"Real" Peach Cobbler

We get missionary visits at home pretty regularly.  It's been that way for years.  It's especially nice right now while Mark is out on his mission.  Just hoping that someone in PI is being nice and welcoming to our little brother the same way we are for the elders here. 

For the past seven months, we've been lucky enough to have Elder Brignone over several different times including Thanksgiving dinner.  He's cracked jokes with us and let us (mostly me) give him a hard time over a few things from time to time.  He always has his bag of tootsie rolls on hand for the kids to devour while he's there.  A pretty cool missionary.  Strict, by the book and very blunt, but still cool. 

One weekend I happened to be making a peach cobbler for a few people and called the missionaries over to pick one up.  It was the peach cobbler recipe that my mom had learned from her gma and we've been making it for as long as I can remember.  It's so simple and soooo good! I gave the elders a whole cobbler and sent them on their way. 

The next time they visited Brignone joked "hey the peach CAKE you gave us was delicious".  Oh he SO knows me! LOL Clowning is a regular thing in our home and I knew he was opening the floodgates.  ;-) "Did you say peach CAKE?" I asked.  He proceeded to tell me that the dough on the peach cobbler was so thick that there's no way we could say it was a cobbler.  The cobbler his mom makes (also with a biscuit dough) is an ACTUAL cobbler and not a cake. 

I know the rule.  We ALL know the rule.  NO ONE can make ANYTHING as good as your mom.  EVEN if it does taste REALLY good, you never say it's better than moms.  NEVER.  ;-) So I gave it to him, can't compete with a moms recipe.  But since then, it's been a running joke.  So much so, that I finally told him I wanted to try this "real" cobbler that he was raving about. 

So I sent his mom Kerstin an email along with a picture of her son in our home and asked her for the recipe.  She was SO nice and gave us what is also her gmas recipe. One that they have been making for years in their family.  Don't you just love that? Needless to say, the Brignones Peach Blueberry Cobbler was good.  Like REALLY good! It has more fruit than the one we make, but I think that's because the cobbler we make has changed over time to accommodate the taste buds of our Tongan side.  You know, more of the sweet bread and less of the fruit that traditional peach cobblers have.  Whatever the case, we have a keeper! Elder Brignone was able to taste test the cobbler I made from his mothers recipe and gave it the seal of approval.

I'm so glad that we were able to meet Elder Brignone and get to know him.  Not just for the great peach cobbler but also for the great example of what a good missionary is. 

The Brignone Peach Blueberry Cobbler

Sweet Biscuit Topping :
2 cups all purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
4 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 tea salt
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1/4-1/2 cup milk
2 eggs
additional milk and sugar, optional

Mix flour, 1/4 cup sugar, baking powder and salt together.  Cut in 1/2 cup butter until crumbly and (like cornmeal).  In a small bowl, mix eggs and 1/4 cup milk until well blended.  Stir milk/egg mixture into flour mixture until blended together.  Add additional milk a little at a time, only if needed to make a stiff dough. On a lightly floured surface roll out dough to 1/2 thick. Fold in half and roll again to 1/2 inch thick. Using 2 inch cookie/biscuit cutter cut out shapes (circles, ovals, hearts, or diamonds all work well).  Set aside to place on top of hot fruit mixture.

Fruit Mixture:
3- 15 oz (6 cups) cans sliced peaches (no sugar added, or canned in fruit juice)
2 cups blueberries (1 pint), fresh or frozen
4 Tablespoons cornstarch

Preheat oven to 425F. Drain the peaches and reserve juice from 2 cans of fruit (approximately 1 cup).  Put peaches in a 3 qt saucepan with 1/2 cup reserved juice (about the same amount as in 1 can of the peaches) Mix cornstarch into remaining 1/2 cup peach juice.  Stir into peaches in the pan. Bring to boiling over medium heat (stir occasionally so it doesn't stick). Cook 1-2 minutes or until juice is clear. Remove from heat and add blueberries (if using frozen blueberries leave on warm burner for a few minutes until mixture is hot again).  Pour into 13x9 (2 1/2 quart) pan. Top with sweet biscuits (directions below). Brush biscuits lightly with milk just to moisten (if desired) and sprinkle biscuits with 2 teaspoons of sugar. Bake at 425F for 10-20 minutes or until biscuits are golden brown and fruit mixture is bubbling around edges.

Mama's Boy

I'll admit it, I'm jealous. Not because of the email. More because somehow, from hundreds of miles away, MarkyBo's old Mama's Boy self managed to top our birthday gift. To make matters worse, he wasn't even TRYING! Dang you mama's boys! I thought it was cute. Cute enough to get it's own special blog shout out. Good job MarkyBo, I think it's safe to say the mission is really transforming you and yet you still manage to maintain your mama's boy nature. Pretty dope if you ask me. This weeks email from MarkyBo to all of the folks on his distribution list -

SO THROUGH THIS PAST WEEK I WAS THINKNG U KNOW MY MOM IS AWESOME..SHES THE COOLEST. THE ONLY WHITE LADY I KNO WHOS FAVORITE RAPPER IS LUDACRIS OR I GUESS THE ONLY WHITE LADY I KNO WITH A FAVORITE RAPPER.HAHA SHE GORGEOUS AND MAKES AMAZING LOOKING CHILDREN..LOL SHES VERY HARDWORKING AND KNOWS HOW TO HAVE FUN. SHES GENEROUS SHES GENIUS SHES JUST EVERYTHING YOU NEED IN A MOM. SHE KNOWS WHAT TO SAY AND HOW TO SAY IT. SHE KNOWS WHEN TO PUSH ME WHEN I NEED IT AND WHEN TO JUST LEAVE ME ALONE. SHES MEMERIZED THE LIKES AND DISLIKE IN FOOD OF ALL THE CRAZY KIDS SHE HAS AND DESERVES THE WORLD. I REALIZED THAT I DIDNT DO ANYTHING FOR HER BIRTHDAY THIS YEAR NOT EVEN A SPECIAL EMAIL TO HER ON HER DAY AND WAS MAD THAT ID HAVE TO WAIT TILL NEXT YEAR UNTIL I REALIZED THIS WOMAN IS MUCH TO SPECIAL TO BE NOTICED OR THANKED OR WISHED A HAPPY DAY ON JUST ONE DAY A YEAR. SO THIS WEEKS EMAIL IS FOR MY MOTHER..THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL YOU DO AND FOR ALL YOUVE DONE. I HOPE YOU ARE HAVING A GREAT WEEK!! HAPPY WHATEVER DAY !!! I LOVE U MOM!!!

WORK IS THE SAME JUST TRYING TO DO MY BEST. SO LAST WEEK WE BAPTIZED BROTHER DIEGO. CRAZY THINGS HAPPENED. HE WAS A FIVE YEAR INVESTIGATOR. THOSE ARE THE HARDEST CUZ THEY JUST KNO EXACTLY WHAT U WANNA HEAR. ANYWAYS HE HADNT RECEIVED AN ANSWER AND REFUSED TO BE BAPTIZED UNTIL HE HAD ONE WHICH IS PERFECTLY FINE. BUT HE WAS 91 AND SICK SO WE WERE NERVOUS HED PASS BEFORE GETTING THAT ANSWER. LONG STORY SHORT BROTHER DIEGO TELLS US ON FRIDAY NIGHT THAT HE GOT HIS ANSWER AND WANTED TO BE BAPTIZED THE NEXT DAY. PRETTY HARD TO RUSH THAT BUT WE MADE IT HAPPEN. HE WAS INTERVIEWED AND BAPTIZED THE NEXT DAY ON SATURDAY. THEN SUNDAY COMES FOR HIS CONFIRMATION. EVERYTHING GOES FINE HE COMES TO CHURCH AND IS CONFIRMED UNTIL RIGHT WHEN WE CLOSE HIS CONFIRMATION BLESSING AND SAY AMEN HE JUST SITS THERE. WE KNOW HES OLD SO WE JUST GIVE HIM SOME TIME THEN HE KINDA JUST SLOUCHES OVER. BROTHER DIEGO WAS PRONOUNCED DEAD 2 HOURS LATER. WAHAKO!!!!! I WAS LIKE WHOA!!..IT WAS WEIRD BUT WE FIGURED THAT WAS THE BEST TIME FOR HIM TO GO. HE HAD REPENTED AND WAS CLEAN FROM ALL SIN I QUESTIONED MY SELF AFTER THAT. HE BEING SO OLD HAD TO KNOW HIS TIME WAS CLOSE. BUT US AS YOUNGER ADULTS ARE WE READY AT ANY TIME TO GO?? WILL WE BE CLEAN OF SIN BEFORE OUR TIME COMES?? OR WILL IT BE TOO LATE??.. JUST A THOUGHT. BUT MAN IT IS HOT OUT HERE MAYNE. YA BOI IS DROPPIN WEIGHT LIKE CRAZY IN DIS SUN...AND YES GETTING BLACK!! BUT ISS ALL GOOD. IM STILL A CHILD OF MY MOM WHICH MEANS IM A HOTTIE...HHAAHHAHA....DOOOIN IT..LOVE U WORLD. RYT ME!!!

Tupouatas around the World

Chatted with MarkyBo recently (smiles to Tate*tatefaaumu.blogspot.com*) and from the looks of things, he's doing good! It reminded me that I haven't done an elder update in a while!

These cool guys decided to make life easy for themselves and started sending mass emails with updates about how they're doing along with pictures. I figured instead of writing my own update, I'd post their most recent ones. For all of you ladies out there who are looking for an RM in another year or so...pay close attention to the email addresses I'm gonna post. Maybe you'll end up on the mass email list. ;-)

Elder Mark Tupou Ata
Quezon City, Philippines
mark.ata@myldsmail.net
magandang gabi mga kapatid!!

In an attempt to get some emails and to not have to reply to everyone at once..i decided to finally do one of these groups emails. so..so far im in my 3rd area san miguel bulacan. baliwag zone ive trained and been a district leader, ive lost 64pounds and now can officially speak the language..lol..as for the work it has been great..many mistakes but no regrets. the church is true and i will try to keep this updated..dont have lots of time right now so this one is actualy pretty whack but watevs..write me peeps...ask me anything!!...love u all.

ingat kayo lagi.. sa susunod nalang!


Elder Eric Tuihalangingie
Marshall Islands
alika.tuihalangingie@myldsmail.net
HEY WORLD. HOW YAH BEEN?

WELL THE MISSIONS GOIN WELL FOR ME AND MY COMP HERE IN THE OUTIES, HAVING FUN SERVIN THE LORD. I MEAN YOU GOTTAH HAVE FUN WHILE YOUR AT IT RIGHT? HAHA. HOPE ALL IS GOOD WITH YOU WORLD. WELL HERES A FEW PICS FROM THESE PAST COUPLE WEEKS. NOTHIN BUT THE WORK. TILL NEXT TIME.

GET AT ME.


Elder Siaosi Tupou'ata
Sao Paulo, Brazil
siaosi.tupouata@myldsmail.net
Eai Seus Bandidos

wassup everybody. i hope all is well with you all. another week down on the mission. time flys when your having fun lol man ive learned so much being in a different country and a different world. ive learned how much i took for granted the small things that i have in my life like my family and friends that are always there for me, the roof ive always had over my head,food on the table always, and even the toilet paper i used for you know what lol. here in a third world country you dont always got those things. its sad seeing it but im doing my best to help them find a better way of life through the gospel of Jesus Christ. ive met so many cool people and so many crazy people but they have all helped me grow physically, mentally and spiritually. i know that God lives and he loves us all. hope you all are doing good and staying busy. i miss you all and love you all so much. hit me up with some updates on how the world is on your side. know that its looking pretty good on mines lol much love from ya boi Elder Tupouata........

Fica firme na rocha ai. eu amo voces com todo meu coracao.espero que tudo ta bem com voces.
throwin up the deuces

Elder Tali Tuihalangingie
Honolulu, Hawaii
tali.tuihalangingie@myldsmail.net
well hows it?? The mission is still the best thing going!! I'm still serving here in the Honolulu Zone, and im going on six months in this area. I got new companions now, an elder Ence from St. George Utah, and an Elder Wagner from Bellvue Ohio. The mission is flying bye, and man its been a blast. The work here in this area is solid. We cover the Honolulu Tongan ward, and the Kahala Ward. The Tongan ward is cool, they push missionary work tuff!, and they love the missionaries. The Kahala ward is cool, but they aint really pushing at all. So far i have no complaints about the area or the mission, besides all the fetchin food they feed us..haha...i guess i gotta be greatful, i know some of you out there on the mission is starving, but man i know the Lord got you wherever you might be. Well enough aobout me, hows everything going back wherever you might be?? hows the work for you missionaries? Hopefully you love it, because ots the best, i know it is!!!, well alohaz and mahaloz...have a solid day!!!

Paalam at magandang kapalaran!

"Good bye and Good Luck!" in Tagalog.

Seeing Mark off at the Airport was a whole lot harder than seeing him off at the MTC. Something about the whole family saying their goodbyes was more difficult.
He was SOOOOO nervous the night before he reported at the MTC. It was obvious that he was scared and when you asked him he didn't deny it.

We tried to do a ton of fun things in the days leading up to Mark leaving. We arrived in Provo on Sunday night so after checking in and grabbing a quick bite to eat the night was DONE. Most of Monday was spent shopping to get all of his last minute things. We did however get to spend Monday night with the Popes. We had a BLAST! The kids had so much fun with Aunties Mata and Tia during their dance contest and before we headed back to our hotel they brought out a cake for Spencer who's birthday was the following day. I could've spent my entire 4 days over at the Pope's place. It's so warm and welcoming. Aunty Isa is one amazing chic! She does it all and I just love to soak it
up!

Tuesday was FUN. Madre wanted to make sure that Mark's last full day was spent doing things that were more fun. It didn't hurt that it was also Spencey's 5th birthday. Even more reason to enjoy the time in Provo. We tried to get up for the early breakfast at the hotel that was FREE. It was a huge spread of fresh waffles, fruit, and all the fixin's. Yeah, that didn't happen. FREE is nothing compared to sleepin' in. So we missed that but had an early lunch date with Aunty Vai so it was no biggie. Before lunch we spent most of the morning at the Provo mall shopping and taking advantage of Mo's Nordy's discount. Gotta love a great deal! We also managed to stop in Build A Bear so that the kiddies could make souvenier bears. Mark found an "Elder Bear" costume so he made one of those for Hannah. Only in Utah right?!? They had a blast! After the mall we headed over to Chuck A Rama for lunch with the Latu's. It was so nice to see them. We had to rush though because Likio was going to enter to temple that afternoon and we didn't want to keep Vai too long. So after stuffin' bears and our tummies we spent some time at the nickel arcade and the kids played lazer tag. Once they ran outta nickels we headed to the hotel for playing in the snow and swimming. Crazy combo right?!?! Lucky kids! There was an indoor pool which is what made that possible.


And then it was Wednesday. Time to say goodbye. Mo spent the night at the hotel with us so that we could make another attempt at free breakfast before Mark left. Yup, we missed it again! So we opted to go to Cafe Rio instead. BEST CHOICE EVER! It was so yummy! Mark was so nervous so he barely ate, but we all grubbed! LOL Right after Cafe Rio we headed up to take pictures at the Provo Temple before saying our goodbyes. Auntie Isa, Baby Jack and Likio joined us for a few quick snapshots. Most of the pictures were on the Ogees camera so I don't have them. :-( Thank goodness Mo took my camera and got a few pictures for me. The drop off is so quick! We literally drove into a parking lot, stopped where they told us to stop and unloaded his bags. After a few quick hugs he was walking away. No time for tears!

I was so glad we had the opportunity to go to Provo and see him off. I'm sure he's going to get the hang of things quickly. We've already heard from him and so far, he's enjoying it. We had a BLAST in Provo! I would totally go back. We ended up having to drive home. URGH! THANK GOODNESS it wasn't too bad of a drive. The kids were excited to be going on a road trip. I on the other hand don't like long drives. BUT we made it home safely and that's all I could ask for.

See ya later!

It's almost that time! In exactly a week we'll be dropping Markybo off to the MTC. It's so bitter sweet! On one hand I'm glad that we won't really worry about where he is and what he's doing. I'm sure that wherever he is, he'll be taken care of. I can also be sure that my gas will stay where I left it and that the change from bridge toll that I leave in my ash tray will still be there the next time I have to pay $5 to cross the bridge. LOL But I'm bummed that my little brother isn't going to be around for two years. It's a familiar feeling for Mormon families. That mixture of joy and sadness that we all face when a brother, son or uncle goes away for 2 years. We can officially say goodbye to the boy and prepare to welcome a new "man".

I'm delighted at the thought of going to Utah with my whole little Nisa clan on Sunday. My little family has always included my little brother so it's only fitting that we can tag along to see him off. I'm the biggest craft junky dork so I couldn't be more excited about checking out all of the fun trinkets that Utah has to offer! It's the craft capitol of the world! HAHA But more importantly, I'm happy that I have the opportunity to show my support to my little brother who is taking a huge step. He's grown so much already and those who heard his talk at his program know that going on a mission wasn't always his priority. I'm sure he'll do well, I'm positive he'll change at least one life and I'm confident that if the life he changes isn't that of someone in the Philippines it'll be the life of the young man who's leaving us next week. It's the beginning of adulthood for Markybo and since goodbye seems so permanent, "I'll see ya later". :-)

A few pictures from the farewell Sunday. So wish we coulda got a few with the UNGA clan! It was such a HECTIC day!

Bitter? Jealous? Envious? HONORED.

This Saturday my brother had the opportunity to experience something that I have yet to encounter. Markybo received his endowments and entered into the Oakland temple. While I knew I was endlessly proud of his accomplishments, I couldn't help but shake the feeling of being inadequate. I am the oldest of all of my siblings and to date, four of the younger ones have been able to make their way into the temple. I've been there to hear about how much peace they find and how spiritually uplifted they are. But for some reason, I'm just not ready.

When Mark began taking temple classes I was approached about taking the same classes along with him. For the first time, I started to think about actually doing it! The thought of experiencing something so huge for the first time with my little brother was kinda cool. It was either do it now with Markybo, do it alone or wait another couple years to see IF Siua would ever get to the point of taking that step. It was a lot to think about! In the end I decided that even if it meant that I would be alone, I would do it on my own time. It's not something I could rush into. I'd like to believe that once I enter into the temple I will have a solid understanding of my beliefs, unwavering faith and a firm grasp on my testimony of the gospel. That I would be strong enough to withstand all of the temptation that would come my way. I know it's coming, but I'm just not there yet.

So I went along with my "outsiders" crew - sisters Jigz, Salomay and Lani. Thank goodness for them! We waited anxiously for a few minutes and smiled proudly with the camera in hand as the "insiders" made their way out. After I hugged my little brother and congratulated him, I realized that there was no reason to even question myself and why I happen to be one of the "late bloomers". I'm HONORED to be able to participate in celebrating the accomplishment with all of my siblings. Then when it's time, I'll be there and lucky for me because by then I'm sure EVERYONE can come inside too! LOL

Snapshots from that morning at the Oakland Temple.
Purple was the color of the day. LOL
Joshy was the only one of my kids who woke up early enough to attend
MarkyBo coming out.
George, Me, Markybo and Bill
Markybo and LJ who also got his endowments that day. They are both leaving for their missions soon.
Marky Bo, Bishop Fonua and LJ
Me and my "oldest" child. LOL
LJ and his Mama Seni
Kris coming out.
The parentals with Vita Kioa
They had their own private photo shoot. LOL
One of my FAVES! Told you it was a photo shoot. HA!
Group Flic!
LOL @ MO
Gotta love the two besties.
The "outsiders" table. LOL