VAITAI + MOE Weekend

"Men, if you have returned from your mission and you are still following the boy-girl patterns when you were 15, it is time for you to grow up. Gather your courage...start with a variety of dates...and when that phase yields a good prospect, proceed to courtship. It's marriage time. That is what the Lord intends for His young adult sons and daughters." - Dallin H. Oaks

Thank you Elder Oaks for such wonderful advice. It is exactly what the young man pictured above has done. Manaaki Kite Rangatira Vaitai is the baby of our little family and according to his mother, Lolohea, he followed every goal and plan they set out to accomplish together: Eagle Scout, High School graduation, 2-year misison, college...and now a temple marriage. It is no surprise that this lady is so determined to give her baby exactly what he deserves.

My parents and extended family are probably still shouting, "THANK YOU NAKI, THANK YOU!" This 6'3",  300+ pound young man has taken the first step in asking his (then) girlfriend, Ella Moe, for her hand in marriage for all time and eternity. It was a weekend that will be hard to forget in the hearts of both our families (Vaitai + Moe).

The festivities began with a cheering section at Naki's football game, BYU vs. Utah State, where the Cougars claimed the victory, 6-3. Unfortunately, someone's gotta collect the pennies so I had the opportunity of flying out after work Friday afternoon and missing the game. (Lame, I know!)

Saturday was the BIG day and it took quite a bit of preparation from both sides. We are appreciative of those who helped to make it all possible! Now, rather than post the 5 million pictures folks took at this function, I've thrown some of my favorites into a quick slideshow so feel free to browse through (sorry...I was too lazy to add music so hum to yourself if you want audio).

There are many of our relatives who could not make the trip with us, so I tried to capture a video of the actual proposal speech by Uncle Fine, but it turns out I was sitting on the wrong side of the yard. I apologize for the sound, but let's just say it starts with, "I had a dream of an angel..." and ends with a "hip hip hooray!"

Following the proposal, or faitohi as we call it, we spent the remainder of the day just relaxing and enjoying good food and great company at the Moe's before calling it a night. Sunday morning seemed to speed on by and before we knew it, we were gathered back at the Moe's for a late lunch (Ella's mom, Sarah, sure does know how to throw down in the kitchen!!!)

The remainder of the afternoon was a time for the parental units to kick rocks (not literally) while all the siblings bonded and had a good time. It was the perfect time to get to know each other better while distracting Ella from the final activity of the evening.

Thanks to my older sister, Delilah, Ella and I had the pleasure of enduring a treacherous tour of the BYU campus and city of Provo. (We saw the front and back of EVERY building, field, stadium and pole...or atleast it sure felt like it. It could've just been Naki stalling until he could calm his nerves to pop the big question.) Anywho, after the drive around campus, we popped over to the MTC (Missionary Training Center) so Lila could see that too. Our final stop was atop the hill at the Provo Temple. It was perfect! Lila wanted to see the infamous fountain where all the missionaries take pictures. Thankfully, our temple crew (the rest of the siblings and Ella's parents) had been waiting at the temple for quite some time waiting for us. Cousin Kehe Malafu was smart enough to sweet talk the guard into opening the gates for Naki's special moment.

By the time we reached the temple gates, the guard had already opened it. There were no other cars or bodies in sight. Naki drove to the top of the hill and let us out by the fountain. Lila asked for her own personal photo shoot with photographer Ella which was perfect so that Naki and I could figure out the next steps. Sione and Aisea had already placed the ring at the top of the hill by the entrace doors so we made our way there. Lila moved her photo shoot up by the front doors to the Holiness to the Lord writing. It was here that Lila finally saw the hidden bodies of our temple crew struggling to stay crouched behind the bushes (poor folks!) Lila took a few more snaps by the temple doors before I finally had to intervene and ask that Naki and Ella take a picture together.

After their picture, Naki grabbed Ella's hand and brought her around by one of the benches near the front doors. He turned around, hugged her (at which point she felt awkward because Lila and I were snapping pictures and getting the video ready) and she tried to push him away saying, "what are you doing? your sisters are right there!" (haha!) His reply was simply, "it's ok!" as he knelt down on one knee. I didn't catch every word of what he said, but he expressed to her how much she means to him and what his hopes are for their future. He then pulled out the ring and made it official!!!!

I don't want to go on too much, but please know that we are extremly grateful that Ella and the Moe family have accepted Naki's proposal and we are super excited for the official BIG day! May 2013...Dallas, TX...let's do it, YEEHAW!!!

Perspective---lost in emotion

"I cannot think of any need in childhood as strong as the need for a father's protection." - Sigmund Freud

Due to recent events, I'm in desperate need of unloading some deep emotions. Rather than taking heed to a classless debate that would result in an ugly exchange of words, I prefer to unleash my thoughts here in an attempt to provide an alternate perspective to outside patrons. These are strictly my thoughts and  anyone who may object to anything included in this post can go kick rocks for all I care. Okay, not really...they can go write their own blog.

I've learned in the last several days that folks have lost the desire to gain perspective from all angles. The young man pictured to the left is my cousin, Maafu Niutei; father of the two precious angels pictured above, Israel and Isabel. It appears that he has been the victim of biased criticism. I won't get into the details of that criticism because it is strictly the inspiration for this post and not the root of it. 

I am grateful for young fathers who care for their children. I know that Maafu is just that; a young father who cares and provides for his children. The kids have a wonderful mother who care for them on a daily basis and I am grateful for the opportunity she allows our family to have with the kids. I know that they will one day grow to appreciate it as well. 

Now I know that there are many individuals who will be quick to claim that Maafu has been a terrible father by their merits. The kids live with their mom and it is no doubt that there are days when they are glued to her. Kids are naturally attached to their moms. That being said, I want to make it clear that it is not against the law for fathers to take their children on their court appointed weekend visits. It is actually the exact opposite; it is the law. When kids cry to stay with their mom on such instances, we should be mindful that they will cry more if their father never came. Keep things in perspective and with the future in mind. How many fathers out there neglect their children with absolutely no desire to be in their lives? That is what you call a terrible father and clearly, that is NOT Maafu. 

Ever since I can remember, Maafu has been in the lives of his children. Since day 1, he and his immediate family have contributed by some means to both Israel and Isabel and I refuse to let that go unrecognized. In addition, it should be noted that when any of us, Maafu's family, give for the kids (such as birthday or holiday gifts) it is because we love Maafu. It is just the same as Maafu providing for his kids. If anyone claims that Maafu (or we his family) has neglected his children in any way, they are in serious denial!!!

Maafu is now married to a kind young woman, Dawn Turner Niutei, who is also expecting their first child. Israel and Isabel will soon have a baby sister and what a blessing it will be to extend their family. Maafu and Dawn both care and love for Israel and Isabel. I have observed first-hand how she treats both Israel and Isabel and it is truly amazing how self-less she is with the two of them. Needless to say, she encourages and supports Maafu in every way and helps him to be a better father. Thank you Dawn!

This short video is small evidence of our love and care for Israel and Isabel. Maafu is a great father and we, his family, support him in every way. Before you reach to type any more words of criticism, please be sure to assess all angles of perspective before you start attacking individuals and families. We are far from perfect, but we are not the monsters certain individuals continuously make us out to be. Please stand corrected. Thank you!