MPuanani

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?

2011-02-25T20:46:00.000-08:00

Thank goodness it's Friday, Aloha Friday at An Island Life..her
question for the day is, "Salty or Sweet?" My answer was "both".
I'm mainly a sucker for sweet stuff!! My question for you today
is "What are your plans for R & R today?" (rest and relaxation!)

My Answer
I love winding down after a busy day by catching up on my
blogging or reading one of my review books. I painted my nails
a peacock blue and my daughter wanted a glittery red. Now I'm
currently reading Sealing The Deal by Dr. Diana Kirschner. Want to
win a copy of Sealing The Deal? Enter here for your chance to win.
Have a great weekend folks:)

School's Out Due To Snow Today....

2011-02-24T07:56:00.000-08:00

So on Tuesday my neighbor upstairs told me that there is a snow storm

coming in on Wednesday through Saturday. We finally got our refund

and decide to go hit the clearance sections at Target, Old Navy and TJ

Maxx for the kids and ended up coming home with a boat load of

winter clothing for them. Most of them were 70% off! Gloves were .44c

each at Fred Meyer. Thank goodness we did all that yesterday and

now the kids can keep warm outside today. They were in need of new

winter clothes and I'm so glad that I finally got that part taken care of.

It doesn't really show..but the snow is still falling in this picture.

The kids woke up early this morning when they heard me watching

the news and the announcement of school closures. After that, no one

wanted to go back to bed. The kids headed straight for the Wii and

wanted to start up on the new Wii Zumba Workout we got on Friday.

Now that's a whole other post!

Dealing With Bad Manners,Temper Tantrums & Fights

2011-02-12T14:47:00.000-08:00

Peace Week in Miss Fox's Class

Eileen Spinelli

ISBN: 978-0807563793

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company

Find it on Amazon.com

All week I've been frustrated about the constant fighting, screaming

and bickering going on between the children these past few weeks

and happened to see this book at the local library yesterday about

Peace Week in Miss Fox's Class by Eileen Spinelli, Illustrated by

Anne Kennedy. So I grabbed it and knew this would be the first

thing I would be reading to the younger two.

Although Loni thinks he's too grown up for these books, I think

he would learn a thing or two after hearing me read it.

Yesterday was a busy day, so I got the chance to read it to them

this morning along with some other books on how to teach your

children good manners. Don't get me wrong I teach my kids and

talk to them constantly, yet somehow I think it goes in one ear

and out the other.

The kids did like the book and I'm noticing more peace and quiet

in the house today. Thank goodness, let's hope that this lasts for

the remainder of the weekend and on to next week. :) Now on to

the teaching them good manners and proper etiquette book!

Elbow Off the Table, Napkin in the Lap, No Video

Games During Dinner

(The Modern Guide to Teaching Children Good Manners)

Carol McD. Wallace

Softcover: 258 Pages

ISBN: 031214122-x

Publisher: ST. Martin's Griffin

Language: English

Find it on Amazon.com

The kids enjoyed this book as well and started telling me the

other's mistakes and what they needed to improve on. I learned

a couple of things on here myself. It's a really useful book on raising

well mannered kids. Do you have any tips on what you do at home

with your children?

Interested in RAW FOOD DIET....

2011-02-12T14:07:00.000-08:00

Last night I came across Food Matters on Netflix in the Documentary

Section and found the answers to my eating problems!! I watched in

amazement at what was under my nose the entire time. My cousin was

trying to tell me about it and I guess I wasn't listening or didn't want

to listen at the time. She told me to come and spend a week with her

in California and I would see the results. After watching Food Matters

I was sold on the idea of the Raw Food Diet. This clip from the

documentary where David's talking about drinking water just sealed

the deal for me. I really want to see changes in my family's eating

habits and I know everything starts with me since I am the one preparing

the meals at home. I think I didn't want to start it because I loved junk

food too much.

Now I realize I'm like some ticking time bomb that's ready to go off,
if I don't change the way I eat and be more responsible. I've been

searching online for some great raw food recipes to start out with

and excited about starting..yes, today! My son started cringing when

I started talking about making vegetable juices at home, but I think

they'll like it sooner or later:) My friend Kate always talks about

making stuffed peppers or something like that and I'm thinking that

would be something awesome to start the kids out with.

Are you or someone you know on a raw food diet? How is it

working out for you and your family? I'd love to hear from you!

Taxes, To Do Lists and More....

2011-01-28T09:23:00.000-08:00

The past 3 days I've been working on our taxes and was

glad to put it through and hear back to see if it got accepted.

It did and now I'm preparing my list of bills that need to get

paid and rent to be paid.

Yesterday as I picked up the kids from school they asked if

they could stay up late since they have no school today and

Monday. I was wondering why I hadn't seen it in any forms

they brought from school and then realized that I had been

so caught up in doing taxes, couponing, working on book

reviews and the list goes on. Thank goodness, I checked

online and they were right!

I stepped away from the computer for a bit to cook some

breakfast for the kids and throw a load into the washer.

Since the kids are out of school right now, I asked them to

put their warm clothes on so we could go and check out

the mail room for more inserts, then come back and do

some fun activities with them. I'm looking forward to the

tax to purchase a camcorder. I miss recording the kids

and fun stuff. How's your Friday?

Monetizing Your Blog II with MyLikes

2011-01-27T00:01:00.000-08:00

If you haven't been to MyLikes, stop by their page and

check it out. I'm glad that Dear Crissy brought it up on

her page and I've been gung ho about it ever since. Yes,

I'm trying to earn extra $$ on the side with the blogs &

such, so I was pretty excited to see that my balance went

up from .63c to $1.16...slowly but surely people. I hope

not too slow. I also found out that I'm getting my first

ever google adsense check for $100.00 I can't believe

it took me 2 years to earn that. I hope it'll get better in

time. Do you have any advice on how you monetize your

blog? I'm still lost on LinkWorth and will look them over

again in the morning. It's getting late and I just can't keep

my eyes open anymore..Good night folks:)

Changes, Callings and Moving...

2011-01-26T23:48:00.000-08:00

Lately I haven't had alot of time to blog. I did receive a new
calling in church. I am now the Primary Secretary and started
this past Sunday. It was enjoyable and I love being in there.
I'm learning alot with my new calling and trying to remember
faces and names. The presidency is a wonderful trio to work
with and I will miss them when we move next month. It'll be
kinda far, so that means we won't be within their boundaries
to attend the ward. So we will have to find another one soon.

Why are we moving? Trying to find something more affordable
than where we're at right now. We're currently paying $940
a month for rent (2 bd,2 bth), but recently we've been late due
to payment schedules from different clients and have been
paying $1,300 or more a month in just late fees and court costs.

The kids aren't looking forward to moving to another school
but I know they'll adjust soon enough once we're settled in our
new place. I just filed our taxes so that amount should help us
get into a place quick enough. I love filing electronically online
because you get it pretty quick. We're getting our on the 4th
so I've already got all the utilities lined up to get paid before
the move.

Wordless Wednesday 1/26/2011

2011-01-26T23:31:00.000-08:00

Loni and Nesi experimenting with the Hexbug Nanos

and loving it.

Refer Friends and Followers and Make Money

2011-01-17T15:40:00.000-08:00

I've been laxed on my blogs and read Dear Crissy's page
about earning $$$ from your blogs through MyLikes and
another company called, LinkWorth. I'm new to both and
tried to do my reading on how it works. Crissy's page gives
an in depth guide on how to use LinkWorth. I'm still a bit
confused with LinkWorth and not sure if I'm putting in the
right price. If you're wanting to earn an extra amount of $$
a month, you should check these two companies out and
see how it works out for you. I'm still waiting to get approved
with LinkWorth. Crossing my fingers..lol.

I'm so glad that she shared that information because I'd
like to earn as much $$ for our little family savings. Hope
this bit of information helps you and your friends out as
well. Stop by sometime and tell me how it went for you.

Family Movie Night

2011-01-15T11:43:00.000-08:00

Last night the kids and I checked out like 10 movies from the library

to watch through the weekend while we're cutting coupons. I noticed

Oklahoma and grabbed it. I remember seeing parts of it when I was

little and I wanted to see if the kids would stick through the movie

with me. I love musicals and Oklahoma is one of my favorites. They

got to watch Sound of Music for the first time in December and love

it. They can't get enough of Kurt and Maria. They continually ask to

check that one out every time we visit the library.

So I put in Oklahoma and automatically my 6 yo is enjoying the

songs and getting in to the movie and tells me that she likes the way

the girls dress, but would never want to wear knickers, because

their ugly..lol. these kids sometimes give me a good laugh.

They liked The Surrey with The Fringe On Top. They didn't like Judd.

My 7 yo felt sorry for Judd and told everyone else to stop hating on him.
The girls were singing along to these tunes. Love it!!

How is your weekend coming along?

Dumpster Diving for Coupons?

2011-01-14T00:44:00.000-08:00

I know most of you have probably heard of or have watched the

new TLC show, Extreme Couponing. I've heard of it recently and

haven't had the chance to watch it in it's entirety. My friends and family

have called or texted me about it and brought up the couponer that goes

dumpster diving for her coupons. I did see that on TLC's site and

don't see anything really wrong with it. People do what they have

to in order to save money or survive. It doesn't look like a dumpster

but a recycling bin.

Last week I head over to our complex's mailroom to check our

mail and came across the Smartsource Weekly flyer and inserts

inside and found two coupon inserts. In the mail room there are

two garbage cans that were just full of paper and everyone's flyers

that they didn't want. So what did I do? Yes, I started rummaging

through that first wastebasket next to our box and ended up finding

a total of 50 inserts combined just from that basket.

Did I save any money with those coupons? I sure did. There were

the square ramen noodle bowl coupons for .50c off each. I ended

up with 20 of those coupons and paid .29c each after coupons for

those. Not bad..and the list goes on. Is it worth it? it sure is..with

all the coupon inserts I walked away with, it saved me alot of $$ I

don't have. I did share most of those coupons with my friends and

family who are trying to start their stockpiles.

I spent mostly 3 hours cutting and sorting them today and ready

to go back tomorrow for some more. My 7 yo gets embarrased

while my 6 yo is happy to assist me by carrying a couple of inserts

for me to the car. I figure with our financial situation the way it is
it's something I have to do to continue our little stockpile while
trying to get our bills paid down. Right now I'm mainly interested
in stocking up on batteries, soaps, shampoos and deodorants
since we're doing pretty good in the food area. It's a new year
and I'm trying not to get alot of processed food and mainly lean
towards healthier food options such as fruits and veggies.

mpuanani

Getting Back On The Diet Bandwagon

2011-01-14T00:04:00.000-08:00

This week and last my friends Umu and Yolanda have urged

me to get back into shape with them at the gym with Zumba.

I started doing it last year for 2 or more classes then stopped

because I couldn't go that far to the Zumba classes that every

one else was going to. I'm now making it in to the one just

a couple of blocks away with a Free 7 day pass.

Right now it's not in the budget to attend the classes. So after

the 7 day period, I'm going to resort to watching them on

YouTube and following along there until I can buy it on Wii

and do it anytime here at home. I was so glad to find out that

today through fellow blogger Renee that Zumba came out for

Wii during the holidays or something like that.

I gained like 8 pounds or so during the holidays and I'm now

willing to part ways with all the extra baggage and love handles

that I've been lugging around...about 150 pounds.

I've been drinking more water about a gallon a day according

to my weight. It was hard at first but it's been getting easier by

the day. The kids love that I've been going to the gym. Every

time we pass it my 6 yo asks if I plan on going that day and

to take her along too. They're pretty good at keeping me in

check. The other day Loni came in to the kitchen while I was

eating my salad and he says, "You know, Dr. Oz said that it's

healthier to eat a peanut butter & jelly sandwich than eating a

salad!" I was shocked and started laughing..then I asked him

where he got that from and he said that he once saw it the

Dr. Oz show. Gotta love these kids. They say the darndest

things.

2010 MOMENTS

2011-01-05T10:23:00.000-08:00

Had fun at my nephew baby Sione's birthday in October.

Sione and his birthday suit on his dad's shoulders

My first try at making a fondant cake..gone wrong.

Never take $100 to make a cake for 500 people. I

learned alot from this mistake. Top layer should've

been 2 instead of 3 and we didn't have enough fondant.

March 2010

A trip to Fred Meyer's and favorite sister moment

with Nesi and Hinalei.

We took photos of the kids

to place in each of their Memory books/Journals

in December. This is one of Nesi's pictures.

One of our first photos taken with our Canon we purchased

in March.

Baby Sione and my sis. Meliani cheering Ami on

Ami's last senior game- Westlake -vs- East High

seeing off Elder Tahi Moeaki at the MTC in SLC,UT

4th of July in Salt Lake