[My Numero Unoz]

This past year I learned a lot about myself and a lot about the people in my life. I've learned to discern who I can really trust, who I need to be cautious with (even though and [IF] they're family lol), and who I NOW.........don't give a rats about. Gladly, I've learned to appreciate those that really love me for me and when it comes down to it it's my family......my numero unoz, a.k.a .my ride or die family who have always been there for me from DAY 1.

My father has one sister (well 2 but one passed away). She, my Aunty La has 3 kids (Frank, Ashley, and Sia) and so that makes my 5 siblings plus those 3 a total of 8 grandkids in my fathers immediate family. I think that's the smallest Polynesian family ever. haha.. We're small but I wouldn't have it any other way, especially since my first cousins on my mothers side consists of  61 grand children and almost 100 great grandchildren. But I love my small family [on my fathers side] and I am thankful because of how close we are. We haven't always been close because of the difference in age but it's like the older we get the closer we get, I love it.  My 3 first cousins have always been there for me and I feel like I've been so blind to see how much they've done for me because I always looked at them like the 'younger' kids (since they are all younger than me) who didn't know what I was going through at the time....

Because of Frankies graduation they've been here for the past 2 weeks and just within that small amount of time I've learned to appreciate all the small moments with them. Everyone has so much going on with their own personal lives that it's been tough for my mom and even us girls to keep up with the house on a daily basis and with Ashley and Sia in town it's really lifted the burden of keeping up with chores around the house. Not that our house is a mess but with 15 people staying under one roof [including one ridiculously rowdy 3 year old] it is pretty hard to keep it spotless. And it's crazy because we can just be sitting at home doing absolutely NOTHING yet we have tummy aches and tears in our eyes from laughing so hard....most of the time about nothing at all LOL {i'm laughing just thinking about it...} I absolutely love it. Frank has also been so helpful. I love having him around, he helps out with everything. Not only in the house with us girls when we need his help but as well as outside with my dad while Jeff is out at rugby and football and Josh is at work. It's been great to have him back here in Utah.
I've enjoyed sitting back the last 2 weeks being able to recognize how blessed I am to have these ladies (and one guy) as my first cousins. They seriously are my own siblings....did I mention that I love it?? haha ;) I couldn't even imagine my life with out my family, I don't even want to think about it. I love them and continue to be thank God for such awesome people in my life..... =)

[outta the blue]

I had to blog about today just because it was an "outta the blue" day... I've been complaining so much to Shawn about everything that hasn't been going right.....meaning "MY WAY" and the poor guy just sits there and lets me vent....and vent....complain.....and complain....and vent some more. lol. My friends always tell me I'm a witch to him but it's okay, secretly I think he likes it. LOL j/k. Anyway, so with all my complaining within the past 2 weeks things weren't going very well so I decided that THIS week I'd try {keyword: TRY} my hardest to not complain, or at least ease up on my complaining to him. And to my surprise it actually has turned out great. Shawn doesn't know {or maybe he does notice, I dunno} but every time I feel like screaming at the top of my lungs because something isn't "MY WAY" whether it's with Shawn and I, or my friends, or family I sit back..think.......and then either compromise OR...let it go. I love it, it's totally making everything a bit easier and manageable with us. =) It's been great because it has allowed me to focus on more important things instead of focusing on why things didn't go "MY WAY".

Like today for example....

I woke up around 10, which is seriously so late for me. Mind you, I'm on vacation from work. I took my vacation week this week because I knew family would all be in for Frankies graduation and I didn't want to miss any of them....so that's why I'm sleeping in and ENJOYING. EVERY. SECOND! Anywho- I slept in, got up....so thankful my girls are here to do my hair. It seriously just makes life easier when you have so much hair and you have someone there to do it for you. if you ask me...so far vacations great!!! haha.. My cousin Ou from Oakland, CA is here she died my hair lastnight at midnight (poor thing) and my other cousin Ashley from Hawaii straightened it today. She's probably secretly complaining because she's been straightening it since she's arrived....and anyone that knows my hair knows these nappy roots ain't easy to deal with. So thanks to my girls for spoiling me ;)

I was able to run a few errands today, which is always nice to get out of the way. After the errands I ended up back at home with Pili {i love ending up at home with just him....one on one time w/this little guy is always priceless}. i asked him what he wanted to do and he said he wanted ice cream. I wanted to walk. I was so bloated last week all I've been wanting to do is work out. Now....that rarely happens because for me, self motivation to work out just never seems to happen. So I wanted to take Pili for a walk. After about an hour of arguing about what we were going to do we finally decided that I would treat him to ice cream at Leatherbys (the BEST creamery in town) only IF he would walk with me there. LOL... My poor Pili didn't know how far the walk would be....but we did it. I was so proud of him.

As soon as we (Pili and I dragged uncle Frank with us) got into Leatherbys he already knew what he wanted. His BLT sandwhich with chips and what seemed like a mini Amy Hot Fudge Brownie. While we were there I got a phone call from my mom that she, ou, and Ashley were going to meet us there. Will and Lusi also showed up....haha so it was basically another family outing. Everyone was so impressed with how far Pili had walked just for ice cream. Fattys...I swear. hahaha It was all worth it. See....

It was so yummy.
We didn't end up walking back because I had to play taxi. =/ As soon as we got home I did all my laundry {i never do aaall my laundry in one day} so that is really good for me, I honestly don't even know how mothers do it. sheesh... I got dressed and headed out to Rugby. YES RUGBY. What the heck man... I never imagined that I'd ever go to one of these practices but my friend Mele invited me to come run with her rugby team. that was probably her way of saying "Leta....you are getting fat, come run!" lol... So I went today to just go run with them ONLY BECAUSE my cousins run the practice and so if I was hanging ugly, I wouldn't mind too much. LOL.. so I went and maaaaann I about died. Well, not so much me but my thighs, butt, and eeeverything below my waist was straight killin me, I couldn't even stand up. OH EM GEE..... hahaha My cousin Meti was a real sweet heart about not forcing me to do the runs or drills but I sure as hell felt like crap. haha.. I was so embarrased because normally I'm on top of things at any practice....or running drills in that matter. Ugh... I was so disguisted with myself. So there's my motivation to getting fit.... Thank You Pink Panthers. And maybe if I get in shape and quit being a chicken I may just play with these gals. =) I dunno... I still prefer dancing haha...

I got to visit my old neighborhood because I had to pick up Frankie. I got to visit a little with a family in whom we had grown up with. They were our family in our family ward (The Johnsons). I loved visiting with them the short time we did. It was seriously like no time had passed.

Frankies package came in today from Melia. Melia is seriously like my baby sister. Kinda like, if ANYONE messes with her I'll kill em kind of relationship. We've always been there for each other and even though she lives all the way out in Pittsburgh we're so close at heart and are always there for each other. She couldn't make it out to Frankies grad this weekend. {{insert SAD SAD face}} Frankie, Melia, and I have been so bummed. We seriously feel so complete when Melias here, so not having her come kinda pissed me off at first....then it made me sad....and i'm still sad. Frankie feels the same way...or should I say...FELT the same way, until today. Her shoes came in. Melia has this shoe fetish with designing her own Nikes online. Well she designed some Nikes for Frankie and the package couldn't have come at a better time. Frankie (along with the rest of us here) have fallen in love with the shoes....

What topped off the night was that after our walk to Leatherbys, a good sweat at Rugby, visiting old friends in the old 'hood ;p, and Frankie finally getting over being bummed we walked into our Florida family here. I love seeing family from afar. They came and brought Frankie's dress my aunt sewed her..... (pictures will follow soon). My aunt Laven is aaaamamamamaaaazing at sewing. Frankies dress is beeeautiful. I'm a tad bit jealous, but not for long because now i'm putting in my order with Aunty Laven as soon as i lose weight. ;p LOL...

oh yeah...not to mention these fellaz visited today.

Having the missionaries over is always lovely...they always seem to set the spirit the home needs at that time.

I know this was a long post but it had to be done. I honestly need more productive "outta the blue" days like this. I dunno maybe it's just productive because I have so much time on my hands. Or maybe I'm just noticing all the small simple things that really do mean a lot to me like how "my way" isn't always the right way, walking to get ice cream isn't that bad, if DYING at rugby is my motivation to get this toosh in shape-then so be it lol, and lastly I seriously have such an amazing family that supports me and loves me in all I do, whether they think it's best for me or not. If you ask me my vacation couldn't be getting any better than this...... Life is great yall!!!

[Shout Out Saturday: Misses Magic Mapu]

This is Tini Mapu

formally known as Tini Selu.

a.k.a. Misses Magic Mapu

She's married to my cousin Leia [Magic] Mapu, who is like a brother to me.

Before she was married to Magic, I adored her because of how sweet she is....hmmm, now I'm thinking, maybe she was only nice and sweet 'cause she wanted to get with Leia?? lol j/k 

After marrying him.....I love her even more. She has such a fun and outgoing spirit, always putting smiles on anyone in her presence face. She's the queen b of couponing and is constantly serving others. Best thing about Tini though is that she loves my bro Magic more than life itself, and she makes sure that everyone knows that, and even as much as she loves my bro...she loves the Lord MORE, and that itself is beyond amazing.

Love You Tini!!

{Lanarae Kilisitina Mapu}

This past weekend we had a baby shower for cousin Ofas wife, Patricia. 

Patricia and her sister Ema

It turned out great and just what we expected. I loooove small....intimate functions, because the most important people are there, and that's all you have to cater to.

Tina did games....

.....Lusi and I did decorations and party favors

Tricias family made the goodies.......

and everyone else's company and gifts

made the shower just right!! =)

We will meet Lanarae Kilisitina Mapu next month sometime.....with the help of everyone, this girl's set to rock this world. Can't wait to meet this diva!! =)

[it's a GIRL]

So I just found out tonight that my sister Lusi is having a girl.

This is my cue I've been waiting for, to start baby girl shopping... 

Upon all my travels and shopping adventures, I can't wait to get all the cute girl things.

....I'm stoked....

* Good company keeps me going *

Many changes are going on right now at this point in my life. Very unexpected changes that could result either in a good way or a bad way, however I look at it I guess. I'm not one who dwells on anything negative for to long. I try my best to accept whatever the circumstance may be and try to see the positive side of it. But through whatever it may be I'm glad to know that the people that have always been in my life are still the only people I can really trust or turn to. =)

My family is number one, and I was reminded of their unconditional love and support of decisions I've made these past 2 weeks. Regardless if it's a decision they approve of or agree with they love me and support me, and I'm thankful for them.

Besides my sissys who I was raised with, this group of  certain individuals are so dear to my heart because they are just soooo dang aaaaamazing. They seriously are my friends that might as well be family. We share a lot in common as far as hobbies, goals, taste in fashion, guys, and food of course lol. As the years have gone by we've become closer and more dependable on each other. And no matter the distance between any of us we stay close at heart and on facebook. ;) haha Each of them know I have their back to the fullest and they have mine in return.

In high school our little group was known as PG, something that now, I'm embarrassed to even say what that stands for. LOL.. but These are just a few of my favorite people, whose company keeps me going through tough times!! Thanks besties!! =) XoXo...

{happy birthday FWANKEE}

Today's my baby sister Frankies 18th birthday.
I can't believe she's that old. I think this is the worst age to turn. I mean you're not all the way legal, but legal enough to go to jail. haha.

Frankies been an amazing little sister who continues to inspire me with the
many things going on in her life from

*finishing her Associates before graduation
*nursing school
*basketball
*Seminary councel
*Young Women Presidency
*Receiving her Medallion (on Sunday)
*and keeping up with our own family functions.

 She's good in everything she does, I swear. She's always been so mature; it's funny because people that don't know us totally think that she's older than me. haha
Most importantly though, I love her because she has the biggest heart
and biggest feet. LOL j/k 

I don't know what I did right in heaven to have her in my life, but I sure as heck am glad that I have her. I KNOW she's had a great birthday so far.... and wish nothing but the best for her the rest of her life.

I love you Zola Tise Frankie Fau'olo!! =)

One bonus to Frankies birthday is she won her basketball game today!!

Yay...Lady Warriors! =)

My Christmas Pick...

Every year...
well almost every year we pick names in our family for Christmas. This year I got my sister Lusi, and with me being a little short on the financial side (okay..thats every Christmas, but whatever lol), I'm actually really lucky I picked Lusi. She and Frankie are the easiest people in my family to get gifts for. They're always happy with whatever they get.

But this years a little different because

Lusi is pregnant.

She's had a pretty rough pregnancy and I feel real bad so I wanted to get her something that could either

1.) Really help her

or

2.) Cheer her up or make her feel really good!! =)

So if any of you ladies that have been pregnant before have any suggestions let me know. I mean my budget isn't "all dat" great but I'd probably make things work out somehow for her.

Thanks!

A baby shower + A Baptism + A Homecoming + GNO = A NONSTOP SATURDAY!

MY GOODNESS..............

Normally Saturdays aren't this crazy. It was one thing after another. Although I NEED the money I'm glad I took advantage of not picking up at work and took the opportunity to sleep in til about 10:30am....and that NEVER EVER happens, either because I'm pickin up at work on my days off, catching an early flight somewhere in the world, or there's church ball .....so i was pretty stoked about sleeping in that late. Plus I knew today was going to be a NONSTOP SATURDAY!
I got up and helped my mom prep and make her chop suey for my nieces baptism later in the day. By the time we were done it was already time to leave for the shower, I was so upset because the time flew by so fast I didn't even get the chance to hit up these nappy roots....UUUUUGGGGHHHHHH BAD HAIR DAY AGAIN!! lol

My Aunt Laina hosted a baby shower for my cousin Johns wife, Paki. They've been married for 8 years, recently sealed in the temple for ALL TIME and ETERNITY and now....FINALLY expecting their first child in a few weeks. We're all so excited and happy for them. I wish them the best of luck with Baby Brigham.... YES the babies name is BRIGHAM as in Brigham Young University and YES they are DIE HARD BYU FANS- poor child ;-p lol j/k

Baby Brigham got a ton of things!!









Tinis gift was sooooooooooo cute- she made it herself. I guess it pays off to go to Relief Society right?? lol


Right after the shower we hurried out to Bountiful for my beautiful niece Keilani Keiahos baptism. I'm so proud of her and her choice she's made to stay worthy and be baptized, so far she's the newest member of the gospel and what a joy that is. How exciting is that to know all your sins are forgiven and you can start things off the right way?!
Gosh... knowing what i know now makes me think
"Darn it I wish I could be 8 AGAIN" hahaha-
I pray that she'll always remember the special covenants she made with our Father in Heaven today. Love you Keilani!!


I'm always so excited when Moni and Lavi (My moms brother and his wife) have family functions because we get a chance to see my sissy ANATAVA- me and this crazy girl go back....waaaaay baaack, like back into the "LOSE CONTROL" days lol and i'm ALWAYS so glad to see her when her and Junior (my first cousin) get a chance to come down to Salt Lake. Today was also their fatman LIUAKIs 2nd birthday...so HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY LIU. My goodness I can't believe how big these kids are getting... and so fast- gosh i feel old and I'm NOT even old WTH?? haha




Aunty Tina w/the Keiaho kiddies (Liu, Joni, and Sia)








mmmm yummy...look at all those diabetics eating what they're NOT suppose to lol

After a soaking wet dress from washing about 30 silver pans we made our way back to the valley to a homecoming for Elder Afatasi (i think that's his name lol). He's in Tinas ward (Heritage), I didn't know him but glad that he returned with honor from serving his 2 year mission in Ohio!!


So proud of those missionaries and their love for our Heavenly Father. The food was soooooooooooooooooooooooooo yummy there, you know I HAD TO eat AGAIN. hahaha- after the homecoming......the NIGHT BEGAN...



Every month we have a GNO (Girls Night Out) with both sides of my family. One on my dads and one on my moms. GNOs are just for us girl cousins to get together...
No Husbands,

No Boyfriends,

No OUTSIDERS,

it might sound a bit shady but then there are things that you can ONLY talk about with that certain group of girls and not have to worry about MAYBE offending someone that might not get your humor....ya know?? lol
but the best part...so they say is

NO CHILDREN.

Of course I wouldn't know what it's like to get away from my kids cause I don't have any but it sure is nice for the other ladies to... =)
It's just to let loose and catch up with what's going on with everyone's hectic lives. We're all older or getting older and everyone's goin' their own ways and it's always nice to know what's going on within the lives of the girl's you've grown up with and have been around your whole life. It started off with my closest girl cousins on my dads side and it's been such a success we decided to start one on my mothers side....and let me tell you, it's been nothing but fun and very RELAXING for those sisters of mine who have their own families. It's nice to see them get away from their "every day" life of being 'mommy and wifey' and just chill with the girls.

Anyway, last month was our FIRST ANNUAL GIRLS NIGHT on my moms side with all my first girl cousins. Each month one of the girls (or sisters if she has any) have the opportunity to host. As the host they plan out what we will be doing whether it's going out dancing, dinner, bowling, or just staying in and gossiping LOL j/k... In this case Fatai and Amy (My moms older brother Elis daugthers) hosted and we stayed in tonight. They taught us how to make chicken egg rolls =) and we sang KARAOKE aaaaallll night. It was so much fun!!!




I've never Karaoked like tonight LOL. Although Tina, Frankie, and I were the only ones that were able to make it- we were having so much fun and made so much noise the next door neighbors would've thought we had a full house, even though there were only 6 of us lol... thank goodness the house next door's vacant so we took advantage and seriously
BROUGHT THE HOUSE DOWN
hahaha...


I hope you enjoy these videos....more so I hope the girls don't kill me for blasting our GNO Karaoke Night cause we sure were "ACTIN' A FOO!!" haha

Pink's SO WHAT in the version of Fatai Vamanrav


Britney Spears "You Drive Me Crazy" in the version of Ema (Amys sister) lol



No matter what side it may be i LOVE all my sisters the same. They've all truly stuck by me through it all. When I'm hurtin' they're hurtin'. When I'm happy, they are too. We cry together, we laugh together so hard our stomachs hurt, and we continue to grow in many ways. Although we have our disagreements with whatever the case may be we all LOVE each other so so much. I thank God for the amazing examples these women are in my life. I LOVE YOU SISTERS!!!! =)