Fab Four Bundle of Stories

Valentines 2012

2012-02-15T09:06:00.001-08:00

We are not real big on Valentines. Mainly for the girls.This year we skipped the outing and decided to bring the candle light dinner to our house. My oldest was in charge of the place cards and setting the table. She did a might fine job. She was so excited that we got to use the good china.(Lol) In our house we use paper plates and to save time on the clean up and more time vegging with the family. (Admitting that I Hate to wash dishes and my dishwasher is my best friend in the kitchen) The menu was siimple: Grilled pork tips and chicken breast, potatoe packets, and corn. My loves actually loved it and finished it. For dessert, my MIL made us some chocolate strawberrys and boy did we gobble those down. I was in total bliss. I think we will keep this tradition up.

Ily the entertainer

2012-01-24T18:24:00.001-08:00

YouTube Video

- blogging on the go with my iphone!

Day 23: happy christmas eve eve!!!

2011-12-23T09:45:00.001-08:00

Its snowing and i absolutely love it

- blogging on the go with my iphone!

Day 17-21: Time Warp

2011-12-21T09:57:00.000-08:00

As you can see I totally missed a total of 4 days of blogging! BOO! Me, but there is a perfect excuse. IM TIRED! IM EXHAUSTED! Holiday cheer is overwhelming. We had our annual Exchange reunion and boy did I have a full house. 40 people in total. The most I have ever had in my house. But luckily, they were good friends and help a sister clean up. We were up til 3am singing, dancing. Sunday, We took are much needed family photo, since the last one we have are 2 years ago when my youngest looked like a ugly grimlin. They turned out amazing and the photographer has very fast service. Check her out NPBEACH PHOTOGRAPHY

Monday, We recovered from the weekend and did family movie night. The pick of choice. Peter Pan. My girls are suckers for fantasy,but really what girl isnt Tuesday, was the winner day. I can officially say that within record time. We have finished christmas shopping. Me and the hubs were on a mission. To get in and out. We have minor things for the girls stocking stuffers, but I am proud that we are done. The kicker: We even stayed in budget. I love when money is saved. My babies will have a wonderful christmas and thankful that we can spend it as a family.

Day 16: New Look

2011-12-16T11:49:00.000-08:00

Well if you havent notice my blog has a new look. Going to test it out for a couple days see how I like. But I have a feeling that I might change. Some down part of this layout is that it doesnt show my frequent bloggers that I visit daily. I like sharing my "pacific blogging sister and brothers" so they can reach a other readers out there. We will see.We have another long weekend ahead us,but not as hectic as last weekend. I'm sure you will be seeing some photo op session. Im just ready for the holidays to come and be over with already. To be honest, I havent been really in the Christmas spirit type of mood. Im hoping this will pass and a miracle feeling will give me that "hurry and buy your kids some present" but SANTA will take care of that (wishful thinking) lol. Have to keep this short cause my crazy weekend starts NOW~!!!!!!

Day 15: Happy birthday papa bill!

2011-12-15T15:01:00.001-08:00

To a great father in law that I could ask for. Thank you for helping us out in everything we needed.

Day 14: Elf Yourself

2011-12-15T08:06:00.000-08:00

Happy holidays from your family to yours. Enjoy!

Day 13: date night tuesday

2011-12-13T19:48:00.001-08:00

So i had to sneak this post in right quick before my husband rings my neck! He has declared tuesday night as movie night since we barely get to get out and watch them at theaters! So as he does the night rituals and puts the girls to sleep I hurry to clean for our extravagant date! Lol! Throw some last minute loads of laundry and dishes in its correct appliance! Pop a bag of popcorn and pour us some "grown up juice" my kids phrase it as. Yes we are those parents that treat ourselves to some to midweek drinks to catch some sanity lol! And once they fall asleep me and the hubs are single couple for a few hours! Eek i hear him fumbling around upstairs that must mean the lip gloss poppin divas have drifted off to fantasy land. So for my parents out there what do you do when your kids fall asleep? Off i
Go! Happy tuesday night! See you tomorrow! ;-p

- blogging on the go with my iphone!

Day 12: weeken hangover

2011-12-12T20:32:00.001-08:00

I dont know why we commit ourselves to so many things! Lol! Still recovering from plays recital birthday party n christmas party! A weekend school play, recital, christmas party, n birthday party hangover, oh my!!!

- blogging on the go with my iphone!

Day 11: happy birthday my isa

2011-12-11T18:04:00.001-08:00

- blogging on the go with my iphone!

Day 10: photo op

2011-12-10T21:22:00.001-08:00

- blogging on the go with my iphone!

Day 9: Blessing's for my AJ Bear

2011-12-09T10:07:00.001-08:00

We pray for our family members for good health and life. But recently we just received some horrifying news concerning my nephew health and his kidneys. I pray for my sister and BIL as they start a long road of finding a solution that best fit him. We are still shocked. With the holidays around, it hits us even more. So I ask you as you read this post, to have my family in your prayers as we deal with this. We are still learning about it so hopefully I can come to terms with it and give a better eye on what exactly he has and what option my sister picked for him. We love you AJ and know that you are not in this alone and we are with every step of the way. We will beat this! Pray for us!

Day 8: Sweet tooth holiday Recipe

2011-12-08T07:08:00.000-08:00

Soft Sugar Cookies.I made these the other day and they turned out perfect.They are not that death sweet with a linger "YACK" in your mouth, but just enough to get your thru that craving. I needed a cheap cookie recipe for trial so the girls can leave SANTA some goodies on the night of Christmas eve and use ingredients that I already had in my pantry and I found this lovely recipe online. So if your looking for a simple cookie that you and your kids can decorate to your liking her it is. Yields 2 Dozens.2 large eggs2/3 cup vegetable oil2 tablespoons vanilla1 cup white sugar2 cups flour2 teaspoons baking powder1/2 teaspoon saltDirections:1Beat together eggs, oil, vanilla and sugar; add flour, baking powder and salt and mix well.2Drop by heaping teaspoon approx 3" apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.3Flatten with bottom of glass moistened with water and dipped in sugar.4Bake at 400°F for 6-10 minutes or just until lightly golden.Happy baking!!!! - blogging on the go with my iphone!

Day 7: House woes

2011-12-07T11:03:00.001-08:00

Well yesterday we had a snow day! And of course with this crazy comes unexpected house woes. If u read yesterday, we found this little woe

With the holiday, parties, birthday in store, money is mad tight. We just finished our landscaping

Which cost us a arm n leg. Up part: cold hard cash was paid instead of plastic. We are really proud of that. Hard earned money is finally showing off.

So to mend the problem, we ended up doing this

Hopefully this holds up until we can get $$$ for the repair. (fingerscrossed pray for us)

Along with cracked windows, we had a scare the day before yesterday on thinking our house was going to burn down! As we were settling down for the night as we were watching tv, my daughter gets up to say that the house smells funny. Instead of looking to see what it was, the husband automatically points the finger at me yelling " what are cooking, babe, its burning" I run downstairs to the kitchen, to find nothing avail. The horrible burn stench was just in the kitchen and no where else. It also had a bad smell of gas mixed in it. Opening all the doors in the house. Praying that it wasnt carbon monoxide posion trailing in our house. (Now I know CO2 does not have a smell..lol) We were running around the house like mad men. Scaring the heck out of the girls. After searching all appliances, including the heater, we found the problem of all places. A plastic lid to one of the girls sippy cup was slowly at its death bed melting away on the bottom of our DISHWASHER. UGH!RELIEF! So reminder moms, make sure the all debris is cleared at the bottom of the dishwasher, or else you can have quite a scare like we did. Up part, it was the last of the baby sippy cups that they have been dying to get rid of but the girls dearly was hooked too. hahaha. Talk about house woes!

- blogging on the go with my iphone!

Day 6: Snow day

2011-12-06T06:49:00.001-08:00

So the snow gods made its
way to us before the year is over. Im hoping it stays around for christmas but knowing the desert
Weather I live in we will be back up in the 50-60 in no time! Its always nice to wish for a white christmas!
Here is some photo ops

Down part of this delay snow day , i found this !

So cold it cracked my balcony door window! :( Ghetto rig here we come until the holidays are over!
- blogging on the go with my iphone!

Day 5: Christmas Spirit

2011-12-05T10:22:00.000-08:00

If you didn't know already its December and the HOLIDAY cheer is everywhere and I thought I would spread mine with this video! For a monday, this surely made my day. So many things have been put on my plate this year. My baby girl turns 5 in six day. So her big "5" extravanganza is in a brewing. And what has mommy dearest done, NADA! Along with that, Im hosting a christmas party at my house in two weeks. And again, the hostest with the mostest has done nothing. The girls both have christmas programs schedule for their schools and I have yet to buy their dress yet, along for Christmas mass. Along with those, I have yet to shop for my kiddes of the family. Oh How I love the end of the year fiasco! (Can you sense the sarcasm) lol. With that, I hope you are far along more then me and have done your shopping for christmas.

Day 3 n 4 :sunday no fun day!

2011-12-04T21:18:00.001-08:00

My gums are on fire! Root canal took over my weekend! The end!

- blogging on the go with my iphone!

Day 2: He becomes the child

2011-12-02T20:08:00.001-08:00

So my better half gave the call that he was not feeling too hot n needed some TLC! Lol. So there i was cookin him homemade soup n batching him up on liquids. When my main squeeze is invaded by the grimey germs he becomes one the kids! For my married followers im sure you can relate! Lol! Even on my sickest day the kids n love struck still some how get me to find that will power to perform my wife n mom duties!

I pray he gets better soon!

- blogging on the go with my iphone!

Day 1: better late then never

2011-12-01T21:20:00.001-08:00

So today was mad craziness and was going to subject not even post but going to strive n keep my promise & make it thru these 30 days faithfully! So here i am
DAY 1:post a picture of yourself and random things about yourself!

So this be me! Cheese!
1- love to camera whore when my makeup is on point lol
2. Military brat
3. Served in the military
4. Married into the military
5. Blog stalker
6. Obsessive over team poly anything
7. Twit n fb addict!
8. Can watch the travel cooking n food channel all day every day!
9. Blended family!
10. Today majorly sucked since i love sweets n the cavity monster did major damage on my tooth n conquered his territory! Which in return made me get a root canal! My mouth feels like a bomb has gone off or better yet a bus runned over it!

So with that said here is to my pain killer cocktails i bid you good night and see what tomorrow brings us :)!

- blogging on the go with my iphone!

Goodbye nov hello dec

2011-11-30T20:45:00.001-08:00

So goodbye the thankful month and hello the busiest praiseful monthof the year! Bithdays gatherings recitals n lets not forget baby jesus birthday! CHRISTMAS!!! In the midst of this all i will try the 30 day blog challenge in hopes i will get motivated to blog again! Fingers crossed! Tomorrow starts a new day!

- blogging on the go with my iphone!

Thankful ..for him

2011-11-28T14:06:00.001-08:00

So Thanksgiving holiday just past. And boy do I have a lot to be thankful for. My Job My family My KidsMy friendsMy HomeBut really I am thankful for my HUSBAND. I may complain and rant on about how much he doesn't let things go my way,but really the numerous amount of how much I love and adore surpasses all that. No matter what rut I am in he makes me realize that we have each other and no matter what happens things will work out.God will work us thru in one form or another. In my previous post you may have read about how I was so unhappy about my career path that I was currently traveling upon. Well, that rut along with other lil things took a toll not only on me,but my family as well. It was my husband that made me see the light that everything was going to be alright and not to rush. Be thankful for things that are presented in the NOW and it will pave the path for OUR future. I swear as much as I hate for him to be right,he was right. My husband don't bullshit and he presents me with the fact. As much as I would love my husband to phrase things with flowers around it, reality is where I live and my husband likes me on that level. lol. Though it felt like I was being dragged thru a bed of thorns, in the end there was no scaring but really relief. We are on a new level and my perspective of life is actually looking up. So with that said. Thank you Lord for my husband. For him being so understanding and hardworking. And being the greatest father he can ever be with our girls. May you bless us with many more thankful years.

Radio la chusma Concert

2011-10-25T12:49:00.000-07:00

Radio La Chusma Bringing a unique perspective to the world through music, Radio La Chusma breaks down the barriers of age, race, language and religion. This six piece band features four part harmonies, electrifying violin and guitar solos, and a high energy live show. Their new “Pachuco” sound takes the reggae vibrations to a whole new level. Finding inspiration from pre-Columbian and African traditions, Radio La Chusma has been inspiring crowds for the past eight years. Known for their hard-hitting performances, Radio La Chusma performs over a hundred shows a year and has a strong presence and following throughout the Southwest. Currently, the band is in the studio working on their new full-length album and a soundtrack for a movie based on the border.My Bff introduced this local band to us a few years back and we fell in love and try to go to their concert as much as we can. They always put on a great show and its always a packed house and everyone moving to their great vibes. Luckily, we were able to score a sitter last weekend and go to their new album release party. My husband has been wanting to Check out Frontera Bagalu and they were the first act. Mexican at Night came on 2nd and their a mix of rock and pop. I love going to local gig shows because Im a big advocate of local talent. Frontera Bugalu

Mexican At Night

Radio La Chusma

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Telesa: The Convenant Keeper Trailer

2011-10-25T10:27:00.000-07:00

My friend and Samoan Author, Lani Wendt Young , just launched her book in SAMOA a few days back. whoot whoot. Way to go Lani! Sharing the love of her a well written book by another great polynesian author! To buy a copy just visit : Telesa: The Convenant KeeperNestled in the heart of the Pacific is Samoa - a lush tropical paradise. We walk to a different drum beat. Here, ancient mythology tells of Telesa. Demon women who are guardians of earth and gifted with the elemental powers of Air, Water and Fire.Telesa are vengeful and cruel.Tales to frighten children.Or are they more than that? From Washington D.C, comes Leila, in search of family, a place to belong. Instead she finds her destiny and it threatens to tear her apart. There is the bewitching call of a telesa sisterhood and there is Daniel. Will Leila embrace her birthright or will she choose the one who offers her his love with a crooked smile and dancing green eyes? Will Daniel be the element that gentles the fire of the Telesa? Or must love burn at the altar of the telesa covenant? There are many different kinds of love. All of them require sacrifice. Who will give everything for the one they love?About the AuthorLani Wendt was born and raised in Samoa. She received her tertiary education in the USA and New Zealand. She has a degree in English Literature and Women's Studies and a Diploma in Education. Upon her return home to Samoa she worked as a secondary school English teacher and writer. Her short fiction has been published in Samoa, NZ, Australia and the UK. Her collection of short stories "Sleepless in Samoa" won the 2011 USP Press Fiction Award. She won the National University of Samoa writing competition in 2002 with 'A Sister's Story'. Her short story 'The Beast that Came from the Sea' was a Commendation Winner in the 2010 Commonwealth Short Story Competition. She also writes stories for children that are used in primary school reading programs. Lani was commissioned in 2009 to write the narrative non-fiction book 'Pacific Tsunami Galu Afi' which is her first book. Her book 'TELESA The Covenant Keeper' is the first in a YA urban fantasy series. Lani is married to Darren Young and they have five children.

Fall fitting in Right on Time!

2011-10-25T09:44:00.000-07:00

So things have been really hectic lately. With baby girls game and teaching my poly group. I really don't time to give you folks some real news. Isa is taking on Soccer really well. Though it was my sport as a kid its a way for my hubs to toughen the "Lip gloss diva". So that's his IN with his baby girl and boy is she competitive! October is always my favorite time of year cause the death summer days are over and Halloween, but also the dreadful time cause its literally my count down that Christmas is just around the corner. Every year I vow that I would start early but it always fail and there I am with all the other procrastinator one week before Christmas finding whatever on sale to gift the RUG RATS of our family. lol. But it shall be put to the back burner. With Halloween upon us, I always try to find innovative ways to dress up my girls HOMEMADE. For one, Im to cheap to go buy that $30 costume that I know my girls will wear once and stuff it in their closet which where it will remain til we spring clean. For two, HAVE YOU SEEN THE COSTUME THESE DAYS. Sex appeal like a mother. They get skankier every year. I mean I know there are girls out their the size of my 4 yr old but sheesh its like where did RATED G go. So we usually keep it safe and just do it ourselves. This year the girls wanted to be Ariel and Minnie Mouse. To my surprised I finished those suckers, WAIT FOR IT, four hours. LAst year I spent a whole week. But with a hot glue in hand and determination, I finished those bad boys. End Result

So, for those of you do celebrate Halloween, do you buy or do you have a Martha Stewart in ya to make it.

Priceless Disney Reaction

2011-10-11T13:46:00.000-07:00

I hope that my girls give the same reaction when we surprise them with a Disney surprise one of these days.

Wonderful bliss weekend!

2011-09-27T07:22:00.001-07:00

Isa had her first soccer game and she saved 3 goals as goalkeeper! My dancing diva totally loved it! The team totally dominated not that they were keeping score but there were more goals shot on their goals then ours!

We also got to see some manu samoa action! Pretty intense game. Pops even cooked out for it. We were hooting and hollerin like some pocessed animals! Pisi foot was def on fire which put them on the board and the rest is history! Im slowly getting the jist of the game but i would be lying really! Lol. The nxt game is going to be while i am at work so hopefully i can sneak a glimpse or two of the match!

Me and hubs finally had a date. I even broke out the red lippies! Lol. We went to the mall like some teenagers trying to see what we could get our phancy on and instead bought stuff for the divas.(the days of buying nice stuff for us are over when we have lip gloss poppin tots at home) Then went to see the movie WARRIOR awesome flick! Then lunch at some hole in the mexican joint la malinche best one in town.

Im hoping to drop in with some real entries soon just hang tight!!!! Happy tuesday

An ode to my sister

2011-09-22T21:27:00.001-07:00

Happy birthday sister! We love you and wish u many more to come god bless!

Google+: Add me

2011-09-22T10:36:00.001-07:00

If you jumped the bandwagon, cause I have so go ahead and click that link TEAMPOLY~ and add me to your circle. If I dont have enough social networking in my life. lmao!https://plus.google.com/i/Fs_CL6kCcns:jKwqz-XM4Ao

Midlife Career Crisis Vent...a phase..RIGHT?!

2011-09-13T14:31:00.000-07:00

I have been meaning to blog about this for some time now. God has showered me abundantly with so many blessings. - A loving and hard working husband that spoils me and my children endlessly.- 2 children that are bright and beautiful and ask curious questions why things are done they way they are - A supporting family that stands by me and my husband no matter what - Friends that have been there for us through thick and thin- A gift of health and Life (After losing 35 lbs I can say I am winning back my life back one lb a time & it feels great)- A job that supports us to provide for our little family to put a roof over our head and food on the table and the necessity to get through life. All in all, one would think that life would be perfect, but being I turned the big 29 a couples month back I have been having s spiral of uncertainty of how my life has turned out career wise. Dont get it twisted, my life is perfect but the aspect of wanting more in life is a different story. Back when I was 21, I had a journal that I wrote in faithfully. I wrote about anything and everything in that little book. Rummaging through my old stuff at my parents house I read about where I saw myself 5 years down the line. And saw that everything that I thanked god before previously was on my list of where I saw myself EXCEPT the sore thumb that stuck out a perfect CAREER life changing job. I may be a bit selfish for having a job and not being happy about it. Whereas, the economy that we live in, there are hundreds that are without employment and no ends to support their family. But I think I am entitled to happiness. I work for small family owned business that has flourished tremendously especially during the recession. When I graduated from college and worked for a call center at the time, I took the leap of faith when I joined this company. To the point, that I even worked in his garage of his house to help his business grow. Over the years, we eventually moved out of his garage and into a piece of crap office that stored all of his products. Business was so good that we outgrew three warehouses in matter of 4 years. We were in high demand. Soon his family quit their corporate jobs, in efforts to help too. When this happened I was no longer in the lime light of help and was left in the shadows to do the dirty paper work they call it. Soon all the hustle and bustle came to a halt. With a switch of light, we were no longer so hot no more. Recession was being affected everywhere and fast. Companies were downsizing including some of our main customers.The company filling the tightness as well and had to let go of some people and even cut back on hours. Its been a roller coaster lately and uncertainty has def set in my life. I have worked for this company for so long and could not imagine where I would go from here. I was not fortunate and funded my own way through school. I ended up graduating but in a degree that I cant find myself using in any of the jobs that I have applied for in the past. My motivation to go back to school is there but the reality of trying to find means to pay for it is a discouragement in itself. There has been application filled out. Interviews have been made. All for it being sent a letter that you were not the right candidate and someone has been picked over you. Its such a downer sometimes. My husband advises that this is just a phase that I am going through and it too shall pass. Maybe I am being impatient, and I want things to happen in matter of seconds, but reality sticks in and sometimes life is a waiting game.Out of all of this, I pray to god in hopes that there is something better. God is the reason that I keep striving in hopes that he will have an answer for me on my next step. There are so many directions I want to go but being pulled in others for one reason or another. As I type each word on this issue, it makes me feel a little better as I release this to universe in hopes for an answer soon. Something will avail and God will not fail me along with my husband or the family and friends that I have in my life.

#Teampoly link up!

2011-09-12T11:57:00.000-07:00

With the all the RWC 2011 fever going down in New Zealand, its so great to see all the polynesian countries show their pride in one form or another. Ive been wanting to do LINK UP PARTY for the longest. Since the release of fellow friend/ Author Lani Wendt Young, Telesa: The Convenant Keeper! , (Which is a awesome read, click below to get your copy today. I promise you will not be disappointed. You will be wanting more!)

i have ~~stalked~~ stumbled across a lot of poly bloggers and some great one's at that. Its always great to promote poly writers since there is not that many out there. Just to mention a few of my favorites Sleepless in Samoa,Lyfes Lyrics ,Fagogo mai Samoa,Rock Fob,What Goes Under the Coconut Tree,Sugar Shack Shenanigans,So go ahead link it up and add your link below. Lets spread the word of #TeamPoly

Are you that mom?

2011-09-12T10:51:00.000-07:00

Are you this mom? The one who uses technology to best of its ability. This is the usual stance my husband sees me every time he walks in the room. So he says. My face buried in my phone. I admit that Im what they call the "social network" mom. I refer to my phone for everything and Anything. The I phone has pretty much APP's for everything and I love the luxury of it. I blame him for being the sweet husband he is by surprising me with such a techie gift. He didnt have to replace the piece of crap blackberry that I had before this one. But he says that that he cant have a normal conversation without me peeking into my phone on what notification has been "pushed" to my phone. I have been summoned that after 500p that I am stricken from my phone to do what normal families do. I laugh at his assumption of a normal family. He hates the fact that I have a blog and doesn't know why I have to blurt to the world on every little aspect of my life. But I try to convince him this is my outlet to letting things go to the universe. As I doing so right now. lol.

Maybe he is right and I need to cut back on my social networking FB, twitter, and blogging. But I love to faikala and its so much fun seeing the happenings in everyone else's life. So really do you get the nag from the husband that your technology use to too much?

Hoppin on the Manu Samoa Rugby Train!

2011-09-08T13:10:00.000-07:00

So I must I admit I have jumped on the Rugby band wagon! Today is the official start date (New Zealand time) Rugby has been a big buzz since Manu Samoa beat the Australia's Wallabies which has made history since they were not expected to win.My cousin has been telling me that its like pride mania in NZ. Guttered that Im not there to celebrate with them. She was also telling me that people are going flag crazy. Decking out their ride to their house representing their home country. Including my cousin herself lol. Sweet red wheels with Samoa pride all over it. lol. Chrissy your the best.

CONFESSION! For someone who has jumped on the bandwagon, I must admit I don't understand a lick of it. Nothing. Nada. Besides the eye candy that resides on the team. I am what they call Samoan breed raised palagi. lol. I grew up with the traditional American Sports football, basketball, baseball etc.I don't know how the scoring is. Or when the players decide to do that huddle routine where someone is easily asking to break their neck. Or even throwing a random player in the air when throwing in the ball from the sidelines. Or doing the touch move with the ball. Ive seen so many games that we would watch when we made trips back to Samoa. But All i know is that a try is a score. lol. Theres nothing wrong with rooting for a home team that you know will take the win. Maybe I can get one of my savy rugby knowledge cousins to school me like they do with their NZ slang.lol. But I like how short the game is. You have 30 mins to get as many TRYS. At least thats the jist I get. lol. Unlike American games, they can go on forever. Mind you we are in football season and my televison has been taken over by my football hungry husband. With that said! GO THE MANU! Best of luck boys. Bring it home big!

Dolce gelato

2011-09-02T16:30:00.001-07:00

Taking me back to my germany living days. They didnt have much of a selection but for small shop it was good enough! They had your basic flavors n some tropical flavord like coconut mango n mojito orange it was heaven!

Mommy serving Mojito

Strawberry cute lil recliner for the tots

Missy thought she was to good for the little chair

They even had a small lil play areA

Overall a pretty good gelato place 2 thumps up!

- blogging on the go with my iphone!

Picky eater with bland taste buds

2011-08-26T10:32:00.000-07:00

So lately I have been dealing with some picky eaters. And its just not one of my kids its all three (including my husband)I'm sure there is one in every family but ugh I have to deal with 75% of my family. Luckily, my youngest there is still a chance considering she pretty much eats whatever is in front unless its pica (hot)! Oh the woes! How I wish to eat whatever I want without catering to one's of not liking a particular thing. Its freaking annoying really. I am a big advocate of you eat whats cooked and if you dont like it you dont eat at all. That's what I dealt with growing up. OH how there are nights when my glorious effort of making a beautiful dinner, GONE TO WASTE! With my daughters, I can control with what they eat. But daddy on the other hand, sigh, he is a different story. If they see him and he is not eating something I demand them to eat, oh the battle dinner table is on! For example, yesterday I bought Enchilada plates from my daughter school for a fundraiser. I brought them home plated and was actually relieved that no plates would be dirty and my time could be used chatting it up on how everyones day went. But NOOOO! Onions were discovered and my money was wasted cause there was too much going on in the menu. Daddy advised" no one told you to buy those?!" I went off the limb! Its to support our daughters school ! Why wouldnt I buy those damn plates. So the husband opted to cook Simene (ramen noodles) instead. I was furious! Just for once I would love for the kids not gripe and just eat the damn food I cook or order. I know I didnt cook it but sheesh trying times and saving every penny counts. One day we will be on the same page and hopefully I can blog that hell froze over cause they ate every bite. Until then, WISHFUL thinking! How have you conquered picky eating?

Celebrations

2011-08-25T09:49:00.001-07:00

Yesterday me and the hubs celebrated 4yrs of marriage! I the hopeless romantic type And will quirky messages as if im still in high school! Lol i tried to surprise him with this

But if you know my husband his morning routine its always in a rush just so he can get that exta zzzzz! So he totally didnt see it! I was a bit bummed but sucked it up and proceeded on with my day since my co workers bday is the same day as our celebration. I wanted to make it big for her like she did for me so i decoeated her office as so

She absolutely loved it! Its always a plus when you can make so happy on their special day! As the morning went on someone showed up with these

We swore it was for my co worker but lo and behold they were for me from my beloved husband! I was on cloud 9! He totally turned my Day around!

Since it was my turn to schedule where we were going to celbrate i set up my parents to watch the rugrats and made reservations at Mesa bar and Grill (review to come) i loved it and so did hubs! Next year will be our big 5! Cant wait to see what the year brings us so until then A TOAST TO ETERNITY I LOVE YOU BABE !
- blogging on the go with my iphone!

RWW-Austin, TX July 2011

2011-08-19T13:28:00.000-07:00

RWW: Returning Warrior Workshop - Returning Warrior Workshops (RWWs) are a key component of the Department of Defense Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program. Designed to honor Sailors who have completed an Individual Augmentee (IA) assignment in combat zones or those Sailors exposed to highly stressful situations during deployment, the RWW addresses personal stress generated by deployment activities. Although a Reserve Component event, Active Components are strongly encouraged to participate.

My husband is a big advocate for family workshops when it comes to dealing with deployments. A representative came to my husbands unit and he jumped all over it. We really did not know what to expect but boy were we impressed and highly recommend it to those who are ever presented the opportunity. All expense paid trip for the Sailor and a guest (whether it be a significant other or a friend that truly supported them through this hard time). We applied to the the one in Austin, TX. In the midst of summer, July is not a time to visit the East side of Texas. With temps in the 100's, 75% humidity you can imagine that staying in doors is all we wanted to do. But we did get out. We were able to visit the Capitol, 6th Street, and other parts of town. Luckily, the hubs had family in town so we were able to site see in the 3 days that we were there.

In the 3 day that we were there, they provided a lot of presentations from various speakers that were also sent to a combat zone. In terms of being the supporter of my sailor, with these presentation, it gave me a better insight on how my husband was feeling and ways to deal with it as a supporter of what they called my "warrior" It also gave an assurance that my husband was not the only one feeling they way he felt when returning back to the "civilian life". I really enjoyed it and got to meet other really good people from all walks of life. It made me and my husband that much closer and I would do another one if we were given the opportunity.

Its not easy having a loved one shipped over seas. But with this workshop, we were given tools and technique as a starter to getting back to where we wanted to be not only as a couple but as a family. I am proud of my Sailor and thank all those who sacrifice the ultimate most to serve their county. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your service.

Lil ms priss!

2011-08-18T21:16:00.001-07:00

So guess who came home woth a bad note from school today!

Her first! :(! This lil mugger right here! Lol! Oh i pray for her sometimes! I just hope this isnt a frequent one!

- blogging on the go with my iphone!

Lake tahoe sneak peek!

2011-08-11T22:56:00.001-07:00

Sunset at the lake! My bundles taking it all in! my fav picture more to come from our vacation!

- blogging on the go with my iphone!

Grandma Ese!

2011-08-09T07:46:00.000-07:00

My grandma celebrated her 85th birthday and luckily my cousin sent me some pictures of her celebration.Being half way across the world, its hard to come by pictures like this. She has yet to my new created family and hopefully one day we will make that trip to NZ, but during their summer cause baby jesus NZ has crazy winter. lol. I wish we were closer to family to do the huge shin dig! But life is life! Manuia lou aso Fanau Grandma! May God Bless you and many more years to come. Alofa atu!

Scardy cat!

2011-07-28T21:22:00.001-07:00

Its raining cats and dogs outside and baby girl is scared of the thunder and fell asleep like this!

- blogging on the go with my iphone!

Wardrobe Battle

2011-07-27T10:33:00.000-07:00

OMG! lately I have been at battle with a 4 year old and the choices she seems to make on her own that best fit her and boy have we gone at it. I understand the whole jist of "GUIDING" them to a direction of character. But dang it, im going to go ahead and pull the BS card on that one. There is room for in dependency, but Im still old fashioned and have cue into "MOMMY's knows best mode." My oldest feels that she has to battle me everyday on what she would like to wear and how she would like her hair to be fix. There are days where I act upon request but then there are days where Im in a rush and just cant complete it in a timely fashion manner. Oh boy, let the crying fest begin. She has turned from my understanding toddler that helps me at any request to a water hose going crazy. For example, this morning she didn't like how I set out pedal pushers out for her to wear and how she requested SHORTS instead. Mind you, I'm already running late because I snoozed the alarm a bit too LOOOONNNNGGG!!!! I wanted to tell her unless the washing machine miraculously can work in 30 sec you can have your shorts, but I told her that its dirty and she would have to make due with what I have set out. Oh boy, it was on and she was not having it. Trying to be patient with her I asked her nicely to find her shoes and that she could wear shorts tomorrow. She replied back, "But mommy then tomorrow I wont want to wear them!!!" Yeah buddy that flipped the lid. My hulk Samoan side came out and started yelling in Samoan, " Aikae!lelo. Fia sasa oe? alu su'e lou seevae i alu mai lou palasi fai lou ulu!!! Alu ia i Faavave" Mind you Im screaming like a damn kettle. And even more whaling is in the air while she is trying to do what I requested. As all of this is going on my 2 year old is saying " mommy, I be nice!" In terms that I must be yelling to loud and to bring it down a notch. Finally after all the commotion, she comes to me to apologize for being ugly and that she will wear whatever I put out for her. I wanted to say "Damn right!" but I opted for the more sincere response instead. It takes a lot for kids to switch into understanding mode and apologize for the wrong doing they did. If I was a true Samoan I would of scolded her and shoe her off but Im the new age parent and show my kids that I love and understand their frustration but sometimes when mommy is in a rush. I will always win the battle. lol.

My polynesian group

2011-07-07T14:33:00.001-07:00

Please excuse the video lol Presenting Artistic Stylz Polynesian group. I firm believer if your not born with it you can be taught! This is the first year that this group has performed and let me tell you im very proud of my prodigys! Living in a border city to mexico its hard to come by polynesian so anything! My motto: If you cant have it bring it! This is just a taste with crappy recording! These girls are no where from the islands but have the heart to dance what their mamas gave them, Those hips!

YouTube Video

- blogging on the go with my iphone!

Fourth of july

2011-07-07T14:11:00.001-07:00

Our 4th was awesome! We hosted this year and boy did we over do ourselves! The kids slipped n slide in the backyard while my hubs n nephew grilled up some yummy kebabs. The food n company was great!

YouTube Video

- blogging on the go with my iphone!

Some more awesome pics frm my bros wedding

2011-07-07T13:50:00.001-07:00

The girls n my bro

My babies gettn down

The whole Ese Aiga

Us sisters n grand kids

The whole Cali, Samoa, N New zealand clan Olo/Ese Aiga

My nephew

Partyn it up!

- blogging on the go with my iphone!

Happy Birthday Tury Man!

2011-06-17T10:28:00.000-07:00

Wishing my nephew a Happy birthday. I hope you reach the stars with more years to come! We love you Tury!

Brothers Wedding

2011-06-15T12:14:00.001-07:00

My lil brother finally tied the knot. Nothing like a big way to kick off Summer 2011. We had friends and family come from all over the world. Including NEW ZEALAND and SAMOA. It was such a great night. We are still recovering from it. I wish them nothing but the best. Here is a few photos that I coped from their photographer Dan Dalstra. An excellent wedding photograhper I might add.

Book Rant: Where we once belong by Sia Figiel

2011-05-17T12:40:00.000-07:00

I have been looking for a good book to read for the longest. It was until I stumbled upon Ms Lani page that inspired me to read this book. Lani Wendt Young is an samoan author that wrote the book, Pacific Tsunami Galu Afi,which she wrote about the accounts of those who were affected by the tsunami in Samoa and American Samoa. I dont know how I stumbled upon her page but I'm glad I did because she is coming out with a new book and very anxious to read her "Telesa" series. Her first fiction novel is due out any day now. While reading about her journey on how her novel was coming along it got me thinking if there were any other pacific islander or even Samoan authors out there in the world. Thank goodness for the search engine of google, I searched " Samoan Author" and popped up Ms Sia Figiel herself and all the accomplished books she wrote as well as Albert Wendt (another well known samoan novelist) Being that I am a big advocate for Samoan anything these day, I was really excited to see what her books had to offer and boy was I not let down. Just from reading the snippets that they had online I knew I was going to be hooked. The only bad part about getting her books was that they were only available online. But I needed to stack up my library so it was worth my while to spend the money. The day it came in I read it in one night. That good , you ask? yes in my opinion.I lost sleep over this book .lol.

REVIEW:

Off the back when reading the first few pages, you are submerged head on. This book does not hide a bit and is detail to the max. My kind of book that catches the readers attention right away instead of building that character. There is a lot of character in this book. This book depicts the life of a growing samoan girl in a village that dates in the mid 60-70's who tries to find herself in a world where poverty meets the growing of western ways. The book had a lot of samoan parodies and smirky quotes and sayings that only a samoan would be used to hearing. But if I had my husband (who is not samoan) read it or any of my non samoan book enthusiast, it would be hard for them to follow even considering the book had a dictionary in the back. I really enjoyed her book and cant wait to read her continuation, "those who do not greive"

Rating:5 of 5
Recommend: Yes

Happy Birthday Ms. Elicia

2011-05-16T09:21:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to miss Elicia! You have blossomed so much in these past two years. We love you dearly and wish you nothing but the best!

Mothers Day and Birthday Celebration

2011-05-09T09:46:00.000-07:00

This weekend we celebrated Ily's 2nd Birthday. It was Elmo and Carnival theme. It was a great turn out despite the slushie machine not working on us. We also got to spend Mothers day with both of our strong willed women of our familys. It was an exciting weekend!

Historical Moment!

2011-05-02T14:48:00.000-07:00

May 1, 2011 will be now placed in U.S. history book! After tens years of defending for those who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001, Justice has been served. Osama bin Laden was announced dead. This is a day that every men and women that serve in our armed forces live to hear. This man is responsible for the death of many innocent people and those defending for our country. Obama made a well commenced speech last night that bought america together as one. Patriotism is at its fullest. I am proud to be an America.

Kids Book Rant- "How full is your bucket.?"

2011-04-28T14:01:00.000-07:00

This book a small life lesson for kids. A way to get kids to be nice to each other. My sister gave me this book to read to my 4 yr old, considering she is starting to learn how to read. Though this book is not on a level where she can read by herself, but its a good book for mommy to read and for her to comprehend whats being read. She fell in love with it instantly and till this day she is always trying to fill peoples bucket. How full is your bucket and what have you done to fill others? I highly recommend this book. Its a great book for kids and parents to read together.

Easter 2011

2011-04-28T13:44:00.000-07:00

Easter was a blast. We had are usual gathering at my sisters house and it never fails that the kiddes get spoiled with gifts from the Easter Bunny. Its like Christmas all over again. lol.

A message from my 1 yr old!

2011-04-23T08:32:00.001-07:00

- blogging on the go with my iphone!

Nephew time

2011-04-20T12:18:00.001-07:00

YouTube Video

- My nephew came to stay the weekend with us and boy its always a party when he is around!

Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Next Chapter

2011-04-19T11:24:00.001-07:00

Baby girl on her first day!

So yesterday was baby girl first day of "school". We were a bit reluctant on taking her to this learning center but after reading all the great reviews and feedback we decided that we would just give it a try. A plus was that it was just around the corner of our house and my commute to work would be cut in half. When I dropped her off, I stayed with her a little bit to get used to the surroundings. I think I was more scared for her then anything. They offered her breakfast and she willingly accepted. The director needed me to fill out more paperwork and advise me that she would probably be ok. But the minute, she notice I was gone. The crying began. My gut feeling was telling me this wasn't for her and I wanted to yank her up and leave the place.But my voice of reason, told me that I needed give it chance. Not even 2 minutes later the crying had stop. So I proceeded onto work. I worried about her all day. My husband called me during work but I pleaded with him to call the center to check up on her. I was to chicken to do it cause I was fearing for the worst. To our surprise, the teacher said that she was doing quite well and no problem what so ever. We were so anxious to pick her up from school even my oldest was excited to see how her day went. When I walked in, the director told me that she did very well considering that she never been in this type of care before. They also said that they moved her up in class since she was so advanced for her age. When they showed me to her new classes I found her sitting at the table chatting it up with the other kids. I wanted to cry cause I was so proud of her. The teacher had nothing but positive things to say about her. I definately had a proud parent moment.Today I dropped her off and she actually just waved bye to me and proceeded to her table as she has been going there for years and knows the routine.

Time is flying by too fast for me as my kids are getting older and I want to press the pause button. But I now life moments like this has to keep playing, so more chapters can be developed.

An Ode to my babysitter.

2011-04-18T14:19:00.000-07:00

When me and my husband found out that we were expecting our first one, as first time parents we freaked on what the future held for us. Being working parents, we wanted to find the best care for our child. After researching on weather or not to be a stay at home mom vs putting her in daycare, we opted that it would be best for me to keep working. I dreaded the day that I would have to go back to work and leave my first born in a infested germville facility. But then one day, my husbands friend advise that her mom was available during the week since she only works part time on the weekend and she would be more than happy to care for her. We so hoped on that train.

Well, after 3 1/2 years and 2 growing children later, it has sadfully came to an end. She was fortunate enough to be offered a full time job with benefits. We were so happy for her but yet sad at the same time. She has was so good to my girls and to my family. She was like their second grandmother. They loved being with her and I would have to drag them out when it was time to pick them up.

Friday was her last day. We wanted her to have at least a week to get things situated before she started back at work. There was not a dry eye in the room. My oldest daughter took it pretty hard as well.She spoiled us thru the years. Taking the kids while they were sick so we could work. Doing all the motherly things for them. Its funny how familys grow even when they are not blood related.

I wish you the best of luck Olga and thank you for the many things that you have done for my girls. You have left a big impression not only on my daughters but also on Me and my husbands in ways you can never imagine. Thank you for guiding us to being great parents and provider like yourself. We love you and may god bless you in the great things to come!

Laugh it up Thursday

2011-04-14T09:58:00.000-07:00

I'm not really into forwards, but i received this in my email and thought I would share it with you.

hy I'm Divorced...

Last week was my birthday and I didn't feel very well
waking up on that morning.
I went downstairs for breakfast
hoping my husband would be pleasant and say,
'Happy Birthday!', and possibly have a small present for me.
As it turned out, he barely said good morning,
let alone ' Happy Birthday.'
I thought....
Well, that's marriage for you,
but the kids.... they will remember.
My kids came bouncing down stairs to breakfast
and didn't say a word. So when I left for the office,
I felt pretty low and somewhat despondent.
As I walked into my office, my handsome Boss Rick, said,
'Good Morning, lady, and by the way Happy Birthday! '
It felt a little better that at least someone had remembered.
I worked until one o'clock, when Rick knocked on my door
and said, 'You know, It's such a beautiful day outside,
and it is your Birthday, what do you say we go out to lunch,
just you and me..'
I said, 'Thanks, Rick, that's the greatest thing
I've heard all day. Let's go!'
We went to lunch.
But we didn't go where we normally would go.
He chose instead a quiet bistro with a private table.
We had two martinis each and I enjoyed the meal tremendously.
On the way back to the office,
Rick said, 'You know, It's such a beautiful day...
We don't need to go straight back to the office, Do We?'
I responded, 'I guess not.
What do you have in mind?'
He said, 'Let's drop by my place, it's just around the corner.'
After arriving at his house, Rick turned to me and said,
If you don't mind, I'm going to step into the bedroom
for just a moment. I'll be right back.'
'Ok.' I nervously replied.
He went into the bedroom and, after a couple of minutes,
he came out carrying a huge birthday cake ...
Followed by my husband my kids, and dozens of my friends
and co-workers, all singing 'Happy Birthday'.
And I just sat there.... On the couch....
Naked.

Happy Thursday Everyone!

Girls Night Out

2011-04-08T09:49:00.001-07:00

In my previous job,during my college days, I used to work for a medical call center. We were a tight knit family before the company was sold to a corporate call center out of town. That was five years ago and we still find time to get together and scarf down some food and drinks before we turn into pumpkins whether it be with just girls or our lil wee families that we have tagged along. Since then, we have all gotten married, had kids, graduated from college, and have careers. But yet, we have our gatherings couple times a year. Yesterday, we had a girls night out at a sushi spot called SUSAKI that features $5 sushi rolls and $3 you call it drinks. My kind of ladies night that is good for my wallet. I swear when we get together it never fails that we have crazy fun. Catching up on how life is going and reminiscing bout the good times. I had a great time. Here is a pic of me and my girls. Thats only half of our group. Some of the other girls could not make it for one reason or another. But I cant wait for next event with the girls which will include our better halfs.

Random!

2011-04-04T11:09:00.000-07:00

April is here. WOWSERS! At least I have blogged something since the beginning of 2011.

Random things:

I have lost 20 lbs. I needed a change not only for me but also for my family. It so good to work out and eat right for a change. Also look nice in a decent dress for bros wedding.

My baby girl is turning 2 next month let the party planning begin. May is such a busy month.

Family will invade Texas for my brothers wedding. Crossing my fingers that my new zealand folks make it.

Work is work. Saying a prayer everyday that I have a job despite how I really feel about it.

Til the next entry! Happy Monday everyone!

Family!

2011-03-21T12:16:00.000-07:00

So Feb. post was a complete bust. I only had a few more days but laziness got the best of me. Well, the sick fairy got the best of our family and seriously is doing some major work on us. Its like a duck duck goose game with her passing it back and forth between my wee lil family. But we have finally kicked it and are finally to the road to recovery. (Fingers crossed)

But now we are in March and boy has Spring season sprung. Slight Breeze with 70 degree heat is my type of Spring. I'm hoping it sticks around for a few weeks because Summer weather can creep any momment and boy does it get hot. But as I always state,I would pick desert heat over humidity any day!.

With all this Spring weather and Spring Break passing us by,we were able to enjoy the weather and get out and about. The zoo sounded like a grand idea with El Paso finally opening up the Africa part of the Zoo. The girls were so estatic over the girafees. We were also able to dust off the old grill and do so good ol grilling and chillin.

Please stick around Spring cause we are not I have yet to Spring clean my house for the Summer.

Here is some pictures to gock at: (Taken with my IPHONE that my husband spoiled me with..whoop whoop mama is up with Technology)

Why I love thee? #11 and #10

2011-02-06T15:50:00.000-08:00

So I missed yesterday. BOOO, shame on me but I promise I am Trying to keep it up. So its Super Bowl Sunday and we are here watching the Packers and Steelers fight it out for the Football champions. Its pretty much a divided house. Im personally going for the PACKERS,Im always the one to go for the underdog. Even though we are a ride n die San Diego Chargers Fan! Its also my baby sisters 24th birthday so we doing it big for her with a big cook out to celebrate her big day. Happy Birthday Nique~ I hope you enjoy your day.

Now to my reasons of Loving my dear husband

Reason #11: Im lucky to say that I am happy to have a COOK or chef in my household.My husband can throw down. It always nice to take a break from cooking during the week. Especially when my husband grills. It could be in the dead of winter and freezing cold outside he will still be out making sure we have some good ol summer plates in hand.

Reason #10: He also tries to ROMANCE me whenever he gets a chance. A way where he tries to make me fall in love with him all over again. He still opens the door for me like a pure gentlemen he is. When we get a chance he tries to surprise me with last minute babysitters and take me on spur of the moment date nights. These nights I love cause its like as though we are in our dating days when kids werent born yet. He makes sure to tell me that he loves and kiss me goodbye anytime he leaves anywhere. Its all about finding time for each other. I must admit the spark gets bigger and bigger every year.

WHY I LOVE THEE:#12

2011-02-03T18:08:00.000-08:00

So we are on our 2nd snow day. Not bad but Im a bit over it. Mama needs to keep busy. Just like yesterday daddy wasnt able to stay home with us. Luckily, considering that my inlaws electricity is connected to a hospital feeder we have been staying here since all this ultilites fiasco has been going on.

So on to my whoo whoo of my husband. Reason #12. I love my husband because he is such a GIVING person. He is the shirt of his back type of person. He will be the first to offer those in need help. He reminds me that helping others who are unable to help themselves is our duty as good citizen in this world. Thank you baby for always reminding me that to put others before yourself when time fits right.

WHY I LOVE THEE: #13

2011-02-02T14:22:00.000-08:00

Due to inclement weather that has been bestowed lovely El Paso, work was called off and school was cancelled for my oldest. So I was fortunate enough to stay home with my lil divas. Since we live in the desert, apparently our city cant handle cold weather. Power outages out the wazhoo that all the power generators are all out of order. To pipes freezing over so some are unable to get water or even gas. The weather gods are surely messing with us. But hey so is the rest of the nation the east of us. Anyhooo, onto the most important subject matter: MY DEAR HUSBAND.

Though we got to stay home, due to my husbands profession he had to go into work and fight the cold weather and black ice. Which brings me to reason #13. I love him for being such a HARD WORKING MAN! He is our sole provider and works for every penny. He can be sick as a dog and still report into work. He is the one that you have to force to go home. Besides his day to day work, he also serves in our military and does an exceptional job at that. Those who really know him really know how he gets down when it comes to his work ethics. Thank you papi for showing me and our girls what it takes to make every cent count!

Why I love thee Countdown.

2011-02-01T14:18:00.000-08:00

In lieu that Valentines Day is upon us, I decided to give 14 reasons a day until Valentines on why I love my husband so dearly. I guess a way to WHOO my husband. lol. Plus to get me back on the blogging track.

WHY I LOVE THEE....

#14 His humor! Since day one, he has always had me laughing. Those who know him always get a trip out on how much of a clown he is. I can be so mad at him at times but he somehow makes me laugh minutes later. I read somewhere you live a litter longer everytime you bring laughter into your life. So it tickles me inside to know that everytime that he makes me laugh, its one more second, minute,hour,day, months,and years I have to spend with him by my side. Thanks for making me laugh honey.

Still Here ...

2011-01-31T09:24:00.000-08:00

Just finding inspiration.. Its there just to lazy and busy to blog . Happy Monday!

Christmas is Almost here

2010-11-30T14:01:00.001-08:00

We have the old fashioned tree where you put every little branch up and string the lights. Though it may be dreadful doing it, it gets down. I can happily say that I got on the ball and did it so we could enjoy the tree for the whole month of December. Cant believe as of tomorrow only 25 more days til Christmas and I have yet to start my shopping. YIKES!!!!! Do you have your trip up?

The Dreadful Chore!

MIssion Accomplished!

Thanksgiving 2010

2010-11-30T13:34:00.000-08:00

We have so many things to be thankful this year. We did our usual split for Thanksgiving. Morning with Husbands family and evening with mines. I swear we ate so much that day. Some of the things we are thankful for.

1. Our Family is finally whole since Hubby has made it back from the Sand Box.

2. Our Health

3. Being Employed.

4. Friends we have made and are part of lives.

5. Thankful for the little things in life.

Below are pictures of the day. (PICTURE HEAVY)

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

ME AND MY OLDEST CHESSING AWAY AND CANT WAIT TO DIG IN

BABY GIRL WAITING FOR THE GRUB

The Feast

The family set up, the girls even had their own table!

2nd Shot

Enroute to my parents house

Me and my minnie me

The Kiddos on round 2

Me and my Nephew Hamming it up

Goof troops us too!

Turkey Day

2010-11-18T09:20:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, baby girls school threw a Thanksgiving lunch for all supporting members to attend. It was great and the food was muy excelente!The kids did a thanksgiving skit for all the parents. Lucky me as I was recording my phone decided to die. Blackberry has become my enemy these past few days. Hopefully Santa will be good to me and send a phone fairy my way so I can get a new one. lol.

She doesnt even look three in this picture. Its all going to fast. And only a few more weeks and baby girl will be 4yrs old.

Time Warp

2010-11-15T09:19:00.000-08:00

Seriously these past two months has passed us by. With baby girl in school and all the craziness that has fall upon us, I dont even know where to start. I guess I can start where I left off. Bare with me it will be pretty much picture heavy towards the end.

September

HUBBY finally made it home safely.

October
Baby girls first school field trip and my husband was here to take her on it. It was to one of the pumpkin patch and corn mazes. They had a grand ole time.

My husband step sister finally tied the knot and had a beatiful wedding in Las Cruces, NM (Organ Mountains)

Our dear friends from Hollister, CA, The Munoz familia paid us a visit with our yearly Salazar Munoz reunion. The last time we saw them we were only a family a 6 that eagerly grown to a family of 8. We are hoping for a Tahoe reunion but we will see what our wallet will say especially with the holidays flowing around.

Halloween was a blast and me and husband went crafty this year and made both our girls costume. This year theme was Sesame street since my youngest is so INTO Elmo and my oldest wanted to match her. Considering it was a no sew outfit we did pretty good spending only 15 each to make it.

November

We are all back to normal with Daddy being back. Like any other military family who has a loved one deployed, getting back to the jist of things takes time for all of us. With the love and support that we had with great family and friends, we did pretty well for our first deployment. Isa is no longer crying when I drop her off to school and is eagerly wanting me to drop her off early. What a sudden change. Im loving my life and we are finally complete.

Enjoy the pics

siva fever.3GP

2010-09-01T11:39:00.001-07:00

Dancing with papa to samoan music!

"Siva fever"

2010-09-01T11:27:00.001-07:00

Someone has siva fever. Dancing with her papa to samoan music.

Here is to 3 and more to come!

2010-08-24T13:14:00.000-07:00

“I don't pretend to know what love is for everyone, but I can tell you what it is for me; love is knowing all about someone, and still wanting to be with them more than any other person, love is trusting them enough to tell them everything about yourself, including the things you might be ashamed of, love is feeling comfortable and safe with someone, but still getting weak knees when they walk into a room and smile at you.”

THEN

This was the night we said the I do's. One day we will get around that big celebration that we have been yearning

NOW

At lake tahoe celebrating everything we missed since he has been on deployment.

Happy Anniversary to us and many more to come! I love you mi amor. Alofa tele atu!

Goodbye Summer! Hello School Year!

2010-08-23T10:12:00.001-07:00

She has finally started school and surprisly I only got teary eye and didnt cry. We just wish daddy was here to see this exciting moment! I pray that we have a great year ahead of us.

How did we come to this point!

2010-08-20T08:53:00.000-07:00

It just seems like overnight you have grown up .

There are mile stones that we cherish as parents and this is a major one. Come this monday my oldest will be starting preschool. There are things we cry over on achievements and this is one of them. Just thinking about it just make me tear up. Am I being a wimp or is this what all mothers go thru. I am praying for a great school year. This weekend is tax free weekend so you know that means chaos in store fronts. Thank goodness we have uniforms so I wont have to spend tons of money on new school clothes and I can stay away from the crowds. Im hoping that Im not there crying in my car when I drop her off.lol. But until then folks have a wonderful weekend. Mine will be spent prepping a preschooler!

Got something on your mind

2010-08-13T08:35:00.001-07:00

We have expanded our social network.. So you wont miss a bit

by Twitter Icon

Sister Friday

2010-08-13T07:52:00.001-07:00

""Having a sister is like having a best friend you can't get rid of. You know whatever you do, they'll still be there.""

My oldest daughter is such a great big sister. She is always concerned about her well being. My youngest is at a stage where she wants to be an independent bean. Before my eyes they have grown so much. Happy Friday!

Surprise Homecoming!

2010-08-12T10:04:00.000-07:00

My Husband younger brother was also deployed with my husband. He is in the Marines. He made a surprise visit home to surprise my MIL. After a 7 month long deployment he is back for good. One down and one more to go. God is good. Thank you for your service brother!

Where you been hiding?

2010-08-11T14:16:00.001-07:00

So I have been away for a while
Husband came and went on R&R
He treated me to a trip to Lake Tahoe,CA which I absolutely fell in love with. My baby's first recital just passed and it was cuteness up the wall. I hope I find enough time in the day to give you a real blog entry. But until then here are some pics for you to gock at! Take care everyone

where in the world...

2010-06-14T14:25:00.000-07:00

This seriously has been me the past 2 1/2 months. I have been juggling work, recitals, dance practice, birthday parties, my youngest turning 1, family coming in to town, try to main tain a yard, trying to implement a garden. Its just so exhausting to have name all of those busy items in my life.

But on a good note, This has been the quickest 2 almost 3 months. Only a couple more weeks and husband will be in our arms for a much needed R&R vacation. But until then ....im still alive just living life and trying to take care of mines. Hope all is well with all my moms, military wives, EP chicas, and what not! Take care and until the next one. I hope you have a wonderful day, week,or even months to actually come on here and give you a true entry.

Sometime I forget your 3

2010-03-30T10:30:00.001-07:00

Letter from Mommy to her Child: Isalei

2010-03-23T11:32:00.000-07:00

Dear Isalei

You have grown so much and grown into such a big girl. A big 3 year old that is so independent. But my stickler is how we fight constantly on brushing your teeth. Why must it be a fight? Its an every day fight that we go through that you are too tired and that last night's teeth cleaning should suffice for the day. I think otherwise little lady and so does the dentist. Please be a big and good girl and do your teeth a favor so the cavity monster does not pay you a visit. (""knock"" on wood) I love you baby girl and so does your teeth. I know that you are constantly reminding me that they will eventually fall out when you start school but we are far from it missy so lets get to it.

Mommy loves you baby girl
Always and forever!

Wordless Mondays!

2010-03-22T08:40:00.000-07:00

St Patty Goodness

2010-03-17T08:14:00.000-07:00

Happy St patricks day every. Hope you have your green on and dont get pinched. lol. To celebrate this event I thought it would be fun for me and my tot to make some green cupcakes to take to work and for her sitter as well. It was great fun and we spent some much needed quality time with each other doing so. The only mistake that we came upon was doing the project right before dinner so when it was time to eat my girls were full on cupcake.lol. Way to go,mom! lol

The pre cupcakes

Being goofy like her daddy

Savoring the green goodness

She just could not resist!

VOILA!!! The end result

Happy Wednesday Everyone!

Wordless Mondays

2010-03-15T11:06:00.000-07:00

Got choo choo!

2010-03-11T15:11:00.001-08:00

Fw: We are mobile

2010-03-11T15:07:00.001-08:00

WOHOO! We are officially blogging from our mobile.

This message has been sent using the picture and Video service from Verizon Wireless!

To learn how you can snap pictures and capture videos with your wireless phone visit www.verizonwireless.com/picture.

Note: To play video messages sent to email, Quicktime@ 6.5 or higher is required.

Twilight Junkie!

2010-03-11T10:49:00.000-08:00

The trailor came out today! To excited. Me and my girl liz already booked a date to see it. lol.

Eclipse Movie and Breaking Dawn

Weekend Hype!

2010-03-08T09:01:00.000-08:00

So we have offically scheduled Friday night as date night with daddy on Skype. Its something to look forward to when the week starts all over again. Isa was especially excited cause she had a mouthfull to tell her dad and he was eager to listen. Ily was excited too but decided that she was too tired to stay up with us and fell asleep while all the excitement was going on. We had a few connection problems and finally the juice on hubbys computer decided to go out. But it was the best 30 minutes our lil family can wish for. Pictures to come!

My MIL went OFT this weekend so I got to keep lil cousin Elicia. Having a teen in a house is quite a different story, but she is such a big helper when it comes to my kids. With her staying with me, it makes me see what is to come when my girls get older. lol Anywho, I took her and Isa and my nephew Tamu to go see Alice in Wonderland. I was a bit skeptical about taking the tots cause of the abnormal costumes and Johnny depps extravagant makeup the kids would think it would be a scary movie. So I we sat them down to watch the trailer to see if they would like it and they obliged and eagerly wanted to come watch. Its been a while since Ive seen a 3D movie, but the movie was awesome. The graphics were spectacular and the movie line was even better. A lot of adult humor. lol. My kids did good to my surprise. They got their kids combo and cool glasses. But then 10 mins into the movie they started to whine and wanted to take the glasses off cause they were WAYYYY to big for their face. It was a bit fuzzy but they didnt complain. It was a 2 hour movie but they were easily entertained with all the action going on. We did the usual potty break request. ONce we got back they were getting anxisous and finally opted that they were tired and both fell asleep in my lap for the remainder of the movie. lol.

After the movie, we headed back to my sisters house to watch the UTEP basketball team play their last home game and try to run for the CUSA champ title. UTEP is my alma mater so I am proud supporter of them. Im not a big fan of BBALL but this was the best game ever that I have seen on TV. We were always on our feet. In the first half they were behind, but with all the sweat and tears they managed to pull through and win it by 2 points. Both my brother and BIL were at the game and texting how nuts the game was and the feeling of being their live was an even more treat. As we were watching, I saw my BIL on TV and called him that he was on and managed to take a picture of him as he was talking to me. It was crazy.lol.

The nutty fans celebrating with the team after their win.

My lil bIL on TV. lol

We did our ususal Sunday brunch at my sisters and ended up cooking for the family. I cooked Carne asada fries for the kids and Stuffed bell peppers with rice for us adults. The weather was really nice and spring is slowly making its way to our city. Im so ready for the warm weather cause Im so over the cold. Hopes everyone has a great week.

Isalei's Say the Darnest things at Bedtime

2010-03-05T09:01:00.000-08:00

Its Bedtime and tucking my girls into sleep

Isa: Mama,can I tell you something real quick befor I go mimi's

Me: Real quick and then to bed

Isa: I think we should get a boy, like a brother, for daddy.

Me: Really, why? (puzzled)

Isa: Cause daddy is a boy and i think we should get him somebody like daddy. He would like it mama I know. We can get him from the baby shoppe and surprise daddy when he comes home.

Me: (giggling) baby shoppe, huh?

Isa: Yeah, mama you just go and pick them off the shelf like my animals. So, tommorow when you pick me up from Olga we can go to the shoppe,K.

Me: (laughing) well see baby! Just go to sleep. I'll talk to dada to see what he thinks.

Isa: K mama Ill dream about it while im on the beach.

Me: K, baby go to bed now.

If only Isa knew that it didnt come that Easy. I told my husband about it and stated that we have months to save up for a baby brother and that I better not get a cash in advance while he is over there. lol. Happy Friday guys!

GOOD BYE but HELLO!

2010-02-18T08:52:00.000-08:00

So the Verdict is in .....GOODBYE FAST FOOD and HELLO HOME COOKING for the sake of Lent! So for the next 6 weeks fast food chains will not be gaining any of our money.Its more of a Gain than lost. Hopefully it will stick and our pockets will get bigger with money and our weight will get smaller, well at least mines.lol.

Lent: Its here already???

2010-02-17T10:00:00.000-08:00

So today marks Ash Wednesday, so we will be hopping on over to mass this evening to recieve our Ashes. Isa will have to miss out on Ballet for the sake of the lord. She was advise and didnt seem to mind. I try to instill the customs and religous practice that was bestow upon me as a child. Growing up in a stricken Catholic family, we never missed a sunday unless we were under certain circumstances, so we ended up going on Saturdays. My father always told me and my siblings that its not much to give the Lord one hour out of the week to give thanks and praise for the blessing that he has guided us to obtain. So I try, to make it to service every Sunday and with Husband overseas, its a must. With the beginning of Ash Wed upon us, Lenten season has begun. The big question, WHAT TO GIVE UP FOR LENT? Years back I remember giving up candy, meat, bread, etc. But this year its a different? Totally clueless. 40 days of repenting in the coming day of the Easter celebration. What can I absolutely live without for 40 days. I could fast every friday. It just seems to come quicker every year. Thinking hard is hard...lol. Go into junky food detox will be realistic and eat more of natures healthy offerings.But we will see how it turns out. I wish everyone the best of luck with whatever they give up. Sacrifice is here.

Lent

It begins with ashes.

The mark of the penitent.

A public sign that we are about to embark on a conversion of heart.

It arrives quickly, nipping at the heels of the joyous promise of the Christmas season.

It arrives so very quickly that it

nearly comes as a shock.

A painful reminder that in our joy we have strayed.

A startling reminder that our lives, too, will pass quickly.

So quickly that when the number

of days He has granted us have been expended, perhaps that,

too, will come as a shock.

Lent.

A time to turn to God.

To repent.

To prepare.

Lent.

Don't waste it.

We are the World Remake!

2010-02-15T09:21:00.001-08:00

The first make of this song was amazing. The remake is even better. So chilling.

REFLECTION: Letting Go

2010-02-10T21:54:00.000-08:00

So I was having one of those days where I just wish my husband was here. I prayed to the lord to give me that extra push so I can get through this lil rut that I was in and then my friend Joy sent me this note from a well known Pastor, TD JAKES. It totally made me think and made me realize that life is to precious and to be thankful for what you have and push on forward. My BFF, Bea got on to TD Jakes reading a few years back, so without futher or due...Read on and self REFLECT....

By T.. D. Jakes

There are people who can walk away from you.

And hear me when I tell you this! When people can walk away from you: let them walk.. I don't want you to try to talk another person into staying with you, loving you, calling you, caring about you, coming to see you, staying attached to you. I mean hang up the phone.

When people can walk away from you let them walk. Your destiny is never tied to anybody that left.

The bible said that, they came out from us that it might be made manifest that they were not for us. For had they been of us, no doubt they would have continued with us. [1 John 2:19]

People leave you because they are not joined to you. And if they are not joined to you, you can't make them stay.

Let them go.

And it doesn't mean that they are a bad person it just means that their part in the story is over. And you've got to know when people's part in your story is over so that you don't keep trying to raise the dead.. You've got to know when it's dead.

You've got to know when it's over. Let me tell you something.. I've got the gift of good-bye. It's the tenth spiritual gift, I believe in good-bye.. It's not that I'm hateful, it's that I'm faithful, and I know whatever God means for me to have He'll give it to me. And if it takes too much sweat I don't need it. Stop begging people to stay.

Let them go!!

If you are holding on to something that doesn't belong to you and was never intended for your life, then you need to......

LET IT GO!!!

If you are holding on to past hurts and pains ........

LET IT GO!!!

If someone can't treat you right, love you back, and see your worth......

LET IT GO!!!

If someone has angered you.

LET IT GO!!!

If you are holding on to some thoughts of evil and revenge.....

LET IT GO!!!

If you are involved in a wrong relationship or addiction... ..

LET IT GO!!!

If you are holding on to a job that no longer meets your needs or talents

LET IT GO!!!

If you! u have a bad attitude.... ...

LET IT GO!!!

If you keep judging others to make yourself feel better......

LET IT GO!!!

If you're stuck in the past and God is trying to take you to a new level in Him.........

LET IT GO!!!

If you are struggling with the healing of a broken relationship. ....

LET IT GO!!!

If you keep trying to help someone who won't even try to help themselves... ....

LET IT GO!!!

If you're feeling depressed and stressed .............

LET IT GO!!!

If there is a particular situation that you are so used to handling yourself and God is saying 'take your hands off of it,' then you need to......

LET IT GO!!!

'The Battle is the Lord's!'

During the next 60 seconds, Stop whatever you are doing, and take this opportunity....

(Literally it is only ONE minute!)

All you have to do is the following:

You simply say 'The Lords Prayer' for the person that sent you this message:

The Lords Prayer

Our Father, who are in Heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name, Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day, our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.

For Thine is the Kingdom, and the Power, and the Glory, forever.

Amen.

Next, send this message to everyone you know. In a while, more people will have prayed for you and you would have obtained a lot of people praying for others!

Next, stop and think and appreciate God's power in your life, for doing what you know is pleasing to Him.

If you are not ashamed to do this, follow the instructions!

Jesus said, If you are ashamed of me, I will be ashamed of you before My Father'

If you are not ashamed, send this message.... only if you believe.

'Yes, I love my God. He is my fountain of Life and My Savior.

He Keeps me going day and night. Without Him, I am no one. But with Him, I can do everything, Christ is my strength.' This is a simple test.

If you love God and you are not ashamed of all the great things that He has done for you, send this to everyone you know.

God loves you and watches over you everyday

My Roots: Mama Olo

2010-02-10T13:25:00.000-08:00

(LtoR Mama Olo, Aunty Maliali, Aunty Ropine, & Aunty Pupa'a)

I was browsing my cousin's FB old school pictures and came across this photo. Its a picture of my mom's mother (tina') and her sisters. My mom's tina'( mama olo) is always known for her mean mugging photo poses.lol That lady is crazy at times and we have endless stories on her. Regardless of her crazy ways, I love this women to death.I love this picture cause it shows that even through time they still find time to spend time with each other. I hope that me and my sisters can make a photo like this when we are old and gray.

Sister Love: Tea anyone???

2010-02-09T13:52:00.001-08:00

My sitter sent me this today while I was at work. A total pick me up for the day. Its a bit blurry cause she took it with her phone. My oldest loves to play pretend and tea time is one of her favorites. She always has make up names for everyone and has designated the name "Rosa" for my youngest. Too funny.

Mile stone: 9 months

2010-02-08T09:55:00.000-08:00

Can you believe that I gave birth to this precious thing 9 months ago. Where has the time gone. She is on the verge of walking and crawls everywhere and puts her hands on anything she gets her eye on.

We love you Ily and thankful that God has blessed us with a bright and intrigued child like yourself.

Happy Birthday Monique

2010-02-06T15:58:00.000-08:00

Today marks a wonderful day of our youngest crew member my litter sister Monique turning the big 23!!! It was just yesterday we were bossing her young butt around and still are.lol. She is a wonderful aunt and an even better sister!

We love you monique and wish you nothing but the best. With God's blessing, we hope you achieve everything in life and many more to come.

Love you, Sis!!

My Little Diva

2010-01-25T12:22:00.001-08:00

Yesterday Isalei was feeling her Sunday outfit and wanted me to take her picture of her Sundays best. I swear this kid is too good for herself sometimes. To think, she is thinking like this when she is 3 imagine when she is 13. Not trying to fast forward that fast. pssh!!!

I love you Isalei, Mama!

Keeping Busy

2010-01-25T12:12:00.001-08:00

So we wouldnt go insane while daddy is gone, I decided to sign Isalei, my 3 yr old, up for some dance classes. Her first class started last week saturday and she was not feeling it and throwing a shy momment on me. So the whole time we sat and watched as she whined that she did not want to participate. And of all classes it had to be hula that she didnt want to do. UGH! She was a bit dramatized and let my whole family know about it. But luckily I sat her down to have a talk with her to see what was really wrong and she finally admitted that she thought there was monsters in her class. LOL..the things they come up with. But i confided in her that everything was ok and there were no monsters and that ballet would be a different story. Well it was a sucess on Wed. She danced the whole time. At the end of every class she gets stickers. So I went out and bought her a sticker book and for every page she fills up we will get to go to the movies. She was so excited. Today is her first tap dance class and Im hopping she does well. Cross fingers.

Our 2010 Rough Start

2010-01-19T20:20:00.001-08:00

Every year I try to make a resolution on how I can make myself a better person. You know the typical, loose weight, go to church every Sunday without skipping a beat, etc...it goes on and on. But this year was a different story due to different circumstances. Our year started off a bit bumpy, but its slowly smoothing out.

Our youngest gave us quite a scare. Right before Mike arrived, I notice that my kids were getting the sniffles. Its was around that time that kids get the common cold. I opted out the flu becuase they recieved the Flu and H1N1 already. We did the usual and took her to her pedi and was relieved that it was just a common cold. We were hoping that with just the help of a humidifier and shots of saline up her nose. It would do the trick. WRONG. We went 2 weeks and nothing was subsiding. Now she had a cough and was seriously having hard time sleeping and it seem that breathing seemed like a chore as well. It just didnt seem right so we took her back to her pedi. There was nothing they could do for her and her doc advise that to keep giving her Saline and it will go away. I confided in this Pedi in hopes that she was right and I wanted to give her the benefit of the doubt. We did what she told us too for 2 more days and finally she wasnt eating. So I had to take her to the ER room. It was rough getting her in cause apparently they dropped the ball and left us hanging without even taking her vitals for 30 mins. Way to long, so after bickering my husband to go complain they finally saw us. Once they evaluated her they noticed her oxygen saturation was way low and that she was using too much of her stomach muscle to breath and took her straight to the back. It was happening all way to fast. One prick of needles after the other. One more machine to hook her up too. Come to find out she was positive for RSV and was dehydrated and had bronchitis. We were at a military facilitiy and apparently they did not have the means to care for my child there so they had to medivac her to the nearest Childrens hospital. I was in shock and didnt know how to react. Didnt cry. Stayed strong for my baby girl. She looked so helpless with all those strings attached to her. They admitted her to PICU. It was that severe. If I would of waited another day or even weeks what would her condition been then. I was relieved that we caught it time. She was so exhausted having to fight the nurses on all the pricks that were being administered to her. Luckily after all the breathing treatments and steriods were given to expand her airways we were sent down to the pedi for another night of evaluation. She was doing great and we were discharged 2 days later.

All the while this was going on, my husband was packing his bag to leave us for the next 7 months. It was finally kicking in that he was really leaving and that our form of communication will be stricken to only days at a time. I was hoping that we would be released in time to see him off, but that wasnt the case. I broke down to him telling him that this wasnt how I pictured his send off to be. But he assured me that I was in good hands becuase of our family but also that Ily was getting better. The day he was supposed to leave we said our goodbyes that morning. I was just crying and couldnt stop. My husband going to war. Not me. But it was me and many other women were out there doing the same as me , sending their loved ones out to war.Since then, my baby girl has gotten better. We changed pediatricians and we are staying busy.

Thanks to God for helping us thru this one and many of our family and friends that prayed for us.