San Deigo Temple

Today Jake and Kim got sealed in the San Deigo Temple. It is a beautiful temple inside and out. I honestly did not think that I was going to make it inside. One thing I didn't do before leaving Hawaii was to check my recommend and make sure it wasn't expired. The temple in Laie has been closed since December and it wasn't something I thought of. My recommend was expired but I decided to give it a try anyways. It wasn't like it was a year expired... just a month. The sealing was suppose to take place at 10am. I talked with someone in the temple presidency and he said he would see what he could do to get me inside. I guess there was another hold up because Kim's dad was in the foyer until about 10:30ish. I did get in and was so grateful to my bishop for doing my interview over the phone. While I was doing that I was so overcome with emotions. I sat there in the office and cried during the whole thing. I got into the sealing room right as they were being sealed together. I cried and cried.... It was very beautiful. I only wish that Kasala was there with me. I didn't take any pictures at the temple because I didn't have a camera but other people did so I stole theirs. The boys minus Jared.... I don't know where he was. Jake and I at the temple. Jeff and I while we were waiting for the photographer to take some pictures.

The little girls with their new Aunt Kim. It's not that they don't like her... it was just a really REALLY long day for the little girls. Grandpa at the reception with the two younger grand daughters. They had a lot of fun that night with Grandpa and Grandma. I now realize how much joy the grandkids bring into mom and dad's life. They love their grandbabies more than they do us! Or at least it seems that way sometimes. And last picture for now.. Terina and her cake. This was probably the best wedding cake I have had in a long time. It was coconut cake and it was amazing!! It was so good I probably could have ate at least 2 more pieces. Anyways.. It was a beautiful wedding, a wonderful day, a very emotional day and I'm glad it's over

Reception Dinner Through Terina's Eyes

Before we left for California Terina got a camera. She always tries to take ours and I finally broke down and found one of those kid tough ones for her. My camera battery had died from Disneyland so the only camera we had was Terina's.

THe dinner was at Kelly's house. Kelly is a women who lived in Kim's families ward. She had a house and was alone. Her husband died and her childern didn't visit often I guess. Anyways she had agreed to let Jake stay at her home and she wanted to throw a dinner for Jake and Kim. Her house was amazing! She is such a wonderful women and I'm really glad that I got to talk to her. She was very kind and loving and seemed to say some of the things that I really needed to hear. Kelly did a lot for Jake and I'm so glad that he was taken care of in California. Anyways.. the pictures from the dinner may be a little blurry but you need to remember that Terina took them.

The back yard had a little waterfall and Terina was really liking the duck that was in there. I think that's what she was trying to take a picture of.

There was part of the back yard that was like a little stage area. I don't know how to discribe it but that's where we were sitting. You could see across the back yard to the little "bar" area and the other tables. The dinner was nice. They played a slide show and had time for everyone who wanted to to get up and say something about Jake and Kim. It was really nice and very emotional for me. I didn't say anything due to my pride and me just being me. I had a nice time sitting with my brothers and listening to them talk about things going on in their lives. I love them all very much. There was even a Pirate there! I think JerDear did this but I thought it was a funny picture of Mike and now Terina always says "Arr" when she see's a picture of Mike

DISNEYLAND Day 16

Since we decided that Terina and I would go to Jake and Kim's wedding I've bribed Terina with Disneyland. "Use the potty and we'll go to Disneyland" "Mickey doesn't like cry babies so stop or we won't go to Disneyland." You know.. things like that. Terina was able to spend a very magical day with Grandma and Grandpa. Originally I was planning on taking her myself but I'm not quite sure if we'll make it home for the holidays this year and she really wasn't able to spend much time with them when we were home. I'm really glad that they came with us. From the parking garage to the tram Terina was really excited to see just pictures of Mickey, Daisy, Donald and Goofy. She was glued to Grandma and Grandpa almost the whole day. After getting our tickets I went to rent a stroller and Terina went to see Goofy and Pluto. I got back in time to snap a picture of her with Pluto. We watched a small parade go by down Main Street and saw the Madd Hatter and the Queen of Hearts. We kept walking and saw Captain Hook in a restaurant. Terina kept telling me that he was mad and we needed to make him happy. And then we saw Cinderella's castle. She is still talking about every time I turn around. We went a most of the rides in Fantasy Land. Terina has been talking about the Dumbo ride since we saw it on TV and she went on it with Grandpa. We went on Casey Juniors Train Ride and she wanted to sit in the monkey cage.

They went on the Teacups... I don't know if she had fun but she sure is have fun watching this video! I have never heard her laugh so hard and so loud.... and she keeps yelling for Grandpa and Grandma!!

Of course no trip to Disneyland would be complete without a ride on Grandpa's favorite It's a Small World ride. Thankfully we only had to go on it once. Terina really liked this one.. I think it was because she also had a churro.

The longest line we had to wait in was to see the Princesses. They have them all in 1 place now and the line was ridiculous. Mom waited for at least an hour and a half for us to see them. And once we got in... it lasted about 5 minutes. Anyways... Terina and I tried to stand there with her but she had to use the bathroom about 5 times while we waited. One little girl fell asleep right behind us and her nap was done by the time we got to the front of the line. Anyways.. Terina was so shy when she met Cinderella. She loves her! Terina answered all her questions by herself but was just really shy. NOW... she won't stop telling everyone around here about meeting the Princesses. After seeing the Princesses it was off to Toon Town. We grabbed some lunch, saw Minnie Mouse... from a distance, went to Chip and Dales house, Donald's boat and to the Roger Rabbit ride. We then started walking back to the front to the Bibity Bobbity Boutique so I could use the last of our vacation money on a princess dress for her. They had this thing where Terina could get her hair, nails and make up done too. So I signed her up but later took Grandpa's advice... she wouldn't sit for an hour and let someone do all that to her... she doesn't even sit still long enough for me! So we kept walking towards the front. Before the afternoon parade even started Terina was knocked out. She was exhausted! But don't worry... after a 30 minute power nap she was wide wake again wondering if we were going back inside Disneyland. We wanted to go back that night to see the fireworks but Jake and Kim had a dinner that we had to be at. I was hoping we'd get back there but we didn't. Terina had a great time with Grandma and Grandpa that day and I'm glad she was able to do something really special with them while we were at home. She loves them so much and misses them daily. She's been asking when we are going back to see them and her cousins (that includes, Ellie, Kate, Laila and Max who she can't stop talking about all of them either!)It really makes me sad that we are so far away and that she doesn't get to see her family as much as she use to. I'm glad we got some really good pictures of everyone to hang up. That will have to do us until we can see them all again.

Vacation Day 15

I haven't slept in what feels like forever. I got no packing done and didn't even start until about midnight. And even then I needed to do washing, probably should clean the dishes, shower and make sure that we leave nothing behind. As I was packing and waiting for laundry Mike showed up at home. I didn't think I was going to be seeing him and for the brief 2 seconds I did it was pleasant. This morning I had to do some last minute pick ups, I ran to say good bye to Alisha and pick up a paper, threw together our carry ons and picked up Toga who was driving us to the airport. We made it to the airport, got all checked in and then waited to board the plane. We got some breakfast in us too while we waited.

Thankfully Mom was actually excited to have Terina sit with her on the plane. Dad and I sat next to each other and of course as soon as the plane took off we both fell asleep.

We got into Long Beach, got a rental, took that rental back for a bigger car and then headed off to our "house". This house I found on craigslist was too good to be true. 5 bedrooms, pool, hot tub, yard..... AMAZING HOUSE. I have no pictures of this house but it was amazing. We spent the evening swimming and eating. Friday's events... DISNEYLAND!!

Vacation Day 14

Today I was on a mad search for the perfect pair of shoes for Jake's Wedding. Phebe had said that it was alright for Terina to go with her and the girls to her parents house. I was a little worried about letting her go but she cried every time Emma and Tabitha said they were leaving. So.... Ashlee Jared and I went off to the mall. I finally found a pair of shoes at Hot Topic. This was the first pair of heel heels that I have had. I thought that I was going to break them but when I made it around the store in them without hearing a cracking sound I bought them. They were just what I needed to spice up a black dress

Anyways.. my fears of leaving Terina with Phebe at Nancy and Terri's house all day was later confirmed when they got home. I asked Phebe how she did and then I started to feel really bad.

Story #1: The girls are all out in the garden. Terina finds a stick and picks it up and then asks, "Hey, Who wants a sasa!! Ok.. I sasa the rock." And she begins hitting the rock with the stick and yelling at it. I swear we don't hit her with a stick!

Story #2: Terina and one of Phebe's sisters is out in the raspberries and then they come in. Terina didn't want to come in I guess because she went up to Phebe's dad and asked him to come with her. She had to show him something. About 20 minutes later Phebe finds out that Terina has taken Terri out to the raspberries and has had him picking and feeding them to her.

Story #3: Terina has been falling asleep at around 3:30pm and I was hoping that she wouldn't over there but I guess she just played to hard. She fell asleep and Phebe moved her to the couch. A while later Anthony tells Phebe that she needs to come and see Terina. Terina had wet her pants and had peed all over the couch! Phebe then recruits Athena to help her clean up the mess. Athena grabs what she thinks is Spray and Wash but turns out to be bleach. Needless to say... the cushion was ruined.

Terina still talks about going over to Terri and Nancy's house and playing with Ellie and Kate, picking raspberries, having races and all the other things they did that day. But I feel bad for making so much work for Phebe and Athena. I did get a lot of running around done with out her so I am thankful but I own those two.... Big time.

Vacation day 12

I really was hoping that my little trek home would improve now that Phebe was here. Not that I don't LOVE hanging out with Jared and Ashlee but they work and I'm left home all day alone. So we had planned on taking the girls to the Super Mall to ride the carousel, return a couple of things and again look for a dress. I decided that I would be brave and take all 3 girls so mom could rest a little after working last night. So as we drove down the freeway I started to hear a really loud noise and I thought it was a passing semi truck but no... JUST MY LUCK IT WAS A FLAT TIRE. So here I am on the side of the freeway with 3 kids freaking out. I get out, give them some animal crackers and call mom and Phebe who are a head of us and let them know whats going on. I called Anthony for some reason and he wanted to know all this information which I did my best to give him all the right answers but when he asked if there was a spare tire I had to, in a dress, lay down on the ground and look under the car for the tire. It was there..... and it was flat. BUT... and passing WADOT worker saw me and stopped to help. Phebe and Mom came back for us and we made it to Sam's Club to get the tire fixed and grab a bite. Phebe went home to pick up Anthony to fix the tire and Mom, the girls and I went to the mall. They did really well. When we went in stores they found the nearest mirror and made silly faces or danced around. Then back to the carousel for more rides. Thankfully Terina wanted to sit on the sled this time. The girls each ogot a new outfit, 1 ride in the little cars and by the time we were done with that Anthony and Phebe had made it back. I brought the girls home, we had some ice cream after a long day and then played a little outside. They got some dinner and now are watching a movie. I really hope we go to bed early tonight. It's been quite a day.

Vacation Day 11

Sunday morning came really early. I was really excited though because I knew we were going to get to church on time. Church was fine and it was nice to see some old friends and talk. After church we had 2 families over. The Tucks came over and Terina and Brooklyn were crazy! They had a lot of fun together. At one point while we were all inside the girls were outside and the next thing I heard was Trish saying,"Brooklyn! Where are your pants?!" We both ran outside and BOTH of the girls had taken their shorts and undies off and placed them nicely on the slide. We weren't sure if Brooklyn wet her pants or sat down in the pool... either way they were having fun. Later that evening we went of to the Chang's house for some cake. Alisha turned 30 on Saturday and they invited us over to celebrate. Terina loves it there and she was so happy to see Chi again. They played, laughed and of course fought a little. I didn't hear the kids for a while so I went upstairs to look for them and both Terina and Chi had climbed into Bostons crib and were playing in there. It was cute but of course I made them get out. By the time we got back home Anthony and Phebe had made it home. The girls and I ALL slept in one room and it went pretty well. I do hope I get a little more sleep tonight than I did last night. I think I was scared I was going to roll over onto one of them in the middle of the night :)

Vacation days 9 and 10

Boy oh boy has this vacation not been what I thought it was going to be. Friday Grandpa was home so at least I wasn't stuck at here with only Terina. I could have done that just fine in Hawaii. Dad didn't work but went to pick up a pressure washer so he could do a little deep cleaning. I wish I took a picture of him washing some pots outside with the pressure washing but I was on the trampoline and to lazy to get up. We spent most of Friday at home, no big sup rise there, helping Grandpa around the house in yard. We weren't really much help at all but whatever. We did make it to the store with him so that was a nice car ride. Grandma came home early and she, Terina and I went to the Super Mall and Sam's Club. Terina went on her carousel rides and I looked for a dress but didn't find much.This was after ride #3. I thought I was going to throw up. I hate riding that thing so many times in a row. When we got home I was a little surprised to see Pa'aga and Sai's car out front and sure enough when we got to the back little Leila was there with Max playing. Terina jumped out and ran right to them and started playing. It was a nice evening and Pa'aga and I did our usual, "I have this _____________. Wanna trade it for _____________." It's that best way to update a wardrobe. So I gave her a dress and I got a dress. Now she can continue in her Amish ways of always having a dress on. I thought if I gave the kids otter pops that they would like me more. It didn't really work. I don't know if they were tired or if Max just really doesn't like me. And the 1 thing that Terina has loved playing with since we got here are these pretty scary animal masks. I don't know why but kids love them! Saturday Mom and I had planned on getting up before Terina and heading to the mall to do a little shopping. Obviously we were a little to slow and the turd woke up before I got out of the shower. We ended up taking her with us shopping. While getting her in the car I placed my LOVELY BLACKBERRY PHONE on the top of the car. Already stressing out about practically nothing and running in and out of the house a couple times I finally got in the car..... without my blackberry. Needless to say half way down Highway 512 I remembered that my phone was on top of the car. We got off the freeway, went home and started looking for it. At one point I was out of the car walking down the freeway looking in the grass for it until a State Trooper told me to get back in the car and look from there. I was so mad. After a couple hours Dad went to look for it and found it on the side of the on ramp. The middle button is missing and the screen is completely white. I want my phone back. (I don't recommend the Blackberry Flip. I hate it and I think I"m going to take it back in the morning. ) Anyways... Saturday was a mess... I was a mess and I just wanted to crawl under a rock and cry myself to sleep. The day did get better. Terina told me I was pretty and I shouldn't be sad. Dad gave me money to upgrade mom's phone and get a new one. We went to Sam's Club with Jared and Ashlee and then to bed somewhat early so we could wake up for church.

REWIND!!

I don't know why but I'm in the blogging mood. I really should be putting Terina to bed but she's in her own little world. Anyways, last month two friends of ours got married. They are great friends and I love them very much. Sandra and I use to live together and she was 1 of 2 people in Laie who knew I actually got married when I did. She was the first to see my ring and she was very supportive when she found out I was pregnant. I love her very much and am glad that they live just 1 building away. Because she was getting married Claire, another friend of ours, flew in from California. I was so happy to see her. We have kept in touch these last 4 years and I love her to death! She's the best. She can always make me laugh and I just love her. Anyways, we went to PCC and had a great time there. We also went to Sandra and LJ's wedding together. Terina was scamming on the cake and I couldn't believe Terina and her cake. When they were passing it out we were standing up watching these little girls dance. When she noticed that they had passed our place without leaving cake she almost started to cry. She instently raised her hand when they asked if anyone needed cake.... and then she killed it. Anyways, I'm super glad that I got to spend time with Claire. Sandra and LJ had a beautiful reception and for some reason it was really emotional for me. I was so happy that they were finally married and that they looked so happy and in love. I've seen a lot more of them since they have moved in and I love it! Hopefully they don't move anytime soon.

Pictures from Richland

The girls got Poi Balls for their gifts this time around. However I didn't know that the ones that I bought from the swap meet were as hard as a rock so we ended up giving Emma Terina's and I made a softer pair for Tabitha. Emma is getting really good at them. Even Miss Sydney gave it a try. I think I'll make her some shorter ones though. Terina decided that she was really a skater girl and tried her hand at roller skates. About 3 seconds after this picture we heard her crash and burn. And yes.. Terina and Tabitha are wearing matching dresses complements of Grandma.

And here are all the cousins before getting their pictures taken. They really did look cute and we did get at least 1 good one of all of the girls and a super cute one of Tabitha and Terina together and Emma and Sydney together so I guess it all works out in the end.

Vacation Day 8

Today Terina and I played outside. There really isn't that much else to do seems we have no car. We played Ninja's, did chalk in the back yard, jumped on the trampoline... the usual things for 2 people who are stuck at a house with no car. I just wanted to sleep all day but of course that didn't happen. And when I got dressed this morning I had all intentions of jumping on this treadmill behind me and knock out a few miles but you know... that didn't happen either. I probably should though because they have food here... something we aren't really use to... and it's good.

Anyways, today Great Grandma Millar came over and spent some time with Terina and I. She played outside with us, colored and we talked until Terina fell asleep.

I think living in TVA has helped Terina to become comfortable with other people. Before she was really shy and kind of stuck to my leg but now everyone is "Aunty" and "Uncle" and she just gives everyone big hugs and kisses. She is such a loving girl. This is somewhat of a problem though. She ran up to the garbage man today and gave him a huge hug and said, "Hi Uncle." We'll have to work on "Stranger Danger" next week.

Vacation Days 5,6 and 7

Monday we did do much. Terina and I went up to Seattle with Dad to see Grandma Fale and leave it to me to not have a camera. Terina ran right to her and gave her a hug. She talked to her and played with Sumu the dog. I'm just really glad that Terina didn't bust out her Samoan for Grandma. The last thing I want Terina to tell her is "I'm gonna punch your eye." Thanks for the Samoan 101 lesson Kasala.

Tuesday Terina and I got up early and went to a free movie with Alisha, Malichai, Scarlett and Boston. We saw Horton Hears a Who in the theater and it was fun. I think Terina didn't get enough sleep and just wasn't feelin it. I had to wake her up at 8:30 in order for us to get ready and leave. After the movie we went over to Alisha's house for some lunch and shortly after that Terina was ready to go home and sleep. That was pretty much our Tuesday.

As you can see our little vacation to Washington isn't all that it's cracked up to be. I think the first weekend here was probably the best. Today Terina and I slept in again. We got up and were going to walk to Dawson Park to play but Alisha called and invited us to the Sprinkler Park. It was a lot of fun. I think BYU should really invest in building a sprinkler park for the little TVA kids. It would be a lot of fun. We stayed there for a little over an hour and then came back home. I've been playing maid in the house and have been trying to keep it clean while we are here. Dad told me to clean the middle room, hang up his clothes which turned into cleaning his room and keeping the house clean. It's not a bad deal I guess. Hopefully we'll do some more fun things when Phebe and the girls get here on Sunday. Maybe a trip to the zoo... anything more exciting than staying home and cleaning my parent's bedroom.

Vacation Day 3 and 4

Friday night I ended up sleeping in Tabitha's room with Terina on the bed. I eventually kicked her off on to the floor next to Tabitha and Emma who were sleeping on their little fold out couches. Of course those three got up at the crack of dawn, more like 8:00am, and woke me up too. I tried my hardest to keep sleeping but knew that having 3 girls up without any adult supervision could be dangerous so I got up and made a delicious breakfast of cold cereal, toast and juice. A little while later Phebe got up and joined the party. Bree and Phebe scheduled pictures of all the girls for that afternoon and that was a challenge. I was so embarrassed the whole time. Terina was not cooperative at all. She didn't want to sit next to Sydney, didn't want to smile or look at the photographer... it was just a mess. We were eventually able to get a couple good shots of all 4 of the cousins. They looked so cute in matching outfits. We then headed off to lunch and had a good time. That afternoon the girls played in the back yard and jumping on the trampoline. Terina played so hard that she knocked out around 5pm and woke up around 7pm. Not my #1 choice of a nap time but whatever. Saturday night Phebe, Terina and I headed over to Jeff's house to see mom and Sydney. Terina and Syd were able to get along a little better that night and it made me really happy that they were. We have not seen Sydney since April of 2008, a couple months before leaving for Hawaii. They ran around in circles screaming and laughing. It was very cute and I just LOVE little Miss Sydney Marie. Terina and I ended up in bed really late and I was truely hoping that she wouldn't wake up for church but when she heard Tabitha's voice she literrally popped up and started playing Peek-a-Boo. Phebe was very impressed that she woke up in such a happy mood. We went to church and then Terina went to Sunbeams with Tabitha. They sang her a welcome song and Terina wanted to talk in the micraphone so the Primary President, Jill who is one of Phebe's good friends, let her be one of the spotlights for that day. They asked her questions about living in Hawaii and she did a good job answering them. After that she was done with Primary and church. She was just really tired and needed a nap so we took off in my old Jeep Sassy back to Phebe's house to pack up, eat a snack and clean the house. By the time Anthony got home from church Terina was ready for round 2. We had lunch/dinner at Jeff and Bree's house and the kids all played together one last time andt then we were off. The drive home was long and it was hailing on the pass so much that you could hardly see in front of you. I'm just glad I wasn't driving. I am glad thought that Terina came home and went to bed at a decent hour and slept in this morning until about 9am. Well... 4 days of vaction down....13 more to go.

Vacation Days 1 and 2

Thursday Terina and I boarded a very full NWA flight to Seattle to spend some time with my family. The plane was hot, I almost fell asleep before we even left, it was late leaving, late arriving and the stewardess was not very polite. Terina had plenty of things to do but did she want to do any of the activities I brought... Not really. Instead she preferred to sing to the whole plane and kick the seat in front of her. Luckily I didn't hear anyone complaining about her being loud and the nice people behind us said they wished more children would sing like she did. Over all it wasn't a bad flight. It was just very long. We arrived to my Mom and Dads' around 11pm and Terina was far from wanting to go to bed. I let her stay up for a while, fed her some real food and she ran around the house like a crazy child. Finally around 1am, when she was "playing Halo" with Grandpa, I couldn't keep my eyes open any longer and pulled her kicking and crying to bed. And it was a nice, comfortable, king size bed. I don't wanna go back to my bed at TVA but I know I must. So I'm going to enjoy the comfort of a plush, pillow top mattress while I can before returning to the bed we have where many children were probably conceived. This morning mom and I had to go to her work to fill out some paper work seems I will be working there for the short while I am home. Things fell through with the long term subbing job I had lined up and I am actually really sad about that but that's a whole different can of worms so while I am home I will be working as a hospitality aid at Evergreen Nursing Home. I'm gonna make beds and hand out food. Terina went out to breakfast with Grandpa while we were doing this and finally, 2 hours after we wanted to leave, we left for Richland to see my nieces. Terina could not wait to see her cousins and her aunties and uncles. She was so excited when we pulled up. (She did really well in the car for the 3 almost 4 hour drive.) The madness began as soon as she got out of the car. They were all so happy to see each other after being apart for 7 months. We hadn't seen Sydney for 15 months so I was pretty much in tears just looking at how much she had grown. Here are the girls with their Uncle Mike... Terina, Emma and Tabitha. And Sydney, Tabitha and Terina in the dresses that Grandma made them for Uncle Jakes wedding in a couple weeks. She made these ones for them to wear at his reception in Washington in August. I'm so happy to be back with my family. I wish Kasala could have come with us too but I know he'll keep himself busy and out of trouble back in Laie. Now I'm sitting up all alone at Anthony and Phebe's house while the 3 little are knocked out in Tabitha's room. 2 days of vacation down, 18 more to go :)