Well.... We're back in Hawaii. It's been a long night. On our way to the airport there were police check points set up everywhere. We were fine going through thank goodness. We made one more stop to say good bye to Wayne. It was so nice to meet one of Kasala's good childhood friends and hear stories about their little group growing up. All those stories I thought Kasala was exaggeration about were really true! I can't wait to go back and spend more time with Wayne and his wife. Hopefully Pati, Kasala's other friend in Utah, and his wife will go the same time as us when we go again. That would be fun to get their little group together again.
We made it to the airport in plenty of time to visit with everyone one last time. Our bags went through fine and we had an hour or so to say good bye to everyone. We kind of just sat around like we weren't really leaving. I think everyone was sad and didn't really want to acknowledge that we were actually leaving. But when the time finally came to say good bye the water works were turned on. It was very hard to say good bye to Mama. She doesn't speak very good English but when I said good bye things were very clear. I made sure that she knew how much I loved her and that I will take care of the girls and her son. If she heard nothing else from me I wanted her to hear that... "I love you Mama." She was having such a hard time saying good bye to the girls. She loves them so much and I know she didn't want to see us go. We said good bye to all the kids, the sisters and Ala and then to Papa. It was hard to say good bye to him too. I love and admire my father in law so much. He works hard to provide for his family and always has. They didn't have the nicest house or the nicest things but they are always happy and I really believe it is because of Papa. He leads the family with so much faith and love. When everyone is screaming and yelling it's his calm voice that brings everyone back to where they need to be. I'm really going to miss him and Mama.
Once we said good bye and made it through customs we were only in the waiting area for a short time. The flight ended up leaving an hour early. It was a full flight and we sat towards the back of the plane. Here is where the trip just goes to hell. About 10 minutes into the flight Manamea decided to projectile vomit all over me, down the side of the plane, all over the front of my shirt and down my pants. I couldn't believe what was happening. It was like a horrible dream! And it STANK!! Rotten, curdled milk all over the place. I really just wanted to cry but Kasala just kept saying, "Don't start crying. It's not going to help the situation." Luckily we had an amazing crew working and they were opening wet naps like crazy to help get me cleaned up. The people in front of us moved. The people across the aisle also moved and we were left in the back of the plane smelling like rotten milk with about 8 other people. It took about 40 wet naps to get a majority of the vomit off of me. The flight attendant also gave me a blanket from first class to make into a shirt to wear for the rest of the flight. We moved across the aisle and Manamea was back asleep. I took the blanket and went to the bathroom where I just broke down and cried. I think I was in there for about 20 minutes crying and trying to get the vomit off of my shirt. I was standing there with my shirt off, vomit chunks coming out from my undershirt and stuck in my bra, my hair looking like a hot mess and my eyes starting to get puffy. I was a mess. A complete mess. I finally pulled myself together enough to walk back out to our seats. Manamea seemed to be doing fine. Terina was asleep and Kasala looked extremely tired. I however stank and I couldn't help but think of that.... and only that.
We made it to Hawaii in one piece got our luggage and then realized that we didn't make car reservations :( Completely my fault. Kasala kept telling me to wait but I knew that I should just make the reservation. We found an over priced car, due to the holiday, and made our way there to pick it up. It was right down the street from our hotel and I really was hoping that they would check us in early but kind of knew that it wasn't going to happen. Anyways.... we get to the hotel and I went in to see when the earliest time was we could check in. The lady said 10am....3 hours from now. I asked for a restroom so I could change my shirt and told her what happened and her reply was, "Is that what that smell is? Let me see what I can do." And BAM!! Hotel room at 7:30am! So.... this is where we are now. I threw the kids in the tub once we got in and put them back to bed..... Everyone is sleeping right now and I'm sitting here in a dark room, on a nice soft bed after taking a hot, HOT shower....missing Samoa.
Friday, December 23, 2011
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Samoa....Day 21
The time has come. We spent the morning running around buying last minute shirts for the girls, ear rings and some other small things that Terina wanted to take home. We took our little rental back, got some ice cream and dropped off our laundry. Kasala went early this morning to pick up some Rugby jerseys for Dad.
This trip has been crazy. It was nothing like I thought it would be. I really did love it. It didn't all go as planned but when does a trip ever go as planned? I have a wonderful family here in Samoa. My sisters are just so caring and loving. They have the best heart and did everything they could to make sure I was comfortable and to make sure that my kids were comfortable. They welcomed me as their sister and treated me so well. They treated my girls with so much love and respect. Ala and his wife were also so wonderful and loving. They made the trip from New Zealand to meet me and the girls. They too showed nothing but love for the girls and myself.
I have some crazy nephews over here. I love them so much! They really do know how to keep someone on their toes. They are typical little Samoan boys. Glen reminds me of the fat guy from Laughing Samoans. He cracks me up. And Taape is so sneaky! He's trouble walking but he can make me laugh.Thomas and Afa were the oldest of the cousins and they did their best to help the kids share the video games and make sure everyone had a turn when they were playing games. The kids played and acted like they were never apart.... like they have known each other for years. Terina had so much fun with her cousins and she loves them so much. She is so sad that she has to leave and go back home.
I'm done packing. I've weighed all the bags and we should be alright. Nothing is over weight and everything fits. We have dinner still to eat then it'll be time to pack up and head to the airport. Here's to one more dinner in Samoa with my family.
This trip has been crazy. It was nothing like I thought it would be. I really did love it. It didn't all go as planned but when does a trip ever go as planned? I have a wonderful family here in Samoa. My sisters are just so caring and loving. They have the best heart and did everything they could to make sure I was comfortable and to make sure that my kids were comfortable. They welcomed me as their sister and treated me so well. They treated my girls with so much love and respect. Ala and his wife were also so wonderful and loving. They made the trip from New Zealand to meet me and the girls. They too showed nothing but love for the girls and myself.
I have some crazy nephews over here. I love them so much! They really do know how to keep someone on their toes. They are typical little Samoan boys. Glen reminds me of the fat guy from Laughing Samoans. He cracks me up. And Taape is so sneaky! He's trouble walking but he can make me laugh.Thomas and Afa were the oldest of the cousins and they did their best to help the kids share the video games and make sure everyone had a turn when they were playing games. The kids played and acted like they were never apart.... like they have known each other for years. Terina had so much fun with her cousins and she loves them so much. She is so sad that she has to leave and go back home.
I'm done packing. I've weighed all the bags and we should be alright. Nothing is over weight and everything fits. We have dinner still to eat then it'll be time to pack up and head to the airport. Here's to one more dinner in Samoa with my family.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Samoa....Day 20
Today was finally the day that we got to drive to Fausaga so I could see where my Dad was born and raised. I was really excited and very nervous for some reason. I was most excited to see where my Grandfather was buried. A lot of my cousins are older than my brothers and I and they remember being in Samoa or visiting there and they all knew Grandpa. Because my Dad is one of the youngest and he got married after coming to the US none of us had the chance to meet him. I don't know if I have even seen a picture of him. So today was very exciting.
When we pulled into the village we had moved to the side of the road so that we could take a picture with the village sign. I guess it was taking us a while to get out of the car and I thought that Kasala was being impatient with us because he was telling us to hurry and get take the picture and then get back in the car. Come to find out that there were people yelling at him to not take pictures and there were these little kids kind of walking towards us too. Apparently with rocks in their hands.
We weren't too sure where we needed to go but there was this older lady walking down the street and Kasala asked her for directions. She was very polite but she didn't recognize my Grandfathers name. She did however know who my Grandma was. That just amazed me. My Grandma hasn't been to Samoa in years but people still know and remember her! She must have been super popular in the village :) The lady gave us directions and every showed us to the correct road to turn down. It was a paved road and the houses were right off of the street. Many of the houses we passed on the main street were all open houses but as we turned down the street to the families property there were a few more of the western style homes. The house want too far down the street. It had a large front yard and of course it had a volleyball net set up. The yard looked like it was taken care of. There were also 4 graves right at the front of the property and I knew that one of them had to belong to my Grandfather.
Kasala, the girls and I were the only ones who got out of the car. We went and met Grandma Fale's brother Hakai. He lived at the house that Grandma and Grandpa actually built. Kasala was very polite and introduced me to him. We sat down for a while in the fale and talked. Well.. I listened. He asked about Grandma's health and how everyone was doing. He asked what I was doing there and when we were leaving. I think his daughter was also there. She said that she had pictures of Mike, Jeff and I when we were little.
After we visited with Hakai for a while we went to look at the rest of the property. There were a total of 3 larger houses on the property and a bunch of smaller ones that people were actually living in. There were a lot of my Dad's cousins that were there and of course I don't remember any ones name. We met Grandma's other brother Mika who lived in the house next to Hakai. He looked just like Grandma. I can see where we get our nose from.
After taking a few pictures we walked up to the graves that were at the front of the property. There was a total of 4 out there. The largest one was the chief whom my grandparents use to take care of along with their parents. The second tallest one was my grandfather. I couldn't help but begin to cry as I sat there on his grave. It was a very special day for me. This was all I had of my Grandfather... this grave. I have never seen a picture and I haven't heard very many stories of him either. When we approached the grave my heart sank. There was a huge hole on the top of the grave. I wish I had a bag of cement with me so I could fix it! Or at least a few more days so I could go back and fix it. We sat there for a few minutes and I just cried. This was the closest I was going to get to my Grandfather until I die. I really was hoping that he was looking down on my girls and I and I hope he was happy that we were there. I can't wait to go back every time we visit Samoa. I'm going to make sure that the area where the graves are is always clean and taken care of....even if we do just go back once a year. That's my Grandfather. He deserves the best.
The rest of today was spent packing, organizing and cleaning. I can't believe that it's time to go home. We have some last minute shopping to do tomorrow but other than that..... we just need to pack. I'm sad to leave but I'm also ready to get back into my own bed.
When we pulled into the village we had moved to the side of the road so that we could take a picture with the village sign. I guess it was taking us a while to get out of the car and I thought that Kasala was being impatient with us because he was telling us to hurry and get take the picture and then get back in the car. Come to find out that there were people yelling at him to not take pictures and there were these little kids kind of walking towards us too. Apparently with rocks in their hands.
We weren't too sure where we needed to go but there was this older lady walking down the street and Kasala asked her for directions. She was very polite but she didn't recognize my Grandfathers name. She did however know who my Grandma was. That just amazed me. My Grandma hasn't been to Samoa in years but people still know and remember her! She must have been super popular in the village :) The lady gave us directions and every showed us to the correct road to turn down. It was a paved road and the houses were right off of the street. Many of the houses we passed on the main street were all open houses but as we turned down the street to the families property there were a few more of the western style homes. The house want too far down the street. It had a large front yard and of course it had a volleyball net set up. The yard looked like it was taken care of. There were also 4 graves right at the front of the property and I knew that one of them had to belong to my Grandfather.
Kasala, the girls and I were the only ones who got out of the car. We went and met Grandma Fale's brother Hakai. He lived at the house that Grandma and Grandpa actually built. Kasala was very polite and introduced me to him. We sat down for a while in the fale and talked. Well.. I listened. He asked about Grandma's health and how everyone was doing. He asked what I was doing there and when we were leaving. I think his daughter was also there. She said that she had pictures of Mike, Jeff and I when we were little.
After we visited with Hakai for a while we went to look at the rest of the property. There were a total of 3 larger houses on the property and a bunch of smaller ones that people were actually living in. There were a lot of my Dad's cousins that were there and of course I don't remember any ones name. We met Grandma's other brother Mika who lived in the house next to Hakai. He looked just like Grandma. I can see where we get our nose from.
After taking a few pictures we walked up to the graves that were at the front of the property. There was a total of 4 out there. The largest one was the chief whom my grandparents use to take care of along with their parents. The second tallest one was my grandfather. I couldn't help but begin to cry as I sat there on his grave. It was a very special day for me. This was all I had of my Grandfather... this grave. I have never seen a picture and I haven't heard very many stories of him either. When we approached the grave my heart sank. There was a huge hole on the top of the grave. I wish I had a bag of cement with me so I could fix it! Or at least a few more days so I could go back and fix it. We sat there for a few minutes and I just cried. This was the closest I was going to get to my Grandfather until I die. I really was hoping that he was looking down on my girls and I and I hope he was happy that we were there. I can't wait to go back every time we visit Samoa. I'm going to make sure that the area where the graves are is always clean and taken care of....even if we do just go back once a year. That's my Grandfather. He deserves the best.
The rest of today was spent packing, organizing and cleaning. I can't believe that it's time to go home. We have some last minute shopping to do tomorrow but other than that..... we just need to pack. I'm sad to leave but I'm also ready to get back into my own bed.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Samoa.... Day 19
LET THE CELEBRATING BEGIN!! Today is Manamea's birthday and we planned a pretty good dinner for the family. We started our day off by doing a little more shopping. We're running out of time to get everything that we want to take home. Manamea and I went to the market with Peta and Maima while Dad and Kasala went across the street to the fish market. They went to get some fresh yellow fin tuna to make oka with for dinner.
I've come to the conclusion that Samoa is not a stroller friendly place. Next time we come I'm not going to waste my time with a stroller.... you can't take them through the market because they don't fit and there are stairs here and there. You can't walk down the sidewalks with them because there are too many people and the sidewalks are crap in most places. And people just stare at you like they have never seen a stroller before too.
Anyways back to shopping. We were able to find some bracelets and a few necklaces for Terina. I finally found her some small earrings too. It's nothing fancy but they are small enough that she doesn't look too grown with them in. We got a few t-shirts and then Manamea went crazy. I guess she knew I wasn't buying anything for her. I did get her a Coke though and we went to have fish and chips for lunch.
After our shopping trip it was off to KK Mart to get food and then home to start getting things ready. Thankfully Manamea took a really good nap today so I could take pictures and help get food ready.
Kasala, Papa and Mama killed a pig, Ala made some coconut milk for the food and Peta decorated the and cooked a bunch of stuff. I guess I didn't really help get the food ready.... I just took pictures and kept the kids out of trouble. I felt really blessed today. It was overwhelming to see how much Kasala's family loves the girls. They went above and beyond to make Manamea's birthday in Samoa the best 1st birthday that she could have.
The birthday dinner was a success. I'm very grateful for Manamea and the blessings she has brought to our lives. She's very hard headed and determined to do what she wants to do. She's a mean girl too. She likes to scratch and pinch and bite and pull.... I'm hoping this is all just a stage and she'll grow out of it it soon but until she does we'll continue to do our best to teach and love her. She's full of energy and love and I'm so glad that I can call her my daughter. I love you Manamea and hope you had a wonderful 1st Birthday with your family in Samoa.
I've come to the conclusion that Samoa is not a stroller friendly place. Next time we come I'm not going to waste my time with a stroller.... you can't take them through the market because they don't fit and there are stairs here and there. You can't walk down the sidewalks with them because there are too many people and the sidewalks are crap in most places. And people just stare at you like they have never seen a stroller before too.
Anyways back to shopping. We were able to find some bracelets and a few necklaces for Terina. I finally found her some small earrings too. It's nothing fancy but they are small enough that she doesn't look too grown with them in. We got a few t-shirts and then Manamea went crazy. I guess she knew I wasn't buying anything for her. I did get her a Coke though and we went to have fish and chips for lunch.
After our shopping trip it was off to KK Mart to get food and then home to start getting things ready. Thankfully Manamea took a really good nap today so I could take pictures and help get food ready.
Kasala, Papa and Mama killed a pig, Ala made some coconut milk for the food and Peta decorated the and cooked a bunch of stuff. I guess I didn't really help get the food ready.... I just took pictures and kept the kids out of trouble. I felt really blessed today. It was overwhelming to see how much Kasala's family loves the girls. They went above and beyond to make Manamea's birthday in Samoa the best 1st birthday that she could have.
Peta bought Manamea a new dress that she wore for her birthday dinner. It was really cute with a pair of leggings. Her hair on the other had is a whole different story... we need to do something about that. But it was a great day together as a family. Everyone was there and everyone did something to help make Manamea feel special. I'm sure she had no clue that it was her birthday but who knows... maybe she did know that it was a special day for her.
I thought today was perfect... with the exception of the gross cake. I was really disappointed. We ordered a cake from a bakery that everyone said was super good. We paid a good chunk of change for it too. And it came home with some gummy bears stuck on top and a freaky doll. Everyone seemed to enjoy the cake and ice cream though so I guess, again, it didn't really matter. I noticed that there weren't a lot of sweets to buy in Samoa. At the bakery where we always bought the keke pua'a they had donuts but they weren't really sweet. They had like a whipped cream filling but the donut part was more like bread than a sweet thing. Even the pineapple pies weren't that sweet or anything.
Monday, December 19, 2011
Samoa.... Day 18
What a WONDERFUL day!! We got up and ready to go shopping early this morning. We left right after breakfast and ran a few errands before starting our shopping. I was really excited because we were going to go to the food market place today as well as the flee market. After stopping by the bank we were going to cross the street and I hear someone calling my name. At first I think that it's a mistake and that I'm just hearing things but then I hear it again.... and again. I finally start looking around and I see this man hanging out of a van window waving frantically at me. After staring at him for 10 seconds I realize that it's CJ Reedus! He is serving his mission in Apia and I knew that the chances of me actually running into him were slim but I was hoping I would. Peta and I turned around and chased down the van that conveniently parked right next to our car which was where Kasala and Ala were getting the camera out. It worked out perfectly! I was very excited to see Elder Reedus. He looked great and just had that missionary glow around him. His Samoan was very good and he was talking with Kasala for a while. He asked about our vacation and where we were staying. I of course asked how the mission was. He is due to come home in a few months I think. He said that he was loving it and having a great time. The area that he is serving in now is kind of out there and the families don't really have a lot so they aren't getting very many meals. (When I asked Kasala about it he said that sometimes families would make these huge meals for the missionaries and spend a lot of money to feed them well but then go without for their own family.) We tried to give him so money seems they were in town for their P-Day so he could have a little extra but of course he refused. We offered to buy the missionaries food and they of course refused. There were about 10 missionaries in that parking lot together getting ready to hit the bank and shop. The spirit was so strong as we talked to them and saw how happy there were to be out serving the Lord teaching people about the gospel of Jesus Christ. This was probably one of the best days that we have had here. My heart was very full as we said good bye to the Elders. Hopefully we'll get to see Elder Reedus again before we leave. He gave us his phone number and we told him that if we make it out that way on Wednesday we'll give him a call. Hopefully we do because I would love for nothing more than to give him and his companion a good meal.
Oh... I found fabric, something for Mom, a new bag and comb for Grandma Fale, we dropped off our material and got measured for our dressed today as well. We didn't do much more... the highlight was seeing the missionaries dressed in their white shirts and ties, standing outside of McDonald's after eating lunch. I'm thankful for those missionaries who taught my Dad and his family the gospel all those years ago on this island.
Tomorrow... MANAMEA TURNS 1!! We're going to go home and plan a little party for her and then get things together in the morning. I can't believe it's been a year already!! This will probably be the only birthday she has in 90 degree weather :)
Oh... I found fabric, something for Mom, a new bag and comb for Grandma Fale, we dropped off our material and got measured for our dressed today as well. We didn't do much more... the highlight was seeing the missionaries dressed in their white shirts and ties, standing outside of McDonald's after eating lunch. I'm thankful for those missionaries who taught my Dad and his family the gospel all those years ago on this island.
Tomorrow... MANAMEA TURNS 1!! We're going to go home and plan a little party for her and then get things together in the morning. I can't believe it's been a year already!! This will probably be the only birthday she has in 90 degree weather :)
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Samoa.... Day 17
Another Sunday without going to church. This time I have a legit excuse. All the shirts I wear under my dresses are dirty and because there was no water I couldn't wash them. The dress that I had set aside to wear to church, which was my FAVORITE DRESS EVER, had a mosquito coil dropped on it this morning and now I have 2 little holes burned into the front of the dress. First thing I'm doing when I get home is going to Burlington Coat Factory and seeing if they still have any of those dresses. It was so comfortable and I just LOVED it! It was my go to dress... I guess I should stop crying over a melted dress and just get over it.
Terina went to church today with the kids. Kasala, Manamea and I went through a drive in town. There was nothing open at all. I guess things open up later in the evening after everyone gets home from church and eats dinner. It was really just a relaxing Sunday. All the kids and I watched a movie inside the house while Kasala, his brother and sisters had a meeting with their parents. (There was no point in me being out there.. I had no idea what was being said and it was much more fun watching Alvin and the Chipmunks with the kids.)
After their little meeting we went for another drive in town. Manamea loves riding in the car. I think it's because she doesn't have to sit in a car seat. We stopped and got some Cokes and water and just drove through town. When we got home we Skyped with Mom and Dad for a while. The kids all came running in when they heard Terina talking to her Grandpa and they sat down in front of the computer just staring at Dad.
It was funny... the kids were asking him all these random questions and he just answered and laughed at them. Terina showed Grandpa the old school games that she was learning and showed him that she could speak Samoan. I'm really proud of her and how fast she has caught on to the language. Hopefully she doesn't forget what she is learning. She almost seems like she belongs here in Samoa....Makes me sad that we'll have to leave in a few days.......
Tomorrow we're going to go shopping for fabric so I can have a dress made. I'm also going to try and get the shopping done for everyone at home. Hopefully I can find something nice for Mom and Dad.....
Terina went to church today with the kids. Kasala, Manamea and I went through a drive in town. There was nothing open at all. I guess things open up later in the evening after everyone gets home from church and eats dinner. It was really just a relaxing Sunday. All the kids and I watched a movie inside the house while Kasala, his brother and sisters had a meeting with their parents. (There was no point in me being out there.. I had no idea what was being said and it was much more fun watching Alvin and the Chipmunks with the kids.)
After their little meeting we went for another drive in town. Manamea loves riding in the car. I think it's because she doesn't have to sit in a car seat. We stopped and got some Cokes and water and just drove through town. When we got home we Skyped with Mom and Dad for a while. The kids all came running in when they heard Terina talking to her Grandpa and they sat down in front of the computer just staring at Dad.
It was funny... the kids were asking him all these random questions and he just answered and laughed at them. Terina showed Grandpa the old school games that she was learning and showed him that she could speak Samoan. I'm really proud of her and how fast she has caught on to the language. Hopefully she doesn't forget what she is learning. She almost seems like she belongs here in Samoa....Makes me sad that we'll have to leave in a few days.......
Tomorrow we're going to go shopping for fabric so I can have a dress made. I'm also going to try and get the shopping done for everyone at home. Hopefully I can find something nice for Mom and Dad.....
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Samoa.... Day 16
We were suppose to get up really early this morning and take off for our drive. I set the alarm clock for 5am so I could get up and shower. Except there was no water this morning. Apparently it goes out every now and then. They live higher up on the mountain so if it doesn't rain a lot then there isn't much water... it all goes down hill to the main part of the village. I take comfort in knowing that we aren't the only ones up here without water. Hopefully it'll come back on tonight.
The drive around the island was fun. The island is so green and lush! It was very pretty to see all the trees, valleys and the mountain. There were a lot more of the open type of homes than I thought there would be. The one thing that I tried over and over to take a picture of was peoples workout weights and stuff. It was just funny cause it would be so random and the weights looked like they were made out of tree trunks and stuff. I guess you'd have to see it.
Another thing I noticed was that there was a church building in almost every village. There were so many of them which means that the church is very strong in the islands. Not only were there a lot of LDS buildings but a lot of other churches too. Just in Magiagi there are 4 different churches. Religion seems to play a huge role in the lives of the people here which is good and bad. You should see how big some of the homes of the ministers are. They are ridiculously large and out of control.
On our way to meet Kasala's uncles we were able to see a lot of the damage from the tsunami that hit there a few years ago. There were still a lot of homes that didn't get rebuilt, cars along the side of the road that were mangled and businesses that just didn't rebuild or reopen. It was a little shocking that after a few years people had still not fully recovered from the disaster.
We met Kasala's uncles but didn't stay for long. They were on the property of his Grandfather who passed away a few years ago. It was a fairly large piece of land right across from the beach. The foundation was still there of the original house that his Grandfather built way back in the day. Ala was telling me that it was a huge Samoan fale that they use to play in as little kids. There is now a western style house there but the bathroom and kitchen is still outside. I don't think there are many homes with the kitchen/cooking actually inside.... Or at least I didn't see any.
After taking pictures with the Uncles and on the graves of his Grandparents we made our way to Vaiula beach. This place was amazing. Nothing super special but the water was so blue and clear! The sand was very fine and even had black sand mixed in! I had never seen black sand before. The kids had a blast. They were happy to be out of the car for a few hours and in the sun. Manamea had no fear about going into the water. She crawled right in and started splashing around. She did on several occasions try to eat the sand. Peta and Paline made some awesome lunch for us too. They were going to BBQ so we brought a bunch of stuff to BBQ but when I didn't actually SEE a BBQ I started to get a little worried. I wasn't informed that a BBQ was really a fire under a piece of metal with a skillet type thing on top of that. I guess it didn't really matter how they cooked the food.... it was good!
After spending a few hours at the beach we were on our way back home. We were suppose to go and visit my Dads village today but the kids were tired and the family was just ready to call it a day. On our drive home we cut across the island and saw an amazing waterfall. It was called Papapapaitai Waterfall.... Don't ask me how to say that cause I"ll just keep repeating Papa over and over. We drove by where Robert Lewis Stevens is buried. I don't think we're going to make the hike to his grave this time around. We were planning on it but it looks like we're running out of time. When we got home the family had a lot of things to do to prepare for Sunday. The kids and I just kind of took it easy, watched a few movies, played outside,..... Waited for the water to come back on.... which it didn't.
Not having water caused a little anger in me to come out. I'm not use to not having water available when I want to shower. Kasala did go to the pipe out front and fill up a bunch of buckets of clean water to shower the kids with. He then informed me that I needed to fill up a bucket, take the pan and go shower myself. That right there threw me for a loop and I threw a little Diva Tantrum.... well a big Diva Tantrum. I told him to take me to a hotel and check me in cause there was no way in HELL that I was using a bucket and a PAN to take a shower. That of course didn't go over very well and a few hours after our big argument about showering it started to rain really hard... and the water came back on! Hopefully it doesn't turn off again because if it does I have a feeling I'll be outside with a bucket and a pan.
The drive around the island was fun. The island is so green and lush! It was very pretty to see all the trees, valleys and the mountain. There were a lot more of the open type of homes than I thought there would be. The one thing that I tried over and over to take a picture of was peoples workout weights and stuff. It was just funny cause it would be so random and the weights looked like they were made out of tree trunks and stuff. I guess you'd have to see it.
Another thing I noticed was that there was a church building in almost every village. There were so many of them which means that the church is very strong in the islands. Not only were there a lot of LDS buildings but a lot of other churches too. Just in Magiagi there are 4 different churches. Religion seems to play a huge role in the lives of the people here which is good and bad. You should see how big some of the homes of the ministers are. They are ridiculously large and out of control.
On our way to meet Kasala's uncles we were able to see a lot of the damage from the tsunami that hit there a few years ago. There were still a lot of homes that didn't get rebuilt, cars along the side of the road that were mangled and businesses that just didn't rebuild or reopen. It was a little shocking that after a few years people had still not fully recovered from the disaster.
We met Kasala's uncles but didn't stay for long. They were on the property of his Grandfather who passed away a few years ago. It was a fairly large piece of land right across from the beach. The foundation was still there of the original house that his Grandfather built way back in the day. Ala was telling me that it was a huge Samoan fale that they use to play in as little kids. There is now a western style house there but the bathroom and kitchen is still outside. I don't think there are many homes with the kitchen/cooking actually inside.... Or at least I didn't see any.
After taking pictures with the Uncles and on the graves of his Grandparents we made our way to Vaiula beach. This place was amazing. Nothing super special but the water was so blue and clear! The sand was very fine and even had black sand mixed in! I had never seen black sand before. The kids had a blast. They were happy to be out of the car for a few hours and in the sun. Manamea had no fear about going into the water. She crawled right in and started splashing around. She did on several occasions try to eat the sand. Peta and Paline made some awesome lunch for us too. They were going to BBQ so we brought a bunch of stuff to BBQ but when I didn't actually SEE a BBQ I started to get a little worried. I wasn't informed that a BBQ was really a fire under a piece of metal with a skillet type thing on top of that. I guess it didn't really matter how they cooked the food.... it was good!
After spending a few hours at the beach we were on our way back home. We were suppose to go and visit my Dads village today but the kids were tired and the family was just ready to call it a day. On our drive home we cut across the island and saw an amazing waterfall. It was called Papapapaitai Waterfall.... Don't ask me how to say that cause I"ll just keep repeating Papa over and over. We drove by where Robert Lewis Stevens is buried. I don't think we're going to make the hike to his grave this time around. We were planning on it but it looks like we're running out of time. When we got home the family had a lot of things to do to prepare for Sunday. The kids and I just kind of took it easy, watched a few movies, played outside,..... Waited for the water to come back on.... which it didn't.
Not having water caused a little anger in me to come out. I'm not use to not having water available when I want to shower. Kasala did go to the pipe out front and fill up a bunch of buckets of clean water to shower the kids with. He then informed me that I needed to fill up a bucket, take the pan and go shower myself. That right there threw me for a loop and I threw a little Diva Tantrum.... well a big Diva Tantrum. I told him to take me to a hotel and check me in cause there was no way in HELL that I was using a bucket and a PAN to take a shower. That of course didn't go over very well and a few hours after our big argument about showering it started to rain really hard... and the water came back on! Hopefully it doesn't turn off again because if it does I have a feeling I'll be outside with a bucket and a pan.
Friday, December 16, 2011
Samoa... Day 15
Another day of getting up early to go shopping. We needed to find something for my mom, Grandma Fale, the girls and myself. I knew the only place Kasala was going to take me was the market in town and that was fine. I was pretty sure that I would be able to find everything I wanted there. We left Terina at home with Grandma and went out with Maima and Peta. We had fun walking around the market and looking at all the different crafts and stuff. We didn't go to the food market yet. Kasala said it was kind of dirty and not to buy any of the food there for the kids and if we don't actually BUY food there then what's the point!
One of the big things that we were looking for was either fabric or a Pulatasi for myself and the girls. The market had a lot of really nice ones and also some really pretty dresses but to me they were kind of expensive. We walked around outside at the stores looking too. We didn't find what I wanted at the market and Kasala was also looking for a rugby jersey for my Dad at all the little stores in town. We found a few of the World Cup jerseys but they didn't have the size we were looking for. While we were in the store there was this reporter there and she wanted to interview Kasala. She was doing a store on the family who owned the sporting goods store and about Samoan citizens who live in the states who are home for the holiday. She didn't say anything about having to take a picture so hopefully it turns out alright and I don't look super tore up. I found the link to the story. Thanfully they didn't put in the picture of our family from the newspaper. I was kind of mad about that anyways! It was a horrible picture... super dark. You couldn't even SEE Terina!!
Here's the story in the Samoa Observer
After shopping we went to Georgies Pizza. Kasala talks about the pizza, just like he talked about all the other food and how it was just so much better, all the time. So the whole family met up for pizza. This is probably the only thing that I like better at home than here. To me it just didn't have enough flavor. The sauce just tasted like tomatoes with no spices or anything. The toppings were ok too. I guess the only thing I actually liked about the pizza was that it wasn't swimming in grease!
After lunch/dinner we went back home and dropped everyone off. Tonight there is a concert in town (that we probably won't go to) and fireworks at night. Hopefully the kids won't be grumpy and we'll be able to make it out to the seawall for some fireworks.
************************************************************************************************Well... my kids were super grumpy, and so was I, but we went into town anyways to see the fireworks. The kids had a blast watching them. There is a company here in Samoa BlueSky I think it's call or something like that, and they had some huge promotion or sale this week. They ended their promotion with a Fiji concert, some big dance show, and fireworks over the water. We only made it to the fireworks and that was enough. When we got home we found out that they were televising it live on TV.... we could have STAYED HOME and watched it!! Oh well.... Manamea was amazed with them fireworks and Terina had fun watching them with her cousins.
Now the kids are in bed and we are getting things together for our Island Driving tomorrow. Hopefully it will be a good time!!
One of the big things that we were looking for was either fabric or a Pulatasi for myself and the girls. The market had a lot of really nice ones and also some really pretty dresses but to me they were kind of expensive. We walked around outside at the stores looking too. We didn't find what I wanted at the market and Kasala was also looking for a rugby jersey for my Dad at all the little stores in town. We found a few of the World Cup jerseys but they didn't have the size we were looking for. While we were in the store there was this reporter there and she wanted to interview Kasala. She was doing a store on the family who owned the sporting goods store and about Samoan citizens who live in the states who are home for the holiday. She didn't say anything about having to take a picture so hopefully it turns out alright and I don't look super tore up. I found the link to the story. Thanfully they didn't put in the picture of our family from the newspaper. I was kind of mad about that anyways! It was a horrible picture... super dark. You couldn't even SEE Terina!!
Here's the story in the Samoa Observer
After shopping we went to Georgies Pizza. Kasala talks about the pizza, just like he talked about all the other food and how it was just so much better, all the time. So the whole family met up for pizza. This is probably the only thing that I like better at home than here. To me it just didn't have enough flavor. The sauce just tasted like tomatoes with no spices or anything. The toppings were ok too. I guess the only thing I actually liked about the pizza was that it wasn't swimming in grease!
After lunch/dinner we went back home and dropped everyone off. Tonight there is a concert in town (that we probably won't go to) and fireworks at night. Hopefully the kids won't be grumpy and we'll be able to make it out to the seawall for some fireworks.
************************************************************************************************Well... my kids were super grumpy, and so was I, but we went into town anyways to see the fireworks. The kids had a blast watching them. There is a company here in Samoa BlueSky I think it's call or something like that, and they had some huge promotion or sale this week. They ended their promotion with a Fiji concert, some big dance show, and fireworks over the water. We only made it to the fireworks and that was enough. When we got home we found out that they were televising it live on TV.... we could have STAYED HOME and watched it!! Oh well.... Manamea was amazed with them fireworks and Terina had fun watching them with her cousins.
Now the kids are in bed and we are getting things together for our Island Driving tomorrow. Hopefully it will be a good time!!
Thursday, December 15, 2011
SAMOA.... Day 14
I got up quite early with Manamea. I was hoping that she'd go back to bed so I could help do some work around the yard with everyone else but it didn't happen. We had breakfast as a family this morning after the guys were done working. They cleared out some trees from the front yard and burned a pile of yard waste. I told Kasala that our, meaning our little family, next project is to fix the freaking drive way. There is a huge pipe that runs in front of the entrance that you have to drive over. (Magiagi has a river at the top of the mountain. The river is 1 or 2 that supplies hydroelectricity for the whole island and when the super smart government tapped into the water supply they put this huge ugly pipe in front of the land that runs from the river down the mountain and then into a valley behind the village.) I'll have to make sure and take a picture of what we have to drive up every time we leave. If you're not careful and aligned just right the car will go off the road and crash on the pipe. So that's our next project. Figure out how to get a car safely and easily from the dirt road to the house.
We didn't end up going to the Sliding Rock today. Ala was saying that it might be too steep and muddy for all of the kids to hike down. Instead we went back to Piula. I finally got some pictures of Terina and Manamea in front of the sign so I'll be posting those soon.... Hopefully. After swimming it was back to the house for some dinner, movies and popcorn. The kids watched Smurfs and Mr.Poppers Pengins. I think they had a lot of fun being together. We were suppose to play games but the kids have been arguing a lot about whose turn is when and who is taking too long or cheating that we decided to just make a pass on games. They did play that Kenict for a while the other day. (And that's where the fighting started.) Terina was the lone survivor of the movie night. Everyone else fell asleep. We'll see how she acts in the morning. The plan for tomorrow is to go shopping and look at the flea market and fabric stores for either a new pulatasi or some materials to make a pulatasi. Maima bought Terina some really nice fabric and I'm going to be jealous of how nice she looks in hers.
Time is flying by fast and we're running out of time to do things. Hopefully we'll be able to do everything that we want to before it's time to head to the airport. I'd hate to be one of those who is trying to cram things into a vacation last minute. But then again our flight doesn't leave until 1:40am on Friday so I have tme..... I think..... I hope.
We didn't end up going to the Sliding Rock today. Ala was saying that it might be too steep and muddy for all of the kids to hike down. Instead we went back to Piula. I finally got some pictures of Terina and Manamea in front of the sign so I'll be posting those soon.... Hopefully. After swimming it was back to the house for some dinner, movies and popcorn. The kids watched Smurfs and Mr.Poppers Pengins. I think they had a lot of fun being together. We were suppose to play games but the kids have been arguing a lot about whose turn is when and who is taking too long or cheating that we decided to just make a pass on games. They did play that Kenict for a while the other day. (And that's where the fighting started.) Terina was the lone survivor of the movie night. Everyone else fell asleep. We'll see how she acts in the morning. The plan for tomorrow is to go shopping and look at the flea market and fabric stores for either a new pulatasi or some materials to make a pulatasi. Maima bought Terina some really nice fabric and I'm going to be jealous of how nice she looks in hers.
Time is flying by fast and we're running out of time to do things. Hopefully we'll be able to do everything that we want to before it's time to head to the airport. I'd hate to be one of those who is trying to cram things into a vacation last minute. But then again our flight doesn't leave until 1:40am on Friday so I have tme..... I think..... I hope.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
SAMOA.... Day 13
This evening started our little family reunion. We had dinner and a "family meeting" to get things started. It was nothing really big or fancy. I think we only talked for about 45 minutes. Each family talked a little about themselves mainly to introduce themselves to me. It was really nice that they spoke in english too. Most of the time they are speaking Samoan and I have no idea what is going on. Well... I understand about every 4th word and if I piece it all together I can usually figure out what is going on. And when I can't figure it out I just ask Kasala.
I was very touched that his brother and sisters were so happy and excited to meet the girls and I.They have done so much for us since we have been here and I so appriciate them and everything they have done for us. His sisters really are great and I am so lucky to have them. The kids were also happy to all be together. There are 7 grandkids with one more on the way. You could tell that Mama and Papa were also happy to have all their grandkids around them. They have been getting quite a bit of love.... and a little bit annoyed at times.
We didn't do much today after the family meeting/dinner. We mainly just hung out. Ala and his family spent the night outside in the house. Tomorrow we (and I really mean Kasala, Ala and his Dad) are planning on getting up early and doing some things around the yard to kind of clean up a bit. After that we are suppose to go to the Sliding Rock down by the river. I heard it wasn't that great if its been raining because then it's just all muddy and dirty but we'll see.
We didn't do much today after the family meeting/dinner. We mainly just hung out. Ala and his family spent the night outside in the house. Tomorrow we (and I really mean Kasala, Ala and his Dad) are planning on getting up early and doing some things around the yard to kind of clean up a bit. After that we are suppose to go to the Sliding Rock down by the river. I heard it wasn't that great if its been raining because then it's just all muddy and dirty but we'll see.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
SAMOA.... Day 12
Today we drove with Peta and her kids to Sauniatu. Its a piece of church property that was purchased a long time ago for the members on the island. It was beautiful. There was about 800 acers of land and it was all lush and green. You could tell that the area belonged to the church. It was very well maintained. The village looked like a mini Laie. The houses reminded me of TVA the way they were built. I was super jealous of those who are living there because they had a laundry room....A washer.... just sitting there for their use. I should of brought our laundry with us.
The village has this beautiful river that flows behind the church building. There was a swimming area that we could walk down to and a beautiful waterfall. You could walk all the way down to the waterfall too but we didn't with the kids. The village was very nice though... You could tell that it was a blessed place. The spirit was very strong there.
I thought we were going to be driving more around the island but Kasala went back home after visiting Sauniatu. I guess he wanted to help get things done around the house for tomorrow. We are going to be starting the mini family reunion tomorrow at the house with a family meeting and dinner. It'll be the first time in about 8 years that Kasala and his brother and sisters are all together. I'm really glad that we were able to make this trip and that everyone else was able to come too. It really is a special time for him and his family
Monday, December 12, 2011
SAMOA.... Day 10 and 11
Sunday we didn't do anything. Terina went to church with the grandparents and Kasala and I stayed home with Manamea.....again. I don't know why he doesn't want to go to church over here. Today Kasala's brother Ala came in from and I finally got to meet him. He brought Kasala some of his favorite cereal...Wheet Bix. (It's pretty much shredded wheat but I won't tell him that.) He also brought some Peanut Slabs and Minties for the kids. All the candy is gone....even the 10 bags of candy and 12 boxes we bought! I didn't believe Kasala when he said that the only thing the kids will want is candy. These kids TORE the candy up!
The weather hasn't really be cooperating with our laundry efforts. We have to wash by hand and hang dry. It's been raining a lot so the clothes that we have had up on the line for the past 2 days are still wet. I'm going to move them under the car port later to try and dry them. I guess Kasala could see that I was getting frustrated with the laundry situation and suggested that we just take the laundry to have it washed and dried. THANK YOU! He wasn't to happy when he came out of the place and told me how much it cost for our laundry to get done..... I guess it was a price he had to pay to keep his wife happy. 44 Tala... it was washed, dried and folded. I was very happy to have nice CLEAN laundry.
Ala and his family didn't stay long tonight. They are coming back tomorrow and then for all of the family things the rest of the week. The only other thing we did today was go to town to get internet! We finally have access to the rest of the world! And I can finally post things on the blog and facebook! Thank you Kasala!!
Saturday, December 10, 2011
SAMOA.... Day 9
We got up early this morning so we could get on the road. We picked up Wayne and his wife and then headed out. Or at least I thought we were headed out. We made a stop at some food place that Kasala has been wanting to eat at to pick up lunch. Then I thought we were on our way again.... But we made another stop! This time for donuts, German buns, and Coke. And then finally we were driving. The drive was nice. The land was really green and we were driving past some good surf spots. The houses we drove past were all kind of run down. There were a lot of open fales with no walls or sides. It had been raining and some of the homes had tarps to cover the open areas to keep the rain out. There were also a bunch of pigs walking around like stray dogs. Things like that just are weird to me
Piula was really nice. Its a cave that has fresh water and it's like a big swimming pool. It's on the campus of a Theology College and there is this huge church right above the swimming area. We were suppose to take pictures in front of the sign but someone wanted to do it on the way out but then he “forgot” to go back for pictures.
The swimming was nice. The water was so clear and cool. There was a shallow side of the cave that we went to first. We could stand up in it and see the fish that were swimming around. Terina loved trying to catch the fish and Manamea had fun splashing around in the water. It wasn't a really hot day but it was kind of humid and muggy so it was perfect for swimming. We had a little fale to keep our things in and it had a few mats in there as well. When it got really windy we put down the shades and it kept the wind out really well.
Everyone had a great time swimming. Terina especially had fun playing with Wayne and Kasala. She told them that she didn't know how to swim and they just held her the whole time. When Manamea finally got out I grabbed Terina and threw her in to the water. Lo and Behold the child remembered how to swim. She just laughed about making the guys carry her around in the water. She's been very cheeky since we got here.
The kids had so much fun that they fell asleep the whole way home and even went to bed early tonight. Manamea and Terina even got a little tan!
Friday, December 9, 2011
SAMOA.... Day 8
Today Kasala took us back to Palolo Deep to swim. We asked Terina what she wanted to do today and she said swimming. I'm glad Kasala did something that Terina wanted to do and I'm glad he came with me. Manamea came too this time. She loved the water. She was splashing around and having fun. We saw some fish in the water too. Manamea didn't last long in the water. She ended up taking a nap under a tree while the rest of the kids played. It was a nice breezy day so I'm sure she had a nice sleep.
After swimming we went to get carpet for the house. When Kasala said carpet I was thinking nof carepet like we have at home. But in reality it was more like this vinyl type of flooring. It took a roll and then some to cover the living room area. The stuff cost about 130 Tala for 20 meters. I keep writing down prices because I think that some of the prices are just out of control. Even if you convert it to US dollars the prices are still high. I find myself converting everything because I want to know how much I'm paying.
Diapers, or nappys as they are called here, only come in a few brands. I wish there was a Babies R Us or at least a Walmart around so I could buy some diapers! For a small pack of Huggies, which was the only brand that I recognized, was 35 tala. They do have other brands and there were a few bags opened so I looked at them and they reminded me of the plastic diapers that Terina has for her dolls. I had to pass on thouse and suck up the price of the Huggies.
Other than swimming we really didn't do much. Next week will be full of things to do. I'm really looking forward to doing things with the family. Tomorrow we are going out with Kasala's friend Wayne and his wife. We are going to Piula caves to go swimming!
Thursday, December 8, 2011
SAMOA.... Day 7
We were going to take Manamea to the doctors this morning but they weren't open yet. She has had a cough for a few weeks before we left and she isn't really eating anything. She's had the runs too and we were starting to get a little worried. We were going to take her to the clinic tonight when they opened but she started to do much better.... she is eating more and running around. I called Mom today to talk to her about it and decided that I'd keep an eye on her and just make sure she drinks a lot for a few day. If she gets worse then I'll take her in.
We went and rented a car today too. I'm starting to think that this place is really ripping people off because they are so over priced! We are paying 1690 Tala for a car for 2 weeks. Compared to car rentals at home that's a lot. Over $800 for the 2 weeks. The only problem with the car is that the steering wheel is on the right hand side and you drive on the opposite side of the road as well here. I'm not sure if Kasala is going to let me drive. I'm not sure if I really want to either! People here don't obey traffic rules at all. I'm not even sure they have traffic rules here! No one stops at stop signs, those who are making what we would call a “free right” have to yield to cars who are crossing traffic. It just doesn't make sense to me. I don't think that Washington State Driving School would do very well over here.
We did go driving around today. It was kind of nice to get out of the house and Manamea is like a freakin dog with her head out the window while we drive. THAT'S THE OTHER THING! I asked the rental place for a car seat and they looked at me like I was stupid! They said that they didn't have any and that you don't need one here. And right after that.... I saw some man driving down the street holding his infant baby in one hand and steering this old beat up van with the other. It's a different world out here that's for sure.
I think the highlight of the day was taking the kdis to McDonald's for dinner. They have been good for the most part and we thought it would be fun to take them out. We ordered 4 chicken nugget Happy Meals and 1 cheese burger Happy Meal. The kids sure were happy.... I how ever thought I was going to choke on that nugget I was eating. It cost 64 FREAKING Tala for those Happy Meals. I couldn't believe it. I'm glad I wasn't up there with Kasala when he was ordering... I think I would have told the kids “Sorry! We're going home! Aunty can't afford this!”
Today was fun driving around and meeting some of Kasala's old friends. We spent a lot of time together in the car but it was WAY better than sitting at home doing nothing.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
SAMOA.... Day 6
We didn't do much today. Kasala and Dad put up the roof to the house. I was kind of worried that they weren't going to finish because Dad had to go to work but when he got home they went right back to working on the roof. They stayed outside working on the roof until it was all done. There was a storm that come rolling in too and they stayed up on the roof through the thunder and the rain. I'm glad that when it really started to rain hard that they were working in putting the last piece of tin up on the roof. It looks really good and I'm happy that Kasala was able to be here to help finish the roof.
All the kids went for a ride tonight and it was nice to just stay home with Manamea and just spend time with her. Things have been good. Tomorrow we'll rent a car and then we'll have a little more freedom to get out and do things. I can't wait!
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
SAMOA.... Day 5
Today Manamea, Kasala, Afa and I went to town to make corrections to my dads birth certificate. I thought I looked alright... I had on a t-shirt and some shorts and actually did my hair. I soon realized that if I am going to town I need to dress like I'm going to prom. People were dressed up like it was their last day on earth and I looked like a bum. I told Kasala as we were sitting in the records building that I felt under dressed and his only reply was “I'm glad you feel that way.” RUDE!! But.... I know know that if I'm going to town I need to dress up a little more. Good thing I brought a bunch of dresses.
After making the changes we walked around a bit while we waited for Afa to finish running some errands. We walked across the street and found a sporting goods store that had some Manu Samoa jerseys in the window. Kasala wants to buy on for Dad for when they go to Las Vegas but after seeing the price I think we need to find him another gift. Those things are out of control expensive. They are the World Cup edition jerseys and are made of really nice material. I guess we'll have to look around and see if we can find a cheaper one.
In the afternoon we went swimming at Palolo Deep. The water is really nice and warm. The tide was high and the water was a little rough so the kids didn't play for too long. They had fun though and were glad to get out of the house. I guess this place is the best place to go snorkeling. Hopefully Manamea will start to like someone so I can go out and do things with Kasala.
When we went home we had fish and chips for dinner. For the last 7 years Kasala has been going on and on about the fish and chips in Samoa. Every time we order them somewhere at home he just complains about how bad they are so I was excited to eat something that he loves. He was right... the fish and chips we've been ordering suck. These ones were really meaty and almost tasted like chicken. They don't eat them with tarter sauce but with Watties tomato sauce (which is basically catchup but a million times more tasty) I've decided that the first thing that we will be packing is a bunch of Watties tomato sauce to bring home.
After making the changes we walked around a bit while we waited for Afa to finish running some errands. We walked across the street and found a sporting goods store that had some Manu Samoa jerseys in the window. Kasala wants to buy on for Dad for when they go to Las Vegas but after seeing the price I think we need to find him another gift. Those things are out of control expensive. They are the World Cup edition jerseys and are made of really nice material. I guess we'll have to look around and see if we can find a cheaper one.
In the afternoon we went swimming at Palolo Deep. The water is really nice and warm. The tide was high and the water was a little rough so the kids didn't play for too long. They had fun though and were glad to get out of the house. I guess this place is the best place to go snorkeling. Hopefully Manamea will start to like someone so I can go out and do things with Kasala.
When we went home we had fish and chips for dinner. For the last 7 years Kasala has been going on and on about the fish and chips in Samoa. Every time we order them somewhere at home he just complains about how bad they are so I was excited to eat something that he loves. He was right... the fish and chips we've been ordering suck. These ones were really meaty and almost tasted like chicken. They don't eat them with tarter sauce but with Watties tomato sauce (which is basically catchup but a million times more tasty) I've decided that the first thing that we will be packing is a bunch of Watties tomato sauce to bring home.
Monday, December 5, 2011
SAMOA....Day 4
last night there was a big thunder and lightennig store. It woke me up and I found myself counting to see how far away the lightening was. Who knows if I wasdoing it righ but I think it was pretty far away. It rained into the morning but eventually the sun did come out and I was able to hang dome laundry up to dry. I have never been without a washer and dryer. This is a new humbling experience. I tried to talk Kasala into taking our laundry to the laundry house. They do the wash for you and fold it.... The one thing I HATE doing... folding laundry. BUT...he said it cost to much. 6 Tala for a washing and 8 Tala for drying. Or something like that. We'll see how long I last hand washing and line drying my clothes.
Today was just another day at home. Terina and I spent about an hour doing homework that her teacher sent. Terina is very determined to stay up with her studies which is good. We sit in the room under the netting so we dont get bites and her cousins sit out side the door waiting for her to finish.
Kasala spent the day cooking food for the family. He made curry, which Terina asked for, banana and rice. It was very good and I was glad that they didn't have to kill a chicken to put in the curry.
Manamea isn't doing very well over here. She came with a cough and she hasn't been able to get rid of it. Now she is having the worst diapers ever. She usually has 1 poop diaper every day but she had 3 nasty ones today. I went to the pharmacy with Peta and Maima to get some medicine. Their prices are ridiculous! I keep converting things back into US dollars to see if it's a good price or not.... mostly they are not. It kind of sucks but what can you do?
After the pharmacy we went to Farmers Joes which is the grocery store to pick up some baby formula and peanut butter. For a small jar of peanut butter it cost 10 Tala. For the formula it cost anywhere from 38-60 Tala! The little Enfimal cans of formula cost 45 Tala! That's like 23 dollars for a 15 dollar can of formula! Like I said before... I just buy what we need because we need it.
After dinner we had a family meeting. They were making plans for the next week and what we were g oing to do. All of the kids and grandkids are here and who knows when they will all be together again so they are making this like a mini family reunion. Tuesday we are going to drive around the island with a family friend. Wednesday after Dad and Maima get off work we are having a family dinner. Thursday we are doing a project around the house and yard and then Friday we are having a movie and pizza night. The pizza here I guess is really good. I need to start taking pictures of the food. We are going to a place called Georgie's. I've heard about it from a lot of people at BYUH so it should be good.
Things are going pretty good. I am getting use to showering outside. I thought it would bother me but it doesn't really. The only weird thing is when I'm showering and my father in law walks by and says "good morning" or "is the water clear?" things like that. It just makes me laugh cause I"m trying to shower and the kids are looking at me from the house or there is a chicken walking by... or a pig wandering around.
I was thinking last night and I'm not sure how many people would be able to come from America with all that we are accustom to and live in Samoa. Things are different here in Magiagi. Not many people have nice houses but things like that don't really matter much. People are self sufficient. They grow and raise their food and buy very little. The kids don't have the latest clothing or the fancy cars... people make due with what they have. It's different. It's nice. But I've only been up in the mountains. I'm not sure what it's like in town. I guess the next few days we'll see what it's like in town.
Tomorrow.... It's off to the government building early in the morning to fix my Dad's birth certificate.
Today was just another day at home. Terina and I spent about an hour doing homework that her teacher sent. Terina is very determined to stay up with her studies which is good. We sit in the room under the netting so we dont get bites and her cousins sit out side the door waiting for her to finish.
Kasala spent the day cooking food for the family. He made curry, which Terina asked for, banana and rice. It was very good and I was glad that they didn't have to kill a chicken to put in the curry.
Manamea isn't doing very well over here. She came with a cough and she hasn't been able to get rid of it. Now she is having the worst diapers ever. She usually has 1 poop diaper every day but she had 3 nasty ones today. I went to the pharmacy with Peta and Maima to get some medicine. Their prices are ridiculous! I keep converting things back into US dollars to see if it's a good price or not.... mostly they are not. It kind of sucks but what can you do?
After the pharmacy we went to Farmers Joes which is the grocery store to pick up some baby formula and peanut butter. For a small jar of peanut butter it cost 10 Tala. For the formula it cost anywhere from 38-60 Tala! The little Enfimal cans of formula cost 45 Tala! That's like 23 dollars for a 15 dollar can of formula! Like I said before... I just buy what we need because we need it.
After dinner we had a family meeting. They were making plans for the next week and what we were g oing to do. All of the kids and grandkids are here and who knows when they will all be together again so they are making this like a mini family reunion. Tuesday we are going to drive around the island with a family friend. Wednesday after Dad and Maima get off work we are having a family dinner. Thursday we are doing a project around the house and yard and then Friday we are having a movie and pizza night. The pizza here I guess is really good. I need to start taking pictures of the food. We are going to a place called Georgie's. I've heard about it from a lot of people at BYUH so it should be good.
Things are going pretty good. I am getting use to showering outside. I thought it would bother me but it doesn't really. The only weird thing is when I'm showering and my father in law walks by and says "good morning" or "is the water clear?" things like that. It just makes me laugh cause I"m trying to shower and the kids are looking at me from the house or there is a chicken walking by... or a pig wandering around.
I was thinking last night and I'm not sure how many people would be able to come from America with all that we are accustom to and live in Samoa. Things are different here in Magiagi. Not many people have nice houses but things like that don't really matter much. People are self sufficient. They grow and raise their food and buy very little. The kids don't have the latest clothing or the fancy cars... people make due with what they have. It's different. It's nice. But I've only been up in the mountains. I'm not sure what it's like in town. I guess the next few days we'll see what it's like in town.
Tomorrow.... It's off to the government building early in the morning to fix my Dad's birth certificate.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
SAMOA.... Day 3
Today we didn't go to church. Not because I didn't want to, because I did, but because after last nights mess we didn't even start waking up until after 9am. We stayed home and helped get the food ready for after church. We were going to a friends out that lives down the street. He was at the airport to pick us up with Dad and is a very nice old man.
Breakfast today was the BOMB! I really need to start taking pictures of the food here. We had baked taro and palusami from the umu, sausage and eggs..... and it was so good! I can't believe how the same foods can taste so different. I've come to the conclusion that everything taste better because its not over processed... everything is so fresh! I can get use to that.
When church was over we went to the dinner just down the road. The family was really nice and the food was good and there was a lot of food. Like before, the food was the same but for some reason its just better here. Maybe when you eat Samoan food IN Samoa it has a different taste. And that poor little pig that died yesterday.... SO GOOD!!! Super moist and tender.
We weren't there long. We are back at home now. Manamea is finally sleeping and the kids are showered and watching a movie and everyone else is just sitting around talking. Right now.... life is good....bug bites and all...life is good.
I guess the only other thing that could compare to how I feel right now would be to be with my family in Tri Cities. Mike is blessing Payton today and I'm really sad that we aren't there. I haven't even seen the little guy yet except in pictures. I'm sure it was a great day for Mike and Hilary. I wish we could have been there.
The rest of Sunday was filled with a whole lot of nothing. The kids were playing the Kinect that we brought and they were having so much fun. I have never seen a kid get in to a game so much as Glen and Taape. Even Peta and Maima were playing. They turned on the track and field, started to do the sprint and didn't even finish the race. They were running all over the place and laughing. I don't think they understood that they had to run IN PLACE for the game to work.
This evening Kasala and I went for a walk around the property. He told me that he and Terina are going to go out and plant a coconut tree and where ever she plants the tree we'll build a house. A house.... We're going to build a house in Samoa. It's going to take a lot of saving to do but I think it's something that needs to be done. It'll give us an excuse to come out here and it will give my parents and brothers a reason to come too!
Tomorrow we are going to town to get some more pants for Terina. Poor girl. She is going to be in pants the whole time we are here... but better safe than eaten alive by mosquitoes!! Who k now what else we'll do but I can't wait to do it and I can't wait to write about it.
P.S.... Falling coconuts in the middle of the night are kid of freaky. And so are squealing pigs.... But the sky is beautiful. You can see forever into the heavens. Its almost like magic.
Breakfast today was the BOMB! I really need to start taking pictures of the food here. We had baked taro and palusami from the umu, sausage and eggs..... and it was so good! I can't believe how the same foods can taste so different. I've come to the conclusion that everything taste better because its not over processed... everything is so fresh! I can get use to that.
When church was over we went to the dinner just down the road. The family was really nice and the food was good and there was a lot of food. Like before, the food was the same but for some reason its just better here. Maybe when you eat Samoan food IN Samoa it has a different taste. And that poor little pig that died yesterday.... SO GOOD!!! Super moist and tender.
We weren't there long. We are back at home now. Manamea is finally sleeping and the kids are showered and watching a movie and everyone else is just sitting around talking. Right now.... life is good....bug bites and all...life is good.
I guess the only other thing that could compare to how I feel right now would be to be with my family in Tri Cities. Mike is blessing Payton today and I'm really sad that we aren't there. I haven't even seen the little guy yet except in pictures. I'm sure it was a great day for Mike and Hilary. I wish we could have been there.
The rest of Sunday was filled with a whole lot of nothing. The kids were playing the Kinect that we brought and they were having so much fun. I have never seen a kid get in to a game so much as Glen and Taape. Even Peta and Maima were playing. They turned on the track and field, started to do the sprint and didn't even finish the race. They were running all over the place and laughing. I don't think they understood that they had to run IN PLACE for the game to work.
This evening Kasala and I went for a walk around the property. He told me that he and Terina are going to go out and plant a coconut tree and where ever she plants the tree we'll build a house. A house.... We're going to build a house in Samoa. It's going to take a lot of saving to do but I think it's something that needs to be done. It'll give us an excuse to come out here and it will give my parents and brothers a reason to come too!
Tomorrow we are going to town to get some more pants for Terina. Poor girl. She is going to be in pants the whole time we are here... but better safe than eaten alive by mosquitoes!! Who k now what else we'll do but I can't wait to do it and I can't wait to write about it.
P.S.... Falling coconuts in the middle of the night are kid of freaky. And so are squealing pigs.... But the sky is beautiful. You can see forever into the heavens. Its almost like magic.
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Samoa.... Day 2
I'm writing these post on to the iPad at night after the kids go to bed or the next morning. I want to make sure that we document our first trip as a family to Samoa. Hopefully this isn't our last trip as a family.
Samoa is NOT a diet friendly place. Neither are airports for that matter. It seems like every time I turn around we are eating... and the food is so good. Because someone has been serving our food I['m not the one who is making my own plate. And I'm pretty sure, because I've been watching everyone else and I think I heard it somewhere too, that isn't rude if you don't finish all your food. So..... I've been pacing myself with my meals, watching how much everyone else eats and sneaking food from my plate to Kasala's plate. It's only the second day too..... I don't know how I am going to keep this up.
For breakfast today Kasala went out and picked a huge papaya off of the tree. Manamea and Terina just killed the thing. They love the fresh fruit. After breakfast Kasala went to town with his dad to do some food shopping. The kids all went outside to play in the house that the fmaily is building. The day wasn't so hot or humid, it was very nice and comfortable. We didn't do much... just hang out at home. Manamea is having a hard time I think with the weather more today than yesterday. I think she is uncomfortable. She also has a cough and I hope it's nothing serious. She has had it for some time now but we were told that it was just a cold. I would hate to find out that it was pneumonia or something worse when we get home.
A fe fun things happened yesterday. Kasala went out and picked some cocoa off of the tree. When he split it open it wasn't what I thought it would look like. It was all white. You have to suck this white stuff off of the cocoa bean and then the cocoa is inside! It was very tart but it tasted good. Terina and the kids of course loved it. But now I'm starting to wonder if that is how people make the cocoa..... suck all the white stuff off and spit the bean in a bucket until they have enough for some koko Samoa....if so....GROSS!! He also went and picked some other fruit from outside which was really good... I just don't know the name of the fruit.
Terina is having a blast with her cousins. She plays hard all day long. I really hoped that she wouldn't get attacked by the mosquitoes but she did. Even with the spray and the coils in the house she is getting eaten alive. We try to shower her before it gets dark outside so the bugs don't get her and we sleep in the netting but for some reason she is just losing the battle of the bugs. And so am I. It really sucks. Manamea and Kasala aren't bad at all so at least half of us are doing alright.
In preparations for Sunday, Kasala and Dad killed a pig. I went outside to watch and take some pictures of this cruel event but because Manamea was being a crybaby didn't get any pictures. So Papa, which is what all the grand kids call Dad, went in the pig pin to feed the pigs and find one for dinner. He grabbed it by its back legs and took it out and handed it to Mama. She walked it over to where Kasala was waiting with a piece of steel pipe. I wasn't sure if they were going to stab it, cut it, beat it to death or what with this pipe. So Mama held the back legs, Papa held the front and Kasala put the pipe across the pigs throat and then stood on it. He just chocked the thing to death! It was kind of sad to watch but I knew that is was going to be our Sunday dinner. It is the way of life for some people to raise their food and then kill it. The pigs aren't pets... they're food!
Last night was a little rough. It was very humid. Terina has bites all over her and they were itching. Kasala put salt water on them to help with the itching. When Manamea finally fell asleep I thought we were done for the night but she woke up a while later crying and threw up milk all over me. That woke up Terina who started crying about her bites. Terina got Benadryl, I changed my clothes and Manamea got an episode of Barney. I couldn't help but break down and cry thinking that I was a bad mom for not being able to take care of my kids. I did realize after a while that there are some factors that I can't control like the weather. I just need to remember to keep the kids hyderated, covered and have bug spray on them at all times. I'm not a bad mom... I'm just adjusting to my environment.
Saturday was a good day overall. It was very laid back and relaxing. Hopefully the kids are starting to adjust and the next few weeks will be enjoyable and stress free. I really do love being here with Kasala and his family. I'm starting to understand him more and realize how good I've had it my whole life.
Samoa is NOT a diet friendly place. Neither are airports for that matter. It seems like every time I turn around we are eating... and the food is so good. Because someone has been serving our food I['m not the one who is making my own plate. And I'm pretty sure, because I've been watching everyone else and I think I heard it somewhere too, that isn't rude if you don't finish all your food. So..... I've been pacing myself with my meals, watching how much everyone else eats and sneaking food from my plate to Kasala's plate. It's only the second day too..... I don't know how I am going to keep this up.
For breakfast today Kasala went out and picked a huge papaya off of the tree. Manamea and Terina just killed the thing. They love the fresh fruit. After breakfast Kasala went to town with his dad to do some food shopping. The kids all went outside to play in the house that the fmaily is building. The day wasn't so hot or humid, it was very nice and comfortable. We didn't do much... just hang out at home. Manamea is having a hard time I think with the weather more today than yesterday. I think she is uncomfortable. She also has a cough and I hope it's nothing serious. She has had it for some time now but we were told that it was just a cold. I would hate to find out that it was pneumonia or something worse when we get home.
A fe fun things happened yesterday. Kasala went out and picked some cocoa off of the tree. When he split it open it wasn't what I thought it would look like. It was all white. You have to suck this white stuff off of the cocoa bean and then the cocoa is inside! It was very tart but it tasted good. Terina and the kids of course loved it. But now I'm starting to wonder if that is how people make the cocoa..... suck all the white stuff off and spit the bean in a bucket until they have enough for some koko Samoa....if so....GROSS!! He also went and picked some other fruit from outside which was really good... I just don't know the name of the fruit.
Terina is having a blast with her cousins. She plays hard all day long. I really hoped that she wouldn't get attacked by the mosquitoes but she did. Even with the spray and the coils in the house she is getting eaten alive. We try to shower her before it gets dark outside so the bugs don't get her and we sleep in the netting but for some reason she is just losing the battle of the bugs. And so am I. It really sucks. Manamea and Kasala aren't bad at all so at least half of us are doing alright.
In preparations for Sunday, Kasala and Dad killed a pig. I went outside to watch and take some pictures of this cruel event but because Manamea was being a crybaby didn't get any pictures. So Papa, which is what all the grand kids call Dad, went in the pig pin to feed the pigs and find one for dinner. He grabbed it by its back legs and took it out and handed it to Mama. She walked it over to where Kasala was waiting with a piece of steel pipe. I wasn't sure if they were going to stab it, cut it, beat it to death or what with this pipe. So Mama held the back legs, Papa held the front and Kasala put the pipe across the pigs throat and then stood on it. He just chocked the thing to death! It was kind of sad to watch but I knew that is was going to be our Sunday dinner. It is the way of life for some people to raise their food and then kill it. The pigs aren't pets... they're food!
Last night was a little rough. It was very humid. Terina has bites all over her and they were itching. Kasala put salt water on them to help with the itching. When Manamea finally fell asleep I thought we were done for the night but she woke up a while later crying and threw up milk all over me. That woke up Terina who started crying about her bites. Terina got Benadryl, I changed my clothes and Manamea got an episode of Barney. I couldn't help but break down and cry thinking that I was a bad mom for not being able to take care of my kids. I did realize after a while that there are some factors that I can't control like the weather. I just need to remember to keep the kids hyderated, covered and have bug spray on them at all times. I'm not a bad mom... I'm just adjusting to my environment.
Saturday was a good day overall. It was very laid back and relaxing. Hopefully the kids are starting to adjust and the next few weeks will be enjoyable and stress free. I really do love being here with Kasala and his family. I'm starting to understand him more and realize how good I've had it my whole life.
SAMOA.... Day 1
Our first day in Samoa was short but good. When we arrived to the airport there was a live band playing in the baggage terminal. We also go the first of what I hope is many stamps in our passports. Terina was very excited about that. I didn't have my phone out when we arrived but there was this great sign when you get off the plane that says Talofa and Welcome to Samoa. I need to remember to take a picture of Terina in front of that sign when we leave. Before even stepping off the plane I could feel the heat. And the humidity. I was wearing longs jeans, not by choice, and a t-shirt... and I was DYING! Kasala said that it was much cooler where his house was so I shouldnt' worry about the heat.
Kasala's dad was waiting for us when we cleared customs and it was nice to see him again. The drive back to the house was interesting. It was so neat to see all the different houses, churces and villages. There were kids in the swimming hoels along the side of the road and people selling food and fruits. We stopped at a few places looking for some mangos. the mangos were HUGE! They were selling them for 1 Tala. Manamea got her hands on one and just tore the thing up. Ididn't even know that she had it until I looked down and saw her eating the skin of the mango. She loved it too.
The ride to thehosue took us through the middle of Apia. The temple is right in the middle of town. We could see it from quite a ways away. It's located on the same campus as CCSW which is where Kasala went to school. I can't wait to go to the temple and look around. When his brother comes homepuflly we'll go and take pictures at the temple or the beach.
After going through the city we came to a dirt road and took that road all the way to the house. It took about 30 minutes from the time we entered the village to get to the house and the road was horrible. The house isn't right on the road like many of the others we saw. It's back a ways which is nice. The kids can run around and we don't have to worry about crazy drivers or people walking the road to the plantations. The yard is beautiful. There are flowers and fruit trees all around. The house is old and you can tell its seen better days. His dad is working on building a new house next to the old one. The foundation and framing is done. Most of the roof is done and Kasala will help finish that part on Monday or Tuesday. The shower adn bathroom are outside. The kitchen is attached but the cooking area is also outside.
We pulled in and were greeted by 3 little rugrats waiting for us. They were calling our names and Terina ran right to her cousings and gave them a hug. I was very happy to finally meet Kasala's mom. Of course I cried when I met her and I gave her a very long hug. Peta, Kasalas sister was also there to meet us along with his little sister who I met before she went on her mission. We didn't do much the first day. Mostly unpack, hand out what we brought for everyone and spend time with the family. Terina took off outside and played with her cousins until dinner.
That nichg we got some much needed rest. I think everyone was very tired. The kids were watching G-Force and I was falling asleep with Manamea so we just went to bed. Luckily we had a mosquito net to keep the bugs out. Hopefully it works for Terina but somehow I doubt it will. I was a great first day in Samoa. I can't wait to see what adventures we have in store for the next 20 days.
Kasala's dad was waiting for us when we cleared customs and it was nice to see him again. The drive back to the house was interesting. It was so neat to see all the different houses, churces and villages. There were kids in the swimming hoels along the side of the road and people selling food and fruits. We stopped at a few places looking for some mangos. the mangos were HUGE! They were selling them for 1 Tala. Manamea got her hands on one and just tore the thing up. Ididn't even know that she had it until I looked down and saw her eating the skin of the mango. She loved it too.
The ride to thehosue took us through the middle of Apia. The temple is right in the middle of town. We could see it from quite a ways away. It's located on the same campus as CCSW which is where Kasala went to school. I can't wait to go to the temple and look around. When his brother comes homepuflly we'll go and take pictures at the temple or the beach.
After going through the city we came to a dirt road and took that road all the way to the house. It took about 30 minutes from the time we entered the village to get to the house and the road was horrible. The house isn't right on the road like many of the others we saw. It's back a ways which is nice. The kids can run around and we don't have to worry about crazy drivers or people walking the road to the plantations. The yard is beautiful. There are flowers and fruit trees all around. The house is old and you can tell its seen better days. His dad is working on building a new house next to the old one. The foundation and framing is done. Most of the roof is done and Kasala will help finish that part on Monday or Tuesday. The shower adn bathroom are outside. The kitchen is attached but the cooking area is also outside.
We pulled in and were greeted by 3 little rugrats waiting for us. They were calling our names and Terina ran right to her cousings and gave them a hug. I was very happy to finally meet Kasala's mom. Of course I cried when I met her and I gave her a very long hug. Peta, Kasalas sister was also there to meet us along with his little sister who I met before she went on her mission. We didn't do much the first day. Mostly unpack, hand out what we brought for everyone and spend time with the family. Terina took off outside and played with her cousins until dinner.
That nichg we got some much needed rest. I think everyone was very tired. The kids were watching G-Force and I was falling asleep with Manamea so we just went to bed. Luckily we had a mosquito net to keep the bugs out. Hopefully it works for Terina but somehow I doubt it will. I was a great first day in Samoa. I can't wait to see what adventures we have in store for the next 20 days.
Friday, December 2, 2011
Vacation Time!!
Our vacation has started off pretty well. It took us longer than usual to pack everything. I think packing was the hardest part of the whole trip! We had to make sure that all the bags were under weight and that we had stuff for everyone too. Who knew that lotions and body sprays could weigh the whole bag down! but we were finally able to cram everything we thought we would need intno 4 bags and 5 carry ons.
I hadnt slept tha much the week leading up to the trip. My nerves were starting to ge the best of me. I was very newvous about meeting Kasala's family. Not that they aren't wonderful people but it's something about actulaly meeting that and not just seeing them on Skype that was making mhy stomach go into knots. We left the house around 5am or so to get to the airport and checked in. Our biggest fear was having to deal with the kids at the airport and checking in. We wanted to make sure that we had enough time in case something happened.... and of course something did. I left a bag in the car that Oli was driving and she had already left when I figured out that it was missing. So our trip didn't start off that great. I was redeemed though when we went to check in and found out that we didn't have to pay for our baggage! We had already budgeted or the baggage fee but because Honolulu wasn't our "Final destination" we didn't have to pay! So Thank you Hawaiian Airlines
The girls were great on the plane too. Just a little bit of much needed medicine for a cough and runny nose and Manamea was out like a light. I didn't feel bad about giving her medicine because this time she really needed it. She slept almost the whole way to Hawaii and woke up with about 90 minutes left. Terina on the other hand didn't go to sleep andkept asking when we would get there. Eventually we didget to Hawaii and as we were starting to land she yelled out, "We're home Mom" I know she misses Hawaii. I do too. I almost started crying when we landed. Driving around the islad really did make it feel like home. It was comfortable and welcoming. I know that we can't afford to live there but I think Hawaii will always have a small piece of my heart as home....and a HUGE piece of Terina's heart.
We didn't do much that first day. We walked to kahuku Elementary and saw a friend who was still at work. We tried to go to the tree lighting festivities at BYUH but I wasn't thinking about the time change and totally forgot to keed the kids. They made it know during the performances that they were hungary and tired so we took off and went back home.
Thursday we made our rounds. Rainbow School so Terina could see her old teachers adn then to Hauula Elementary so I could see my friends. It was so nice to be welcomed back to the school by so many people. I worked at Hauula for the longest time while we were on the isladn. The 3rd graders I started with were not in 6th grade and in my old classroom. I can't believe it's only been 1 year since we left. We saw Sandra nd Aljay and their kids for a few minutes and then it was time to head back home. But not before stopping to get Kasala and Junior a shrimp plate from Kahuku Shrimp Truck. He loves that place for some reason. We we go back I'm looking forward to eating somewhere I want to eat.
We stayed at a hotel Thursday night just to be close to the airpot which worked out because one of our suitcases broke and i wasn't far from Ross so I ran out and got a new one without having to take the kids or drive far. We made it to the airport before ticketing opened and were the first ones in line. Like before...we didn't want any trouble with the kids and baggage and stuff. And again... we didn't have to pay for our bags so that was nice because they were all over weight :) Things were good at the airport. The kids were good and by the time we boarded the plane they were ready to go back to bed. Kasala sat in the front of the plane with Terina nd I saw about 14 rows behind them with Manamea who slept most of the way again. My poor baby was so tired!! We made it in one piece and hopefully I'll have good reports from now on out.
I hadnt slept tha much the week leading up to the trip. My nerves were starting to ge the best of me. I was very newvous about meeting Kasala's family. Not that they aren't wonderful people but it's something about actulaly meeting that and not just seeing them on Skype that was making mhy stomach go into knots. We left the house around 5am or so to get to the airport and checked in. Our biggest fear was having to deal with the kids at the airport and checking in. We wanted to make sure that we had enough time in case something happened.... and of course something did. I left a bag in the car that Oli was driving and she had already left when I figured out that it was missing. So our trip didn't start off that great. I was redeemed though when we went to check in and found out that we didn't have to pay for our baggage! We had already budgeted or the baggage fee but because Honolulu wasn't our "Final destination" we didn't have to pay! So Thank you Hawaiian Airlines
The girls were great on the plane too. Just a little bit of much needed medicine for a cough and runny nose and Manamea was out like a light. I didn't feel bad about giving her medicine because this time she really needed it. She slept almost the whole way to Hawaii and woke up with about 90 minutes left. Terina on the other hand didn't go to sleep andkept asking when we would get there. Eventually we didget to Hawaii and as we were starting to land she yelled out, "We're home Mom" I know she misses Hawaii. I do too. I almost started crying when we landed. Driving around the islad really did make it feel like home. It was comfortable and welcoming. I know that we can't afford to live there but I think Hawaii will always have a small piece of my heart as home....and a HUGE piece of Terina's heart.
We didn't do much that first day. We walked to kahuku Elementary and saw a friend who was still at work. We tried to go to the tree lighting festivities at BYUH but I wasn't thinking about the time change and totally forgot to keed the kids. They made it know during the performances that they were hungary and tired so we took off and went back home.
Thursday we made our rounds. Rainbow School so Terina could see her old teachers adn then to Hauula Elementary so I could see my friends. It was so nice to be welcomed back to the school by so many people. I worked at Hauula for the longest time while we were on the isladn. The 3rd graders I started with were not in 6th grade and in my old classroom. I can't believe it's only been 1 year since we left. We saw Sandra nd Aljay and their kids for a few minutes and then it was time to head back home. But not before stopping to get Kasala and Junior a shrimp plate from Kahuku Shrimp Truck. He loves that place for some reason. We we go back I'm looking forward to eating somewhere I want to eat.
We stayed at a hotel Thursday night just to be close to the airpot which worked out because one of our suitcases broke and i wasn't far from Ross so I ran out and got a new one without having to take the kids or drive far. We made it to the airport before ticketing opened and were the first ones in line. Like before...we didn't want any trouble with the kids and baggage and stuff. And again... we didn't have to pay for our bags so that was nice because they were all over weight :) Things were good at the airport. The kids were good and by the time we boarded the plane they were ready to go back to bed. Kasala sat in the front of the plane with Terina nd I saw about 14 rows behind them with Manamea who slept most of the way again. My poor baby was so tired!! We made it in one piece and hopefully I'll have good reports from now on out.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Farmer Terina
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Conference Lunch
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Thursday, September 15, 2011
Miss Terina
My little Miss Terina is now in Kindergarten! I was a little sad that I wasn't able to take her to school for her first day. I was called in to work for a few weeks for a teacher who had a heart attack. But Kasala did a GREAT job getting her dressed and ready for school. Her hair was done and she had one a pretty skirt and shirt. She was excited to be in Kindie. She loves her teacher Mrs. Turco and I can't wait to help out in her classroom.
Terina has grown so much in the last few years. I remember when we moved to Hawaii she was very shy. I'm not sure if she didn't like playing with other kids or if she just didn't know how but either way she liked doing things by herself. Now when I look at her I see a child with so much energy and love. She loves her family and friends very much and is very affectionate towards everyone. She has a great concern for others if they get hurt or if they are sad. And for some reason she is very polite and well behaved when she isn't with us which makes me very proud. She isn't the perfect child by any means and she does have her moments but I love her none the less.
The time is going by too fast. She's only 5 but I can see her at 12, 16, 18 years old. She's a beautiful young lady and I know she has a bright future. We LOVE YOU RENA BEAN! Good luck with your first year of school!!
The time is going by too fast. She's only 5 but I can see her at 12, 16, 18 years old. She's a beautiful young lady and I know she has a bright future. We LOVE YOU RENA BEAN! Good luck with your first year of school!!
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
As Sistas in Zion
I can not stop laughing at this website! IT'S GREAT!! There is always something insightful or funny that these two sisters post. Kasala and I had to speak in church this past Sunday and it was STRESSFUL! Even though we were told about it at the end of June of course I waited until Saturday night to prepare my talk. Well... I'm not sure if thinking about the talk and what I wanted to say is preparing but that's what I did for 2 weeks until I actually put something down on paper. I started my talk about 9pm Saturday. Manamea woke up at 1am and didn't go back to bed until 4:30am so I was back up at 6am struggling to finish.
Our talks ended up going really well and it seemed like people really enjoyed them. I bring up that we had to do talks because I can't stop laughing at this post about Visiting/Home Teaching Services that I read on As Sistas in Zion. Of course I SUCK at Visiting Teaching. I was really on it in Hawaii. I think it was because we lived in such a close proximity to each other that it made it so easy! But here...my partner lives about 10 minutes away, has 3 kids and her husband is in the military and quite busy. So do we really want to pack up 5 kids and go visiting teaching?! I just figure that it is easier to drop an email, facebook message or phone call and say "Count it!" But I know deep down that I just need to set the appointments, help my partner with her kids and go. I'm sure we'll both be blessed for our efforts and things will work out. I'd hate to have to call 1-800-SLACKER again this month.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Happy 4th!!
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Yeah.... Those Aren't Yours
This girl went and put on a pair of Manamea's shorts that were a size 6-12 MONTHS!! I have no idea how she got her buns into those shorts....but YOU GO GIRL!Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.2
Manamea Faleali'i Laban
I don't think I've written much about Manamea OR Terina since we moved back so I'm cleaning the pictures off my phone and blogging about all the things each girl has done these past 6 months.
Manamea had her first Valentines day.....which she didn't really bother to wake up for. Kasala was in Vegas for the weekend so we didn't do anything special.
Here she is around Valentines day. She is almost 2 whole months old here.
Manamea survived her first road trip. We drive down to Salem for a weekend. It was completely last minute but a lot of fun. This was the end of February so she was about 2 months old. We went to the children's museum and shopping off course. This picture was in the bedroom at Alma and Toga's house. Manamea slept well and was no terrible at all!
March was when Manamea went in her first swing ride. She doesn't look like she's enjoying it in the picture but she likes the swing. She didn't like the baby swing but she loves the dolphin swing. For some reason these 3 pictures are all stuck together and I 'm running out of patience trying to fix it. Baby Sai and Manamea are only a month apart. This picture was at the beginning of March I think when we were over at their house hanging out. And the middle picture is of Manamea and Terina having their first "offical" girls movie night in Terina's room. They watched Tangled and Manamea actually stayed in there the whole movie with Terina! She love being in bed with her sister and climbing on her and pulling her hair.
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She liked the play mat for about 2 seconds. I should have kept the receipt for this one.
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Picture taken March 23rd. Baby is now 3 moths old and spending a lot of time with her Dad. He had her on a schedule where they sleep most of the day. It works for both of them and Grandma is entertained by Terina all day until I get home from work.
Here she is wearing the lovely dress Aunty Sandra made her out of her old Culture Night uniforms... We got Baby Girl a jumper in April. She always has to be up right and in every ones business. I wasn't sure if she would like it back then but she lives this thing!!  April 26th I got a text saying that Manamea was rolling over and sure enough she did.....eventually. She wasn't very fast.I have a video somewhere on my phone but it isn't uploading. May was a month full of firsts. First trip to the zoo, Northwest Trek, first "sleepover" with her cousin Tabitha, first track meet, first time she fell off the couch (which I'm surprised it hasn't happened earlier...or this is the first time I've seen it.) and the first time she's gotten so loud in church that I had to take her out! She's been good these past 5 months but now she's developing her own personality. |
This was just a cute picture. It's like she grew up overnight! I was at work one day and when I came home she was sitting up and wanting to eat baby food. She isn't very mobile yet (or at least in this picture she wasn't) but she actually liked playing in the basket! It kept her entertained for a while and I was able to get done what ever it was I was doing.
This was the first BIG mess that Manamea made all by herself. I made the mistake of leaving a bag of salad on the table within her reach and the next thing I knew she was throwing it all over the place. And of course Terina just sat there and laughed which just made Manamea more excited.
There's so much more that is going on with this little girl. I'm still trying to come up with a little nickname for her. Manamea just gets to be a little long sometimes. Terina calls her Mimi sometimes...maybe that will stick. As of her 6 month check up she was 18 lbs and 27.5 inches. She's healthy and VERY vocal. She's starting to rock back and forth and I'm sure she'll be crawling by the end of next week.
She's such a sweet spirit. Very loving and happy. We are so blessed to have her in our family.She balances out her crazy and LOUD sister. I can't wait for them to grow up together and have one of those love/hate sister relationships that I never had.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Can I Get S'more?
Kasala made s' mores for the first time tonight. He had them when we were camping in Hawaii for the first time. He did a pretty good job but I like my marshmallows burnt and crispy. He even put the chocolate on to of the marshmallow and melted it!
He got an A+ for s'more making tonight!
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Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Strawberry Jam
Terina made Strawberry Jam with Grandma today. She picked the berries yesterday at a strawberry field in Puyallup and picked a whole box by herself. Together her and Grandma picked 13 pounds of strawberries. She was very proud of herself and excited that she was able to make jam for Grandpa because "Strawberry is his favorite and so am I" Pretty sure she was wrong about being his favorite because I think we ALL know who is favorite is these days (Kellen). Anyways...here's her "News Report" of how to make Strawberry Jam
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Berry Picker
Today we were on a mission to find some strawberries to make freezer jam for Grandpa. We had been looking for a place to go and pick them on the internet but weren't finding anything that was in the area but Grandma knew that if we drove down River Road we would come across something. So that's just what we did!
We found Duris Farms and we were able to go out back and pick some berries. Terina was really excited and I know that my mom had been wanting to do this with her so I think she was a little excited too. Terina had a hard time staying in one row and picking berries. She was all over the place!
I think Manamea had the hardest job. She had to sit in the strawberry field and try to NOT eat the rotten ones. All them strawberries gave her some bubble gut at the end of the day but that was alright. I couldn't remember the last time she had a good poop so maybe it was for the better that she just sat there and ate.
And here and the 3 Stooges after picking their strawberries. They picked a total of 13 pounds! Now to get the berries home, washed and smashed for some jam. We'll see what tomorrow brings and how the jam turns out.
Terina is pretty excited to be doing this with her Grandma. She loves doing little projects and I'm glad that she's able to spend time with Grandma too. You never k now when we'll be moving out and who knows where we'll go.
We found Duris Farms and we were able to go out back and pick some berries. Terina was really excited and I know that my mom had been wanting to do this with her so I think she was a little excited too. Terina had a hard time staying in one row and picking berries. She was all over the place!
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Terina and Grandma picked about 13 pounds of berries. I didn't think there were that many in the two little boxes that they picked but I guess we were out there for about an hour. Terina was very proud of the berries she picked. I'm just glad that she finally finished something she started. Even though we did help her out a little bit she picked a majority of that box all by her self. It doesn't matter that there were some rotten ones in there or that she tore half the plant off with a few of the berries....the point was that she had a job and she finished it. She doesn't do that too often...especially when things get hard she tends to throw in the towel a little earlier than I'd like.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Summer Mishaps Part 2
Yesterday our ward had an activity that my dad was in charge of. It was a simple outside BBQ at the church building. There is a really nice grassy area on the side of the building and the weather was great! We went and had fun. Terina was playing all the games and even won the 3 legged race! Towards the end however she got a little reckless. She want paying attention to where she was running and her face met the concrete. She looked like she got punched in the face! Oh well I guess....she's a kids and nothing was broken.....but her nose was starting to heal up and go away until this happend.
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