Entertaining Kids

 

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.

Home Videos

Future Blackmail Evidence

Do you ever go back and watch home videos from when you were a child? Isn't it funny to go back and see how you used to dress, hairstyles you used to sport or even see loved ones who have passed on? Well, I have and for the most part they're wonderful opportunities to relive some great memories!

On the other hand, have you ever played victim to those embarrassing home videos that you wished would just burn in a fire? I have had plenty of those moments!!!

Below, I believe, is just that...an embarrassing video my niece Kauata Tuiasoa will once grow up to hate! Poor thing. Tricked by her dad [Stranz Tuiasoa] and two uncles [Sione & Manaaki Vaitai]. Perhaps she will hate me for posting this on my blog and not leaving this between our family cirlce, but Kauata honey...this is a prime example of how the parental units [aunts & uncles included] abuse their powers.



I will tell you this though Kauata, I LOVE THIS SONG!!! ;) Maybe as you grow older, your parents/uncle Naki will give you voice lessons to help encourage your love for singing. Lord knows that's a talent I've always wanted.

Love you baby girl!

Farewell Elder Tonga

CALLED TO SERVE IN THE TUSCON ARIZONA SPANISH SPEAKING MISSION

Today, we said Goodbye to a brother, a son, a nephew, an uncle, a young man.

 He has chosen to leave a world of familiarity filled with loved ones, friends and comfort. 

  From this day forward, he will be entangled in a world of focus, determination service and purpose. It is my hope and prayer that as he does so, he will be blessed with the Spirit of guidance, humility, prayer and love for the work he is about to embark upon and the people who will cross his path.

I am grateful for Elder Tonga's courage, desire and humility. Best wishes for you Elder Tonga!

Did You Think to Pray?

My cousin, Seini Mila, gave this to me for Christmas and I love it.

I was hoping to write an original, but due to writer's block and some spiritual guidance, I was reminded of this hymn:

Mormon Tabernacle: Did You Think to Pray?

Ere you left your room this morning,

Did you think to pray?

In the name of Christ, our Savior,

Did you sue for loving favor as a shield today?

Chorus:

Oh, how praying rests the weary

Prayer will change the night to day

So, when life gets dark and dreary,

Don't forget to pray



When your heart was filled with anger,

Did you think to pray?

Did you plead for grace, my brother,

That you might forgive another who had crossed your way?

When sore trials came upon you,

Did you think to pray?

When your soul was full of sorrow,

Balm of Gilead did you borrow at the gates of day?

What a great reminder! I'm the worst at remembering to say my daily prayers, but I'm grateful for reminders like this to help me improve my weaknesses.

Have a great day fellow bloggers!

Bay Getaway-Jan. 2011

As a child growing up, our family always made trips out to the Bay on a regular basis [almost monthly]. They are memories I cherish and I am grateful I had the opportunity to make more memories while spending the weekend in the Bay with my VAITAI famz. It was nothing short of AMAZING.

It is such a blessing to have so much family, to feel of one another's love and to create everlasting memories with them. This past weekend, we were able to celebrate a birthday and a mission farewell.

My dad's sister Seneti Tonga has one daughter, Niu'ui. As part of the customary Tongan tradition, we celebrated her 21st birthday with loved ones from all around. It was a very intimate setting with close family and friends.

In addition to celebrating "Ui's" birthday, we also celebrated our last weekend with her younger brother, Siosifa Tonga. He was set apart Sunday to be Elder Tonga in preparation for his entrance into the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah Wednesday. He has been called to serve in the Tuscon Arizona Mission [Spanish Speaking] where he will serve for a period of 24 months.

One of the things I love about the Tongan culture is the respect and unity between siblings. My dad is the oldest of two families: his biological parents [Sione & Melaia Vaitai] and his adopted parents [Fanaafi & Haisini Vaitai]. My bay area family consists of gpa Fanaafi & gma Haisini's children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Their love and respect for my father, as the oldest, is uncomparable. The same is with my dad's biological brother's and sister's. I know that because of the culture and the teachings of these parents, we are able to feel an unconditional love from both sides. There is no difference between either family and I'm grateful to feel and know that.

  

Some of gpa Fanaafi and gma Haisini's grandchildren.

^--boys                                                                                    girls --^

In addition to this portion of my extended family, are gpa Sione & Fanaafi's sisters, Great Aunt Akanesi, Great Aunt Sulieti and Great Aunt Hina, and their children. Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures of them, but if I can manage to snatch a few from my Auntie Sela [main photographer this weekend], I'll post them.

SOME memorable moments from the weekend [not in any order]:

1. Rollin' with my cousin Laventa Vaitai [15] all over San Mateo like we were residents #rentalcar cruisin'

2. Makin' party favors: it really is hard to tie a bow when you have fat fingers #itestifyofit

3. Cousin Emma Mapu's [14] slow moments: 10% of $5.00=$0.05 #Californiaeducation

4. Niece Mo'unga Lea'aetoa [8] calling me "Nisa" all 3days there #holdbackslap

5. Seeing dad's smile around his family #priceless

6. Hearing Elder Tonga's testimony #spirit-filled

7. Delicious bread rolls at reception #carbs&calories

8. Being asked a million times "When's the big day?" #annoying

9. Spending all my money #wellworthit

10. Depositing memories in my memory bank #eternalhappiness

Here's a little entertainment for anyone who actually read all the way through...haha. My niece "Momo" showin' us how they do it Oakland style before Malini tops it off TEXAS style. haha:

A few more pics from the weekend:

Nephew Semisi Tonga

Niece Mo'unga Lea'aetoa

Cousin Manase Tonga with his daughter Leila

Baby Haisini Lata

Future, current & returned missionaries

Bby bro Malini Tuipulotu and I

Niece Joann and I

Cousin Kennith

A Bit to Stay Fit

According to Good Morning America [my #1 News Source], America's #1 New Year's Resolution in 2011 is to get fit/lose weight. Everyone who knows me well enough, knows...this has never been my desire or priority. Either the 2nd Coming will be here sooner than expected or I'm losing my mind because I've hopped on the band wagon!!!

What provoked this new found desire? I'm not exactly sure, but I think I just woke up one day and realized that my meatbolism isn't burning as fast as it used to and gravity is starting to take a toll on my skin (yuck!).

So what steps are being taken to take part in this "American resolution"?

1. I got a gym membership at the Community Recreational Center

     -The newly renovated Euless Rec Center isn't an LA Fitness Center or 24-Hour, but it certainly does the job for a much cost efficient price =)

2. Attempting to eat healthy. Most people who know me, know that I <3 cheeseburgers!!! However, here's what my menu has consisted of (we'll see how long this lasts):

Breakfast - I'm a big fan of the Special K cereal. I've seriously been thinking about taking up the Special K diet, but am looking for a buddy to join [any takers???]

Lunch - I promise I'm not a health freak, but just before the end of the year, I became a fan of salad's. Not too much salad, but just mini-salads that really only consists of lettuce, tomato, cucumbers, broccoli, carrots, cheese, croutons & drenched in ranch dressing. I think the ranch dressing pretty much defeats the entire purpose, but hey...baby steps, right? haha. This is usually accompanied by either a hot pocket (pepperoni) or a sandwich of some sort.

Dinner - I'm not too particular on this meal. Whatever there is to eat, is what I eat.

I don't think I'm having any issues with #2, but definitely am with #1. I only went to the gym two days last week (mainly because of the holiday and the gym being closed). Still...I thought that was pretty lame. This week on the other hand....if WORSE! I only went one day (yesterday). :( This has just been a crazy busy week and I'm going to California today for my cousin Niu'ui Tonga's 21st birthday party and her brother Siosifa Tonga's Mission Farewell [called to serve in the Tuscan Arizona Mission].

My one day of workout this week was evidently more than I could handle. After spending about 2hrs at the gym, my sister and I went to play some volleyball. Let's just say that this girl's body is superly sore. My legs tingle every time I get up and my shoulders and back are screaming just sitting here. Nice, right? PATHETIC!

Hopefully next week's workout sessions are more consistent. Until then...keep your fingers crossed for me.

Thanks!

Pet-Peeve

OK---irritation release today!

For a few weeks, turning months, now...I've had an issue with drivers not understanding the following sign:

I mean, how hard is it to give way to drivers coming off the ramp? Geez! I don't believe I've reached road rage level yet, but I'm pretty darn close. Ugh! OK---moral of the story...follow the road signs if you're going to be behind the wheel.

Sincerely,

Irritated driver

Be Led By the Spirit

Because I slacked terribly the last 3 years, especially in 2010 (when I had so much to blog about), I am making it a priority to do a better job in 2011. One of the greatest lessons I learned in 2010 from a dear friend, Doraleen Levao, was the importance of being in tune with the Spirit.


On one of my trips to SLC in 2010, I picked up a devotional book. I have tried to use it as a spiritual guidance each morning (even though I am guilty of missing a few mornings). Here is today's entry:

Be Led By The Spirit

And I was led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which I should do. - 1 Nephi 4:6

"Nephi went forth determined to do the Lord's will, even though he did not know exactly how to do it. Right after that, the Lord began to reveal to Nephi almost exactly what should be done. And, finally, he was able to obtain the plates...
You are in the same position as Nephi was. As you go forward in faith, the Lord will reveal His will to you so that you will know what you should do. I have been greatly moved to see the amount of revelation that the Lord has poured out upon the members of His church about how to do His work and solve their problems, just as Nephi had revelation poured out upon him." - Gene R. Cook

Daily Living - "Seek to live by the Spirit"

I have so many experiences from 2010 alone that have allowed me to gain a testimony of how much the Lord cares for us and loves us to direct our paths when we so desire. As I take a look of what needs to happen for me in 2011, I realize that I don't have any real plans for it. I know that first & foremost, I need to work on perfecting my weaknesses. I'm confident that once I do so, the Lord will direct me to the next level in my life, whatever that may be.

For any of you reading who might be on the same road, I say to you...no worries! Be the best you and remember if you wake up not knowing where to go, get in your car, turn on the engine and let the Spirit drive you to the next destination. Best wishes!

New Beginnings

Happy 2011!!! Wow...I am totally fired from blogging, but thanks to a great sister-friend, Terra Whipple, hopefully I can get on track with this information outlet. So much has happened since 2009 and I count every bit of it as a learning and strengthening experience.

My family is doing well. Everyone is healthy and with both of my brothers home from their missions, we were able to spend our first Christmas in almost 4 years as a complete family. :) We have missed the simple pleasure of sitting around our living room laughing and telling stories.

I noticed that my previous blog touched base on a good friend who I continue to share an unconditional love for, but our relationship as a couple glows no more. Ryan L. Medina and I are no longer an "item", but we still share a strong friendship and I am grateful for everything he was able to teach me both as a girlfriend and as a friend. The aftermath was a bit of a roller coaster ride, but that experience is one I hold sacred and I have those feelings stored in words elsewhere (not for the public eye).


Let's see...my best friend of nearly 20 years got married and had a beautiful baby girl in 2010. Both a blessing and joy to be by her side through all of that. Crystal M. Vake gave birth to Suliana Analise Vake on November 5, 2010 and she is beyond beautiful (just like her mama).

I no longer work for Conference USA. Through the help of Crystal, I am currently employed by AT&T and love it! I have been blessed in so many ways with both the connection and opportunity to enter corporate America in such fashion and to be learning so much each day.

My testimony of Jesus Christ and my love for the Gospel grew tremendously in 2010. I learned that His love for me is real, that He hears our prayers and most importantly, the importance of being in tune with the Spirit. I'm grateful for the knowledge I hold and for His atoning sacrifice for me and you.

As I embark on this 2011 journey, I pray that I will find the strength to withstand Satan's evil influence, to move forward and not look back and to be the best ME, I can be.

Best wishes to all you who are reading.