Happy Sabbath :) 5/19/13

This entry was a draft for over two years. Lol. Decided it's time to post it.

It's  been several weeks since my last post and so much updating to do. Here goes nothing. Lol.

April 23, 2013
                                                

HAPPY 31st BIRTHDAY TO DADDY!!!

My old man turned 31 last month. Lol. He might be getting older, but he sure doesn't age! Truly the best looking 31 year old ever. Haha. Anyways...Tina and I are truly blessed to have you in our lives! He really is an amazing father! Tina always enjoys playing with her dad. He probably doesn't know this, but everytime he falls asleep on the couch, she walks over to him, smacks him on the chest a couple of times to wake him up, and when he doesn't, she leans over to his face and umas (kisses) him. Other times I find her laying down on his chest, back, or even on his side like a log. Haha. She loves her daddy! I'm grateful to have such a hardworking man. I often feel bad and ask him if he'd like me to work to help him out, but he tells me he'd rather have me stay home and take care of our daughter. I appreciate him for acknowledging that and taking it upon himself to work full-time to provide for our little family. I love you my handsome :) Thank God everyday for you!

I thought he was suppose to work on his birthday, but I got surprised when he returned home early. Shucks, I had this little cute idea put together to do for his birthday while at work. Change of plans, while he enjoyed playing video games, I went out to the mall and bought him cologne, clothes, and a pair of shoes and on the way home picked up his blueberry cheesecake I had ordered the day before. Blueberry cheesecake being his favorite cake :) He doesn't like it when I buy things for him, but who will if he doesn't. I guess we're both the same. Haha. He ended up loving the gifts anyways. I asked him what he'd like to do for his birthday. I had planned to just take him out for dinner, but asked him again what he'd like to do. So he decided he wanted to go bowling and invite our family to come. My brother had to work and it was just a last minute thing, really last minute, and we were glad Tina, Lota and their families were able to meet up with us at FAtCAts. We had so much fun! John won over 6000+ tickets and got all the kids prizes! His lucky day on his birthday! We were glad the kids enjoyed themselves and I know they love love love their Uncle John!

                                                                          THE END

APRIL 19

Lets back track a little here...haha.

John had a training for work out near Wendover. Sometimes his work puts together fun activities, like golfing, for their training that way the employees socialize and get to know each other better. But golfing he did not. After we talked Friday night, he and a few other employees went over to Wendover. 15 minutes after getting there, he sat down at a penny machine, put in 15 dollars and after a couple plays he won the progressive. The progressive being 10,000!!! He had no idea he won that much until the other employees started screaming out for joy for him and said 'YOU WON 10,000. No, he didn't call me when he won. Haha. Because he already knows how I feel about gambling. He didn't tell me until he was on his way home from his training. Was I mad? No. I wasn't mad, just disappointed that he gambled after several discussions where we agreed he'd stop gambling. I told him, I don't care if other people gamble, but we don't gamble. We don't gamble because the church advises that we do not! Was I excited? No, I was not screaming for joy. After he won, he told me he told the other employees that I wouldn't be happy. One of them said, WHAT? WHY? and the other being a LDS member didn't question it. I don't know how to discribe how I felt. I wasn't mad, happy, or excited. It's just money! If I died today, I wouldn't take any of that with me. I often tell my husband, money or worldy possessions will not buy us into Heaven. Neither can we take it with us. I know, I know, call me miss party pooper...miss goody two shoes...miss ugh, why she gotta be like that for?!. I can care less. Anyways, I let him decide what he wanted to do with the money. He being the understanding and loving husband that he is, knew the desires of my heart. Lol. We paid off one of our vehicles and some bills. I knew he wouldn't go out and buy him anything, so with some of his winnings, I bought his birthday gifts. It was all outta luck. In some way, I was happy. Happy that we paid off one of our vehicles and some bills...and now inching our way out of debt...and soon out into our own place. Happy for that reason because it helped my husband out since he works his butt off to pay our bills. 

                                                                   THE END

Trying to be in tune with the Spirit

Living in this crazy world and it's many distractions, it can be difficult sometimes to be in tune with the Spirit. I'm grateful for prayer, scriptures, church, and the temple for helping me stay in tune with the spirit making rough times bearable, our burdens light, and guiding us to make right decisions/choices.

For the past couple weeks and months, after totalling my vehicle in Vegas Feb, we've been trying to get another vehicle. We weren't really in a rush to grab another because we had one vehicle John used for his transportation to work and Tina and I don't really go anywhere. Anytime I needed to grocery shopping or run errands, I would drop John off to work and then pick him up after work. So we came to an agreement that we should get a vehicle that was decent for our family use, traveling (if so), and for me to use in case of an emergency, and if I needed to go some where. Not only that, but my parents advised us to get another vehicle while living in their house for free, plus save and pay off other debts. Our last vehicle that was totalled was our 'nice' car. We used it to go to church, to travel, and family outtings. But any vehicle is nice to me as long as it runs smooth and can get me from place to place. We spent weeks searching online and visiting a few dealers. We didn't have much luck. Prior to our search I prayed. I prayed that our minds would be enlightened, that we'd be in tune with the spirit, and the decision we'd make would leave us with a surety that it's the right choice. Yes, I pray about everything! Haha. We came to a dealer where we almost got a vehicle, but I didn't have that sure feeling. So...it was a no. I don't like to just grab something and run with it and then later regret it. Like the vehicle John uses for work, we totally could've got a better deal and a better car, but that's an example of running with your head. Lol. We were in need of a vehicle because we had none and because John's credit wasn't the greatest and I didn't have credit, John pretty much grabbed whatever the dealer threw at us. Lesson learned. Pray about everything. Haha. Long story short...we found a vehicle that was fit for our family. It was plenty room for John (he being 6'8 made our search that much more difficult. lol) and for whoever would sit behind him, it was plenty spacy, good gas mileage on the fwy and off, low mileage, and if we have more kids we were prepared. My dad came to visit us conference weekend and he suggest that we look at carmax. So John and I planned a date to go and prayed about it everyday until we went. We spent hours at carmax. I mean hours. We were there from 2pm-7pm. Just as we were about to grab one vehicle, we talked and said no, then it was on to the next...until we finally felt good about the one we bought. We made a list of what we needed in a car...the important things first. We walked the whole lot just to simplify things for the dealer and we marked each vehicle we wanted to look at. But luckily he was nice and really helped us out. He listened to our needs, didn't push us to grab a vehicle, and he worked over time until we came to a conclusion. Our poor baby Tina was a little fussy, but she truly was a trooper for sticking it out that long.

So grateful for prayer and for our Heavenly Father who truly watches over us. I know we couldn't have  had a better day that day and we couldn't have made a better decision without Him.

THE END.

Happy Blog Day

Another Sabbath day, and there's nothing better to do then to blog. I usually like to keep the sabbath as holy as I can. I grew up in a very strict home where the sabbath revolved around Christ and family. We weren't allowed to watch television, play, or spend money. Things we did on a day to day basis were restricted and avoided as much as possible on Sunday's. My parents would always say, 'Only one day of the week He asks of us'. Saturday's would be a day we prepared for Sunday's. Like the primary song ....Saturday is a special day, it's day we prepare for Sunday. We clean the house, we shop at the store...Pretty much explains it all. Sunday's we'd visit family, sing, write to missionaries, write in our journals, attend church, things that wouldn't distract our minds from Christ. If we played games, sometimes we'd get into arguements, which would cause the spirit to leave. If we watched something on T.V., the  commercials or the programs language, acts, celebration, whatever it was...would lead our minds astray from what we learned in Church. Therefore, that's why my parents withdrew us from those activities. Today, I try to do the same with my little family. We try our best to center our sabbath day on our Savior. :) So, that's why I like blogging on Sunday's...

Last week we had the wonderful opportunity to hear from our lovely prophet, apostles, and our other dear leaders of the LDS Church. We don't have cable, but thank goodness for the many sources of technology that we have today we were able to watch General Conference on our laptop. I watched it with my family on Saturday and then watch Sunday's session on my husbands work laptop. Sad he missed it due to working, but grateful for the lds.org website we're abe to re-watch or read it. There were several talks that revolved around family, children, and marriage. I believe these topics were repeated in several talks because the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is all about family. Satan's plan to destroy His church is to reach out to families and destroy them. Therefore, these topics were to grab our attention so that we might strengthen our families and our marriages. Everything starts at home and we are to build up the Kingdom of God here on earth. I really enjoyed the talk about putting away phones, tv, technology and spend quality with our children and family. I applied that talk into my life this past week and I can totally see the difference in our home especially my relationship with my daughter. Now that it's getting warmer, I'm going to take her out doors more often and do other fun activites outdoors. I also loved the talk, I forget by who, about marriage and how marriage is PRICELESS. The covenant which I made with my husband in the House of the Lord to be sealed to him for all time and all eternity is worth more than anything in this world. Nothing in this world is more important to me than the relationship I have with my husband and our little family. There were other talks about atonement and our Savior Jesus Christ. When life hits us hard the only person we should have faith in to relieve our pain, struggles, matters to is to our Savior. He is the only person that can help us overcome anything and everything!

I am conference happy and definitely going to re-play conference again throughout this week. So grateful and blessed to have this gospel to remind me of my purpose here in this life.

My goals:

• FOE&Church-Family&God over everything. Always comes first no matter what.
• Better myself from the inside out
• Attend the temple as often as I can
• Withdraw from use of technology especially around Tina

2 Years Down, Eternity 2 g0

2 weeks ago, I believe it was, John and I celebrated our 2 year anniversary. It has been the roughest & happiest 2 years. There have been many trials in our marriage, but who doesn't have any? It has only brought us closer and strengthens our relationship. But we've also have had plenty of fun and happy moments that I will always cherish. Those are the moments we reflect upon to help us move forward when times get rough. I know for a fact that Satan is real and has tempted us in so many ways to destroy our family. That is his plan, but I'm grateful for prayer, the gospel, scriptures, our family whom we can turn to for guidance. I'm most grateful for the power of prayer. Through my faith and kneeling down in prayer, the Lord has helped me endure my trials and continues too. He helps me to remember my covenants which I made with Him in baptism and in the temple, also, the covenant I made with my Husband when were sealed together for all time and for all eternity!

I love my husband for all that he is and all that he is yet to become. He makes me a stronger person. We don't always get a long, but when we do, the love is so real and amazing. I know he dedicates all his might and strength to work and provide for our family and I'm grateful to have a husband like him. He is very knowledgeable about his job and although it bugs me when people call him from work about every little problem, I couldn't be more happier and more proud of him. I love him for all his stupid little jokes and pranks. We are forever pranking and chasing each other around the house like little children. The faces our baby girl makes when we're playing around is hilarious. I love long nights where we just stay up all night playing video games and watching movies. Not so much anymore for me because of baby girl, but there's times where I just wake up and instead of yelling at him for still staying up and playing video games, I sneak right into his arms, cuddle and fall asleep. I love when he compliments me. I know I want to feel comfortable in my own skin, but he's always telling me how beautiful I look even though I don't feel that way. I love going to the temple with him and attending church on Sunday when he can. I love seeing him with our daughter. He is a wonderful dad! I love all the fun things he's introduced me into like fishing and camping.

We have a lot of similarities. We dislike and like the same things. We also have a lot of differences, but through our Heavenly Father, everything is possible. He makes our relationship work regardless the differences and only He can do that through our faith and work. No one is perfect, no marriage or relationship is perfect, but the gospel of Jesus Christ has shown me how to be better myself and how to better our marriage.

I love you babe :)  

Here we go again...

Today is the sabbath and while baby girl is napping I thought I'd take time to update our blog. Man, after making trips to visit our parents in Vegas and in California I've lost track of blogging. It's been over a month now since my last blog. Maybe even longer, but today I'd like to blog about some of the events thats occurred in that time.

2 weeks before Valentine's Day, John had a week or two off from work, so we decided to take a trip to Vegas. Before that, I also planned to visit my parents the week of the 22nd for my dad's 50th birthday. Anyways, before even planning any of these trips, I was a little hesitant to go because I was trying to live according to our budget. I knew that going would interfere with our budget especially since we made a goal to save up for a house. I think a couple days before or a week before going, I went and did a temple session. After attending an endowment session, I had the impression that we needed to go and visit our parents. I was caught up in money and things in this world, that I didn't think about the time we get to spend with our parents. Life is short and at this time as they're getting older, I want to try to spend as much time with them as possible especially since we live quite a distance. I know that our goal is important, but it's something that is never ending. Money will come and go. Payment on a house will most likely be there most of your lifetime, but the time spent with loved ones on this earth and making memories is much more important. Everytime I have a hard time making decisions on something, when it's necessary, I say to myself...'if the Lord came today, would any of those things matter?' 'if I died today, will I be taking any of those things with me?'...Then I knew, saving for just this time can pass so we can go visit our parents. If I died today or my loved one died today, all we'll have is that memory to cherish. And I want Tina to spend more time with her grandparents especially since I never knew or met mine.

We had a great time in Vegas, minus the car accident I got into trying to visit the only temple in Vegas. It left my car totalled. As I was approaching my exit, I looked down at my phone to make sure I was making the right exit, and merging at the same time. As soon as I looked up, it was already too late. I had hit a Ford pick-up truck that had stopped, while going 65 mph. My luck, there were only four vehicles that had stopped in that lane I was merging into, idk for what reason, and as soon as I hit then they started moving. Lame! My airbags didn't go off, but my lipgloss was all over the steering wheel. I was suprised I was ok. I just remember feeling like crap. Haha. Can't describe it any other way, but that. Anyways, the old man I had crashed into was LDS from St. George. I believe he was some coach for a sports team and they were making their way to their tourment. So we called the highway patrol to take note of what happened and after it all, the old man man said, 'It's great that you were trying to go to the temple. My wife and I try to go often too. I'm glad you're okay and everything will be alright'. I'm glad it wasn't any other way and some other person. I'm sure if it was someone from Vegas, I wouldn't hear the end of it. Right after I crashed, I was afraid to call my husband and tell him what happened. Before I left, we got into a little arguement about me going. He wanted for all of us to go to his family brunch, but I reminded him that since he went out last night to the casino, all I wanted to do was go to the temple and check it out. It being the only temple in Vegas. He was upset, I kissed him and said I love you and left. After the accident and later that day, he approached me and apologized for acting the way he did before I left to the temple. He began to cry and said, 'If anything would've happened to you, I don't know what I'd do.' Since then he promised to always leave me with a kiss and I love you no matter what. I think this accident was a great lesson for the both of us. Maybe if he would've had a desire to come with me, I wouldn't get in a car accident. Maybe I should've listened to my husband, and I wouldn't have gotten into the accident. In the end, we were both taught a lesson and blessed that I'm still here with my family. I know that if anything would've happened to me that day, I know that I was trying to do something good. Haha.

After Vegas, John flew back to Utah for work and Tina and I went to California. We were suppose to fly back with daddy, but he suggested we fly from Vegas since it would be cheaper. I didn't want to be away from him for 2 weeks especially it being Valentine's day, but I didn't say anything and it was booked. Of course, he called crying saying he missed us, but I didn't say a word. Lol. Totally knew that would be the outcome. For Valentine's day, I had Pizza, chocolate covered strawberries w/ballons sent to him while staying at his aunt Fika's house. I went out for a pedicure with my mom and aunt :) While in Cali, my mom wanted to celebrate Tina's 1st birthday with my dad's 50th birthday since they wouldn't make it down to Utah for it. Didn't do anything big, but spend time with each other and all my dad wanted was to spend time with his grand kids. Cali visit was fun, but I was looking forward to return home to my love.

Tina turned 1 March, 4th. We didn't do anything big. Just went out to classic skating and didn't invite anyone because we didn't have the budget to pay for everyone. But Tina's aunt whom she's named after wanted to join us and I couldn't decline especially she being my daughter's namesake. Well, we had a blast and Tina enjoyed herself. John and I also took pictures of her smashing into her birthday cake. I wanted to do some outside, but she was a little under the weather that day.

I made her little outfit, banner and headband :)



Baby girl has been walking before she turned 11 months. She's learned so much that it's hard to keep track of. She's now saying hun, babe, and thank you. She is such a little character and makes everyone around her smile and laugh. I'm so honored, grateful, and blessed to be your mother baby girl and I love you so much!

2/1/2013

Didn't know what else to title this post, so I'll leave it with today's date. Just wanted to update the blog :)

Last Saturday, I had the opportunity to attend an endowment session at the Jordan River Temple. Jordan River being the chosen temple because 1. Salt Lake Temple is closed until February 14th, I believe it is and 2. They rent out temple clothing. My husband decided he'd watch Tina and he wanted to watch some UFC fight, so I decided that it would be the perfect oppturnity for me to go. Prior to my going that Saturday, I wanted to prepare myself spirtually. With that being said, I withdrew myself from anything that would harm me from going and I kept a positive outlook on things. Since I play Call of Duty (xbox video game) a lot LOL, I decided it was best that I didn't play. When I do play, I play with a headset so I'm able to communicate with my team. I can also hear the opposing team and when they trash talk or swear at me, I get furious and I'm not proud to say this, but I do the same back. (Don't judge me lol) Therefore I didn't play at all the whole week. Now, I play maybe twice a week and sometimes without the headset. Haha. Anyways, going back to my story, so yeah I didn't play video games, I listened to wholesome music, and I didn't go on fb or ig .I decided that people who brought a negative vibe to our social networking sites were deleted on our friends list. (My preparation for the temple to visit with my Heavenly Father was also preparation for my sustaining as pianist for the relief society, Sunday.)Before I headed out, I dropped my husband and daughter off at aunt Fika's house and found out that I didn't have my wallet on me. I knew I brought it, but I couldn't find it any where. I drove from Taylorsville back to Rose Park (15 min. away) and I looked and looked and still couldn't find my wallet. My wallet, having my recommend inside of it was know where to be found. I was trying to attend the 4:20 pm session, but I was know where in luck to making it on time. After I had a nice scream in my car, I then said a prayer. I felt like Satan was using my wallet being lost as an excuse for me not to go, but I had plenty of time to attend another session. After saying my prayer, I retraced my steps and I found my wallet in the pile of snow outside of my door where I had slipped and almost fell. My father in Heaven was listening and he knew my heart that day. With faith anything is possible. Like today, living in this world, anything and everything will bring distractions and many obstacles to keep us from returning and living with our Heavenly Father again, but with our willingness and faithfulness is what will help us endure to the end. I made it to the 5:20 pm session :) After I got dressed I waited with others in the chapel room where I began to weep. As I listened to the prelude music played by the organ I tried to hold back my tears, but being overwhelmed by the spirit I broke down. Happy tears of course :) I haven't made it to another session after being sealed in the temple and receiving my own endowment. (I've been back once with my mom, but doing initiatories) I was happy and my heart felt good. I knew I was in the right place at the right time!

Now I'm excited and eager to make it to another session. My goal this year is to go to the temple every week. As much as I try to maintain my outside appearence and body, my goal is to do the same for my spirit. Without the spirit, the body is dead. If not every week, once a month or as frequent as I can. Depends on my husbands work schedule, but I will try my best, on my part, to make it and I know doing my part the Lord will follow and provide a way for me to go. John decided he'd join me tomorrow and attend a session. It's a date :) What better place to take the one you love, but to the temple? 420 session it is and we get to make it back for the UFC fight. Haha. The things in this world are for us to enjoy, but not to be abused and taken advantage of.

Past couple weeks...

Not much went down. Doing the usual mother and wife duties at home. Like I mentioned before, I've been called as pianist for relief society. It's not that big, but it's still helping to build up His church and His kingdom. This will help me get back into playing again, I hope. Hmmm....whatelse....I've been able to make it to the gym :) Yay! No more excuses! I haven't been losing as much weight as quick as I want to because I'm lifting weights. I dread working out my legs, but I do T,TH,S and arms M,W,Fri and different ab works out every day. I do cardio 30 min. before lifting and then 15 min after lifting. I'm at 165. I've been in the 160's since after graduating high school and in college. Before I had Tina I was 150. Now my goal weight is 145, but I don't want to look skinny. My arms are starting to look more toned, well I've had them toned, but I want to look buff. Haha. I'm trying to get my 4 pack back, you can start to see my upper abs, but my lower is know where to be found. Lol. That's all flab from pregnancy. My legs have always been thick and the only thing that were some what toned were my calves. I'm trying to burn some fat on them thighs, but I still want to keep it thick and looking more muscular. Ugh...hahaha....

Tina is almost 11 months...

Baby girl you are more active now. You've been getting into everything and anything. You know how to 'uma' (kiss) and pucker up your lips to kiss, peek-a-boo and you'll cover your eyes with your hands, say hi and scrunch up your fingers, and you can say see-sus (Jesus). There's a picture of Jesus on our side table in our living room and you always crawl to it. I'll say Jesus and you'll start smiling and laughing. Sometimes it sounds like you're talking too. It's so cute. Daddy said last Sunday when he was walking around with you at church, you both stopped at a picture of Jesus, and he asked you who it was and you replied back saying 'see-sus'. You can say 'mum' and call every one 'mum' and when you really want dad you'll say 'dad'. You know our phones, when it rings and vibrates you'll crawl over to it and pick it up. Sometimes when we say 'I love you' we can kind of hear you say it too. I'm in the process of potty training you and you've gone potty 3-4 times now. It's hard because you can't quite talk and tell me 'potty' yet. But I'm trying to teach you. Haha. You've been taking 2-4 steps at a time and then sit down. You know you can walk, but prefer to crawl because you can get to things faster. You know the patty cake song, you know how to defend yourself and when someone scares or hits you, you give them the 'uuuhhh' sound with a little fist throw hahaha I did not teach you that...grandma and grandpa bought you this toy where you have to place shaped blocks into its right shaped hole or whatever you call it. Lol, but you know how to. You help me put a way your blocks. I don't even have to tell you. When I open up the bag, you know to pick the blocks up and put it a way. You love to sing and dance. Today you were singing and dancing with daddy. Haha. It was the cutest thing ever. Lol. Baby girl you still love to read or have me read. Lol. Sometimes you love to throw tantrums out of the blue. You love to give mommy a hard time, but I still love you and always will love you. We get into little fights, but we forgive and forget and make up. When you know mommy's upset you're quick to give uma's and of course mommy can longer be upset. Last week, mommy was just very emotional and began to cry, you crawled over to mommy and knelt down by me and kept giving mommy umas. 'Ummmm...ummmmma.' You even patted mommy's face while uma-ing mommy. You touched my heart that night, and I want you to know that I'm grateful to have you as my first. I love you so much. You are a very smart and beautiful baby girl and I'm blessed and will forever be grateful to our Heavenly Father for sending you to us. We love you baby girl!!!!! Thank you for being such a happy and out going baby.

THE END. Lol. Laundry is done, Tina's finally asleep and it seriously took me 2 hours just to blog this. Haha. Oh the joys of motherhood! Finished and G'night!

Please & Thank You

A random thought, but an important topic :) Being polite and expressing gratitude with a simple 'please and thank you'. I can't sleep and John is playing zombies on BO2. I love playing BO2, but I hate playing zombies. ANYWAYS...LoL. Going back to the topic...

Mother always taught us how to behave, be respectful and polite, but as a child saying 'please and thank you' was something I would tend to forget to say. Grandma Starr, aka Lucille Starr a widow my mom became good friends with and gave aid to, realized that we (my brothers and I) hardly used the words 'please and thank you'. Before I go on, we called Lucille Starr grandma Starr because we didn't have grandmother's growing up and because how quick we became comfortable with her. Grandma Starr taught us this game called 'chicken foot' using dominos. Every time we played, she always had the best treats and snacks waiting for us. Our favorite was drumsticks. Playing chicken foot, someone would always be in charge of handing out dominos. Whenever we needed a domino, Grandma Starr would tell us we had to ask saying 'please, may I have a domino?' and then acknowledge them with a 'thank you'. If we wanted more munchies we had to ask with a 'please and thank you'. We played chicken foot on several occasions. It became one of our favorite games and then saying 'please and thank you' became a habit. I'm grateful for Grandma Starr for reaching out and teaching us how important it is to say 'please and thank you'. I'm forever saying 'please and thank you' now. When I eat out at restaurants I always order with 'Can I have a...please?' and after ordering I address them with a 'thank you'. With everything I ask, I say 'please' and leave with a 'thank you'. I've noticed that whenever I order food (more so from fast food restaurants) the cashier responds positively and by the sound of their voice, appreciative. People come to respect you more. I hope to do as well teaching Tina manners and may she carry it on to her children.

A little bit about me...

I thought that I'd share a little info about myself. :) It would be neat to have this for my daughter and/or children (if we plan on having anymore) to read if anything were to happen to me. Since we don't have a video camera to document what's going on in our lives, I believe it's important to write about it. It would be sad if something were to happen to me now, Tina wouldn't remember a thing about me or the lovely relationship we have as mother and daugther. Anyways, I dedicate this to my baby girl Tina and any children we might possibly have :)

I was born in Otahuhu Auckland, New Zealand on November 1st, 1990 to Lopelini Tulikihihifo Lasitani and Semisi Fonua Lasitani. I'm full Tongan and I'm proud of it. I have three brothers Tau (the oldest), Vaea (2nd oldest), (me), and Keni (the youngest). I share a birthday with my brother Vaea. My full name is Mahina Kristie Aleyann Lasitani named by one of my mom's sisters, Luse. I was suppose to be named after my dad's mother, but my dad agreed to let Luse name me. Luse named me after her youngest sister (younger than my mom). She got my middle name from that one actress chick named Kristie Aley or something like that. Idk what the whole story is, but that's the info my mom gave me. My mom told me that I was a very quiet and mellow child. I grew up being very shy and reserved. I was not out-going. I think up until I graduated high school and I started attending BYU-Idaho that I started to socialize with people. I regret that I wasn't out-going in high school and didn't attend any activities. The only activities I participated in were church activites. I just went to school and came right back home. I played volleyball my freshman year and part of my sophmore year, but quit because the coaches sucked and they had favorites. I remember coming to practices and I was guranteed a spot on varsity my sophmore year, but didn't end up getting it. Then I find out some chick who just started playing and who never played in her life, joins volleyball and goes straight to varsity because she was a favorite in softball and our volleyball coach also coached softball. LAME! So I quit. One of the coaches came up to me and said he'd heard I was quitting and advised me not to and that I'd regret it. I quit and yes, I regretted it. :( I started playing volleyball with my cousins back in junior high. I played 2 years for a club called Club Union. Oh, the Club Union days. Lol. That's were I began to love volleyball. Anyways, that was the only sport I was involved in. I joined rugby for a short time before my mom told me to quit. I didn't have insurance and my mom wasn't going to pay for any injuries if I were to get hurt. :( I do wish I was more out going and joined more school activities and sports. My parents didn't really push us to. They were busy working to provide and their main focus and goal for us was our education. I was in the poly club for a while, but it wasn't orgnized plus it was small. Lol. So, for me, it was school then home. Tuesdays was mutual and some Saturdays were stake youth activites. I had friends, but never gone out with them. I still talk to a few of them today. I didn't go out to the mall or hang out at the movies. Only time I did was with cousins or with my little brother, but that was rarely. I didn't have a job until I attend Sana Ana Community College, but only lasted for 3 months before I moved to Idaho and attended BYU. My little brother had a job his senior year and he'd invite me to go to the mall with him. He shopped and I approved the outfits. Lol. Then, he'd let me pick 1 or 2 things to buy. He's the sweetest :)

Growing up Keni and I were best buddies. We are today! He is like the sister I never had. Lol.  I can't wait for his return from serving the Lord. I wasn't much of a tomboy or a girly girl. Growing up, my mom wouldn't let me go out and hang out with my brothers. When they went out with my cousins to watch movies, I wasn't allowed to go because I was a girl. I hated that! I remember crying one night because I could hear my brothers talking in their rooms, but I was alone in mine. I wished on serveral occasions that I had a sister, but I'm grateful to have my brothers. They've always been there for me and I know I can always count on them. I'm blessed with the best brothers!

Some random facts. My favorite color is blue and yellow. The only school dance I attended was senior prom and it was LAME! Went with my date, my bf at the time, ate, walked around downtown  disney, stopped by the dance, then went home at 11pm, my curfew. I love the beach! I love to work out. I started working out in junior high and it slowly died after I got married. Lol. Making time is hard now that I'm married and have a child. I love sea food. I just love to eat. I love Italian food. Pepperoni pizza is my all time fav :) I'm a nice person. I look very serious on the outside, but I'm really not. Lol. I might look like I'm mean mugging, but I'm not. I'm friendly, easy going, and get along well with pretty much everyone. I don't care involve myself in drama. I don't like to gossip, if I have something to say I'll say it to your face. I don't care about other peoples lives or problems. I like to just be by myself. I do a lot of things by myself and I have been since I was a little girl. I enjoy hiking. The longest hike I've gone on was a 17 mile hike I believe it was. It was at young women's camp and I was a beehive. It was suppose to be a total of 24 or something miles, but because there was lightning and pouring rain we headed back to the campsite. I'm a clean freak. My room has never been dirty. You can ask any of my family members. I pick up after myself. After I wear something, I hang it up or fold it and put it away. I've been doing my own laundry since I was in elemantary. I hate living in mess! I cannot sleep when my room, now house is dirty. I'm a CLEAN&ORGANIZED freak. Ask my college roommates. Lol. They'll tell ya! I only went to BYU for one year and returned home. I love to play the piano. I took lessons for about 4 years when I was 11. I play the organ. I love to draw. I won two art contests in middle school. One was for $500 bucks and the other $160. I don't draw at all now, but I'd love to get back into it again. I don't fluently talk tongan, but I understand it. I can say a few things, but not a lot. I love playing video games. I've been playing video games with my brothers from way back when. I love cartoons. I watched cartoons with my brothers saturday mornings on abc channel 4. Lol. Our favorite was dragon ball Z. Haha. I've out grown a few of those cartoons though, but I do find myself watching it sometimes now. Lol. I love listening to music. I enjoy listening to reggae, instrumentals, country, rap, hip-hop, but none of that hard rock stuff. I love action movies. I'm not much of chick flick, but I do watch it once in a while. I love to read a good book. I don't read much, but I need too! Well, something other than the Ensign or BofM. I told my dad that I wanted to be body builder. Sometimes, I still do...:) I love to lift weights.My first boyfriend was in junior high in the 7th grade. Did nothing, but see each other at school. Had my first kiss with him. A small peck of course. We broke up because his cousin told him I wanted to break up with him, and then told me he wanted to break up with me. That was the end of it. Lol. I had my first real kiss when I was a senior in high school. I bawled my eyes out and he felt terrible. He asked me why I was crying and I told him because I felt the spirit leave. Lol. I love to take walks. It clears my mind and fresh air will always do you good. I love clothes and shoes, but I hate shopping. I hate grocery shopping and clothes shopping. I'm not big on buying brand named clothing. I'm all for whatever I can afford and all about clearance :) .......

Anyways, I think I'll leave it at that. Lol. Before I bore you. There's a little bit of me :) I'm still much of the same person today, except that I'm less reserved and out going. A lot of my old hobbies like volleyball, piano, and drawing I do less of now because of time, but I'd love and should pursue my talent in playing the piano and drawing.

THE END.

2013

It's a new year y'all! I'm gratefull for everyone and everything that has transpired this past year that has brought me to where I am today. Most importantly, the man upstairs. Without Him, nothing would be possible.

We didn't do much to celebrate because baby girl and I were sick. We both had strep throat. :(  We just kept warm and watched TV at home with my parents. I wouldn't have it any other way. I'm just grateful that my baby girl is doing well. But man, after Christmas dinner with my family I fell asleep and I woke up sick. I caught a fever and then strep thorat...and diarrhea AND...two of my wisdom teeth started coming in. I had to have everything come at once. Hoiiii. Lol. I'm blessed with great parents and husband who helped take care of me and my baby.

I missed several weeks now with blogging, but I don't feel like going back re-writting everything that has already passed. My family is healthy, we have food in our fridge, Christmas was great, my parents came down to celebrate it with us, Tina turns 10 months in 3 days....oh yeah, I got to speak with my lil bro Elder Lasitani over the phone. Since my mom was down here, we all had a chance to talk to him. He could've skyped with us, but he preferred not to. He didn't want to get 'trunky' (term used by missionaries when they're home sick), especially since he still has 10 months left. We only had 30 minutes to talk with him, but it was a great 30 minutes. He left us with his last words baring his testimony in Spanish. It was pretty crazy.

My family and I have been looking forward for this year. My brother Vaea in prison will be released in May and hopefully will be able to continue to stay with us in the states AND Elder Lasitani will be returning home in September. We'll finally get to take a family pic with all of us and we're planning to take a trip. We've been talking about a cruise, but we'll see. :) YAY!!!!

As for my lil family's goals...We're living in my parents house that they left here in Utah and sharing it with my older bro Tau and his family. We plan to save up this year and hopefully move out by next year. It'll take a lot of sacrifice and hard work, but we're willing to pull through it. My parents want us to pay off all our debt while living in their house before we become home owners, that way we're not building up more debt. I'm eternally grateful for them for their hard work and help!!!! I also want my husband to return back to school and finish getting his degree. I might join him and take just two night classes. But we'll see, with John's work schedule now, it seems impossible for me to go back and it's been hard going to the gym. I was doing so good going to the gym everyday. I lost 5 lbs and I was gaining muscles in every right spot..and then his schedule changed and I haven't been back to the gym in 2 weeks. Ugh...FAIL! Lol. Anyways, I've set new goals and making the changes to make them come to pass!

This year is going to be a great year!!!! 2013. GRATEFUL&BLESSED!