I'm terrible at updating my journal entries and sometimes my handwriting is nothing short of pitiful, but since my typing skills are a little more enhanced, blogging allows me to document my thoughts and special events fastest. Enjoy!
There's this girl named Paige and this guy named Scott. They're a bit demanding and I don't know why we're friends, but they have a long drive today so for entertainment purposes, I'm going to fulfill this one request they've submitted via voxer (the best walkie-talkie in the world).
Why are we friends? That's a good question. These are the facts: they're white, I'm brown. They're a bit crazy and like the outdoors whereas I am a sworn enemy of the sun and mother nature.
I recently learned that they joined a gang, but I prefer to wear blue without the fear of a person in red attacking me out in public (that's just me though). Point being...we like different things yet somehow manage to call ourselves friends.
Sarcasm is a wonderful thing, but in all seriousness, I love the O'Connors and am grateful for their love, humor and "uniqueness". I am most grateful for the gospel because it linked Paige and I many, many years ago (as well as our friend Megan). I could go on and on about these two or our trio of friends with Paige and Megan, but it's Christmas weekend and I get to leave work early so enjoy the drive to New Mexico Paige and Scott...I'm out!
This post is long overdue, but for the purposes of documenting a monumental event in my life, I submit this experience to my online memory bank. Last month, I had the opportunity to go to the Texas State Fair with my sisters Delilah and Natasha along with our niece Anessa. Although www.bigtex.com provides in-depth info on the actual fair, perhaps my experience might be beneficial to future patrons. These are things I wish I knew prior to attending!
Rides: Be strategic with the rides you choose to enjoy
Go on the "scary" rides first; get it out of your system before you attack the food carts
If you're a wimp, perhaps you shouldn't ride the scariest ride and then whine about feeling sick the rest of the time [luckily this wasn't an issue with us]
When going on a merry-go-round like ride, it is best to sit toward the inside of the ride rather than on the outside edge. This will help to avoid being squeezed between your partner and the rail of the cart. [Trust me, I learned the hard way...ahem.]
For adults who have out grown the slides at neighborhood parks, the fair is the perfect place to re-live your childhood memories at the playground. The giant slide pictured to the right was quite an adventure. Although the hike to the top was a tad excruciating, the view of the city and park was pretty nice. One thumb up for the adult slide! (not quite worthy of the 2nd thumb just yet)
Random Fair Moments: Apparently, one does not obtain a full state fair experience without a few weird turns into random tents and booths. I took the following notes:
Slander is allowed when printed on signs such as the one shown to the left. (Idk what has the Maori's thinking they have control over anything. The Haka isn't that intimidating.)
Colorful funky hats are "cool" and worth a 10-minute pit stop. Well, I'm not sure how true that statement is, but as much time as these two spent in that little booth, that's the impression I gathered.
And lastly, I was amazed at the "world records". The fact that this measley little stack of mattresses qualifies as a record is not the least bit impressive.
Food: "The point of the fair"
I've come to understand that this is the main highlight of the fair. It allows the "chefs" of the state to throw any food item in a deep fryer and make money off of it. It's also the best excuse to stuff your face with anything you want and it be acceptable.
If you want to consume unlimited calories and sugar, the fair is where you need to be. I personally wasn't too impressed with it. It's amazing how the aroma of the food lures you in so you hand over your tickets and WWWOOMMPP! It is not the least bit satisfying. Such was the case with the corn dog I wasted my 8 tickets on. Needless to say, if it weren't for the chocolate covered strawberries I found at the end of our adventure, I would not have been a happy camper. Ok, maybe that's a bit extreme, but seriously...they were some delicious strawberries!!!! (I wish I got a picture of them.)
Games:The real money maker
I know it's a known fact that people go to the fair for food, but this trip definitely proved that the various games at the fair are the real money makers of the event. When you spend that much money for repeated attempts at a game that is pretty much rigged and leads to you walking away empty-handed, then that's some real hustlin' if you ask me.
Regardless, we played the games and even won Anessa some prizes. Poor girl probably thinks her Aunties are lunatics. haha.
I could go on and on about the girls in stilletos, the grimey guys with cheesy pick up lines and the annoying food attendants who made us walk all the way around to the opposite side of the cart to take our order, but those are only worth mentioning and not elaborating on.
The State Fair is a good way to spend unnecessary money, see "unique" people and eat very unhealthy food. =) jk...On a serious note, if I were to sum it all up: it was a good experience with great company.
"The most beautiful discovery true friends make is that they can grow separately without growing apart." - Elizabeth Foley
True friends are hard to come by these days, but I'm lucky enough to have many. Specifically, Crystal Tapukitea Ma'umalanga Vake. We met at the age of 4 in Sunday School at church and we've been friends ever since. It's hard to imagine how fast time has flown and all the memories I have of this girl. I have witnessed many key events in her life, but this has been the most precious by far.
On July 16, 2011, Crystal was sealed to her husband, Taniela, and little princess Suliana for all time and eternity. Although I didn't get to attend the actual sealing ceremony, being able to welcome her family out into the "real world" as a newly-tied family was one of the greatest joys I've been able to experience on this earth.
She looked absolutely stunning that day and I am proud to call her friend, sister and exemplar. I admire this girl in more ways than one and know that she is a great strength to her family. A woman of beauty, strength, determination and love...she truly blesses the lives of all she comes in contact with each day.
Crystal, thank you for being the friend you are to me. For always lending me your ear when I needed to vent, for sharing my tears when I was going through rough times and for giving me the joy of sharing in all of your happiness. I know that because of your faith and hard work, the Lord has blessed and will continue to bless you and your family without measure.
You are a true beauty inside and out and I want you to know that I will always be here for you. 21years of friendship and still going...I love you!!!!
“We talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.” (2 Nephi 25:26)
I read the following article http://newsroom.lds.org/article/christ-centered-faith and felt inspired to add my testimony: In the heat of the current political battle, I am continuing to learn that the term "separation of church and state" only exists as mere words and no longer the powerful statement that lit a fire of freedom and gave power to the early settlers of this new found land. For those who claim that Mormonism is not a Christian faith, I write this. I refuse to attack any of the candidates' faith system, but I'd like to share my thoughts and testimony of my own.
As a practicing Latter-Day Saint, I stand firm in my testimony that I know there is a living God who loves us and wants us to be like Him. There is no way that a loving Heavenly Father would not want His children to be heirs to all that He has or to not be as He is. I know that Jesus is the Christ, the only Begotten of the Father who suffered so that we can be made whole again. I have felt of the Father's mercy and know that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ my imperfections will be perfected through Him.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ has taught me many things including, but not limited to: my purpose as a daughter of a Heavenly Father, my value as a young woman and the blessings of womanhood both in this life and the life to come. I have witnessed the happiness my family has gained through our faith and love of this gospel. It is no surprise that we have been immensely blessed because of it. We are far from perfect, but we strive everyday to follow the examples and teachings of Christ.
I could give stories upon stories of the different experiences which have solidified my testimony of this gospel and its truthfulness, but those are sacred experiences which I hold dear. If you want to know whether it is true, read the Book of Mormon and pray to know if it is true or not. The promise in the Book of Mormon states:
"And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things." (Moroni 10:4-5)
The Book of Mormon does not refute the Bible. It supports and testifies of the life of Christ as does the Bible. I again echo the first scripture listed above in bearing witness that, "We talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.” I am grateful for parents who have taught me this eternal truth and I await the day when I too will be able to teach my children the same!!!
My parents were married on June 16, 1984 and a little over 9 months later they gave birth to their little princess, DELILAH VIRGINIA VAITAI. Mom says she was planned from the beginning and the rest of us were all accidents (yes, that's mom's lovely humor we love), but regardless, this is one blessing our entire family is grateful for...no doubt!
Lila is 14 months older than me and ever since I can remember, she's always been a humble and cheerful person. You'll notice in the slideshow below that she's always wearing a smile. That's probably why people always say, "SHE'S THE NICER ONE". Two peas in a pod we have been and I've been truly lucky to have this little lady to look up to over the last 25 years (meaning she's 26 if you can't do the math ;). LoL. jk.)
But seriously, we're total opposites yet alike in so many ways and I love it! As I mentioned in my blog below on my mom's birthday, mom always taught me that Lila is the oldest and what Lila says, goes. I never really understood this when I was younger, but as I continue to mature and grow, I understand it completely and am grateful to a mother and grandmother who emphasized it so strongly at a young age. What I learned most from it is to have respect for elders. Even during times where I've gone blind of this lesson, I am grateful that Lila has been who she is: humble, quiet, forgiving and loving. Thank you!
When I said earlier that she was mom and dad's little princess, I wasn't joking. If you want to know what a daddy's girl is, here's the prime example. Some people say that women can't change men, but I beg to differ. I've seen this lady change my father ever since she was young. Our entire family will tell you how she has had this man wrapped around her finger since she was born. It's no wonder that she's just as humble as him and why she smiles just as much. Sigh. Envy much? haha.
Lila knows that when she wants something badly enough, Dad's the one to run to. Growing up it was always: Dad, can I have new shoes? Dad, I'm hungry. Dad, dad, dad...And EVERY time, Dad fulfilled her wish. Their bond is truly one of a kind and I'm sure anyone who knows our family can testify.
When our parents, aunts and uncles or close friends refer to Lila, they always say she's a child at heart. Most times, due to the Tongan translation, I think she takes it as an insult; as in she's immature and what not, but I've come to realize that it's actually far from that. Instead, I see it as she's innocent and sweet and sees life/things in its purest form. At the end of the day, she only wants peace and happiness.
Goodness, if there's anyone who could attest to this, it'd have to be her "son" figure, Malini. From the fresh J's to the skinny jeans, games to outings, she's all about him. She's always willing to give of whatever she has and hates to speak badly of others too. Childlike in a manner that our Father in Heaven definitely approves. If only I could be more like her.
Before this becomes a full biography, let me just name a few things I admire, love and appreciate about my sister:
1. Mom was right, I can't trust anyone except for my sister. Through thick and thin, ins and outs...it's only her!
2. Talk about talent: a voice that I never get sick of listening to sing and her ability to play the piano and guitar...#jealous
[an original she wrote a few years back]
3. Epitomy of cool, calm and collected: she knows how to hold her emotions together. Therefore, when she's mad, SHE'S MAD and you know you've gone too far. Yikes!
4. She may be a princess, but she's no stranger to hard work. Anyone who could easily have it "their" way and still push forth an effort to get theirs is definitely a humble person (in my opnion).
5. I totally appreciate her laugh. (This goes along with the child at heart talk) Dang, when this girl laughs, she llllaaauuugghhhsss. haha. Everytime I think of this girl laughing, it's the laughing so hard you cry laugh. smh.
6. Fashionista. I've said it before and I'll say it again, I'm sooooo blessed/lucky to have my sister. She loves buying shoes and clothes and there's no way she's gonna have a scrubby sister walking around so guess who gets new clothes and shoes too??? Yessir...MWAH! haha.
7. Miss Fit! When I said we're total opposites yet so alike, this would be the opposite side. This girl is such a marathon runner and I'm the expired athlete who thinks running is such a foreign concept. If only I still had my knees, I'd be two-piece ready like her. Sigh.
I guess to sum it all up, Delilah Virginia is no doubt one of the BEST ladies in my life. She's got everything I want to be and more and I'm lucky to have her as an older sister. I have no doubt that my brother's wouldn't agree more. Together we make our Fantastic Four crew and to know that we'll be eternal is the icing on the cake.
As I was gathering pictures for a brief slide show, I was reaffirmed of the lovely person she is and of the smile she always carries. Thank you Lord for blessing Delilah Virginia in my life and thank you mom and dad for bringing her into our family. I Love you Lila!
It is my hope that everyone both on Earth and in Heaven are as blessed as I am in this life and in the life to come. "Why?" you might ask...because of THIS LADY:
On March 14, 1962 she was born to goodly parents and boy am I grateful! If it weren't for her, I wouldn't be here and I wouldn't be who I am today. Lolohea (Moungaloa) Vaitai is the woman I call mother, teacher, friend and example...and I want to wish her a Happy 49th Birthday!
In my short life, she has taught me everything I know. She never ceases to amaze me with her quick intuition. I've never known anyone to be as prepared for things both spiritual and temporal and I only hope to be half the woman she is when I become a wife and mother.
The term, "She's her mother's daughter", couldn't be better said when referring to the two of us. My sister like's to call my relationship with my mom a "mirror-image". We are in fact, one in the same...and even though I am teased and mocked for it, I'm grateful.
I'm blessed to have had my mom in my life and for all the memories I have of her. At times, I sit and try to imagine my life without her. The tears run down my cheeks, my eyes flood and my heart nearly stops at the thought, but it is also something that helps me to stay grounded, appreciative, but also to prepare for the inevitable.
Mom, you are the one lady I can trust to love me unconditionally, to keep it real and to lift me up when I'm down. Because of our relationship, you have taught me many important life lessons. Although there are many, these are my top favorites:
1. Always be honest.
2. Love & respect your sister - "No matter what, your sister is your sister. She's the oldest and because of that, she is blessed from Heaven above with a birthright that you and your brothers cannot take away. What she says goes, right or wrong." This has been a lesson I truly cherish because my relationship with my sister is similar to that of ours. I know that I will always have my sister. I'm grateful for that lesson you taught me at an early age to love and respect my sister, especially since she's my ONLY sister. Thank you Mom!
3. Teaching me to love and honor my brothers - Oh, you and your prince's. Sigh. For you to have such handsome and good boys has definitely made it easier for me to follow through with this lesson mom. haha. Thank you for blessing me with such awesome siblings. You have great sons and I'm grateful to you for raising such amazing men. Our relationship as siblings is what it is because you taught us girls to be close just as you taught the boys. And because of that, we as a whole are just that as well. I know they will be great Father's & Husbands one day because of you.
4. Respect for family and superiors - Goodness, where to begin with this mom? You portray this strongest when caring and dedicating your time and talents to Dad's family. I never would have learned this lesson had you not showed us it's truest meaning continuously throughout our lives. I know it is something you were raised with and were able to witness firsthand from Grandma Siosi, but I'm grateful that you have taught us the same. I will without a doubt teach my kids the same lesson for their Father's family when the time comes (hopefully sooner rather than later...I know you're ready to be a Grandma. Haha). Lesson learned: when with Dad's family, take rank and back down.
5. Work hard to get the best you can, but never think that you're better than anyone else - Yes, it's true Mom. No matter how much you may achieve, earn or make in this life, it should never make you think you're better than anyone else. Never put anyone down! Thank you Mom. I have heard you and Dad make this statement repeatedly throughout my life and I am humbled by such teaching to keep us kids grounded.
Obviously these are just a few of the things you've taught me. In addition to everything you have taught me, I'm grateful for your humor. Such a goofball/comedian just when we need. I can't even count the number of stories I've told my friends over the year that have totally made you a hit with them. You're definitely one-of-a-kind and I wouldn't have it any other way.
The last thing I'd like to thank you for is your acceptance of The Gospel of Jesus Christ. Because of it, you are an even greater asset to our family. Your willingness to join the Church, help strengthen dad's testimony of it and decision to raise us in the Gospel has led us to becoming an eternal family. It is such a joy to know that if we live righteously, we will have the opportunity to live eternally and not just here on Earth. I'm grateful for the family to which you and dad have brought me into and I'm sure the rest of the kids would surely agree. Mom, you are a treasure in each of our hearts and we're proud to call you Mother. May this birthday bring you all the joy you so desire with many more to come. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Kids these days...it's all about entertainment and learning. I don't have kids of my own, obviously, but I sure do LOVE playing with and teaching the kids I know. Be assured that I am definitely looking forward to the day when I'll have the opportunity to be blessed with a few of my own, however, in the mean time, my friends and cousin's kids will do.
Take here my cousin/sister Mafile'o Ma'umalanga's daughter: Saraiah Tulunga Sika. She's 2-years old and just the cutest little girl. Because she's the little diva that she is, she pretty much runs things [most of the time].
After being away from her for so long, I just had to take some time to stop by and visit her, especially since she's been sick for quite some time. =(
A couple of weeks ago, I bought some 24-piece puzzles at Wal-Mart for an activity I had and coincidentally, they were Dora the Explorer puzzles. Annnddd....as I'm sure you've guessed already, Saraiah LOVES Dora!
So, I sat down and proceeded to piece some of these puzzles together with her. While we were putting together the puzzles, Saraiah kept saying, "Dora, dora". With the help of her mother, she also was able to find/say "butterfly", "boots" and "flower". I love hearing kids speak and witnessing them grow intellectually. Aaaahhh...the icing on the cake!
We even had some original Mike and Ike's [my favorite candy] where she was able to start learning her colors. She's such a smart little girl and we all can't wait 'til she starts talking in full sentences. #excited!
Well, like I said earlier, she's such a diva and a great one at that. Ask Tulunga what bed time is and she'll probably give you a blank stare. Why? Oh...because this girl's a night owl. I don't know if that's a sign of a future partier, but only time will tell. Haha.
Seriously though, she really does stay up 'til the wee hours of the night and this is what happens--->
Yup...sleeping at church. haha. Does it look like she's folding her arms and closing her eyes for prayer??? Yeah...she's ready to make it through those early seminary mornings!!! haha.
Love, love, love this girl and children in general!!!
I love how entertaining kids is always a learning experience for them and for the adult in charge. I love the joy that kids bring to one's life. I love hearing memories of when I was a child and the things that I used to do that have my parents, grandparents and extended family laughing. I have the same memories of my younger cousins and of nieces and nephews.
I look forward to many more experiences of entertaining kids, them entertaining me in retrun and of all the joys I'll get to experience with the children I come in contact with in the future.
There's this girl named Paige and this guy named Scott. They're a bit demanding and I don't know why we're friends, but they have a long drive today so for entertainment purposes, I'm going to fulfill this one request they've submitted via voxer (the best walkie-talkie in the world).
