview with my supervisor,
she gave me some great advice and told me that I can
always come back there someday if the family moves
back to Salt Lake again.

Taking her advice, I'm keeping myself busy these days
with the kids, working and starting the hobbies I've
always wanted to start but kept putting off. (That's on
my next post) Although I was really busy in Salt Lake
working and all, I did shed some 35 pounds when I was
there. When I got there I weighed 300 pounds, coming
back, I finally got the chance to weigh myself and
really glad to see that I now weigh 265. I still am trying
to go down to my weight goal of 180 pounds. That's
another post as well..

How was your week?

A Visit to The House of The Lord

2011-11-13T22:16:00.000-08:00

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

2011-10-16T01:10:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-10-16T00:41:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-16T12:17:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-26T16:39:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-28T06:19:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-04T12:09:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-04T10:36:00.000-07:00

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

2011-05-31T06:16:00.000-07:00

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

2011-04-05T23:47:00.000-07:00

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.

First Sunday in Our New Ward

2011-03-28T09:11:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we finally made it in to church to meet

up with our new bishopric and ward members. It

was also a fast Sunday since we're going to have

General Conference next weekend. During sacram

ent meeting after announcements were made, every

one was given a chance to stand up and give their

testimony and I wanted to get up but have this

terrible fear of standing in front of people and talking.

So I decided what the heck..just get up and do it

and introduce yourself and the family while you're

at it. So I did..most of the people who were bearing

their testimonies before mine, were talking about

their family trials and tribulations and how the gospel

has helped them get through those hard times.

I got up and introduced myself and the rest of our

family and explained that we have our share of trials

and tribulations are currently working through them

with bible/scripture study every night and daily prayer.

I felt so much better after I bore my testimony.

So after Gospel & Doctrine class, I headed over to

Relief Society eager to learn and take in the lesson.

I think I've been spiritually starving and needed to be

fed. I met so many wonderful sisters who not only

care and help one another. I too, am excited about

getting to help out with one of their many projects

for the upcoming month. One of them is 1000 Quilts

for Japan.

They're collecting 1000 quilts, blankets and comforters

for the earthquake and tsunami survivors. Many of

them suffering from the cold and sleeping on floors of

shelters without a blanket for comfort.

Donate a homemade or purchased quilt,comforter or blanket. It can be twin,double or queen size. No thin or old blankets please.
Tell your friends, family and co-workers about this great opportunity for service.
Invite your facebook friends to participate.
Andy and Bax on Grand Ave and Sgt. Gators in Boring has wool blankets for $25. Stores such as Kohls, JCPenney's, Walmart and Target carry comforters.
Attach a note of encouragement to your item letting the recipient know you care.
Place your item in a plastic bag.

They also asked the sisters to head over after church

to another sister's home to do more quilting there so

that they may finish the quilts before the April 1st dead

line. I really want to go but will be able to make it for

the Tuesday night gathering. I'm excited to learn how

to quilt. I've been wanting to learn for so long and now

my chance to learn it will be this week:)

They also have a Humanitarian Project going as well

until April 9th..collecting 100 pairs of new socks, 25

New Wash Cloths, 25 New Hand Towels and were

asked to place the donations in the box at the RS table.

They also showed us how to can a day food supply

per person for emergencies. They used a tiny can

opener to open the can with. The lady said that they

used it in the army and you can hang it on your key

chain. I forgot to ask her where you can buy them.

I think I'd like to buy alot to have on hand. Sorry

the picture isin't perfect. I used the cell phone camera

on this one.

I think that's a wonderful idea. Here's what they had

in there.

Nature Valley Granola Bar
1 pack of Ramen noodles
1 plastic cup
3 plastic spoons
2 juice boxes
1 pack of fruit snacks
1 envelope of hot chocolate mix
1 envelope of Cider mix
1 bag of dried fruits or snack mix

You can do it the way you want to. This is what

they just had on hand to put in theirs. Some people

use backpacks instead of the can. I think I'd do

both, label the top of the can so that I can rotate

and use it before the expiration dates.

Settling into a new home

2011-03-16T12:58:00.000-07:00

You are probably wondering about the big spaces between posts. Well, we were nearing the end of our lease at our apartment and decided to just hurry and find a rental home we can move to temporarily for a year. We found a 3 bdrm, 2 bath home in Gresham that's got lots of room for all of us and then some! Good news is..I lost 9 pounds within 5 days of moving,loading,unpacking and no eating or drinking after 6pm. Then I'll drink my 3 liters of cold tap water along with my prenatal vitamins upon rising in the morning. (no, I'm not prego..just trying to grow my hair) The kids love the new place and are excited to have their own rooms.

After moving in we had to wait for a week to get our internet installed by Qwest. So after the internet got hooked, our trusty computer just broke down. So now I have to use the wii to access the internet. That is why there is no pictures.

how is your week coming along?