Va'aulu Family Project

With all the updates listed below sent from my Uncle in Samoa. I couldn't help but think of ways that I can contribute to rebuilding our paradise. So with the help of my family, we were able to gather donations to ship to Samoa. We made it a family project so that we can help our brothers and sisters over seas but at the same time remind us all (especially the little ones) of how blessed we are.

Day 1-Gathering donations! YAY! What a great turn out!

Truck load of clothes... Thanks everyone that donated!

...more clothes plus water and food... Thanks Western Friction/Page Brake for all your support and donations! You're AWESOME!

Some of the Hygiene Kits we put together.

Our lil helpers... Love them!

Since we received more than than expected we had to get sorting ASAP... So the following day that's exactly what we did!

Day 2- Sorting the clothes...

sorting the shoes... Thanks Uncle Talesi for taking this task on... LOL

The beginning of sorting thru the clothes we received! YAY! We even donated clothes to DI cause we know that Samoa does not need FUR COATS or SKI PANTS... LOL. Thanks tho' for the donations.

After all this we were finally able to build and pack our container for SAMOA! This is the best part I thought... finally being able to see all of the donations ship off... Yes! I love it!

Final Day- Packing our container

Bottom layer of the container filled with water.

then the rice...

food...

and more food...

and some of my family members that helped pack the box!

I mentioned earlier that this was my favorite part... And I just wanted to add that this day was my birthday and just to be able to do service for others was truly the best gift ever... even tho' I wasn't the one receiving it. I'm also happy to announce that because we received so much from everyone we will be shipping another container to Samoa in November... YAY! I love family projects!

I'm grateful to my family for all of their love and support in helping me press forward with this project. Also, much THANKS to all who donated especially Western Friction, Simati's company (sorry don't know the name), our dear family and friends. But I also want to THANK my husband for being patient, loving and so supportive of me. You're the BEST! I love you all!

Words of Inspiration from Samoa

This was sent from my Uncle in Samoa.

"Hello family, life here in the islands is still in the fear stages I guess. People that were affected do not want to move back near the sea and are still camping in the bushes. Supplies of basic needs are still being delivered to them. Yesterday we had 5 stakes including ours went out there in forces to help with cleaning up and it was indeed a site to see all these help, while there, people were still burying their dead. Had to rush back home after that to check on the funeral service for the parents of a sister in our ward only to be met with another tsunami warning, so had to hold that off while evacuating to higher grounds. This warning was caused by an earthquake between Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands. When the warning was called off we had to hurried through the funeral service and burial before it gets dark. It was very touching to see this brother and sister losing their parents and two kids in the disaster with the wife of the brother still in hospital with critical injuries. Today we visited with our Area President and his wife to the hospital to some of our members there, and will later visit to the camps out in the affected area. I think it is one of the most needed service for these people to have some spiritual and emotional counseling and help and this visit by our leaders is very much appreciated. Early morning yesterday, the plane carrying help from the Church in SLC arrived and will be given out to the government and to the people soon. As of now the official death toll is now 142 with still 7 reported missing. People a still living in fear so any small tremor of an earthquake you see everyone in panic mode heading for the hills. We have our 72 hour back-bags by the door now that whenever we had to run, we'll just grap and move. Yesterday when the warning came Chris and Ra were at school so they just went with all the students at the gathering place allocated. Lolini was at home as she was sick with the flu while I was on my way back from the service project. Had to hurry and picked her up with our needed supplies and went to the hills. Only met with Ra and Chris later after the warning was called off. Imagine if the real thing happened and we don't get to see each other, it would be devastating, but I guess if there is a message here for all of us, we all need to be prepared no matter what. My dear family I asked that you all prepare yourselves not only for the natural disasters physically but spiritually as well so when things do happen, we will be able to cope with them. Missing a love one I guess is ok, but losing 4 or 6 at once is just too painful and that's what these people have face. So family thank you so much for all the support and help that you are all putting together to help with our people here. It would really make a difference to a life of someone that will benefit from your kindness, and we will indeed feel better that we had lend a helping hand. Please extent a thank you to those that have contributed such as Alex's company, other individuals and to all our families, I will sent you a report once this help is given to account for your kindness. God Bless you all."

I'm so grateful for my Uncle and his example that he sets. I'm also grateful for his words of inspiration and encouragement. I'm very grateful for my family and for the gospel and just knowing the "Families Are Forever". My thoughts and prayers continue to be with the people of the South Pacific especially my Uncle and his family. I love you and hope that all will be OK in PARADISE.

Tsunami Update #3 from Samoa

So here is another update shared by my Uncle in Samoa...






"Today is hot, hotter than than the first 2 days. We are continuing to haul water to the saints and others. Church members are camping in 5 different areas high up the hills. One is in Saleapaga, one in Lalomanu,2 in Malaela and one in Leagiagi or Saleaumua. We are now setting up our own control post at the Leagiagi chapel where we are offering counseling services and a control point of distribution of immediate needs for them. Outside help from NZ and Australia are now arriving and hopefully it will be sent to these needed people soon. The Church has now approved a plane load of food (rice, sugar, hygenic etc water..) coming in from SLC hopefully within the next few days as they are negotiating for a plane now. I think once those come in it will greatly ease the suffering physically, but emotionally it will remain with our people for a long long time. I know American Samoa is going through the same trauma, but they are in good hands with the US extending a big hand to help them. Here in poor Samoa its all depending on the handouts from families and from other governments.







The Lalomanu and Malaela are the worst hit area, in fact there is no Malaela standing. The only building standing in the whole village is part of the stake president's home and the damaged chapel. Remember this village has only one religion and that is LDS, so all the casulties in the village are mostly members of the Church if not all and are mostly related to the Purcells. So it is a very devastating effect to the Church and to the saints here. People are now starting to bury their dead especially those that were found yesterday and today as they are starting to decomposed as our hospitals and government facilities are not adequate to handle these casea. As mentioned earlier, a member of my ward has lost her parents, a newphew whom they are still searching for, and a niece in the disaster. Lena/Vana you know of Segia--Nicholus mom, her mother is one of the victims of the tsunami, in fact in the 2 wards in Malaela there are about 15 deaths as of now and a few others in the other wards of Leagiagi and Vaovai. The total dead as it now stands at 110 but still counting. We are continuing to haul water and food up to the various camps and trying to provide them with some other means to use for sanitation, as well as some hygenic needs. These people only had what they wore on their bodies as they tried to run up to the bushes so it was pleasing to see them use a change of clothes from what we delievered yesterday. I think it will take a while for them to be in camps as the smell is very strong and could cause some health problems. We are trying to organize a Mormon Helping Hands cleanup project from all the other stakes that were not affected hoping for a good turnout in the 1000. I think it would be great not only for the community but also as a missionary tool for the Church. The mission president is in favor of this too and has offered his missionaries to participate in it so it will be good PR for them too. I think with most of their basic needs such as food, clothing in place we can now move to try and help them rebuilt their lives physically and emotionally so they can move on. It will probably take a while but I know with faith they can do it. As far as our Lefaga family, they are doing alright no major concern. The only death reported from there in Safaatoa is one of the fireman who was killed when their truck overturn while rushing down to the village to evacuate people to higher grounds with their siren."




Thanks Uncle for the updates. I love you all and our prayers are still with you all.

Tsunami Update #2 from Samoa

"Just got back from delivering much need supplies to the affected saints - very touching experience to see old folks under taupaulins under coconut trees. Its like a refugee camp. Confirmed now 20 Church members dead with 2 still missing and searches are still continuing. Due to no homes and the bad smells it is safe for them to stay in camps in the bush rather than moving back and face more problems and health issues."

You know what I've notice about this whole disaster with Samoa... is knowing that Samoa is in need of a lot of things (worldly things) yet they only ask for us to continue to pray for them. I'm so humbled by this because I have not heard the question "Why?" My thoughts and prayers are with you all... especially the families that have lost their loved ones.

Tsunami Update from my Uncle.

"I have witnessed with sadness the unfortunate situation that these many people of our country have been affected. Starting from Siumu our chapel has been destroyed and a lot of homes, then Poutasi has been badly hit with homes, churches and school buildings all smashed, Vaovai has home destroyed and 2 members young members of the Church confirmed dead. Salani surf hotel has been completely destroyed and homes in Utufaalalafa and Sapoe as well as school and church building destroyed. In Vavau beach fales and Aufaga beach fales are all destroyed. The worst hit areas are from the villages of Lepa, Saleapaga, Lalomanu, Vailoa, Satitoa, Malaela, all the way to Saleaumua. There are confirmed 10 members of the Church dead in Malaela including the patriarch, his wife and 2 grandchildren. They are still looking for more dead in Lalomanu and throughout the are as debris and sand have hidden bodies. All the Lalomanu tourists attractions, motels have been completely washed out including a lot of family homes. The new stake center in Malaela that was just dedicated in 4 months is a total loss. All missionaries are accounted for and in safety now. the 2 elders that were in Malaela were able to make it to the bush carrying young children when the waves hit. It was told that the wave was as high as 20 or more feet and there was no time for any to take as the earthquake shook and 5 minutes later the waves just came crushing in. We have since sent some basic help to the saints there of rice, water, tapolins and we are organising some clothes from the unaffected saints here to sent to them. There is a reported of about 25 deaths so far with more to come as searches are continuing, not counting the criticall injuries and others."

I'm so glad to hear that my family is safe. And my prayers and thoughts are with you all... especially with the families that have lost their loved ones.

Let Me See Your Grill

Grandma's 10 Year

Today makes 10 yrs since my Grandmother passed away. I can't believe it's already 10 yrs. I miss her sooooo much! But I know she's in a happier place reunited with my Grandfather and Uncle. I wish so badly that she was here with us but I know our Heavenly Father has bigger plans with her and I'm so grateful for the Plan of Salvation and knowing that I will be with her again. She raised 10 children by herself with the help of family and friends when my Grandfather passed away. And she has instilled in each of them a piece of her and the teachings of the gospel. She was literally the glue that held our family together. And because all that she has taught and passed on to her kids we continue to be the close nit family we were when she was still on earth with us. I know she is still with us and watches over us.

Our reunion ended in July but during our testimony meeting we were able to hear of everyones favorite memories of Grandma. My favorite ones were the ones that started, "If Grandma was alive" (and trust me to this day we still here this phrase)... LOL... "all the boys would be return missionaries" or "everyone would be married in the temple"... LOL. Everything was alway church and family. My favorite memories of her are when all the grandkids had to speak samoan to her. Even tho' our samoan was so broken she just smile and nod her head... knowing what we said wasn't right but she understood. She was loving and caring person. Always had a smile on her face.

Grandma, thanks for your love of the gospel and for our family. Thank you for being an EXAMPLE for me. I LALALALALALOVE you!


Grandma oute alofa tele ia te oe. Ua misia lava oe.

A Great Start to a New Week

I know today is Tuesday but still I had to blog about the starting of this week. LOL. My week started it off with toga'i at my sisters house followed by FHE with the family. It's been a long time sice we (Benjamins) have done FHE together. It felt really good to be there with the people we love. Our game for FHE was "Chicken, Taco, Boom" or something like that... LOL. Not quite sure what the purpose of the game was but it was really fun watchin' my parents play. And then we got a chance to listen to the kids sing, recite the Articles of Faith, and hear stories of my dads childhood as a football player (who would of thought... LOL) and of his experience on the mission field. I loved every minute of it even the scolding part... LOL. It wouldn't be FHE if there was no scolding... LOL!

Then on Labor Day because I worked the Graveyard Shift I had a late start. My husband let me sleep in while he watched Jerzy, fed her, showered her, and etc. Then we went to Lunch at IHOP and headed over to my in-laws and had FHE there again... LOL. Yes, I know 2 FHE in 1 week we are definitely set to have a good week... HAHAHA. So we played the "What If?" game and it was hilarious! We're suppose to ask a question and the neighbor answers it. Then you pass the paper and read the question aloud and the neighbor answers it with the answer he has on his paper. So much fun when it's played with a lot of people. After we had a beautiful lesson from Vicky on the "Word of Wisdom". We been taught so many times about the word of wisdom but it was great to hear it again and remind us about that teaching also to see Patsy, Tuli and Jerzy learn about it. Then we learned a new song...

"Early to Bed, Early to Rise
Makes the man healthy, and wealthy,
and wise"

Now Va'a sings that to Jerzy when it's bedtime... Too cute. I know we've missed out on FHE for so long that it is definitely a goal for us to continue to hold our own FHE. It really makes a difference on how your week goes.

"Make it an AWESOME day"

Happy Birthday!

Today was such and AWESOME day despite the fact the I got off of work at 3 in the morning and had and early start it was still an awesome day. My husbands family planned a surprise birthday BBQ for Grandma Pei. 79 years old and counting. It was such a success. I think anytime you have good food, good company, and lots of fun it's aways and awesome day!

Anyways, Her day started with an early hair appointment at the salon. While she was out the house we all rushed to the house to make my dessert, Delbert already firin' up the grill and Dee waitin' to get her side dishes started. We had our music bumpin', kids laughin' and food was cookin'. By the time she got back she was like, "what is this for?" Dee told her it was for her birthday and she said, "I told you I didn't want anything for my birthday!" But as the neighbors were gathering and the decorations went up she had the biggest KOOLAID smile and we knew that even tho' she says that she didn't want anything she was SUPER happy that we were there celebrating her birthday. I know being able to watch her family gather was a gift in itself.

I hope you had a wonderful and blessed birthday. I'm very grateful for her and for all that she does to be the example and to keep our family close.

Oute alofa tele ia te oe. Manuia lou aso fanau!

Today was a good day!

Well once again another beautiful Sunday. Our goal in mind is to Keep the Sabbath day Holy. Although that was our goal we so didn't achieve it today. We went to a missionary homecoming/farewell meeting today and it was really good. Loved the speakers, music and the spirit that was there. I left that meeting thinking yes we're definitely gonna get it right today... Instead we head over to my sisters (no name... LOL) to drop off my niece and the TV is on, Radio is blasting in the back, kids are playing and my nephew is on the laptop... I start yelling at the kids to stop but it doesn't help. I got sucked into the couch and started watching TV. Now I know why all electronics had to be off on Sundays... I just had to learn it on my own. So anyways, while watching TV my husband gets a text and his family and they are at the park about to have toga'i... We head over there and to make it worse they're setting up the volleyball net... LOL... I know, I know! We sat for maybe 1-2 hours trying really hard to keep it holy but it didn't last... now we're on the volleyball court like it was any other day. Well I know this isn't the best example or the right track to keepin' the sabbath day holy. But we tried and fail but we'll keep trying. The reason it was a good day was because of great company (family), good food, and lots of laughter.

Here I Go Again... LOL

It's been buggin' me lately that I don't keep up with my blog... But I honestly try to... Believe it or not writing down my thoughts, experiences and etc., really does help relieve a lot of stress and to remember a lot of things. Still in my 20's and I think I'm already experiencing short term memory loss... LOL.

Anyways, the month is almost over and it looks like the last time I wrote was the beginning of the month. Although things have slowed down and school is back in session I have no excuse for not keepin up expect just being lazy... HAHAHAHA!

Well on the lighter side of things August has been a great month... So many new and exciting things have happened... like my lil cousin Si'u tied the knot and is expecting a lil baby boy soon. Congrats you two on your new life together and the new addition to the family. School has started (YES!). So I finally get to enjoy some peace and quite for a couple of hours. LOL.

So for now I'm gonna go soak in this peace and quite atmosphere before the kids get out of school. Peace out!

Talofa Bloggers!

Wow I can't believe I haven't blogged for almost a month... Man this year is flying by so fast. Anyways, So I've been pretty busy the past couple of weeks that I think it has finally slowed down a bit for me to blog.

Well we had our Family Reunion July 22nd-26th and it was a blast. It was so good to have ALMOST everyone here. I hope our next reunion everyone will be in attendance. We had so much fun hangin' out with the old folks and tryin' to keep up with the young ones too. We played games at the park, had a temple day, went swimming, took lots of pictures (special thanks to Leti!) and etc. Now I know these are types of activities that we can do on our own but this week these activities were super special because we were enjoyin' it with our family from our of town. I love my family and like I've mentioned time and time again... I'm so grateful for them and to be part of a great legacy!



Then after our reunion was finished we had a post-family reunion... For those that didn't go home... LOL! It was good to have them stay longer... I know some didn't want to leave and we loved having them here. We MISS you guys!

After all the fun with the reunion my husband broke his toe. So we were in and out of the ER for a whole week... How FUN.... NOT! LOL. He was a lil too anxious to play volleyball and collided with my cousins foot and his toes bent back... (eww gross... I know... LOL). But he's better and isn't letting the injury spoil his time off or fun!

And finally, we went to Southern California for vacation. It was so much fun we took the trip with my sister in-laws church (AOG)... I don't even know where to start cause I'm still tryin to wind down from the vacation. But we stayed in a really nice hotel, and had activities planned through out the whole time we were there. So we spent a day a Majic Mountain (6 Flags) and my baby Jerzy had a blast... I don't think she was ready to leave.



The following day was a free day so we went to visit my husbands great grand parents and hit up the alley afterwards. Then I took my inlaws to my favorite burger spot in Cali which is "Louis" (mmmm...) they have the best Chili Cheese Fries ever, then did some more shopping at the Compton Fashion Center (Swapmeet... LOL), went back to the hotel and went swimming and relaxed the rest of the evening... FUN!



Then on Saturday I was suppose to go to Universal Studios... But I wasn't really feelin' it so my husband went and I decided to go hang out with my family and we spent the whole day shopping, eating and chillin' at Victoria Park for flag day. It wasn't much but just being with the family was fun for me!

So now we're back home and my husband is off another week cause of his toe... and we are just trying to unpack and get back to reality. It's been fun but now it's time to get back to the real world!

Busy, Busy, Busy

So I know I've been slacking on my blog. But I have good reasons too... HAHAHA! Well just recently my sister just gave birth to a BEAUTIFUL baby girl named "Angelys Taisia Larrissa Tapusoa" and of course she's name after me... I'm so excited she's finally here. I've spent almost everyday at my sisters house just helping her out to take care of her little ones. Not to mention the rest of her clan finally came back home from Cali. Anyways, along with being busy with the new baby I'm also busy with planning our Va'aulu Reunion (which I can't wait for). This reunion will be a little different from all the others that we've had cause we'll be celebrating my Grandmothers 10 year as well (can't believe it's been that long). So far we have gotten on t-shirts to the printing shop, schedule an appt for family pictures, plan out our program for the week, STILL trying' to collect our money from everyone and etc... It's been crazy but I know it'll be well worth it! Family is so important to me so every grey hair or wrinkle I get along the way with planning this reunion will be well worth it... HAHAHAHA!

Reunion is exactly 1 week and a day away... wish it were already here... LOL!

I LALALALALOVE MY FAMILY!

What the #$*&?

OMGosh, where in the world have I been? Ok so I guess blogging is slowly dying for me... but I'll try my best to update this as much as possible. So anyways, I'm going to bust a 10 Things list as to what I've been up to lately.

1. Just got back from Cali, was there for my Aunty Misiona's funeral.
2. Busy with meetings and planning a Va'aulu Family Reunion (can't wait for this to be over with... LOL)
3. Shopping for some Laker gear... LOL! (Woo Hoo)
4. Spendin' tons of times with Jerzy.
5. Laundry
6. Baking alot... Banana Cream Pie and BTS Cake... And yes it's so yummy!
7. Graduations, Seminary Graduations
8. Helping my cousin move in
9. Father's Day, Dads B-day
10. And more Laundry... UGH. I wish clean clothes would just appear in my closet... LOL... OK I think I'll keep wishing on that one.

Gosh this month seems to have passed by me so fast... I'll have to post some pictures soon. But I lalalala love my family. I'm missin' my family in Cali. Wishin' that August was here already so I can take my trip back to Cali again... with my Hubby this time... LOL!

Silly Girl

So today I was looking at pictures that my sister posted on Bebo. And she posted one of her kids.



And while I was looking at this picture my other niece Jerzy starts laughing and mimics Daisy's pose. I couldn't stop laughing. So now everytime I tell her pose like Daisy this is how she does it. LOL... What a silly girl!



The kids do the darnest things... LOL!

New Moon

OK so last night I was watching videos on youtube and I saw the official trailer for "New Moon". I know I'm so late. But OMGosh from the looks of it I can tell it's gonna be a good one. I'm so excited for 11/20/09 that is when it will come out. Not only was I excited but so is my Hubby... LOL... He's so funny... He's excited cause there's more action and the transforming of Jacob. I think we watched the trailer like 10 times last night. LOL. I know right... Who does that? But then I figure if you're a twilight fan you probably watch it at least 1-2 times a day, have it bookmarked, etc...



Oh and I can't forget about our Wolves... they'll definitely be a sight to look at. Honestly, I'm so glad it's a new director just in the trailor it had so much detail from the book that I wish Twilight had. But I know we can't have it all... LOL!

So all you Twilight fans keep November 20th marked on your calendar. I can't wait! YAY!

Just Because...

I was just thinking about her after she left today. Like any other day that I watch her... we do everything together sleep, clean, cook and relax (our favorite). But today when she left I was a little sad cause I know that I wouldn't be seeing her for a whole day! UGH! Usually I'm OK with it but today not so much (IDK Why). Anyways, I enjoy her company, silly face, attitude, snappin' of her fingers, rollin' of her eyes, her made up words and smiling face. She's always a happy girl that's why I love her so much!

"Keeping The Sabbath Day Holy"

...Or so we try! So for the past couple of Sundays me and my husband have been talking about ways to keep the sabbath day holy. And we're really good at it until church is done. Right when we leave the parking lot our first stop is always to the store (and it doesn't help that it's right next to the chapel) to buy something to take for toga'i... I know. You're suppose to do it on Saturdays. But I really take advatege of my Saturdays and make sure I'm relaxin'. Why I wait til the last minute to do shopping, ironing and laundry is beyond me... LOL! I guess for now the only thing for us to do is to keep trying til we get it right! Right?

To be continued... LOL!

ABC's of Me

OK here's what my sister emailed me... I really hate filling these things out but here we go... LOL.

A - Age: 27

B - Bed size: King Size

C - Chore you hate: Everything... But the worst is Bathroom

D - Dad's Name: Peni Samoa Benjamin

E - Essential start your day item: Cell Phone

F - Favorite actor(s): none really

G - Gold or Silver: Silver

H - Height: 5'11

I - Instruments you play(ed): none really but I try to play the piano

J - Job title: F/T Wifey, P/T Babysitter

K - Kid(s): 1 Bratty but Cute niecy... Jerzy

L - Living arrangements: Just recently moved in with the parents and brothers oh and my husband.

M - Mom's name: Fetuanai Vaaulu Benjamin

N- Nicknames: Honey, Aunty, Reese

O - Overnight hospital stay other than birth: hmmm let's see when my lil sis was in, my niece was in, my mom, grandmother... yeap that's me... always there to stay the night with whoever is in the hospital... LOL.

P - Pet Peeves: umm... I have tons... I'll just name one which is bad drivers.

Q - Quotes you like: "Live Well, Laugh Often, Love Always"

R - Right or left handed: Right

S - Siblings: 6 sisters 2 brothers

T - Time you wake up: I try for 7am but 9am is more like it.

U - Underwear: Sacred

V - Vegetable you dislike: Celery

W - Ways you run late: Overslept, waiting for people

X - X-rays you've had: Teeth and head

Y – Yummy food you make: Everything I make is yummy..

Z - Zodiac: Libra

~*~Happy Birthday Va'a~*~

Today is my husbands birthday and all he wanted to do on his special day was NOTHING and watch movies... LOL... So as he wish I granted. I let him sleep until he was ready to wake up. But I know if it wasn't for our niece Jerzy shouting Happy Birthday and jumping on the bed my husband would have slept the whole day away. LOL.





At midnight he went and watched the Wolverine movie and then came home and slept til noon... He wakes up and says what a wonderful day... What a funny guy! Now we're off to have cake and ice cream at his moms and dinner where ever he chooses which I hope is not a fast food place... LOL...



Anyways, I just wanted to take this time to express my love and gratitude to my husband for all that he does for our family. He's my best friend and I love him soooooooooooo much! He works so hard to support our family and especially to get the things I need or want... LOL. Thank you HONEY! I hope you enjoy your special day!

Lots of Love,

Your Wifey

BTW, I know my husband enjoyed his day I guess on his side they celebrate the whole weekend... LOL! Thanks everyone!

10 Things

I haven't blogged in a while and not really in the mood to do so now... but I feel like I need to update my blog just a lil bit... So here is a list of 10 things that I have done in the past of weeks... there's actually more than 10 things but here are the ones that stick out in my head:

1. Dance practice with the kids for the wedding
2. Hanging out with my sisters
3. Alex and Kalee's Wedding
4. Getting Jerzy's party stuff out the way
5. Last minute shopping for the birthday party
6. Learning to bake chocolate chip cookies from scratch... mmmm... so yummy
7. Using 1 baking sheet and 1 cupcake pan to make sweets for the party... total for cookies 100 plus, total for cupcake 70 plus, start time 11pm end time 6am... LOL... Never again... But I'm glad everyone enjoyed them a lot... LOL
8. Decorated and had Jerzy's 2nd birthday party... it was a carnival theme and so much fun... Sorry about the weather... I had no control over that... LOL
9. Laundry... UGH
10. and finally trying to rest up to start packin' and makin' the move back down to West Ville.

I love my family and I'm so grateful for all that they have done to make Jerzy's party a success and a lot of fun. Also wish Alex and Kalee the best with their new life together. Can't wait for our trip to Cali in August. YAY.

Tacit Tuesdays

Much Thanks To My Nieces and Nephews

I haven't posted much lately... But I just wanted to say a quick THANK YOU to my nieces and nephews for being there and helping out my MOM. You guys are truely the cure for a fast recovery. I love you and I am forever GRATEFUL for all that you do.

This describes my relationship with my nieces and nephews. Not quite sure who said this but I love it!

"Nieces and nephews are the children that we borrow,
Intending not to raise but merely love,
Ever watchful from our open window,
Caring deeply at a slight remove.
Everywhere you go, my love will follow,
Still part of you wherever you may live."

~*~Happy Birthday Mom~*~

One of the blessings that I am very grateful for is my mother. My mother is one of my best friends. I always thought she was so young and beauitful compared to my friends' mothers. Perhaps all children see their mothers as heavenly gifts. Why we sometime rebel against and decline such priceless gifts remains a mystery.

I don't remember my mother holding me when I was a tiny baby. I don't remember her cuddling me, whispering to me or rocking me. I don't remember her walking me, smiling at me or crying over me as I kept her awake in the night. I don't remember and yet somewhere deep within me lies those very undeniable memories. Somewhere, something whispers that my mother loved and cared for me. I will never remember... but will never forget.

I do remember my mother teaching me how to pray, to study the scripture and who Jesus Christ is. I remember her teaching me right from wrong, to care and share for others. She also taught me to have a sense of humor, to love everyone and instill in me my testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. All these things that she has taught me will never be forgotten but will be taught again when I begin my motherhood.

Pres David O McKay said, "Motherhood is the greatest potential influence either for good or ill in human life. The mother's image is the first stamps itself on the unwritten page of the young child's mind. It is her caress that first awakes a sense of security; her kiss, the first realization of affection; her sympathy and tenderness, the first assurance that there is love in the world... She who rears successfully a family of healthy, beautiful sons and daughters... deserves the highest honor that man can give, and the choicest blessings of God."

I am awed at my mother's courage to raise my 7 siblings and me and always appear so confident.

My mother colors all the memories of all the moments of my childhood. The tears, the guil, the laughter and there sure was a lot of laughter, andthe joy of that time of my life centers around her place in my existence. And yet it is today's memories that are deepest in my heart. My relationship with my mother is very special to me and I cherish her more every day in my life. I am proud of her, grateful for her and feel her love reaching out in every difficult moment that comes my way. As a child and now as an adult I adore, honor and love my mother. Without her the difficult moments in life would be more hopeless and the joyful eventes would be tinges with a longing for her laughter.

I never imagined as a child that she would become my most cherished friend. My relationship with my mom has taught me how to better prepare myself for whatever may come.

First Presidency issued this statement on "Motherhood" many years ago. They wrote, "Is near to divinity. It is the highest, holiest service to be assumed by mankind. It places her who honors its calling and service next to angels."

Mom, I love you. Manuia lou aso fanau!

Couponing...

So I haven't had a chance to write in awhile... SOOOOOOOOOO... here's what I've been up to!



Yeap... You guessed it Coupon Shopping... I have no kids but I have been stocking up on baby products. My sister is expecting another baby girl July 7th and since Walgreens is having such an AWESOME deal on Huggies, Aveeno, and Johnson... I figure it's the perfect time to start saving.

I started couponing (if that's a word... LOL) since Aug 2008 and I've been addicted but just a couple a weeks ago I was so tired of it... cutting, sorting, racing to get the deals and all that comes with couponing. But the BEST part about being able to do this is sharing coupons with your sister. When I'm down and out from couponing I have an older sister that takes over and goes hunting the deals down... LOL... and when she's down and out (which is never...LOL) I take over. That way we never miss out on the FREE or really CHEAP products. Hahaha!

Anyways, this is really a time consuming hobby but the rewards are so worth it!

Va'aulu Girls Night Out

When you look at your life, the greatest happiness are family happiness.

~Joyce Brothers




This past weekend we had our first "Va'aulu Girls Night Out". It was so much fun we played Family Feud, Mad Gab and Question Conversation it was team UH HUH against team UH UH. We had fun prizes and tons of food. Also, it was the best workout in a long time mainly targeting the ab area. We laughed and laughed but of course all the pounds we lost from laughing we gained it ALL right back when it was time to eat. The purpose of this outing was to spend time with our cousins from Samoa. We had 3 generations there... Who would of thought that hanging out with the older and younger "GENERATORS" would be so much fun. I can't wait for our next gathering cause believe it or not this is only half of the Va'aulu girls. And I know with all the other girls there it will be twice the fun, twice the laughter, twice the workout and twice the food... although I think we can manage without the extra food. LOL! "Tanks" for the memories.




I'm truly grateful for the family that I have. They have all played the artist that help mold me into the person I am today. My family is one of nature's masterpiece. I could not have asked for a better group of ladies. I LOVE you ALL!

Family faces are magic mirrors. Looking at people who belong to us, we see the past, present, and future.

~Gail Lumet Buckley

Helping Hands

Today I just submitted my first claim form for Helping Hands. This is such an AWESOME program to be a part of. In a nutshell it is a REIMBURSEMENT for the meal and snacks you serve to the children you care for! Which is cool! I don't have any kids but for the past year and a half I've been babysitting my nieces and nephews so I claim them. Anyways, before joining I was thinking why not do it? Your getting back the money you spend on feeding the kids and it could go towards better things like shopping... LOL... bills, savings and etc. So I did some research and here's what their program is all about:

Helping Hands, Inc. is a not for profit 501(c) 3 corporation. We serve approximately 350 family day care providers located throughout the Wasatch Front, from Ogden to Springville, Utah. At this time we do not accept day care providers from outside the state of Utah. We encourage all day care providers to take advantage of this wonderful program.

We accept all licensed providers and work with many ethnicities. We have staff members who are fluent in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, and French. Under the oversight of the Utah State Office of Education we administer the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).

CACFP reimburses participating day care homes for serving nutritious meals. Helping Hands, Inc. plays a critical role in supporting home day care providers through training, technical assistance, and monitoring. All family or group day care homes must come into this program under a sponsoring organization such as Helping Hands, Inc. In order to qualify for the CACFP the provider must be either a state licensed day care provider or a state certified provider. The day care provider must also attend annual training classes and maintain a safe, secure environment for the children.

So if you take care of your kids, nieces or nephews or even run a daycare this is definitely the way to go. It's a WIN WIN situation for everyone! The state of Utah will be happy that your kids are well fed, your kids will be happy that they're well fed and the best part is that you're happy your kids are taken care of and you'll have extra money in your pocket! YAY! It's an easy program to join and almost everyone qualifies. They are always looking for more people to join in... This is definitely a program worth looking in to!

YAY! I Did it!

OK so after going through everyones blog and reading their posts I finally decided that I will start up a blog too. So not really sure about what this blog thing is all about or what I have to share with everyone... but I guess that's the whole point of blogging... Right? It can be on anything of your choosing... LOL.

Great so I completed the first step of blogging which is setting up a page... now I think I'm going to mess areound on this and try to customize it to make it unique for me... LOL!