Wednesday, November 24, 2010
ZZZZZZ......
Thanksgiving pies...SO GLAD 2010's pie orders are officially COMPLETED! Slept after 4am and got to work at 9am. Can we say sleepy?
Thursday, November 18, 2010
I'm feeling the LOVE!
What a busy week this is! I had the opportunity to help my little sis Jigz complete a few projects in order to finish off 3 values in her personal progress. Our wards Young Women in Excellence program was on Wednesday and it was her opportunity to showcase the work she did this year. I was happy that I had the chance to work with her. She's such a sweet little lady and I know that if she keeps her feet planted in the right place she'll grow and mature into a gorgeous woman both inside and out. While I'm always happy to help any one of my siblings, I was especially excited to work on these projects with Jigz. It allows time to talk about things that don't necessarily come up in conversation regularly.
For her Individual Worth project she decided she wanted to do a some family history along with an actual family tree. Being the nerd that I am, I jumped at the idea and we started to brainstorm together. I told her I would print out pictures of immediate family so that she could start her tree and then we made a trip to Michael's to get all of the supplies she needed to put it together. We finally had everything and it was time to get started but I had to make sure I pointed out one thing first. I told Jigz that I printed pictures of everyone - siblings, step siblings, her mom, her dad and my mom. I also mentioned that I printed everyone because I wasn't sure who she wanted to use but that I wouldn't take it offensively if she didn't put pictures of "step family" on her family tree because I understand that it's about your bloodline and where you come from. Before I could finish my sentence she interrupted me saying "Ahn I KNEW you were going to say that!". I was surprised at her response and she proceeded "Everyone counts because everyone plays a roll in my life, I'm putting everyone on it". With that said, I let her do her thing and watched as my sweet sister put everyone's pictures on her family tree. There is a delicate balance between trying to keep everyone close and pushing too hard. While I was scared to cross the boundary line with her, Jigz helped me realize that there was no line to begin with.
Here are a few pictures of Jigz hard at work -
As if THAT wasn't enough for one week, Jigz and I got back from the YW in Excellence program last night to a packed house (as usual). I LOVE when everyone is home and happy. I sat at the table and talked with everyone about Jigz and what a great job she did. After a little while I decided to go get things ready for bed. Just as I was leaving the living room, my "Bruh Bruh" Hati came out of his room and handed me this sweet note -
I had to scan it because I wanted to preserve it in his "little kid" handwriting forever! LOL Isn't it sweet? The instant I read it I had to walk away cause I was sure to shed a tear. I'm such a softy! I especially love the part about being glad that we're "sisters"! He's going to be mad at me for posting this if he ever finds his way here one day. ;-) THANK YOU "Bruh Bruh" and Jigz for your sweet examples of love. Somehow, two of my youngest siblings have been able to conquer that delicate balance of treating everyone like "family". Blood or not, we all play an important part in each others lives.
For her Individual Worth project she decided she wanted to do a some family history along with an actual family tree. Being the nerd that I am, I jumped at the idea and we started to brainstorm together. I told her I would print out pictures of immediate family so that she could start her tree and then we made a trip to Michael's to get all of the supplies she needed to put it together. We finally had everything and it was time to get started but I had to make sure I pointed out one thing first. I told Jigz that I printed pictures of everyone - siblings, step siblings, her mom, her dad and my mom. I also mentioned that I printed everyone because I wasn't sure who she wanted to use but that I wouldn't take it offensively if she didn't put pictures of "step family" on her family tree because I understand that it's about your bloodline and where you come from. Before I could finish my sentence she interrupted me saying "Ahn I KNEW you were going to say that!". I was surprised at her response and she proceeded "Everyone counts because everyone plays a roll in my life, I'm putting everyone on it". With that said, I let her do her thing and watched as my sweet sister put everyone's pictures on her family tree. There is a delicate balance between trying to keep everyone close and pushing too hard. While I was scared to cross the boundary line with her, Jigz helped me realize that there was no line to begin with.
Here are a few pictures of Jigz hard at work -
As if THAT wasn't enough for one week, Jigz and I got back from the YW in Excellence program last night to a packed house (as usual). I LOVE when everyone is home and happy. I sat at the table and talked with everyone about Jigz and what a great job she did. After a little while I decided to go get things ready for bed. Just as I was leaving the living room, my "Bruh Bruh" Hati came out of his room and handed me this sweet note -
I had to scan it because I wanted to preserve it in his "little kid" handwriting forever! LOL Isn't it sweet? The instant I read it I had to walk away cause I was sure to shed a tear. I'm such a softy! I especially love the part about being glad that we're "sisters"! He's going to be mad at me for posting this if he ever finds his way here one day. ;-) THANK YOU "Bruh Bruh" and Jigz for your sweet examples of love. Somehow, two of my youngest siblings have been able to conquer that delicate balance of treating everyone like "family". Blood or not, we all play an important part in each others lives.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
It's the little things
I am lucky enough to be able to have a "tag team" schedule with my hubby. He works nights and I work during the day. That way, one of us is always on hand with the kids at any given time. It works good for the kids, but sleeping all alone for five out of seven days is kinda lonesome. Not to mention, I'm the biggest scaredy cat! Whatever the case, it works for us (for now) and I'm grateful for that.
Sunday night Siua started to get ready for work around 10. The kids already know the routine so they instantly prepare themselves for their dad to leave. Just a half hour later, he was out the door and on his way.
At around 11:30 I heard someone open the door and turn on the lights. Siua walked in and said there was a scheduling mix up so he got to come home. LOVE IT! Papa happened to be awake (he is such a night owl!) and I caught this sweet candid of him embracing his dad with excitement.
Although Siua left just an hour earlier, my papaman was so happy to have his dad back at home when he least expected it. Thank you schedule change!!!
Sunday night Siua started to get ready for work around 10. The kids already know the routine so they instantly prepare themselves for their dad to leave. Just a half hour later, he was out the door and on his way.
At around 11:30 I heard someone open the door and turn on the lights. Siua walked in and said there was a scheduling mix up so he got to come home. LOVE IT! Papa happened to be awake (he is such a night owl!) and I caught this sweet candid of him embracing his dad with excitement.
Although Siua left just an hour earlier, my papaman was so happy to have his dad back at home when he least expected it. Thank you schedule change!!!
Friday, November 12, 2010
Time Flies
Holy cow! I was looking back on pictures and realized that I graduated from high school just over 10 years ago!!! Crazy how quickly time flies! One picture in particular caught my eye. It was a year after I graduated and the same year my parents divorced. 
It's really kinda sad when I think about how much was going on at that time. Now that I mention it, this may have been the LAST picture taken with my dad and all us kids. We've gotten together, but there is always someone missing or there's no camera to capture the rare moment.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not "down and out" because of it. At this point I can't even imagine what it was that caused my parents to be drawn to one another. They are polar opposites. Now that I am an adult, I am glad that they took their own separate paths.
It was hard at the time but we're all better because of it. I am the oldest of my siblings and the one who probably remembers the most. From what I can remember, they've never been as happy as they are today. Happiness is ultimately what I want for all of the people that I love.
I just can't believe how quickly it feels like things changed! It all just feels so normal now and thinking about what used to be seems unordinary. It's crazy how things work out sometimes especially when you don't even realize what is good for you.
It's really kinda sad when I think about how much was going on at that time. Now that I mention it, this may have been the LAST picture taken with my dad and all us kids. We've gotten together, but there is always someone missing or there's no camera to capture the rare moment.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not "down and out" because of it. At this point I can't even imagine what it was that caused my parents to be drawn to one another. They are polar opposites. Now that I am an adult, I am glad that they took their own separate paths.
It was hard at the time but we're all better because of it. I am the oldest of my siblings and the one who probably remembers the most. From what I can remember, they've never been as happy as they are today. Happiness is ultimately what I want for all of the people that I love.
I just can't believe how quickly it feels like things changed! It all just feels so normal now and thinking about what used to be seems unordinary. It's crazy how things work out sometimes especially when you don't even realize what is good for you.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
You have GOT to try this!
Last night at mutual one of our YW girls, Isa Fakatoumafi did a health spa presentation. It was a project for her personal progress and she did an amazing job. I learned so many new tips! I'll post a few of the tips I learned at the end of this post but there was one in particular I'd like to elaborate on - the coconut oil hand scrub. It is AWESOME! My favorite scrub EVER! Don't take that lightly, I'm a beauty product junky. I've wasted my precious bucks on products that are marketed towards women (like me) who like to find the "the next best thing". I'm ashamed to say that I often roll my eyes and turn away from holistic and "all natural" home remedies with the thought that if it was THAT good someone would have "bottled it up" and put it on the market ages ago. I was wrong.
The coconut scrub did wonders! My hands are still soft, smooth and hydrated. I was delighted to hear that you could use the scrub anywhere you'd like (lol @ the thoughts that came up after that tidbit), other than your face that is. So you can be THAT smooth all over! I didn't even mention the best part - it's less than $10 to make a huge jar full. The ingredients are easy to find and if you you're lucky you might already have them at home. The srub is simply made of equal parts sugar and coconut oil. Yup, that's it! Just take a small amount and rub it all over your hands the way you would if you were giving them a good wash. After about 15-20 seconds, rinse them in water thoroughly. The coconut oil we used was purchased at Whole Foods. I'll get pictures and post them as soon as I can.
Here are the other tips I learned-
Teeth whitening - rub strawberries on your teeth for a few minutes as often as you can. The juice from the strawberries will help to whiten your teeth naturally.
Face Mask - a blend of oatmeal, honey, and plain yogurt on your face for 10 minutes will help tone your skin and keep it hydrated.
Blackheads - use a piece of tomato to rub over the areas where you commonly find blackheads. The acid in the tomato helps to keep your pours clean. If you follow with a slice of pineapple it'll double the effect. Once you've rubbed it all over, follow with a plain yogurt rub. Just put plain yogurt on your face like you would if you were using lotion. It helps to stop the acid (from the tomato and pineapple) from hurting your face and provides a "cooling" effect.
There is so much more that I can't recall but in short, I enjoyed it! I loved hearing the tips. It was even more exciting that one of our girls was presenting. I would for sure do it again and I hope you all try too! Enjoy!
The coconut scrub did wonders! My hands are still soft, smooth and hydrated. I was delighted to hear that you could use the scrub anywhere you'd like (lol @ the thoughts that came up after that tidbit), other than your face that is. So you can be THAT smooth all over! I didn't even mention the best part - it's less than $10 to make a huge jar full. The ingredients are easy to find and if you you're lucky you might already have them at home. The srub is simply made of equal parts sugar and coconut oil. Yup, that's it! Just take a small amount and rub it all over your hands the way you would if you were giving them a good wash. After about 15-20 seconds, rinse them in water thoroughly. The coconut oil we used was purchased at Whole Foods. I'll get pictures and post them as soon as I can.
Here are the other tips I learned-
Teeth whitening - rub strawberries on your teeth for a few minutes as often as you can. The juice from the strawberries will help to whiten your teeth naturally.
Face Mask - a blend of oatmeal, honey, and plain yogurt on your face for 10 minutes will help tone your skin and keep it hydrated.
Blackheads - use a piece of tomato to rub over the areas where you commonly find blackheads. The acid in the tomato helps to keep your pours clean. If you follow with a slice of pineapple it'll double the effect. Once you've rubbed it all over, follow with a plain yogurt rub. Just put plain yogurt on your face like you would if you were using lotion. It helps to stop the acid (from the tomato and pineapple) from hurting your face and provides a "cooling" effect.
There is so much more that I can't recall but in short, I enjoyed it! I loved hearing the tips. It was even more exciting that one of our girls was presenting. I would for sure do it again and I hope you all try too! Enjoy!
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Is it really here already???
It's that time of year again. The time that I wait for all year long. Then just as soon as it approaches, I wish I had another month or two to prepare. It's "The Holidays" for 2010.
I have a true passion for baking and cooking. I absolutely LOVE the idea of taking a few things that look like this -
And turning them into something that looks like this -
Yes, I'm the dork who takes pics of the food I made. Heck, I put all that effort into it and it only lasts a couple hours!
All of the baking that comes with this season is one of the things that I look forward to. It ranks pretty high on my "What I love most about the holidays" list. While I enjoy doing it all year round, there's something about the holidays that makes it extra special. People don't think twice about being given special treats. I'm a big fan of random acts of service. This season is the ONLY TIME that those acts aren't questioned by the person on the receiving end. In short, I.LOVE.IT.
This year I'm doing something a little bit different. Instead of just selling my holiday pies (something I started doing last year after people told me that they felt bad about asking me to make them a pie or two) this year I'm helping my little brother Marky Bo and my cousin George with their mission prep. I'm going to be 100% honest, I'm sure they could get all of the necessities without the help of my pies. I also know that because of the choice they made to go on a mission, they are going to have to sacrifice a lot of the things they WANT. I think that they deserve to do what they want too! After all, they made the choice to give up two years of their life in service of the lord. What better reason than that to reward someone? So this years pie profits go to assist those two in making the best of the few months they have here at home. If that means splurging on the comfy church shoes instead of buying the pair on sale, so be it. Whatever the case, I'm happy to help!
Below you'll find the details for this years pie sale. I've posted them on FB but in an effort to chronicle the most accurate information on this online journal of mine, I'm going to post them here too.
Pies are $12 each and if you buy 3 I'll throw in one free banana or coconut cream!
Here is the list you can choose from-
Pumpkin
Turtle Banana Cream
Chocolate Cream
Pecan
Peach Cobbler
Caramel Apple
HAPPY HOLIDAYS everyone! Wishing you all the very best always. Let us not forget the real reason for the season. We're off to a good start, let the good times roll!
I have a true passion for baking and cooking. I absolutely LOVE the idea of taking a few things that look like this -
And turning them into something that looks like this -
Yes, I'm the dork who takes pics of the food I made. Heck, I put all that effort into it and it only lasts a couple hours!
All of the baking that comes with this season is one of the things that I look forward to. It ranks pretty high on my "What I love most about the holidays" list. While I enjoy doing it all year round, there's something about the holidays that makes it extra special. People don't think twice about being given special treats. I'm a big fan of random acts of service. This season is the ONLY TIME that those acts aren't questioned by the person on the receiving end. In short, I.LOVE.IT.
This year I'm doing something a little bit different. Instead of just selling my holiday pies (something I started doing last year after people told me that they felt bad about asking me to make them a pie or two) this year I'm helping my little brother Marky Bo and my cousin George with their mission prep. I'm going to be 100% honest, I'm sure they could get all of the necessities without the help of my pies. I also know that because of the choice they made to go on a mission, they are going to have to sacrifice a lot of the things they WANT. I think that they deserve to do what they want too! After all, they made the choice to give up two years of their life in service of the lord. What better reason than that to reward someone? So this years pie profits go to assist those two in making the best of the few months they have here at home. If that means splurging on the comfy church shoes instead of buying the pair on sale, so be it. Whatever the case, I'm happy to help!
Below you'll find the details for this years pie sale. I've posted them on FB but in an effort to chronicle the most accurate information on this online journal of mine, I'm going to post them here too.
Pies are $12 each and if you buy 3 I'll throw in one free banana or coconut cream!
Here is the list you can choose from-
Pumpkin
Turtle Banana Cream
Chocolate Cream
Pecan
Peach Cobbler
Caramel Apple
HAPPY HOLIDAYS everyone! Wishing you all the very best always. Let us not forget the real reason for the season. We're off to a good start, let the good times roll!
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