Dearest Dream,
I hope you're well. It's been a long time:) I wanted to write about our Family Day that we had the past Saturday with the kids & Leka's nieces & nephew.
The last weekend of January, we are going out of town on business to Columbus, Ohio. So I planned the Saturday before that we have a family outing. I knew it was going to be something small & simple, just as long as we were all together. Let's see, it was gonna be Chuck E. Cheese, Pump It Up or movies. But knowing my BOYS, they're total hands on & they have energy for days & days!!!!
As the weekend was creeping up, we were still undecided where to go!!! Then the morning of, I looked online to see if we had a roller rink near San Mateo. I didn't want to go ice skating bc it would be freezing inside!!!! Luckily I found one in Redwood City down the street from Chuck E. Cheese. I was really excited to go & we hadn't told our kids yet. Otherwise, they (or Isaiah at least) would be buggin' until the day we go!!!
So Saturday finally came. I got up early to make the all girl class workout @ the boxing gym I go to at 10am. I went w my Sis Lani & my cousin Star. We had am Awesome workout! Then when I got home, my Hubby wanted to go to the Rugby game since it was in Matio. So, I suggested he take all the kids w him while I finish up the laundry & clean around the house. So they were gone for a good 2 hours & they returned with pizza for the kids to eat for a late lunch ;) I LOVE it when my HUBBY does things without me telling him!!! You gotta LOVE LAW OF ATTRACTION!!! I was meaning to call him to get the kids something to eat on their way back, but when they returned he had it covered ;)
So we were still undecided whether to still go or not. That same Saturday, there was a WALK FOR LIFE going on in the city that all the Catholics were doing including Leka's church with his family & friends. I actually just found out that Thursday, but had I known earlier I would have gone. They were walking for against abortion & help save a life. Great cause right? But that being so last minute & we had planned that certain Saturday with the kiddies. So I didn't join my Sis in Law & my Father in Law in the walk. My Hubby's 2 nieces & nephew were over, & we weren't sure to take them or not bc we weren't sure if they were sleeping over or not. So after an hour of waiting on whether to go or not, we decided we were gonna go to the Roller rink @ 6:30pm since that was the last time it was open to the public. The time slot was from 6:30pm -8:30pm. We loaded them up in the car all 8 of us & the kids we THRILLED when we told them we were going to rollerskating!!!
We were like 15 mintes early & we couldn't go in since there was a private party going on. My kids were itching to go in & I told them we had to wait til all these cars leave so there's room for us inside. I was a little nervous for my kids since this was going to be their first time. But I knew they were gonna have fun reguardless! So we finally lined up & paid our way in. This roller rink is HUGE!!! When we you walk in, you pass a snack bar to your left. Then you have the random 25 cent machines in the middle aisle & to your right against the wall. Then you pass up 2 birthday party rooms then there was the place to get your skates. They offered the roller skates & the rollerblades. But the roller blades were $1 more so we just opted to all of us skates so we didn't have to pay $11 extra. The music was AWESOME & eccentric from kid freindly Justun Bieber to Katy Perry's Hot & Cold. The music makes a huge difference!!! It's soooo LOUD & it echoes throughout the whole place! They had awesome lighting the hardwood floor & the walls to make it feel like you were rollerskating back in the day! It was SUPER FUN but yet I had a workout since there was only 2 adults & 3 kids under 4. So I was the go-to Gal when they wanted to roller skate.
Its funny bc my Hubby used to work @ a Roladuim here in Matio when he was in middle school. He said they didn't get paid, however they did get some great perks for volunteering like free admission, free food & they were able to skate whenever they pleased. I can only imagine how fun it was for him & his friends back in the days! So, as soon as we got the kids their skates on, literally felt like forever since you had to tie & tightened each shoe for all the kids, they were free to go! Isaiah, Jeremiah & Vaasi were free to go. They went on their own & was having a blast! Skating in a circle dancing & singing to their favorite songs once they played it loud & clear. As for the other 3, they were stuck by the wall's side holding & skating as they went. Micah was funny. He was trying to run with the skates on & it was funny to see him lose his balance & fall, laugh like crazy & do it over agin time & time again. My Hubby swore he was all that & a bag of chips, skating & grooving to the music! He was sooo cute skating! It seemed like he was in middle school all over again! Jonah was my cautious one. He didn't want to skate by himslef, but he didn't want to be near the wall. So we did a couple rounds together holding hands. This kid was hecka trying to copy his Dad trying to do tricks & jump & land on his skates or whatever. He swore he knew what he was doing. And, I can't forget our not so graceful fall we had thanks to HIM! We were half way through doing a round where all of a sudden Jonah felt the urge he had to jump up again & land on his skates while holding my hand. Yeah, that didn't go all too well. I just remember skating so cute & graceful then I feel a tug then he falls & pulls my left arm & down we went together. Except when you fall when you skate, you're supposed to fall forward & not back on your butt. YEah, so he fell forward & I fell backward & OMG that HECKKKKA HURT!!!! I swear it was sooooo painful!!! Of course I got up & played it off as if it didn't hurt & went back to skating! I was sore bc of that fall for the next 3 days! Soooo not cool!!!
I wish I had taken pictures, but I was too occupied & I didn't wanna bring my bulky camera. I was afraid I was gonna break it if I fell or it was gonna get stolen if I left it by our stuff. But I went on their website & took some from the inside so you can get an idea of what it is. You should take your kids skating for a Family Activity! It's super funnn!!! To this day my kids still ask to go back!!!
I am thinking of throwing one of my kid's next Bday party there. It's super cute & I know the kids will LOVE it!
Dearest Dream,
I hope all I well on your end!!! I am just soooo THRILLED about some good news my Sis Tash told me tonight!!!! She's gonna start going to Marinello!!!!! Well, technically, she signs the papers, filling out forms & finishing her grants stuff tomorrow @ her 3 o'clock appointment with her counselor. I am sooooo happy for my lil' Lady handling hers!!! She's going to school for a masseuse, specializing in Spa Therapy. I know, go figure right? I was hoping & praying show would go to school for hair & cosmetology, but Homegirl wasn't having it! I mean her outgoing, fun & crazy personality suits it, but she chose to massage vs hair & make up :) but in the end, Im just happy she chose to further in an area that she's interested in to better herself & more importantly, to have a better life for her sweet blessing, Audrey.
This couldn't have come in a BETTER time for her. I mean, this past year was probably one of the hardest years of her life. Raising a baby on her own, (but we cant forget the endless help of our baby sisters babysitting from time to time, bc Tash still worked)going through hormonal changes after you give birth, adjusting to Mommyhood, learning to deal with Taufa & his contribution to the family & lastly, STILL being the single parent working a full time job. She's inspiring to ME. Her driven mind & her outspoken self is what I lack & it's what I LOVE most about her! She's blossomed into a Beautiful Remarkable Woman (and maybe still needs some angry issues when dealing w our baby sisters) & Im soooo Blessed beyond Blessed to live to see this!
I can't believe that Tash is 21 w a one year old & has a steady job & is soon off to venture another journey in her book of LIFE!!!! I know she'll be one heck of a masseuse (or whatever career she ends up doing! Still crossing my fingers for hair! LOL) bc of her outgoing personality!!!
Good Luck to my Sister NATASHA PENINA UNGA!!! I know it might be rough in the beginning, but your Sweet Audrey will be so thankful in the end that you did it & she'll be so proud of her Momma!!! Woooohoooo!!!!
2011 is off to a Fascinating START!!! Let's make 2011 YOUR YEAR!!!!
Ps
Ending the night with "Pretty Girl Rock" ~Keri Hilson
Tash is the one who showed me song :)
My Dearest Dream,
I hope all is well w u. I totally forgot to mention in my last post about my family's newest photo shoot. Well first off, my first cousin Maele, (more like a sister) is a professional photographer. She currently lives in Southern Cali. Every yr she plans a session up here in the Bay & we get to pick & choose our time slots. She's captured the precious images of my family since 2008. So this yr we were thrilled & anxious to go through her again. Her work is beautiful, timeless & unique! Were sooo blessed to have had her take our images once again!
The day after Thanksgiving was the set date she was coming. She had 2 locations listed, in the city or the water temple. I knew right off the bat I didn't wanna do the city. Driving in the car w my kids for a long period time can be a HIT or a MISS. And didn't wanna risk being Late. So I opted for the water temple right of highway 92. And it was much closer.
I have never been to Water Temple, but talking to my cousin Star, I was very thrilled & thankful I chose this place verse the city. I have always wanted to do the all white tops & denim bottoms or black top with denim bottom. Since Star told me that this place was very natural & nothing but trees, bushes & greens, I chose the white so we could be a pop with the environment. And I knew that our pictures would be just timeless. I guess that was the look I was going for. So I couldn't wait to hurry & take them!!! After e-mailing w L about my wardrobe idea, she wanted me to wear another color, since I was the only girl & I am the heart of the family. She suggested warm tones, beiges or even a peachy color. Of course I was hesitant cuz I hate sticking out, but eventually I saw her vision & what L was trying to portray.
Our appointment was set for @ 11am that Friday. I was sooo nervous that I was gonna oversleep since everyone knows I'm NOT a morning person. But thankfully my alarms (yes 2!) had me awake by 8:30am. My Hubby & my Nonah went to get hair cuts that am. So which left me w 2 to get ready. My hair takes the longest so I got that outta the way. I ironed the kids' white button ups & jeans the night before. So all I had to do was change them & fix Isaiahs hair. My Hubby & Jonah took forever, I guess the barbershop was super packed. As soon as they got home, we rushed outta the house @ 10:30am. On the way there, L said she'll be running late. So I was like perfect! I can finish getting the kids ready when we get to our final destination.
As soon as she got there, her & her assistant (her Hubby) were walking to find a spot to start taking photos. Here are the FINAL PHOTOS from the shoot. The weather turned out to be wonderful to us! I went ahead & added some of her past work she's done for us over the 3 yr span :) I hope you enjoy them as much as I have!!!
2008
2009
Here's our newest & my favoritest Holiday Cards I sent out this year. And the BEST part was L designed it herself!!! Yes! She Rocks!!!
I am currently waiting for L to send my disc full of our new 2010 pictures. The flicks she used are from the shoot! So until then, I will add them when they arrive in the mail! Have a wonderful Night xoxo
Well hello there Stranger :) Wow... I'm pretty impressed of how big of a gap it was from the last time I was here w you!!! I am totally glad that I had THAT much patience & discipline to do so! I guess I was trying NOT to be an addict otherwise I'd lose the "high of writing" I get when I'm in the mood to write on here! Cause Lord knows I can talk & write FOREVER!!!
As for the wonderful HOLIDAYS it was a great & memorable one for sure! I will try my best to keep it short & sweet for the sake of it & let my pictures speak for itself! I guess I will just write the "high-lights" of my wonderful Holiday Season! Although the Holidays itself are always a highlight! It only happends once a yr so it's always an excitement when this time of the year comes strolling around :)
THANKSGIVINGMy Nemani Five Family has the pleasure of celebrating (& eating) twice in the same day every year! Talk about Heaven right? Since I live with my in-laws, we always have a early Thanksgiving & then my Family over on Washington St (which is nearly blocks away from where we live. We can even walk there if we wanted to!) So we greatfully get to spend it with both sides of the Family & we all get to see our families that day! Well, this year our dinners were going to start the same time! Which NEVER happends ;( Both dinner times were called at 5pm. Since my Hubby & I were done with our dishes that were made for dinner early, I wanted to go see my Mom & spend some time with her along w my kids! It was FREEZING that day!!! But I still wanted to go see her on Thnxgiving!!! So we went & my kids had a blast running all over the cemetary, singing for my Mom & my poor Hubby cleaned her stone with freezing cold water without me asking him. I know his hands were freezing & numb @ the same time! He even pulled all the tall grass so we can see her stone better. My lil' Rascals were a huge help despite of the cold & nasty weather! We did however get to see some deer that were VERY close to us!! It was really cool to see that. My kids were more scared & was begging me to go back to the van! LOL Before we left, we took pictures & said a closing prayer. I wonder what she's doing up there. I wish she were able to see my kids...I MISS HER SOOOO MUCH..... On our way home to Thanksgiving Dinner, my boys were KO! It's not really a far drive but because we have to go up on a 2 way hill street makes it seem that way. We finally approached Home & we were just about ready to start to get our grub on. Before we star ANY family eating, my father in law conducts & says his heartfelt message, then he calls on random people to share their message & THANKFULLY he hasn't picked on me yet! Then after everyones crying filled with love & joy they sing a song then we say opening prayer. For my Hubby's Family Get together eatings it usually consists of our house & 2 other families. Plus my hubby's 2 nephews (Tani & Toa) & we can't foget our long time family friend that used to always eat with them back in the day Mikey Martinez. The food was great. It's always your average unhealthy Tongan dishes, Lu pulu, Lu sipi,kuku, Ota ika (which me & my sisters LOVE thanks to our Mom who makes the best!!!)we can't forget our grand finale a huge roasted pig in the center of the table! Then we had other random dishes like pot salad, stuffing, corn & raspberry salad. The kids usually will have pizza, spaghetti & meatballs. And for desert we had the infamous chocolate cheesecake & some yummy banana cream pie that my Betty Crocker Sis Ane made( a new & improved recipe indeed!!) and why did my sis in law hide the pies during dinner? She's too cute! She wanted to save it for just 'our house' & made everyone else eat the cake. She's hilarious, you can tell her fave was that pie!!! After we stuffed our faces, we were all watching TV in the living room & cracking a lot of jokes. Then we get a surprise visit from Makoli. Before it got too late, my kids & I headed to my Dads house. My hubby had to stay back since Mikey, Koli & the boys were still there. Luckily everyone eas awake when I got there. I couldn't wait to try Anes new & improved choc pie which was a HIT!!! Everyone was kinda waking up from their nap, so I was @ the dinner table w some of the family enjoying my piece of pie! I wish I tried other deserts that Ane whipped up from scratch, but I LOVE what I love & I won't try anything new unless I'm 100% sure of it! So I just kept to what I liked ;) I'm sad to say that I didn't capture any picutres from Thanksgiving Dinner on Norton. They are just not the picture kinda people u would say. But I was glad I caught some from visiting with my Mom!!!
CHRISTMAS: Just the word itself brings butterflies & a headache! LOL But all in all it's def THEMOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR!!! We had an early start with Christmas setup this year. We got our fresh huge tree the first Sat of Decemeber. I lucked out when my boys left w their Dad to pick the tree out. Then afterwards we hooked up & went to Costco & bought brand new red & gold ornaments, wrapping paper, bows, gift tags, a pack of cute different designed ribbons & a pack of scotch tape. Then afterwards my Hubby & I went to Target to get xmas tree lights & 3 stocking holders. Then we went to Michaels to grab some cute Stockings, a huge Angel for our tree topper,some xmas decor & some white spray so we can make our tree white. My kids were thrilled as were putting the tree up, adding the lights & ornaments. But I think they were more thrilled when we were spraying the tree white! I just LOVE the smell of fresh xmas trees! I am surprised how long the smell lasted!!! We then had to go to KMart & grab some icycle lights for outside, although we just bought some last year, we just have no idea where it is! So, we saved all the boxes so we can put the lights back in there when we take them down! I grabbed a new bells wreath while we were there & some gold & red fat wired ribbon so we can add it to our tree.
Every year for Christmas we have NEVER bought our kids anything for xmas! Ever since Isaiah was born our xmas list was huge from both sides of our family plus our list of friends that we've been doing gift exchanges since our first kids. So we would know that once we do the exchange, my kids will get something back. And to Leka & I THAT was enough! For Leka & I, Christmas wasn't about spoiling our kids with mountains of gifts. But as the years came, the list somehow would get short. As more & more families started to have kids, people just stopped giving. It took me a while to stop giving to those families who I wouldnt get anything back from. But that's the whole point of Christmas right, GIVING. So I finally put an end to it last year & decided to splurge on the ones who mean most which were my younger siblings whom I never get anything for them in the past! And besides they are a HUGE help with my kiddies so why not pay it back right?
This year was also different for my Dads house as well. We just picked names so that each kid will get ONE gift (or a couple of little things added together. Depends on the Giver) instead of each family getting eachother's family's kids something. Not only was this better cost wise, but it was better so you can focus on that ONE person instead of guessing on what every other kid wants. Well at least for me it was :)I am also ecstatic to say I started a new Nemani family tradition for the morning of Christmas. One of my really close friends, her & her family before they open gifts,they re-enact the Nativity Story before they open gifts. She's been doing that for the past three years every CHRISTmas morning. So I thought that was such an amazing & thoughtful idea! And a great way to get the kids involved & to know the TRUE meaning of CHRISTMAS!!!! So since my kids are still much younger than hers, I opted to take a different route & just read the story to them ALL together as a family. Then I asked my Mother in Law to say a few words about the story & she can add her input & whatsoever. So it turned out to be so cute. My Micah was anxious as soon as he heard his Grandma say "Jesus' Birthday" & so MIcah insisted to sing Happy Birthday to Jesus as soon as his Grandma was done. It was fun & yet rewarding to let the kids WHY we celebrate Christmas. I know they're still young & they probably are still confused, but I know once we do it every year we will start doing the play once they're old enough. We ended with Isaiah saying the closing prayer & then it all Hell broke loose! LOL Just kidding! Then the kiddies of course got to open gifts!! They were sooo antsy during the story & Grandma's talk. So I know they were lovin every minute of it!
Leka & I decided to have a small brunch for the house as soon as we were done with gifts. So before I read the kids the story, I made 2 trays of a breakfast casserole & then Leka finished making hash browns so I can get started. Oh & we can't forget our scrumptious cinnoman rolls!!! Ane had a new & improved dough that you can make anything from this dough. And cinnamon rolls was one of them. She has been making them I think every week twice a week of Decemeber or more. So I thought man, I should totally take advantage & learn HOW to make it while shes already making it anyways! So, we planned to make it 2xs! When I lived @ my Dad's house, Laura used to make it every yr for Christmas as part of Christmas tradition. So every yr I would always look forward to it! So thanks to the CINNAMON ROLLS CRAZE, I was so blessed & greatful to learn how to make them! So we had a couple of trays of cinnamon rolls for brunch as well. As soon as we were done opening gifts & taking pictures, we cleaned up & opened some of the kids simple toys. Our casserole wasn't finished baking yet, so then I wanted to go open gifts @ my Dad's house before our Christmas Dinner here on Norton. We went to my Dads in the crazy rain. Then the kiddies opened gifts upstairs w my sisters. Then I had to make the cream cheese icing for the rolls. It was good to see everyone on Chrsitmas. Although I see them everyday (literally!) It's just a blessing that I get to spend another Christmas with the ones I truly I HEART!!!! After we were there for a good hour, I wanted to hurry & get home so I can still clean up a little bit. And we hadn't opened the kids' last BIG gift from Santa that my Sis in Law got for my kids. She got a huge entertainment center for them, a new TV & a lot of knick knacks to fill in the shleves. We had to cover it with 2 sheets so the kids wouldn't see it! Oh & I forgot to mention that the kids' highlight gift from my Dad & Lola was a NINTENDO WII!!! I know! Spoiled right? It was really nice & thoughtful of them to get it for the kids. But it all worked out because they also got one for the other house! So all the kids are happy & fair ;) So when we got home from my Dads, they all pulled the sheets off & they were sooo excited & thrilled & wanted to hurry & setup the Wii to play! Luckily the gamer boys Tani & Mo were there to setup the Wii! Otherwise it woulda literally took me hours to set it up! The Wii was also a red color too with a matching red controller! I guess it was the 25th anniversary for the Mario Brothers so they came out with a special color edition. Which reminds me, I need to add 2 more controllers to that so they can ALL play together. Isaiah seems to be the one more into it & tends to forget he has brothers sometimes! So I needa make it fair & make sure they all have a controller. And it'll be funner for them so they can play verse eachother instead of doing one player all the time. But then again, one player is better than none! So were greatful either way! Thank You Santa Lola & Fekita! ;) <3
As soon as the kiddies were ready to play their Wii along with the other kids who came along, some of my friends came by so we can do gift exchanges. Luckily I made a lot of cinnamon rolls so I was able to send those out as well along with the gifts we gave out as well! I cleaned here & there & helped make some lu pulu, kuku & finishe the meatballs for the kids. I tried to snap some pictures, but I failed since my hands were tied. I think I got a couple of the food setup! LOL RIght before we ate. Then that was it. It was raining cats & dogs that day. Then Leka's friends came over so I wanted to go to my house since my house was seriously packed. So I left & spent some QT w my sisters watching Storage War on TLC & just talking. Then Hati wanted to come & play w my kids since he was bored. So I came back & he played for a lil while. I took some pictures of my kids' gifts that they recieved since I was bored. And I was just thinking how blessed & spoiled these kids are! LOL I mean back when I was a kid, I would get lucky if I got ANYTHING! Nowadys, these kids are just spoiled!!! Or maybe it's just mine??? LOL
But all in all, Christmas was Great! Oh & I can't forget I LOVED recieveing XMas cards in the mail too! So we got some of those! Not too much like last year, but greatful to still be thought of during the Holidays! I hope that you're CHRISTMAS was just as wonderful as mine. Maybe better. I am just sooo greatful & at a loss for words for all the HF has done for me & my growing family. I know he looks passes my weakness & sees my heart. However, I know for MYSELF as a PERSON, I have a lot of work to work on myself! But I know with Faith, Perseverance & Trust in HIM, I will & can get through ANYTHING!
I look forward for the upcoming year of many more opportunites for my family, faith & business & I know it's all up to ME to make it happen!
I will post pictures as soon as I upload them on a faster computer ;0)
MERRY CHRISTMAS 2010 xoxoxoxo
PS Before I forget, in the past I had named ALL my Journals I have ever owned. SInce this is like my online Journal, I HAVE to name you! As the New Year approaches, I think I came up a name for you! Yes.. I'm gonna call you DREAM! My last Journal name was Destiny. So Dream it is! Oh! And every entry I always ended with a song that either I really really liked @ the time, or a song that just came out. So, since it being the Holidays, it's only natural to end it with a Christmas song! So my Holiday song for 2010 would be
"All I Want for Chirstmas is You" Mariah Carey
