Thursday, October 9, 2008

THE LATEST NEWS....VOTE YES ON PROPOSITION 8

I HAVEN'T UPDATED MY BLOG IN A WHILE. SCHOOL HAS KEPT ME PRETTY BUSY. THE KIDS HAVE HOMEWORK LIKE THEIR IN JR. HIGH OR HIGH SCHOOL. MO IS DOING AFTERSCHOOL SPORTS NOW TOO. THE WEEKENDS ARE FILLED WITH GAMES, SHOPPING, CLEAN-UP AND ERRANDS AND CHURCH ACTIVITIES. THE LATEST IN THE NEWS IS THE EFFORTS TO KEEP MARRIAGE TRADITIONAL. I AM SO GRATEFUL FOR ALL THE INFORMATION THAT I'VE RECEIVED THROUGH THE PROPOSITION ITSELF, THE MEDIA, THE NEWSPAPER ARTICLES, DISCUSSIONS AND JUST TALKING TO NEIGHBORS. I STRONGLY FEEL THE NEED FOR MARRIAGE ONLY TO BE RECOGNIZED BY A MAN AND A WOMAN. OTHER SUCH IDEAS SHOULD BE KEPT IN ONE'S OWN RELATIONSHIP. NOT FORCED ON THE AMERICAN PUBLIC. I DO KNOW A FEW HOMOSEXUAL'S. I HAVE GOOD FRIENDSHIPS WITH THEM. I DO NOT AGREE ON THEIR LIFESTYLE BUT, IT IS THEIR CHOICE. I STRONGLY BELIEVE THAT MARRIAGE IS GOD'S PLAN FOR HIS CHILDREN HERE ON EARTH. WE ARE ALL HERE FOR A PURPOSE. WE WEREN'T JUST PUT ON THIS PLANET TO DO WHATEVER. THERE IS A PURPOSE. GOD IS PERFECT. HE KNOWS EVERTHING. WE WILL NEVER HAVE HIS KNOWLEDGE WHILE HERE ON EARTH. HE HAS GIVEN US GUIDELINES TO FOLLOW ON HOW TO LIVE AND GAIN AS MUCH KNOWLEDGE AS GOD WOULD HAVE US RECEIVE. HE HAS GIVEN US LAWS AND GOVERNMENTS TO HELP US CONTINUE TO FOLLOW HIM. AS WE TRY TO DEFER FROM THAT PATH, WE ARE PUT IN PATHS OF CONFUSION. OUR PURPOSE HERE ON THIS EARTH IS TO GAIN ETERNAL HAPPINESS THAT GOD HAS TO OFFER. WE ARE GIVEN OPPORTUNITIES TO LEARN AND GROW, TO PROGRESS IN THIS LIFE. WE ARE GIVEN THE CHANCE TO FIND A SPOUSE TO MARRY AND PRO-CREATE. GOD IN HIS WISDOM HAS MADE THAT PROCESS ONLY CAPABLE BETWEEN A MAN AND A WOMAN. EACH HAVING BODIES CAPABLE OF BRINGING GODS CREATIONS TO THE EARTH TO OBTAIN MORTAL BODIES. IT CAN'T BE DONE ANY OTHER WAY. CHILDREN ARE MEANT TO BE BORN TO AN EARTHLY FATHER AND EARTHLY MOTHER. EACH HAVE INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILTIES FOR THEIR CHILDREN. I KNOW THIS TO BE TRUE. I AM A WIFE. I AM A MOTHER. I HAVE A FATHER AND A MOTHER. THAT IS HOW I EXIST TODAY. IF WOMAN STAY WITH WOMAN. MAN WITH A MAN. THE HUMAN RACE WILL SLOWLY DISAPPEAR. THAT IS BECAUSE WE ARE MEANT TO BE WITH THE OPPOSITE SEX. I KNOW MANY STRUGGLE WITH THIS. I TESTIFY TO YOU. GOD IS IN CHARGE. I AM NOT IN CHARGE. YOU ARE NOT IN CHARGE. HE IS. THIS IS HIS WORLD. WE ARE HIS CHILDREN. HE LOVES ALL OF US. THAT IS WHAT A FATHER DOES. HE IS THE PERFECT EXAMPLE. WE NEED TO LOOK AFTER HIM.....I KNOW THIS WITH ALL MY HEART. THIS IS WHAT IS IN MY HEART AND SOUL THIS HOUR.....GOD BLESS..

Sunday, September 14, 2008

Sunday, August 17, 2008

NEVER MIND...I FOUND THE MAGIC MOUNTAIN PHOTOS...HEHE



2 photos of Sasha....Oops! How do I delete it???





I don't know how to delete the extra photo of Sasha! I did have photos from Magic Mountain with Debbie, the kids and me but, I guess I deleted them....sorry! IT WAS A BLAST! We are ready for next year! SUPERMAN HERE WE COME! Mo and Maile say it will be the first ride..

More Photos Of Summer 2008




Friday, August 15, 2008

Summer of 2008






Here's photos of Baby's birthday, kids swimming etc....We actually had a blast this summer. Usually, it's quite a headache having them all home but, this year was different. They are getting older I guess....We started the summer going to Utah for a week to visit family and have Maile baptized. Then we were able to visit cousins in the Bay Area. We made trips to the library which the kids enjoyed. We went to swim parties. Went to the beach 3 times. Went to Magic Mountain and ended with one last beach trip yesterday! Yaaaahoooo! School is on MONDAY! NO MORE STAYING UP LATE! Back on schedule! School starts 8-18-08.

Baby Strantz turns "3"


Baby turned 3 on July 2nd. We had a pool party of course for him. He received a bike, tons of Rescue Heroes, Dino clogs, books, money etc...He's still "Baby".

Sunday, June 29, 2008

Me And My Sistas..


It is so good to see us all still together. just like when we were little. We are sisters forever. We have these types of photos from when we were rugrats.(Minus Karen Solis). We were the group until the next generation of cousins came into play....(Sophia, Saane, Chris, etc...)

My Little Brother Luke Baptizes Maile












I am so amazed at my little brother Luke. I actually am amazed at all three of the triplets. They are so talented in so many areas. It was great to get a glimpse of it on this trip. They dance, sing and play instruments. Luke especially was awesome in that he was worthy to hold the Holy Priesthood and baptize my daughter Maile and also stand in the circle for the confirmation.

Photos From Trip To Utah


I finally uploaded photos from the Utah trip. What a quick week that was. There was too much to try and do and see. Too many family and friends to reconnect with. We ran out of time. We loved every minute of it. The Lauret and Salima family were awesome in making all this happen. The baptism and graduation were both a success. Blurry photo of family but I know who is in the photo...

Maile's Party Crew


Here are Maile's friends celebrating her special birthday.

PHOTOS FROM MAILE'S SWIM PARTY


Here are the photos from the swim party we had in Bakersfield for Maile's 8th birthday. Some of her friends from school attended as well as my sister Lareina and her husband with their two boys.

Thursday, May 22, 2008

VANISI TRIPLETS

UPDATE FROM THE PAST WEEKS

Just catching up what has been happening. We had Maile's 8th birthday party here at home for the friends and family that won't be in Utah on the 31st. Maile had a swim party with some of her friends from school. Taylor, Danielle,Chloe, Aileen, Tyler A, Scott, Brady and Lindsey, Isaiah and Juju, Becky Vaughn and our own kids. Very busy. :It was about degrees that day so everyone enjoyed the pool. They swam til about 8:30p.m. Sunday everyone was wiped out. One party down and one big one to go. The van has been running good. Darren is trying to buy a motorcycle to save on gas. We shall see if that happens. I'd rather get flooring done in the house since we have mastered every kind of stain possible on the carpet. We are getting ready to leave to Utah this coming week. I will post photos from the triplets graduation and Maile's baptism.

Sunday, May 11, 2008

Mom's Birthday!




Okay, I'm actually happy to say my kids did great for me on my birthday. The day was okay. I stressed out about cleaning the house. I didn't go anywhere. I was just homebound all day. Actually it was for 2 weeks. Our van broke down for the I don't know time. This was the longest it was in the shop. I was guessing because they didn't have to give us a rental and so they took their sweet time. I was okay not being able to go anywhere because I thought of money I was saving us and gas of course. Gas was especially on my mind. It is so scary how expensive it continues to get. We can save food but, we can't really save gas...like have a gas storage in our home. So, what will we do? Will we not travel anymore? I got a bike w/trailer for my birthday. I really wanted one after Kendra let me use hers a couple of times. It is fun. I haven't ridden(?) a bike since I was maybe a teen? So, it felt great. I thought I had forgotten how to do it. The bike helped not having a van. I also realized I could walk to the park with my baby boy. I used a lot of my own gas to get around the area here. Walking the kids to school in the morning. Walking or running the baby around town and then going back to pick up the kids. First for Sasha in Kindergarten and then for Mo and Maile. I sure was wiped out at the end of the day. Especially since I still had my gym time to do. No wonder I was hungier than normally.

Anyway, Saturday May 10th we got the van back. I actually kissed my van. I know it breaks down a lot but, I do love it. Friday, Darren and the boys went to Father/Son camp out. They went to Tehachapi. Darren didn't want to take the baby but, I forced him because there was no excuse not to take him. He's been potty trained since 22 months old so, he had no reason not to. I got alone time with the girls. We went to the mall to find shorts for me. I only have 2 pairs of pants that fit me and those are too hot to wear now. I didn't find anything I liked at the mall. I hate the mall actually. That place scares me. I did find what I needed at Kohls. I have clothes! The Despains were so generous to let me use their suburban while the van was still in the shop. I'm glad I don't have one of those everyday. Too much gas just to drive around town. No thanks!

Oh, its Mother's Day today. That is why I'm here on the computer and Darren has the kids in the living room doing whatever. They are trying to make this a good day for me but, everything is still the same around here. I had to make breakfast, lunch and clean up. Dinner is on Darren.

Thursday, May 1, 2008

Here are the shoes mentioned previously....




Monday 4-28-08 Strantzee Keala Has Ear Surgery







So, we get up at 5 a.m. and get dressed so I can take Keala for his Ear Surgery at Millenium Surgery Center. Dr. Zerlin would be doing the surgery. Dr. said 30% of the right ear drum was gone. He was going to make an incision in his head behind his ear and take tissue out of there to form or graph an ear drum and then put a tube in also for drainage. Okay, everything went great. We waited an hour for him to get into surgery. Once it was his turn he was so cooperative. He did everything they asked of him. He even walked into the operating room all by himself. The nurse was amazed. So, I waited for an hour. Then the doctor informed me how it all went. He told me everything is good. His ear was more damaged than what he thought. He said once he was inside the ear he saw that the ear drum was pretty much completely gone. Like 80% gone. I was then called back to see him once he woke up. He looked so out of it. I hate to see him like that. He was crying his eyes out and saying his ear hurt. I just held him tight. I called Darren to come and help me with him seeing that he was in so much pain. They gave him demerol and vicadine for pain. He slept a couple of hours after at home and then woke up ready to eat, eat, eat. I'm glad that is all over with. I hope this ear surgery works for him. I am so grateful for the power of the priesthood that baby was able to have a blessing before getting his surgery.

Mom left Friday night and came back Saturday night...







I left Friday night (4/25) to head to the Bay Area to attend the Temple Session for my cousin Sophia who was entering for the first time. It was wonderful. Renting a car was a painful experience but, once I was in the Temple nothing mattered. It was great to be there with family I haven't seen in a while. I took Maile with me to make things easier on Darren. Maile was a great co-pilot for me. I would have been very lonely driving by myself. Darren couldn't just stay home and organize the garage or clean the backyard. No, he decided to take the kids to Lake Isabella which is like 1 1/2 hours away. They went fishing. Keala is telling me he didn't like going there. He wanted to go home. He says he cried being there. Sasha cried also. She said she wanted to go with me. The only one who didn't complain was Mo'unga. When they came home Darren couldn't get the van in reverse. Ends up the transmission is out again for the 2nd time. So, that is why I am car-less. Atlease I was there when they all woke up in the Morning to go to church.

I'm Actually Proud To Say.....

I'm actually proud to say I am 37 years old today! I can't believe I am that old. The amazing thing about it is that I don't feel 37. I feel 25 years old. I am so physically in shape right now that it helps me feel so good about myself. I decided to make some major changes in my life last year in the end of September and have stuck to it. I haven't checked in like a month but, since last month I've lost a total of 35 lbs. I've lost 3 numbers of body fat. My body had 30 % body fat in February and in April it was 27%. I am still working every week on getting rid of my excess baggage I have been carrying around for a while. It will take a while to do so. I plan on cleaning the house today and hanging out with my side-kick Keala. The van is in the shop since Monday and will be for a whole week. It is forcing me to use my feet to get around town. I love it. I'm using my own body gas to get where I need to go. I am more exhausted though....

Yeah! We got a monitor now!

Thank goodness! It's been like a whole week or more without a monitor. I have so much to do on the computer besides updating my blog. There are so many bills to pay. Wow, I depend on the computer so much being without is hard. So much has happened in the past week which I will update with photos. I'm glad I found Nau Willis again. It's been a while since we were in contact. Hopefully that won't happen again.

Thursday, April 24, 2008

No More Computer...

I won't be posting in my blog for a while. I am at Reina's house now using her laptop to post and update what is going on. Yesterday my sweet little 2 year old Keala decided to spray the computer monitor with water. He says he was cleaning it for me. It's my fault. I was in the bathroom getting dressed for the day. Right away, I ran over and wiped off the screen. It was already dimming, dimming, gone! The screen went black. It doesn't work anymore. I won't be able to get a new monitor for at lease another 2 weeks. I am leaving tomorrow for the weekend. I'll be back early Sunday morning to go to church with my family. I am off to the Bay Area tomorrow to go to the Oakland Temple on Saturday. My cousin Sophia Taumalolo will be receiving her own Endowment. I am so excited for her. It's been a while since any of our family has entered the Temple for the first time.

Oh, yesterday Keala got the best thing ever! He finally got his "Lightning McQueen" clogs from Lily. He is on cloud nine. When I am able to post pictures of them I will. Darren will be home with the kids alone. I pray they will survive these couple of days without me. I will probably take Maile with me to make things easier at home. Maile seems to have trouble with the baby and Sasha.

Till later.

Friday, April 18, 2008

Mrs. Cornford's class performs songs..







Sasha and the entire Kindergarten classes of Veterans Elementary performed for all at the "Student of the Month" assembly. How does one become SOTM? Each class wore a certain color. Mo'unga earned a certificate for checking out a lot of books from the Library. He's in the 50 pt club at school...Good job Mo!