[ new beginnings & the lost ones ]

Holy heck....it's only been ONE month into 2012 and within that period of time life hasn't slowed down one bit. Sad that the groundhog saw it's shadow, I seriously don't know how I'm going to deal w/the next 6 weeks of winter.. (shoot me now!) Although January was crazy, I had a little break (meaning an open weekend) at the beginning of the month which was much needed. Just spent time with family and my main squeeze ;) haha

We started the B.O.M. like I had previously mentioned in my 'Scripture Power' blog....and we are still reaping the blessings of doing so!! =)

As the second week approached the "busy-ness" picked up quite a bit. My little cousin/sister Elisa "Sweetie Pie" tied the knot after 5 years with her boo thang. ;) Tangi threw her a beautiful shower. My sisters and I helped with the games, which turned out more fun than we expected hahaha. Thanks to all those that participated.

**MyLeTaMoMeNt: I have this thing with people that go to showers and don't like to participate. Obviously you were invited for a reason....because you know the bride and/or her family.....so be considerate of the bride and those throwing the shower and flippin' participate! Ya know what I'm sayin?? If not, then you're just there to be faikaz/fie ilo so STAY HOME! ;) 

Sweets wedding was as beautiful as her. I'm excited for her and Fili and their new future together &  wish them all the best of luck =)

The following week I went to beautiful sunny SoCal for a quick fixer upper.....hence my last post. Well...it wasn't suppose to be, it was suppose to be a "business trip" but it was more like a fixer upper. The only bad thing is, I think it actually made matters worse, I'm dying to go back.....or to Hawaii.......or Jamaica......or anywhere above 60 degrees.

When I was in L.A. I got a call from mom that the nurse had just left my grandmas house and had just informed them that Aunty Lita only had that week left. Mom asked me just to grab her some material from the alley downtown for the funeral since now we were facing funeral preps 'for real'. We did. As soon as I got the material I got the text from mom that Aunty had passed. =( My heart dropped...I was so sad I didn't get to say goodbye to her. I was frustrated that I stayed back to get material instead of catching my flight. I found myself irritated that the nurse had just told us that Aunty had about a week......and instead she passed right after the nurse left. UGH! On top of that Shawn and I weren't having the best day. So getting that call just made the whole day suck. We hadn't been back to Lisas place when I got the call, we still were running around doing errands and dropping people off here and there so I couldn't just cry like a baby. lol... We finally got home and I jumped in the shower just to shed a few tears here and there, I was thinking more than crying. Grateful that Aunty finally was at peace and no more pain. As soon as I got out of the shower I noticed I missed 8 calls.... all from Shawn. hahaha.. I answered the 9th call and all he said was "I'm so sorry about your aunt babe...." OMG- i lost it. I couldn't even hold it in anymore.... lol so ugly I'm sure. I know Lisa probably already knew what was going on so she left me alone for a minute. Just hearing his voice always calms me. He was the exact person I needed to hear from that actually eased my pain of losing yet another aunt at the time. Anyway....before I get carried away even more and no one really even cares lol... to make my long story shortER (haha)....

my aunt passed away Sunday, January 22nd in the comfort of her home, surrounded by her mother and sisters (one being my mother). Because we knew her death was coming Aunty had planned out everything she wanted for her funeral from her program to who she wanted to sing and everything. Aunties funeral was beautiful. Just like her, so simple.

Of course I was sad to lose Aunty Lita and I know I will miss her and her sense of humor dearly. I am at peace knowing shes at peace...no more pain....no more cancer....no more fighting or suffering....nothing. The most comforting thing is that she was more than ready to return home. She was a faithful member of the church, who even to her death she fulfilled her callings....literally....from her death bed. =) I can just imagine how excited she must be to reunite with my grandpa and other family members who have already passed.

did i mention that I have the SWEEETEST ward ever?

...oh and employer...??

Saturday after Aunty Litas funeral a bunch of us headed out to Vegas for Tinas farewell. Vegas was short and sweet. We went to dinner at one my favorite sushi places when I got in. I had to treat my two faves... Tini and my dear namesake for their birthdays.




We stripped a little and called it a night.


Tinas farewell was beautiful- still can't believe she's actually a missionary. haha I'm so excited for her and can't wait to hear from her. Her missions been something she's looked forward to for years and she's more than ready to be out there.

We sent Sister Mapu off to the MTC this past Wednesday. We are so excited for her and wish her the best of luck in spreading the good TRUE word! :p

As crazy as it's been, it's been a lovely start to the new year, and I'm still excited for 2012. Staying busy is always a good thing right? Well here goes nothing.... haha

[A Sweet Farewell]

Sometimes I think my parents should have just named me TOMUI because I am always late. About 2 weeks ago we  bid a bittersweet farewell (for a short period of time, thanks to the plan of Salvation) to our beautiful Grandma Tilini. (My Grandma Ikas younger sister)

There are so many people in this world and in my life that inspire me, but this lady is truly one of them that I am truly grateful for. Not only because she's brought so many people I love and adore to this earth by birth, but because of how amazing she was.
I'm going to miss her welcoming, silly personality, humongous heart, sincere generosity, unwaivering faith, and unconditional love. Our family can go on and on about Grandma Tilini and how she's touched their lives.....if you don't believe me watch the video from her family viewing ;). I'm just blessed and veeerrry fortunate  that I even got to be part of her life. As sad as it was to bid farewell to such a sweet spirit, once again I was reminded of how lucky we are to have the gospel in our lives....and how it makes death bearable for us all, in hopes to look forward to the next life. =) And as much as I know our family will need her here, it's more comforting that she will be reuniting with her parents, siblings, and sweetheart in heaven. =) =)
Love You Grandma Tilini.

Finally got to meet Aunties Jill and Jessica

[Summers in MY city]

I'm normally out travelling during the summer.....but since I've gone full time and have to be a big person now I don't have as much time to travel and enjoy my benefits. And quite honestly, I don't really mind staying home, I get the chance to enjoy things going on in my own city. Since my last post tons has happened that keep me staying busy, but I won't share it all...just the ones I actually thought would be exciting. haha..

We had a little shower for Lusi (before baby was born but since I've been a slacker I forgot to blog about it). Turned out great. Lusi is actually the party planner and does EEEEVERYTHING so it was hard to keep it a secret and actually have to plan things on my own (since Frankie's whole attitude was "just tell me what to do"), so having help from my GNO sisters all help was awesome. Frankie or I are always the ones taking pictures at our functions.....but with being so busy there were just the few that I actually got. lol..

Our theme was "bedtime stories" and the suggested menu was gourmet cookies and warm milk. But since polys be eatin' a little more than just cookies and milk there was no way we could have just that. So our menu was breakfast (French Toast, Sausage, Eggs, Fruit, etc...). Normally Frankie and Sweets aren't caught cooking in the kitchen so I had to snap this picture. hahaha.. Thanks sisters-

 We eat  A LOT in my family (if you can't already tell) because we are constantly having family functions with tons of food. Since Summers here we've taken advantage of the outdoors and have family picnics. 

 

For the first time in my life, working out has actually become a priority. So sad it has to be when I've gotten so fat. (sad lol). But I'm lovin' it, thanks to my new work out crew. ;)

I made it out to Dallas for my cousin Ronas 21st birthday. It was absolutely beautiful. The party was held at the Hilton Hotel in Dallas and was just lovely, she totally deserved everything she received that night.

This lady just graduated with her bachelors degree in Criminal Justice (and is currently employeed by the Dallas Police Station), she just turned 21 years old, AND has submitted her papers, awaiting her mission call to serve the Lord!! Proud parents?? Of course... Besides the 100 degree weather and 100% humidity the night was lovely and so was Steak'n'Shakes @ midnight. I highly recommend it to anyone... =)

Reunited and it feels sooooooooooooooooooo good!

We had our first girls night IN w/a few of my favorite ladies in the world. So grateful for each of em and their eccentric personalities. It's so nice having Mele back from Hawaii and Heather back from Florida. Just seeing all the mommys is crazy....I wonder who's next?? Jenn??? ;) lol.. j/k Can't wait to paint the city w/these ladies....summers are always adventures with them. =)

Since we moved from LA when I was just a toddler Taylorsville city has been my home. We moved once but remained in Taylorsville. And through out all the years that we've been here I have never been to Taylorsville Days (it's a festival/carnival/celebration). Well..this year I went. And I loved it.....a lot better than the West Fest. Unfortunately I missed the "Move Your Body" flash mob by seconds =(  but it was all good because the fireworks and the Famous Frybread (ran by the Moala family) made everything better!!! Taylorsville Days was a lot of fun and I don't plan on missing it anymore.

We had our work Lagoon Day. I hadn't been to Lagoon in years so it was great to get out and enjoy the sunshine w/my besties. =)

I was blessed to go on trek this year with our stake, and it was the most incredible experience I've ever had. I will save it for a whole 'nother post, but here are a few pictures from it. Trek truly is a life changin experience, lets just hope that my life actually changes after this experience. haha ;)

"We are who we are because they were who they were"

July 4th we spent it at the Bula Fest that was put on by Sione Pouha (NY Jets & former Ute), who happens to be such an amazing man. The concert was a blast. Sons of Manasseh, Gramps Morgan, and the Wailers tore it up. I can get sick of reggae REALLY FAST but I can never get enough of LIVE reggae......or maybe it's just always whats in the air that really gets me ;p LOL j/k. The fireworks were a little shorter than usual but they were still awesome. Good fun!

I really admire how Sione uses his money as an NFL player. He's flippin' awesome and has always helped the community out. I hope nothing but the best for him and his family.

Okay, so I know so far my summer probably isn't as exciting as everyone elses but it sure has been a great learning experience in all. And most of all it's been nice to be home....STAY HOME and do what I want to do instead of always being on the go doing what other people need. I do miss being on the road, the money, and the hectic life of travelling to 10 different states in 3 days but just the sense of being home and enjoying the people and events here reminds me of how blessed I am. I do look forward to a ton of things left to do this summer......like checking a few things on my bucket list. =)

[enjoying the journey]

Last night I was able to help my sister at her mutual. Remember when I had my shout out blog about my older sister being amazing....yeah well tonight just reminded me of why I STILL think she rocks. She's the Young Womens President, which is fitting for her. She's always had such bright ideas, and I just sit back and wonder where she gets all of them from. (maybe it's just an oldest sister thing because my cousins Ku'uipo, Tangi, and Tina are the same way....or maybe I'm just lame when it comes to ideas?? hahaha) I always end up agreeing to whatever Lusi decides because if you know Lusi, you know that everything she does, she does her best and it always turns out fan-freakin-tastic!!! Am I a proud little sister??? YES!

Sooooo anyway, (lol, you'll have to excuse me, I tend to get carried away off the subject).... for their mutual night the theme was "Enjoy the Journey". She picked a few ladies to speak on each of lifes different stages we go through as women. Here's just a run down of how it went and what each of the ladies had shared.

Childhood: (not sure of her name)

She spoke on what she remembered of her childhood. This one was easy because everyone of us in the room could relate to it being that we've all passed that stage. As children growing up we have NO CARES in the world...every thing was so chill and the hardest decision we had to make was choosing which crayon to color with next. Oh, how I wish that could be lifes biggest decision sometimes... She also shared the teachings of her parents while she was young and that as she grew older she never forgot what was taught at home of what's right and wrong. =)

Youth/Young Adult: (Valu) 

Valu, my cousin, spoke of being in the youth (the stage these girls are currently in) and that even though life seems tough right now, to just enjoy every moment because adult hood comes a lot quicker than you'll know. I can definitely attest to that. I remember just being in high school where being my biggest struggle was deciding what to wear to the next school dance. hahaha... and now....oh my gosh I don't even want to think about the hard decisions I'm facing (that's a whooole 'nother blog). She advised each girl to LIVE THEIR LIFE and their age. I must admit, I'm pretty happy that I lived my teen years doing teen things. Many times I wanted to do what my other friends and cousins were doing (which were 'adult' things lol) but because I came from a very strict home......I didn't. hahaha but I'm grateful.

Next....was Marriage.... (oiaue...lol)

MARRIAGE: (Tini)

My cousins wife Tini (who happens to be one of my favorite people in the world....remember?? haha) spoke on marriage. And how it is NOT perfect but if the center of your marriage/relationship is Jesus Christ and the temple is your goal then your marriage will be pretty close to perfect. As annoying as it may get I always love hearing her talk about Magic and how much she just loves and adores him no matter how much he has to say ;) LOL.... Tini advised and reiterated many times in her speech about securing your marriage eternally. Seriously, what better way to spend the rest of your life.....and the next life with the person you love THE MOST!??! Thanks Tini......

MOTHERHOOD: (Peta)

My cousin Peta spoke of her experiences with motherhood. She related it to Oprah and Oprahs many give aways...that it was like everyone in the audience got a key to a brand new car...but instead of a car, with Heavenly Father, it's a child. The gift of motherhood. She explained how motherhood is a gift from God and that when he sends a child to you......or a child your way to help through out this life that it is a gift. So take it and take care of it....lol. I honestly can't even imagine having a kid right now, I don't know how my friends or cousins my age can do it....Pilis too much for me and he's not even mine. lol...

GRANDMOTHER: (Luana)

Luana spoke about the joys of being a grandmother. She shared her experiences of preparing to be a grandmother. She advised each and every one of us that if we wanted to live a happy life and not live in the problems of the world that we MUST live the gospel to it's fullest. Each of us are princesses...that's an automatic but to become a queen, we must EARN IT! By living righteous it will prepare us for our prince charming and king!! =) When the teaching taught in childhood are remembered, the choices we make as youth and young adults are righteous ones, when Christ is the center of your marriage, and remembering that your children are gifts from God and if God has PICKED YOU to care of his own children then you must know you're pretty special, your life as a grandmother will be easy because everything is set up for ya....all you have to do is spoil your grandkids rotten and give em back.....hahaha. 

This is kind of a long post but, I really enjoyed listening to every speaker and their experiences of that particular stage they're going through....soooo I couldn't help but share. lol....  I can't wait to live and experience these next few stages.....this activity just got me all excited. I mean, don't worry, no marriage soon.....I'm just sayin' LOL...

Later that night I went on a couponing date with Tini and my aunt. It was so much fun. Tinis a couponing freak, but I love it. I learned enough about couponing that I'm going to start collecting my papers and cutting my coupons. It saves so much money and will build up my food storage. Sooo yeah...if anyone has nothing to do then I can drop off my papers for you to cut...lol =) 

Tini.....price matching.......the key to saving $$$

 

 

SAVING! SAVING! SAVING!

[Return with Honor]

This past weekend I went back to Hawaii for my cousin Franks homecoming. (Franks mom is my dad's only living sister) She's a single parent, and quite an aaaamazing one. When Frank was about 12 (i think) my mom went down to Hawaii for one of her many trips there and was informed that Aunty La (Franks mom) was having trouble with him which led to mom bringing Frank back with her because she knew aunty La did NOT need any more on her plate than she already had...... oh yeah, also promising Aunty La that she would NOT baptize Frank to our LDS faith

Long story short- Frank lived for us until he graduated. He was never baptized but always attended church with us. Surprisingly my parents never pressured him to join the church as I thought they would. haha... Through out all those years Frank had gained his own testimony of the gospel and when he reached the age of 18 he returned to Hawaii to tell his mom he was being batized to the "mormon" faith. My aunt has ALWAYS been the most understanding person growing up. She didn't agree with his choice of converting over but didn't discourage it....too much. haha. In fact she was very understanding about it all.
Frank returned to Utah, got baptized, graduated from high school, returned to Hawaii and told my aunty and grandma he was going on a mission.
Now...my paternal grandfather was a chariman of the whole south pacific in the Methodist church and so my grandmother and just my dad's whole family are pretty strong in their own faith, so you can just imagine what was going through my grandmas head when she was hit with all the new info from Frank. We always teased that Frank was grandmas favorite until all of this...haha.
Once again my aunt and grandma didn't encourage an LDS mission but also didn't discourage it, i think, mostly because they've seen the blessings that come with those that serve the Lord whether or not they're of the same religious beliefs. God is the same no matter what Christian religion we are...the only difference with us is that we have the keys of the priesthood that unlock the fullness of the gospel. =) Aren't we so blessed to know that?? YES WE ARE!!! ;)

[excited]

Anywho..... Frank was called to serve in the Denver Colorado South Mission. LOL... not even far from home like we imagined he would be but a missions a mission right?? haha... and that's where the Lord needed him. He returned with honor last wednesday. Thankfully he flew on Delta so that I could see him. My brother and sisters came up to the gate to meet him through his conncections. It was so nice....Jeff started crying it was hilarious. I wish I would've had my camera out to video tape it. Frankie and I were making fun of him the whole time...until he started crying again hahaha If you know Jeff you know why it's funny that HE was crying. Such good sisters we are huh?? ;p Lol

[Lafi...Franks bf before the mish]

Well, I didn't know it because I was busy working that day but his conncection flight to Hawaii had cancelled so he got rebooked for the next day. He stayed over and just the short time he was there all of his close friends came to see him. It was so nice. The Elder caught his flight out early the next day and arrived home in one piece to some overly excited family and friends. =)

His farewell was awesome and the spirit there was very fulfilling. He's grown so much and I'm so happy for him. He has that missionary glow that all RMs have, hopefully that lasts long. haha.. But I love the way he's grown and how he speaks about the gospel, the spirit he's brought back is one that makes you want to serve the Lord. It makes me regret not ever going. =/  I'm so jealous of him.......in a good way though. hahaha Maybe I still can?? ;) lol.... na j/k. We had an eating after at a park in Waipio, and seeing the 808 Mapus again was also very nice. (2x in ONE month...that never happens unless there's a funeral..lol) There were so many people that came in and out bringing food and gifts for him. I hope Frank never forgets how loved he is. He's definitely returned with honor and I'm glad I was able to be there to witness the love and support... Love You Frank =)

[Friday Favorites: Your Happily Ever After]

One of my favorite talks is 'Your Happily Ever After' which was given by President Dieter Uchtdorf, 2nd counselor in the First Presidency of the church. He gave this talk during the April 2010 conference. I wasn't able to attend the conference but a few months after General Conference I was given the opportunity to speak at a Young Women in Excellence, and my assignment was to relate my own pagaent experiences with this talk. After reading it and being so touched by it, I decided that I'd make it a goal to read this particular talk on a weekly basis to help remind me of my own happily ever after. And I encouraged the young women that night to do the same.

Aren’t those wonderful words to begin a story? “Once upon a time” promises something: a story of adventure and romance, a story of princesses and princes. It may include tales of courage, hope, and everlasting love. In many of these stories, nice overcomes mean and good overcomes evil. But perhaps most of all, I love it when we turn to the last page and our eyes reach the final lines and we see the enchanting words “And they lived happily ever after.”

Isn’t that what we all desire: to be the heroes and heroines of our own stories; to triumph over adversity; to experience life in all its beauty; and, in the end, to live happily ever after?

(-Pres. Uchtdorf)

 I love how he points out that EVERY story in fairy tales begins with 'Once Upon A Time...' and eventually ends with '...and they lived happily ever after'. Had it not been for the adversity and hardships they had faced and had overcome, they never would've ended 'HAPPILY EVER AFTER'.......

The only thing different with the fairy tales and us are plainly that...it's a fairy tale. This is real life. The decisions we make from our 'Once Upon A Time' determines how our 'happily ever after' will turn out. Choices we make, whether good or bad determine that. We have to make mistakes. In order to know good from evil, there must be evil. We must know that there is something better for us that our Heavenly Father has planned. As I gave my talk to the YW that night I compared this talk to my pagaents and explained that I had lost 3 pagaents before actually winning 1. The first pagaent loss was hard to face, by the time the second and third came around I just wanted to throw the towel in and give up. The hardships, criticism, and feelings of failure to those that helped me were my adversity. I wanted to give up....but I didn't. Next thing you know..I won!! =) When we maintain faith and perserverence we'll overcome adversity no matter what form it comes in.
As I do read this talk over and over again (monthly, because I totally slack on weekly and tend to forget) it truly helps me by reminding me to keep that eternal perspective while I'm making day by day choices. This talk truly applies to everyone, not just young women in makng decions of how they'd like their happily ever after to turn out....

[stake conference]

daSince I was younger, I remember that stake conference was an exception to stay home. lol...not that it was okay to do but we did it occasionally anyway. lol. For the past 3 years I've been a member of the Young Single Adult ward that is part of the Tongan South Stake, and since I've been in the stake my testimony has grown immensely. I am also proud to say that I haven't missed a stake conference since I've been in this stake. woot! woot! haha [not to brag or anything but that's how amazing our stake is].

Today I was fortunate to have it off of work and attend stake conference. And absolutely loved it... I knew I wouldn't regret staying from Vegas one bit, especially after what I've taken in from conference. 

And that is:

1.)  Come unto Christ. Remember that he died in our behalf, to return to our Heavenly Father.......so take advantage of the atonement.

 2.) Mothers have such a great influence on their children, and with that, mothers should be preparing our primary children to be BETTER missionaries, especially for these last days.

3.) Temple attendance is even more vital now. Instead of making an effort to attend monthly, we need to attend weekly. We must make temple attendance even more frequent, especially in a world that is getting even more chaotic day by day. By attending the temple weekly we will be able to PROTECT our homes, family, youth, children and ourselves.

(guess it's time to get that temple recommend huh??)

This is the temple I've dreeeeamed of getting married in....that needs to come true soon ;) lol

I love our stake presidency and am so grateful for their examples and council. Being able to be reminded of these particular things motivated me to be a better person. 

Here we goooooooooooo......

Inviting all.....

This weekend is my stake conference (Tongan South Stake)...and what better way to continue a good year than to invite ALL 

(including myself, because I constantly need the reminder)

to come unto Christ.....

ALL are in invited. I'm excited to see what our local leaders have in store for us....besides reminding our brethren that we shouldn't abuse kava. ;p 

Saturday night at 6p and Sunday at 10a.

(let me know if you need directions)

I know I will NOT regret this......and neither will anyone attending.

{sunday somethings....}

Just want to share something that stood out to me today.

John 3:19

"Men's and nations' finest hour consist of those moments when extraordinary challenge is met by extraordinary response. Hence in those darkest hours, we must light our individual candles rather than vying with others to call attention to the enveloping darkness. Our indignation about injustice should lead to illumination, for if it does not, we are only adding to the despair-and the moment of gravest danger is when there is so little light that darkness seems normal!"

-Elder Maxwell

(O'Divine Redeemer; General Conference 1981)

Darkness is just the absence of light. You can't go darker than dark, but you can always go farther and brighter with light. 

Those who like darkness and choose darkness don't like the light because the light shows their iniquity....the Savior is light, he illuminates us.......accept that light and
be illuminated!

-PiOnEEr tReK-

When I was in youth, I never had the chance to go on a Pioneer Trek. I always heard stories about different youth going on the trek and being able to re-enact what the Pioneers went through standing up for what they believe, and making it possible for the gospel to grow. =)

Now that I'm much older and understand the gospel a lot more now, I'm more appreciative and will forever be thankful for the Pioneers sacrifices. This summer, my stake (Tongan South Stake) will be taking the youth on the Pioneer Trek in place of their annual youth conference. They invited our Young Single Adults to join them. I'm pretty stoked because I really think that this will help me grow spiritually (and physically lol). If you would've asked me 2 years ago....or even 4 months ago I probably would've said NOOOOO WAAAY! but with a lot of humbling experiences in the past 2 months I'm so for it.
I. NEED. IT.
Sad that it always takes something major to humble me... =/ but I'm excited and privileged to do the trek. I think it's better that I'm going now, rather than being a youth going. As YSA we get more of a lea way; i mean we'll still have to do the same thing the youth does as far as the different duties, but it won't be as strict. haha...

I'm super excited.... can't wait to be spiritually overwhelmed.... but I can wait to have blisters... AAAHH!!!