Family....no matter what

Tu'uali'i Faleafaga Enosa Obituary: View Tu'uali'i Enosa's Obituary by Salt Lake Tribune

2012-02-27T18:28:00.000-08:00

Tu'uali'i Faleafaga Enosa Obituary: View Tu'uali'i Enosa's Obituary by Salt Lake Tribune

Till we meet again

2012-02-27T18:24:00.002-08:00

The past couple weeks have been very difficult for me. Last week I lost my dear friend, Tua to cancer. I have known Tua for 10 years. We worked together and became very good friends. I feel so blessed to have known her. I first met her as a newly divorced woman who moved down from Logan to Salt Lake to start over. About a year after that, she met and married her husband, Papu "Bobby". Then a couple years after that, I saw her become a mother to a sweet little gir, Kaitlin. A year or so after having Kaitlin, she wanted to try for another baby, but sadly she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She had a mastectomy and underwent chemotherapy treatments. Around the same time, Tua found the Gospel. She was so eager and took ahold of the Gospel with all her might. She couldn't wait to go through the temple. I was there at her baptism and saw the excitment and joy and peace that the Gospel brought to her. A couple years later, they found cists on her uterus and she immediatly had a historectomy with out much thought. It was upsetting to see her go through what she did, especially seeing how she had to give up the idea of having another child.
Exactly a year after she was baptized, she went and had her endowments taken out. She LOVED going to the temple. I don't think there was any place she felt more happy and at peace.
A little over a year ago, we celebrated her 5 year bench mark of being cancer free. She had beat it!!! We were so excited for her and had a celebration at the office.
Two months after that, she was having abdominal problems and thought she had apendisitis. She went to the Doctor and found out that she had stage 4 bone and lung cancer. After alot of tears, she made a resolution that she was going to fight this as long as she could, she wanted to be here for her daughter, to watch her get baptized, graduate, married. She didn't want to go and miss those moments. Unfortunatly, she lost that battle 3 months before Kaitlin is to be baptized.
We were able to go and see her a couple of times during her final week. It was surreal to see Tua in that state and to know she was that close to the veil. Part of me was so happy for her, she served her purpose, she found the Gospel and was ready to go, but on the other hand, my heart broke for Kaitlin, she needs her mom!
We attended the funeral on Saturday, along with (I believe) the entire samoan/Tongan/polynesian community! It was overwhelming to see the amount of people she affected and that loved her. She truly was "one of a kind".
I am so greatful that I was able to be apart of her life for 10 years. She taught me so much about compassion, tolerance, kindness, generosity and of course, Love. She exemplified what it means to be a "true deciple of Christ". I only hope I can be half of the woman she was. She always had an amazing attitude. She fought till the end.
At the service, I was touched when a cousin of her spoke about her final moments and how she had become so dehydrated and that she was incapable of crying. However, as she was taking her final breaths, they brought Kaitlin to her side, told Tua, "Kaitlin is here". She turned to look at her, opened her eyes and as she look at her, a single tear streamed down her face, and then she was gone.
I will miss my Tua so much. In sunday, for the closing hymn, we sang, "Till we meet again" That is my prayer, that someday we will meet again, and I can once again recieve one of her big samoan hugs and tell her how much I have missed her and love her!

HOLY MOLY!! Was July really my last post??

2011-12-02T18:23:00.000-08:00

THe pictures actually are a backwards timeline
WINTER FUN!!

Hillie and Nixon with their cousin Camry

HALLOWEEN FUN!!

Livy's 6th Birthday!!

WE went to Airport 2 to see an original WWII B-17 airplane, really cool!!

For Micah's Birthday, we went to the FOO FIGHTERS!!

Going out to celebrate our 12th anniversary!!

Annual Oktoberfest with Wybrows!!

Micah and I had a chance to go up to Park City for an overnight stay with my work, we ate dinner at the River Horse

Elsa and Livy's first day of school!!

Hillie's 4th birthday!!

Nixon's 2nd birthday!!

It has been a great year, I must say. We have decided to stay in our house for another year or so. We took it off the market in the early summer (we couldn't sell it). So I have decided to embrace the neighborhood, realize the blessings and I am content. I really can't complain, I have great neighbors, my kids are happy and healthy, our house is in good shape, and I am able to be home now. What is there to complain about, really?
Elsa and Livy started 3rd grade and kindergarten. They are really enjoying it. I teach art in Elsa's class every other week and I help in Livy's class every tuesday. I love being able to observe them with their peers.
I was released from the RS pres and am now serving the YW. First time being in YW since I was a YW, so it has been alot of fun.
Thanksgiving was great. We spent it up in Hyrum with Micah's family and everything was delicious. I have surprising enjoyed the brussel sprouts each year.
For the first time, I was a die hard black friday gal. My friend and I went out at 9:30 thurs night, hit a few stores, then went to IHOP for a break, which was crazy busy at 2;30 in the morning!!??? Then hit several more stores and finished up at 6:30 am!!! Yes, I was crazy! I could't really sleep friday, cuz Micah ended up working and so I had to be with kids. I got a couple hours of sleep. I don't think I have pulled an "all nighter" since I was in college! Needless to say, I went to bed at 6:30 pm and woke up at about 8:00 in morning. Im sure I could have slept in longer if the kids weren't there.
The Holidays are now here and Micah is working like a dog! He is out every night til about 9:30-10:00 pm. This year, with the boost in sales has given UPS an obscene amount of work. There is just too much! He will normally have around 60-70 stops in a day, but during the holidays, he is having as much as 270 stops!! He is such a hardworker and never complains.
During this time of year, I truly count my blessings. I am greatful every day for what I have. Merry Christmas!!

Silly Girls!!

2011-07-20T14:51:00.000-07:00

2011-05-19T09:15:00.000-07:00

Another eventful month has come along. First of all, I can't believe this weather! It is nearly June, and I am still running my heater! I want to pull out the tank tops (kids, not mine) shorts and flip flops (Hillie calls them low-bots). Enough already, really.

A couple of weeks ago I found out that my only living grandparent (my dad's mom) past away at 90 years old. It wasnt too difficult for me, seeing how I have talked and seen her twice in the past 18 years. She was a very angry person and so I hope she has found some peace now. My parents invited Ian and I to drive down with them to Southern California to attend the funneral, which just happened to be mother's day. I had difficulties in trying to arrange child care (Micah works nights) so I brought Elsa and Livy along to make it a little easier for Micah and myself. We stopped in Las Vegas and picked up our eldest sister Tammie and we were off. It was great to see our extended family (its been a long time). All of my brothers came (no spouses) and that too was great to all be together as siblings. It was Mother's day when we arrived in California and my dad took us all out to eat to this place called, "King's Hawaiian" It was so good and fun to try something different. During the whole trip I was pleased with how well behaved Elsa and Livy were. They were the only children around and they were so good, I know there presence was appreciated for alot of people who were there, myself included.

A few days after we got back from CA, it was Ilene's wedding day. It was very small and casual and very "low key" She asked the nieces to be flower girls and they were very excited for the job. I am glad she has found someone who will make her happy.

My older brother Josh and his wife Sarah and their two children came from Reno to come to the wedding. They also wanted to bless their 3 month old daughter, Hope. On Sunday we had the blessing at my home and a luncheon immediately after. I like being able to host these kind of family events but for me personally, it wears me out. Josh and his family planned to leave Monday morning, but decided that we should do one last outing and so we went with the kids to the Living aquarium. Reno has nothing that is kid friendly and so I knew that they would enjoy it. Unfortunately we came at the exact moment that 5 school buses pulled up and apparently, it was 3 school's field trip! That was exhausting trying to speak over all those kids not to mention, trying to keep track of my own in the sea of children.

So yes, a funneral, wedding, and baby blessing within 1 week.

For the best news...Micah started his new job this week!!! I am now a stay-at-home mom! I can't believe it, It has been so nice to finally spend the time that I want with my kids and to have Micah home every night has been awesome. He has been in training all week and goes out on the road Monday. I know he will do great. I feel that we are so blessed in our lives. Micah and I count our blessing every day for the marriage that we have and our sweet little children who are so amazing. I could't have picked a better life for myself.

Anticipating the Spring and of course, the Trampoline...

The Funneral

At my Grandma's house in Torrance

Ilene's wedding

Living Aquarium with my brother, Josh and our kids

2011-04-08T07:51:00.000-07:00

Well, its been a while. I find it difficult to update my blog when I have a lot going on. We celebrated a baptism, two birthdays, a wedding, and job change these past few months.

Elsa turned 8 this year. I took her up to the Oquirrh Temple before the big day and took some photos. It was really special to see her get into the font and have Micah baptize and confirm her. I am so greatful that Micah was worthy to perform such ordinances. Once she came out of the water and I was helping her get dressed, I had a chance to really talk to her and bare my testimony to her. I will always treasure that moment I had with her. It was also wonderful to have the support of our family and friends.

We also celebrated Elsa (of course) and my birthday. For Elsa's birthday I told her that instead of a party, we would take her out on a date with just mom and dad. She really liked the idea, so we went to the Cracker Barrel (her fav) and then went to Fat Cats for bowling. She really enjoyed having our focus on her for one night. As for me, Micah and I went out with our friends to Goodwood BBQ and just had a great time and alot of laughs.
As the years go by, I loose track of how old I am getting. I was looking through my moms planner just before my birthday and my mom had written 33 on my birthday. I told her she was wrong and that I was turning 32. She looked at me shockingly and argued, that, No, you will be 33!! I feel that Im not getting older, only my kids are.

Micah's little brother Tappan was married last week. It was so much fun to have all the kids (siblings, and their kids) together. Micah and all the brothers went out the night before and they closed the resturant down. He really enjoyed having that time with them. As for me, I stayed in that night to help Brecken put the wedding cake together. There is nothing that girl CANT do. She amazes me. Connie and Katie made the little girls dresses, and everything went really well. They immediately hopped on a plane and are now current residents of Hawaii (yea, sucks for them).

I am also getting ready for another wedding of my baby sister, Ilene, who will be getting married next month. Its been really great to help her prepare for it.

And finally, after nearly 11 years, I quit my job to move to another Dentist office (part time, of course). It has been challanging to be the "new girl", but I know that it the best thing I can do right now for my family and I am sure that as time goes by it will get better. I have no regrets. It was sad to leave those girls that I have known for so long. They had a very nice farewell lunch planned for me and they even gave me a really nice farewell gift.

The house is still for sale, we are having a few more showing (which is good). Micah's name is still on the list for driving truck at UPS, we are hoping it will be within the next couple months. We litterally don't know what to expect this year, but we do know that whatever happens, we will be happy.
Elsa's baptism day!

Farewell lunch with the girls at work

Out with our best friends for my birthday

Helping Brecken get the cake ready for the wedding

Nixon LOVES the washer and dryer. It makes all kinds of sounds when you turn on and off. UGH!

november and december

2011-01-02T17:39:00.000-08:00

Our christmas was great. I think the kids had quite the christmas. I was really excited for them, the little girls got a Barbie dollhouse, that in my opinion, is the COOLEST thing ever! I always wanted one when I was younger and was so glad that Santa thought of it. Santa also suprised us with a Wii. I haven't really ever wanted one, I am not a "gamer" and I don't want my kids to be either, and not to mention, the games are soo expensive. But It has actually been a lot of fun for the kids. Micah is also enjoying it. I guess we don't buy things that make us happy, its what makes our kids happy (in moderation, of course).

It was a bit rugged for me on christmas, I was pretty sick and we had to make several stops that day, needless to say I was exhausted. My parents got the kids "pillow pets" which I was really excited about. They have been wanting them for so long so it was a nice surpise for them. They also got Micah a superman snuggie. We didn't get to spend much time with my siblings, the past several years, since we are all so scattered haven't been as great as they could be, but its to be expected when you start to have your own families and priorities. We spent a bit of time with Micah's family and it was great to visit and have all the cousins together. They really are best friends. Micah's parents built and gave quilting racks for the girls in the family. I can't wait to get started...tie quilts that is. I have to set my goals small with something like that.

I cant believe another year has come and gone. I am looking forward to what 2011 will bring. I am hoping for alot of change this year. We are excited to settle into our new home and new jobs and plan on just enjoying being with our children. We feel that our family is complete and are excited to spend quality time together.

2010-12-16T17:37:00.000-08:00

I feel like there is so much stuff "pending" in my life. We are anxious to move into a new home, but cannot seem to sell the one we are currently in. I know that its a slow time right now, and that is fine, but it is hard to try and make plans until we know that our house is sold. Since we have listed our home we had three other homes within FEET of us, list as well. I hope it doesn't hinder our situation.

We also have been waiting for a driver position to open up for Micah at UPS so that he can be on "days" and I can finally stay home with the kids, and have Micah on a regular sleep schedule. We never thought we would be waiting this long. It has been a little frustrating at times that we are continually waiting, but what more can we do?

Also, there has been talk with my current employers along with a potentially new employer to have me work from home doing billing, insurances and collections. I have always wanted to be a stay at home mom, but stepping out of the workforce is a little bit unnerving. So this opportunity just might be the "fit" for me. Although now, I have to consider who I will work for? Do I work for a new employer who will pay me quite a bit more? Or, do I work for the same guys I have worked for for over 10 years and who I have built a strong work relationship with?

Its funny, you think that once you get married, have children and husband graduating college, then you have set your place in life, no more "worries", but in fact, it is constantly changing and you are constantly adapting. But honestly, I wouldn't have it any other way. I am so happy with my life. I am so blessed to have a loving husband who works hard and does all he can to make my life and our children's lives happy and easy. I am greatful for wonderful children who teach me so much about myself and the kind of person I want to be. I am greatful we have stable jobs and for such a wonderful home. It may not be our "dream house" but it is our "dream home". And I know that I owe it all to my Father in Heaven. I know that he loves me, because I see it in the blessing I have. It gives me such strength to know I am a daughter or God.

Home For Sale

2010-11-14T07:40:00.000-08:00

Our house is on the market! Micah and I have decided that it was time to move. It actually started about a year ago when Micah and I were trying to refinance the house. After several attempts and 2 appraisals later, we found that it was not possible to refinance. Last month when we learned that our most recent attempt had failed, we then decided to consider selling the home. WIth alot of prayer and fasting, we decided that it was time to move on.

I have loved our home. We have lived in it for almost 5 years. Its where we raised our kids. For the younger three, its the only home they have ever known. We have enjoyed and have so many great memories. It will be sad when we have to eventually pack it up and say good bye, but for Micah and I, we always knew this was temporary, and that we had one more move in us.

In looking for another home, I think we will still consider the South West side of SL valley, but we will be looking for the "final" home. The one that we will live in for the remainder of our lives (hopefully). We are excited to see where we end up and fortunately, the kids are still very young that moving, will not disrupt their life too much. Elsa is our only child in school, and her only request is that she finish out the school year with her class.

I just hope that it sells quickly, smoothly and easily. I don't think that is asking too much?

Fall Fun

2010-10-31T07:33:00.000-07:00

October is always one of my favorite months. Micah and I celebrated our 11th Anniversary on the 9th. I have several family member birthdays including my sweet little Livy, who turned 5 on the 24th.

I also really enjoy General Conference. We went up to Logan to watch it with Micah's family and we had our annual fall picnic where Micah's mom makes amazing buffalo wings. Its the only time I ever eat wings.

We came back up to Logan last weekend again to go to the "Pumpkin Walk" It was fun for the first 20 min. and then the rain came!! We went back to the house and carved pumpkins and had made-from-sratch dounuts. So good!

Last night of course, we got together with Brecken and her kids and hit the streets. It rained, of course, but that didn't stop us! They came back with quite the "loot". I love celebrating these "kid" holidays. It is so fun to relive it through them. We do the best we can to create these fun memories for our kids.

Yellowstone, Ocktoberfest, McNeal photos

2010-09-27T17:33:00.000-07:00

So, I got a little backed up on updating my blog, and for some reason when I upload the pics, the end up all out of order. I dont really have the time to label and put them all in order so I will just explain them all.
Over labor day Micah and I took the kids along with my little brother Ian and his brood to Yellowstone with my parents. It was alot of fun (as usual) although I must admit, being a parent and taking little kids on vacation is really no vacation for the parents. I was probably more exhausted when I came home than I am just at the end of any regular day. Its alright though, we do it "for the kids" right? It ended up snowing the second day we were there, that was strange. It even stuck to the ground for a while.
Earlier in the summer we had my brother, Travis and his kids come over from Pittsburgh and so my mom wanted to get some family photos done. That was pretty hectic, but I thought they turned out great.
Nixon starting walking this past month, although he isn't really that into it, he just does it when he is "in the mood". I really enjoy watching how the girls interact with him. He can do no wrong. they just think the world of him and always want to make him happy and laugh. I think he will be well taken care of. Hehe.
I also have a pic in there of me at work with my ladies. One of the girls ( blonde, in the middle) was quiting. I have worked with her for over 6 years and it was really sad to see her go.
Last weekend we went up with the Wybrows to Ocktoberfest, we go up every september and have alot of fun. No chicken dance this year, which was a little upsetting to Livy, but...there is always next year.
Elsa is really blossoming in second grade. She has a great teacher and is making alot of friends. Livy and Hillie are enjoying making a mess and tattleing on each other, which in turn, has been alot of fun for me. I hope they will soon grow out of it.
Other than all that, it has been a great couple months.

2010-08-20T09:14:00.000-07:00

Summer just went too fast this year. It was the first summer Micah didn't have school and so we enjoyed every minute and found all kinds of fun activities we could do as a family.
Micah has put his name in to become a UPS driver and we have been waiting for a spot to open since the end of June. Once he starts driving, I can finally quit my job and become a full time mom! I have been waiting for this opportunity for years and now that it is just on the horizon, I am getting quite anxious. It will be so nice to have Micah home at night and for me to be able to spend more time with the kids. Micah has been such a great dad while I work. He does alot to help with the daily household chores. I will miss that when he does start working days, but I am completely ready for it. I know there is nothing more important than being home and being there for my kids. so I welcome the change with open arms.
Elsa started school this week and she has mastered the skill of riding her bike! So every chance I get, we are going on bike rides together and riding our bikes to school. It has been so neat to see her grow up and become a responsible and caring kid!
We had a great run this summer, and now are reluctantly looking forward to the fall and eventually....Winter. Just think positive, right?

hanging out on the rooftop of the marriott downtown salt lake with my family

at the drive in movie with all the kids in the back of the truch waiting for the movie to start

The girls showing off their new shades

With the Wybrows at the Cache County Fair

One last swimming trip with Brecken and Phil and their kids

Elsa and her first day of 2nd grade

Livy and Hillie showing their candy necklaces and bracelets they made

Battlefield, UGH!

2010-07-31T07:15:00.000-07:00

Okay, I feel I have to explain something. I DO NOT like the Jordan Sparks, "Battlefield" song. When I set up my slide show for Disneyland, the song is automatically on there. I have tried and have no idea how to get rid of the song. I didn't even select it. So I appoligize to anyone who reads my blog that they have to either endure or mute their computers. If anyone has any idea how I can rid my blog of this ridiculous song, please let me know. Again, I am sorry.

2010-07-25T16:41:00.000-07:00

Kids in the tree house at the discovery gateway

Nixon

Hillie in her birthday present

Nixon and his cake face

Hillie and her "princess and the frog" cake

Elsa and her cousin, Sophie

My mom, my kids and me after the babtism

My sisters, Ilene and Susie

My best high school friend, Michelle and me at the pool

my family

Nixon

The Trampoline!!!

The Logan Cruise in

Kids on the slip and slide

July has been a great month. We started off the month by going up to Logan for the fourth and all their festivities. We always enjoy the fireworks and the Cruise in. A week after that, my brother Travis who lives in Pittsburgh, brought his family here to babtize their oldest daughter Sophie. It has been a couple of years since we have seen them, so it was great to hang out with them and get to know them again. Since we had the families together we did family pictures and spent time with the kids at the Discovery Gateway.
We decided that since my family was in town, that we would celebrate Hillie and Nixons birthdays. It is always so much fun to see them try and eat their birthday cake at 1 yr old.
My high school friend was in town and so we took our families to the swimming pool. It was really nice to spend time with her again. I love that we can go almost a year without speaking and be able to pick up right where we left off.
Micah has had it with our swamp cooler and we have had a couple of bids for central air. I cant believe how pricey it is, but we know it will be worth it. So we just need to decide on when we want to do it. Apparently the rebates are only good up until the end of the year.
We have really tried to make this summer fun and memorable for the kids. We have taken them swimming alot, got a trampoline, and just the other night we took them to a drive in movie. It was so much fun. It makes me so happy to be able to do these things for them and see how happy they are.
I am still running as much as I can, but I cannot stand running when it is warm, so I have been going out as early as 6 in the morning to beat the heat. I have to admit, I still dont LOVE it, but I have been doing it for so long now and have built up alot of endurance that I dont want to let that go. Plus, its good excersise.

Nixon and Hillie's picture day

2010-06-19T20:55:00.001-07:00

I know Hillie and Nixon's birthday is not for another month, but I know July will be pretty hectic so I went ahead and got it done a little early. I doubt they will change a whole lot in a month. It is so wierd to see them at one and three. There are growing so fast...Thats all I can say. So cute too.

brightroom event photography

2010-06-15T17:28:00.000-07:00

brightroom event photography
Me running toward the finish line at the Utah Valley Marathon. Great fun, even though it was really unorganized and a bit rainy. I think the highlight of the race was seeing a guy who just ran the marathon and he had bloody nipples. Awesome. I wish I took a pic.

2010-05-27T21:14:00.000-07:00

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I can't believe May is almost over! What a great month! Micah graduated from College!!!!! It was so awesome to see him get to walk across that stage and accept his degree. I am so proud of him. It took a long time but it was definatly worth it.
We drove to Disneyland the next day and spend three days there. My brother Sean surpised us on the second day and it was really great to see him spend time with the girls. The last day we were there, there was a bomb scare and they evacuated us all out of tomorrowland. It was a bit unnerving but it appeared as if they had it all under control. The kids had so much fun and every night they still wanted to go swimming. I couldn't believe it. Livy was able to meet the princesses and they were so cute. We were able to take Elsa on all the big rides and she really enjoyed Space Mountain and the Matterhorn. The Hollywood Hotel Terror ride, not so much.
After Disneyland we drove to San Diego and went to the Zoo. I couldn't belive how big it was and how much up hill walking there was. Elsa had darted ahead of me as we were walked and when I yelled out her name a woman turned around and said that was her name too. She and I were both surprised to see that someone else shared that name. Elsa thought that was really neat.
We then went to the beach and relaxed. The sky was a bit overcast but it was still warm. Elsa had fun building a sand castle while the other girls managed to get sand everywhere! My brother Ian and his wife and their little girl joined us for the trip and Ian had a friend who lived in San Diego so he came by at the beach and brought his wet suits and surf boards and Micah gave a go at it. HE did really good considering it was his first time.
It was a great trip, not too long but not too short. We were glad to be home. It really made me appreaciate where I live. I love to visit, but Utah is my home and I am happy about that.

2010-05-01T11:04:00.000-07:00

This last month has been quite busy. Elsa has started up soccer again, she is a "black widow". She really enjoys playing, even though she hangs back alot and just runs with the crowd.
Livy has been going to play groups with kids in our ward and has boycotted any house that has a dog. Which is about 1/2 of the group.
We have started the potty training with Hillie and she is doing really good, she won't go #2 yet, but we are working on it. I decided am not going to stress about it like I did with Livy. She can stay in pullups for however long she wants. I really dont care.
Nixon has started crawling, pulling himself up and has cut his upper teeth. He has become quite the little "thumb sucker" and right now, its just too cute that I am not really trying to make him quite.
Micah is getting ready for graduation next week. We are so excited and proud of his accomplishment. I will be sitting with all the kids as close to the front I can get so we can all cheer him on as he takes the walk.
I have started running recently and have been really enjoying it. I didn't think I would like it as much as do. Today, Micah's sister, Brecken and her husband Phil and I did a 5k for the SL running co. It was rainy but alot of fun. I am signed up for the UT valley marathon ( I will be doing a 5k) in June and look forward to training and eventually trying a 10k. I am not sure if I would want to ever do a marathon, but who knows, I didn't think I would ever run for leisure either.
We are gearing the kids up for our family vacation in Disneyland next week. I am so excited to go and take the kids and just have fun. We have been anticipating this trip for a few years now and its finally come. We were hoping to have it be a McNeal family reunion but unfortunatly the whole clan, except my brother Ian and his family wont be able to come. I just hope the weather is good for us.

Mom's Day

2010-04-25T18:27:00.000-07:00

Travis made this cool video on YouTube, Happy Mothers day!!

2010-02-13T13:13:00.000-08:00

It has been a busy few weeks. Micahs little brother, Ethem, came home from his mission in Mexico. It was really exciting to see him again, he is so tan. He was in shock by how pasty white we all were, and by how many caucasions there are.

My new work schedule is awesome. I really enjoy having Thurs and fridays off to catch up with housework and spending time with the family. I have even started baking my own bread each week for the kids.

Elsa celebrated her 7th birthday last week and only half of the kids we invited came. I think that is partly because she has been off track and I had to send the invites out two weeks early and I think the parents or the kids might have forgot. It was alot of fun. They played alot of games and it was great to see Elsa in a social setting.

Nixon is getting so big. He started sitting up this past month and a couple days ago, he finally cut not one, but both teeth on the bottom. The girls are so loving and protective of Nixon, the other day we were at my friends house and she has a little dog. When the dog approached Nixon, Hillie started to yell at her, telling her to "Get away from my baby budder!" Then she would put her arm around Nixon and say "its okay, Ni-den, its okay." I really enjoy watching the kids interact with each other. They are such good kids.

2010-01-23T08:02:00.000-08:00

I watched the telethon last night and really enjoyed this performance. I just wanted to share with anyone who wants to listen

2010-01-08T18:16:00.001-08:00

So far 2010 has been great. We rang in the new year at Oma and Opa's. We had a big fire outside and Opa toted the kids around on sleds attached to the back of his 4 wheeler. We played BINGO and everyone won some great prizes.

My work week has now changed to mon-wed with thurs and fri off. Its weird to be home during the day, with Micah. I am definately not complaining.

Nixon is almost six months. No teeth yet, but he is trying his hardest to sit up. He also has discovered his thumb and has found comfort in that. Its really cute now, but I worry about it being a problem in the future.

I have had torn emotions about my little man. I am feeling guilty and a little sad that he is growing so fast and I am missing it because I cannot devote as much time as I would like into playing with him. I am pretty sure he is my last and so I am trying to savor each moment, but it is difficult. He is such a good baby.

Elsa will be going off track in week and I am excited to be planning her first birthday party (Feb 2) with friends. I have only done family before. We'll see how it goes.

I enjoyed a great lunch today with my sisters. We try to make a monthly date, so far so good.

I have taken up running these past couple months and it has been a slow but steady start. I am really enjoying it, surprisingly. I hope to be able to complete a 5k in the spring. I am determined to stick with it.

My little Nixon, so cute!

2010-01-08T18:10:00.000-08:00

2009-12-29T19:49:00.000-08:00

Another Christmas come and gone. I hosted the "Christmas dinner" at my house Christmas eve. I had a full house. 10 adults and 8 kids. It made for an event filled night. I was exhausted by the time everyone left, yet I still had alot more work to do. In the morning we made the girls wait in the stairway until it was time for christmas to start. IT was a great christmas morning. Santa left us a very nice thank you note and he had given Livy an amazing Princess vanity, Elsa got a very cool "Bat Cave", Hillie a barbie that came with a bike, and Nixon got a winter outfit. Santa also brought Micah an air compressor and I got a long awaited Kitchen aid mixer (yellow). It has been nice having Micah take a week of vacation at work. He has been very helpful in taking care of the kids and getting things done around the house while I still have to go to work. We are excited to be going up to Logan this weekend to ring in the new year with family.

I have so much to be greatful for this past year. I am greatful everyday for a wonderful husband and 4 happy and healthy kids. For the roof over our heads and for the ability to provide a safe and happy home for my kids. I am especially greatful for the joy the gospel has brought into my life. I feel the love of my Father in Heaven every day.

2009-12-22T07:57:00.000-08:00

Last week Micah completed is final class of his college career. I am so proud of him. After ten years of marriage, 4 moves, and 4 kids later, he did it. I am so impressed by his dedication and determination. He has juggled so much more than most college students and he still managed to get good grades. I don't think I could have been able to stick to it the way he has.

So now we can sit back, take a deep breath and enjoy the holidays with family. It will be wierd to not have to worry about starting back into school next month and dealing with all that comes with school, finals, projects, commuting, etc.

We are looking forward to the upcoming year and hope everyone has a merry christmas!