Quest for Six

.. We didn't get that sixth superbowl win but it sure has been fun in the quest..

Pictures taken during the most exciting season our fav NFL team has had in many many years.  We were told of a place downtown that host the utah chapter of the Niner Empire..haha  Yeah, who would have known :)  These are your die-hards, your faithfuls .. so we fit right in.  It was a blast to enjoy the playoffs in that setting.  Not typically our type of scene, but definitely made watching our fav team play fun.. Superbowl of course we had to do it with the whole fam .. Niners!!!!

 

Babygirls Niner decor in her bedroom.. haha  She a faithful fo reals!!

Everyon were cheering on the Niners.. except my babysis whose husband is a Raven fan..boo.  Sh

This is what happened right after the superbowl game.. depressing.  LOL

Goodbye 2012 Hello 2013

What better way to say goodbye to the old year and welcome in the new year ... Surrounded by those who matter most ... Family. Everything we are, everything we have, everything we do is for our family. We are grateful to be surrounded by them all.. Here's to the best this 2013.. Bring it on!!!!

Christmas pic 2012

Family - Christmas 2012

Thanksgiving Pic

If there is one thing I am most grateful for.. it is that I am a mom

My babies are getting so big

They are my everything!!



What a weekend...

I am sooo grateful for my family and their examples.  I am truly blessed.  It has been a good weekend!

Thank you Bronsyn for allowing us to be a part of your baptism.  The spirit was felt and we are all so proud of you.  Thank you for letting me be a part of your program and having Uncle Foi stand in the circle as you were confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

My big lil bro T and my sis Rach’s husband HT both received their priesthood too.  What a miracle..haha!!  What a blessing for them.  It was truly an emotional joyful time for our family.  To witness the changes they’ve made to better their lives and to bless their families.   And now be able to administer to the family and those in need. 

The last of my sisters is officially engaged..  Official in the sense that her fiance came this weekend and asked my parents for her hand in marriage.  yeah, they did it out of order but its ok.  We like him enuf that we'll let it slide..Ha!!  So wedding bells will be ringing soon for our family... Now to just marry off my bro's..haha :)

I love weekends like this... I am so happy!!!

Family Reunion

I love my V Family and it was such a great time to hang out with them all.  July 20 - July 24th we held our bi-annual Vaaulu family reunion.  I loved that we camped out and were together 24/7.  It really strengthen the bond we have with each other.  We took it back to old school days with no running water and flushing toilet.  Boy was it an experience for those pampered big babies..haha.  The fun we had together made up for lack of services.  It definitely was a Fun filled week of fun, games, dancing, swimming. eating and camping that ended with a spiritual sunday program @ Granger 11th Ward and Family Fireside.  I love my family and family reunions never get old in our family.  I was a senior in high school when my mom’s fam decided to have reunions.  Almost 18 years later (wow..i’m old), its still going strong.   I love my family.  I love that my children will grow up knowing everyone and building that relationship with their family.  Can’t wait to do it again in 2013.

This is what we’ve been up to since I last posted…

Our family has been spending a lot of time at our local rec center.  Either working out on the treadmill and elliptical (sp?).  Doing weights.  Lite weights of course.  Walking the indoor track.  Working our way to running the track. J And doing my all time favorite Zumba.  And of course my kids have been doing a lot of basketball and swimming.   We are still learning to eat healthy and control our portions.  It has been a struggle but keep at it because we know it will benefit ourselves and our family. 
My husband and I were talking and thinking that being healthy really does make us feel young again.  We are still young  LOL.  But physically it feels great.  Trust I definitely have a long ways to go.  But I love that we are seriously taking care of our bodies and helping our children do the same too.  It is an awesome feeling.

Jr Jazz 2010-2011 ended several weeks ago too.  Miah and Myles along with their cousin Webber weren’t able to play with their same team from last year.  But it ended up being a good thing.  They all were able to grow as team leaders and had the best Jr Jazz season by far J.  It really helped boost their confidence.  They helped their team end the season with a 11-1 record.  Only losing against their team from last year.  Awesome season and fun to watch.  Daisy girl played 3^rd/4^th grade girls this year.  Moving up from the wrist band stage.  LOL.  She learned early on that she had to work harder than everyone on the team being that she was the smallest of them all.  It was definitely fun to watch her learn and grow.  She did very well and was able to be one of the teams point guards.  Her team went undefeated during regular season play.  Went on to represent Rose Park in the county Jr Jazz tournament.  Beating South Jordan in Championship.  Awesome season!

This school year is quickly coming to a close.  We have had our fun with Math/Algebra this year.  Honesty Its no fun.  And I definitely thought I was good at math.  I’m glad that they are able to keep up with all other subjects.  I felt like they had all their projects and reports all in this last quarter.  What a headache.  Definitely give it up to those parents who have to joggle all that with more than 3 kids.  You all are amazing.  Spring break is in a week.  Kids are very much excited for that and can’t wait

Foi has moved on from Coca Cola after almost 9 years of service there.  I guess when you really aren’t happy with your job, your just have to move on.  He’s been at home this last month and will FINALLY J be going back to the workforce with good ol’ Delta Airlines.  My kids and I are VERY VERY excited for him.  LOL.  We definitely will be taking advantage of his benefits.  So he better make it through training. :) It has been fun learning the airport city codes with him. Hehe! He also joined Sinai’s BL comp.  So thats another reason our family has been living at the rec center.  We’re proud of his progression.  I just pray he keeps it up and not die out once the comp is over.  Trust, I know him.  This is the first REAL time the family has been working out along with him so we’re hoping to make it last forever. 

And well as for me, I'm in all of the above.  Hahaha.  Doing my best to help my family.  I did win Foi's BL comp.  But that is because i was one of the 2 ladies out of 8 that came to weigh out.  LOL.  Small lil accomplishment for me.  Like I said before, I still have a long way to go.  Also, I was recently released from my calling as 2nd counselor in the young women.  Its been a almost 6 years that I have served in the YW program in various calling.  I loved it.  Learned from it.  But so relieved to be gone of it.  It feels nice to wake up Sunday mornings and just focus on my family.  Our YW has been blessed with great leaders and I know they are in good hands.  I am truely blessed to have my faith, my family, my job, my health, my blessings, my life.  Can't complain at all...Life is good. 

Music..

My husband gets upset at me sometimes because of the music I listen too.  But I can't help it if I grew up in the hood and like my hip hop, r&b, soul poppin hits.  I love the beats.  I don't necessarily like it for the lyrics or anything.  Which is what he doesn't like about it.  But I think I've rubbed off on my kids.  Especially my daughter.  She sings right along with practically every song on the radio.  She loves my type of music.  Maybe just a little bit too much.

Anyhoo, with her love of music..  Of course she wanted an Itouch / Ipod thingy for Christmas.  Well I just don't like spending that much money on those things..haha  And I don't like the idea of having headphones on where they can't hear me or anyone talking to them.  So we got her the next best thing.  Well the next best thing to us...hehehe  A boombox (do they even call it that nowadays) for her room.  She loved it.  We loved that she loved it.  And her Aunty M also got her one.  So she has 2.  She's still debating on whether to give one to her bro.. Yes, its been weeks now and she is still thinking about it...hehehe

Once her homework and chores are done and she has a lil bit of free time, her boombox is on and she is just singing and dancing in her room.  If she has to clean up her room, that mug is on full blast.  And of course her room never gets clean..haha.  And all the time, its the same ol music.  Hip Hop, R&B, some of the disney peeps music.

So I was actually surprised today when she woke up and started to straighten up her room that she had church music on.  Turned it to the Sounds of the Sabbath.  And that is what she is listening too.  I just smiled.  I'm glad that she remembers the Lords day and knows what music is appropriate for His day.  So my husband shouldn't be sooo upset with me.  My good taste of music has rubbed off on her in a good way too...hehehehe

Thanksgiving Day

We always eat way way too much on Thanksgiving.  But who doesn't?  Gotta show love to everyone so we always do both family.  Started out at my family gathering early in the day.  With my mom's side. Her bro's and sis's and all their kids and gkids.  Plans fell through and we couldn't get the chapel.  So we all gathered at the Faamoe's...  Like Whoa!!!  So not the business.  Hahahaha.  But it sure is always fun to get together with the family on the Holidays.  All close and personal.  Food was bomb.  Family was chilling, chatting, clowning, jamming.  Kids playing, crafting, crying and being loud.  I love family gatherings.  We definitely will need to make sure we get the chapel again next year.  People were everywhere...hahaha 

We headed to my husbands side later that day.  My FIL is a very good cook.  My husband gets that from him.  Too bad he doesn't cook to often..hehehe  By far my FIL makes the best stuffing ever.  I always look forward to having his stuffing.  I'm satisfied if that is all I eat.  But of course all the other yummy food find its way on my plate.  ;)  With my in-laws its just our immediate family.  So its not loads of people.  But I enjoy it just the same.  Its at these gatherings that I get to know them better and enjoy talking and laughing with everyone.  And my kids get to hang out and have jam sessions with their cousins they don't often see.

Happy Independence

My parents have such good friends. Their friends brought over fireworks to them. So once again, we did not have to spend money on fireworks for the kids. And its been that way for the past several years. I love it. Thank you for being so generous. We were all able to meet at gma&gpa and watch the children enjoy the fireworks. The lil ones were afraid of the big ones. So the sparklers and pop it’s kept them entertained. The older ones wanted to experiment and be creative. We all had a simple laid back fun time. Love my family.

While we were away...

While we were away in Cali….this is what we missed out on. The annual Rose Park Family Reunion BBQ. This is where everyone who’s ever lived and grew up in Rose Park come together to enjoy a day of friendship and community love. Just like Madea's Family Reunion...hahaha  With someone always having drama.  hahaha.  I love my closenit Rose Park community. Tongan / Samoans all together enjoying good food, good company, good fun. 

My husband has lived in RP since his family here to Utah.  When we married, we made RP our home.  I love it in Rose Park.  I've heard all the stereo types.  Its ghetto.  Hoodrats.  Dangerous.  Hello...I've lived in COMPTON..LOL.  This is Beverly Hills compared to that...  Hahha.  I really love the close-nit family bond we have here.  Everyone looks out for each other.  Everyone is trying and working hard to give our children a positive better life.  It really is a good place to live.  Its known that RP is Salt Lake best kept secret...hahaha  So true!!!

V-Day fun!

While dating my boo spoiled me rotten. He always made me feel special. Especially with gifts and such. He'd send flowers, teddy bears, even a couple of singing telegrams...buy clothes, shoes..the whole nine yard. I loved it. Of course that isn't the only reason why I married him..LOL. Anyhoo after we married and on our first v-day he sent me beautiful long stem roses to work. They were beautiful full bloomed roses of several dozens in a huge vase. I was ecstactic and so awww'd by it on the outside. But inside I'm wondering how much money he wasted on this. I know, I'm soo off. Seriously I was. We were just married under a year and have bills now..ya know. Of course being the pooper I am, that was the first thing that came out of my mouth when he picked me up that day from work. Not a good thing. His feeling were hurt. Boo me. Of course I eventually thanked him for the flowers and told him I loved him and yadadadadadee and still ended the day on a nice beat. But from then on, he vowed not to ever do that again. Not for me, but because I was sooo unappreciative. Boo me. Oh well I live and learn. And I am ok he doesn't do those things for me. Its not just his money he's using, its our money...hehehe. So since then, if we celebrate..we just celebrate with dinner but no gifts unless its something we both buy together.

So this V-day of course we aren't making any advance plans or e

ven going out to dinner or anything. But two weeks ago we got an invite made by my sis Rissa of our family date nite which she planned for Valentine's weekend. Worked perfect for us since we didn't have anything planned. Got a babysitter for my kids and off we went. We all met up at Tucanos for dinner. All 26 of us. Glad my sis made reser

vations cause it was pretty crowded. The food of course was muy delicioso. The servers were friendly and trying to be funny hahaha. I love that place mo

re and more each time I go. The company was fun and the food was delicious. They gave each couple chocolate covere

d strawberries and roses for us before we checked out. We ended

the night working off all that food we had eaten playing some volleyball and basketball with everyone. Simple and fun night with my husband and everyone else. I love my husband and my family..

FDO = Family Day Out!!

My first cousins from Samoa are heading back home this coming week. So we decided to have a family fun day with the fam. We get to see these cousins of mine once in a while. Ra comes out more often than her bro's. Chris I hadn't seen for almost 4 years. And Blake has been here for a year but is going home to prepare for his mission. I've enjoyed the time with them getting to know them better. I wish you well lil cuzzins. Love yall tons..

Anyhoo, we all met up at Laser Quest and played several games. I had decided beforehand that I would not play. However, the young gal their talked me into playin and even offered to let me play for free. I think she has a lil crush on one of my boy cuz haha. Any so I played, and had a blast. I enjoyed it sooo much I had to play a second game with everyone. Hehe. Everyone had a good time. Especially since each person thought for sure they'd be in first..haha. Maybe next time. It was a good workout and glad I got my exercise in. Guess it was no use since we ended the evening stuffing our faces at Jumbo Buffet. Which can I just say is gross..hahaha. Never will I go there again. I enjoyed my time today with my family. Its nice to get together with everyone and enjoy each other company. Never can get enough of my knucklehead boy cousins. Love my family dearly. Glad we were able to hang out for a lil bit. We need to do it more often for sure!

Hogle Zoo

Its been about 3 years since we've been back to the zoo. Luckily my company party was being held there and so no cost out of pocket for us. YAY...I love FREE. So of course I got our family tickets and a couple extras so my kids could each invite a buddy to go with them. Miah invited Lorenzo and Daze invited Iversyn. Anyhoo, although it rained, actually it poured most of the time there we still made the best of it. Got to see most of the animals that weren't hiding from the rain. Bummed we missed most of the shows and the train was not in operation. Boo.. Oh well. Here are some pics I took..

LOL..My only picture there. Proof I was actually there. I was the designated photographer..hehe


Kids with the zebra. Wearing the hidious rain poncho's. Annoying but it helped keep them dry. Well mostly dry..



Daze and Iversyn with the bear.



Posing in front of the noisey farting elephant. LOL.


Checking out the birds. Aren't those poncho's ugly...hehehe

Anyhoo it was a fun wet day. Since Foi was working Father's DAy we made this our Father's Day activity. And I was excited I could sleep in and not worry about breakfast..hehe. I'm soo not a morning person. Church service was beautiful. Of course since the YW (Whoot Whoot) gave the program. The talks by our graduates were good as they spoke of their fathers and our Heavenly Father. The spirit was truely felt. Father's Day koga'i with the extended family was the bomb with good food and good company. Always love it when all goes well. I have been blessed with many great men in my life. Especially the love of my life. Happy Fathers to each of you my Heavenly Father, my earthly Father, my Father-in-law and the Father of my children.

(oops..just now realized i never posted this..my bad!!)

meet the "TALOA" family

Well its only necessary to make the introduction of the family my first blog. So here I am introducing the blog family to my family....

The main man, macho man, my #1, priestood holder, hardworking, comedian, lazy lounger, the head of our family..we'll call him Mr.Call of Duty..LOL. He's all that I've mentioned and more. We'll call him Mr. Call of Duty because thats his #1 favorite past time activity, playing COD on the 360. I hate it but it keeps him happy. When he's happy, I'm happy. He helps out when he can and we appreciate him for all that he has done and continues to do for our family. Born in N.Y., childhoold in the Bay (Daly City..YAY 49ers and GS Warriors) now Rose Park is home.
The main squeeze, hotmamma (haha), comforter, family doctor, taxi driver, house maid, family chef, hairdresser, family shopper, sometime stylist, working mother and family blogger is myself. We'll call me The Mrs. Hahaha. So original huh? I'm easy to please most of the time. Love being with my family. Keeping things cool and simple is what I like. Born in Am Samoa (Faleniu), childhood in L.A. (Compton/Lynwood) and now home is Rose Park.
Our big boy, mommy's bigtime helper, older brother, laid back, calm, cool and collected only son we'll call J-Rock. He is 11. Our one and only boy who is my right hand man. I know I can always count on my baby boy to get things done. Most of the time..LOL. J-Rock never wants to disappoint mommy and daddy and shows in how hard he works at home and school. Favorite sport is football. Loves BYU (boo..hehe). Has many NFL favorites. Kind of a band wagon fan. hehe. Loves the Jazz. Go D-Will. Enjoys being a boy and trying to be a daredevil although he is an angel at heart.
And lastly, our only daughter who we will call Princess is our baby girl. Diva of the family. Not soo much her fault. But as the baby of the family, mommy lets her get away with things easily. She is a gentle child but will have her monster moments. She's our talker, and our singer, and our writer, and our athlete, she tries to be a dancer..but, we won't go there..LOL. She drives her brother crazy but what lil girl doesn't. She is a very smart girl. I think she'll be my doctor. Hahaha. She loves the girly girl things but at times like to get down and dirty like a tomboy. She is 6 going on 16.

Thats our family in a nutshell. We'll try and update this blog as often as we can. To share our story and to keep our friends and family posted. We are glad you came by for a visit. God bless you.