Saturday, August 18, 2012

Don't Stop Believin'

Last night my grandma, grandpa, uncle, and auntie arrived from California. I'm so excited that they are here. I always have so much fun with them. There's nothing I love more than being with my family.

The older I get, the more I realize that being with family isn't always the easiest thing to achieve. Sometimes there are great distances which separate you. A scarcity of money, demands on your time, or a lack of other resources may also limit your abilities to visit those you love. There are many obstacles or distractions which may steer you away from your family.

That's why the temple is so important.



My family decided that they wanted to go to the temple together this morning. They originally planned to go at 8am. One thing led to another and, soon enough, it was already noon and they still hadn't gone. I wondered if they would get to go at all.

Around 1pm they were finally loading up into the car, but then it was discovered that a couple of them had misplaced their temple recommends which would allow them to enter into the temple. In such situations, authorized clergy members can contact the temple to vouch for your readiness to enter the Lord's House. However, my family didn't have the contact information for these clergy members readily available.

Thanks to the internet, however, they were finally able to find the contact information they needed, obtain authorization, and enter into the temple. That's when I realized that, no matter the difficulties, there is always a way into the temple with your family and there will always be those who will help you along the way. Don't stop believing.

Friday, August 17, 2012

Grandma's 74th Birthday

Today we got to celebrate one of my Grandma's birthdays. She turned 74 today. Wow!



We celebrated by hanging out at the playground. My parents got yelled at because I had to go really bad and I couldn't make it all the way back to the pavilion. So I just made it happen on the grass like any normal boy my age would. We're number one! We're number one! Happy birthday!

 
Here are a few pics of Sis enjoying some corn on the cob.  Yummy!

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Fall 2012 Soccer Season Opener

Today was the first game of our 2012 Fall Soccer Season.



It was so fun. I'm still trying to get used to actually running up to the ball and kicking it. In the meantime, I'm just really excited to take the field with my friends. It isn't about winning or losing; it's about finishing the game and diligently working towards mastery of a skill.

In other news, we also harvested a large zucchini, opening Zucchini Season. Check it out!


 


When life gets muddy and the dung is piling up, I hope you make like a zucchini and grow!

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Lucky Come America 2012



I'm trying to teach myself more about how to use a computer. It's a handy skill to have these days. Almost anywhere you go, someone's got a computer. So you've gotta know how to use one. And then you've gotta know how to use one well.

I know my ancestors didn't grow up with computers. They did other things to pass the time, like play checkers.



But I know they are trying to learn how to use computers and live with technology in our times.



I'm so lucky my ancestors eventually ended up in America, many years ago, so I take this moment to remember them. Catching a glimpse of eternity is realizing you are where you are because of those who came before you and doing your best for those who follow afterward. The first step towards immortality is living a life worth remembering.

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

So You Think You Can Dance?


What can I say? I love to dance! If you're also light on your feet, I say you should dance for the whole world to see. That way everyone can be happy!

Monday, August 13, 2012

The Vegetables of Our Labor

After my uncle spoke in church in California, we jumped in the car and started the long drive back home. There's no place like home. When we got home, we immediately went to bed. And when we woke up, we found a beautiful surprise in our backyard.



Our zucchinis are growing so quickly! They are huge! Our tomatoes, peppers, and cilantro are growing really well too. It's amazing how you can plant a seed and watch it grow into a beautiful little tree. Small and simple, my friends, small and simple. Regardless of where you are, I hope all of you choose to start a garden and enjoy the vegetables of your labor.

Sunday, August 12, 2012

'Bout to Wake It Up


I think I'm a morning person. I'm not sure though. But I do seem to be a happier person after I've gotten some rest. Maybe I'm just happy because I'm one of the lucky ones who gets to wake up each morning with people I love and who love me dearly. I won't be a baby forever, but I sure am enjoying it while I can. I know each day I wake is an opportunity for me to grow closer to my family. Dad promised, that if we live right, our family can be together forever. I hope we can make it happen.



This morning we got to see my uncle speak at church because he will be serving a mission next month. He spoke about how we can all work together to become better people. We can strengthen each other to stay True to the Faith. We can do it. We just gotta wake up and work at it.

Saturday, August 11, 2012

Saturday is a Special Day

Saturday is normally a special day because it's the day we get ready for Sunday. But today was even more special because it was the day my uncle went through the temple for his very. first. time.



Why is the temple so important? Well, for starters, the temple is our Heavenly Father's house. When we go to His house, we learn how we should live our lives in our own houses to make our home a piece of heaven on earth. For instance, sometimes little children like me can help to make home into heaven.

I love my family. So I try to take pictures with them any time that I can to remember the great memories we've built together. Here we are with my Auntie after uncle had gone through the temple.


I love to see the temple. I'll go inside someday. In the meantime, I'll try to have the best experiences with my family that I can.

Friday, August 10, 2012

Road Trippin' Out for a Hero

Around 12:30am we received notice that my uncle was gonna go through the Temple for his first time on Saturday. The only thing was, my uncle lives in California. So this meant that we were in for an adventure. Yeah, baby! Check out this map of our journey.


View Larger Map

That's right. Going to the temple can be a looooooooong journey. Sometimes it even takes years. But the symbolism we learn in the temple helps us understand (and remember during trying times) what we need to do so we can live with our families forever. Believe that!


So strap yourselves in, babies. You're in for the ride of your life. And no matter how long your journey takes, make sure the course you plot is always getting closer to the temple.

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Learning stuff is fun!

I like to learn things. Now, I've heard that school isn't all fun and games, but I'm talking about learning outside of our current system of institutionalized learning. I'm just talking about learning about the beauty of life as it hits you.

One person who loves to learn about life is Big Bro. Here you can see him trying to learn how to fix his door last night.



He's trying to learn to be a responsible and self-reliant boy. He noticed something was wrong with his door and he tried to fix it. I know he's not perfect, but he's giving it the ol' Kindergarten try.

Here I am trying to learn more about what it means to be Tongan as I play with some tongs!


And here my brother learns more about becoming the Peach Whisperer. He hopes to someday become a Fresh Produce Whisperer in the future.


And here I am learning about what "Ready? 1, 2, 3!" means followed by some footage of my cousin helping us learn how to read. I'm so glad my cousin came to visit us.



Check it out! Hmmm. It looks like everywhere you go, someone's out there talking about Chick-Fil-A. You just can't get away from it right now I guess.

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Better with the lights off


We had over a hundred glow sticks just sitting around, so we figured we'd try to use them for something fun...and productive...a bath!



If you have a bunch of glow sticks sitting around waiting to be used for something other than emergency preparedness, I suggest you use them to take a relaxing bubble bath. It's a lot of fun. But more importantly, it gives you the opportunity to reflect upon just how wonderful it is to have light underwater.

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Do you like my disco bow?

If you're not familiar with that line, it's from one of my favorite episodes of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse--the one about bows. Minnie cleverly used that episode as a springboard into her own show. She was probably tired of always being in Mickey's shadow. I can't say I know how that feels since I run the 801. But anyway, I love the show so much because it combines two of my favorite things: bows and Minnie Mouse.



Did I mention that I LOVE bows? LOVE 'EM!



I love to put on as many bows as I can and run all around the house calling for "Daaaaaaaaaaaaddy!" To be honest, I think Mom is a little threatened by me. But she shouldn't worry. Bows are a sign of promised protection because of love. That's why I put on as many bows as I can, I'm just so intense. So don't worry, Ma. We'll have our disagreements, but in the end, I love you.

Anyway, I've been enjoying these last few weeks, spending time with my family and just enjoying life as a baby. I know it won't always be this way, but I hope that I can always remember the good times and how much I am loved. I may need your help. So on those tough days, let's put on a bow (or two) and remember how much we love each other.

Monday, August 6, 2012

Oh, what do YOU do in the summertime?

Well I nebulize. Don't judge me. I'm working on some stuff. I just got a nebulizer because I'm pretty close to getting pneumonia right now. But I think I'll be ok. Nebulizing is pretty fun when you have a fish mask. It's cool that you can see vapor coming out of the mask.

After nebulizing, I like to go downstairs and sing songs. One of my favorite songs is called, "Oh, What Do You Do in the Summertime?" I like to try to listen to the words and perform an interpretive dance.


School will start in a few weeks and I'm so excited. We only have a few weeks left of summer, so I hope you're having a wonderful summertime doing what you do.


On the left is a pic of my ever supportive sister, who wishes me well and tries to help me recover quickly. What would I do without her? I love her so much. On the right is a picture of me standing triumphantly after doing a pull up all by myself. Hooray!

Sunday, August 5, 2012

Pull yourself up

 Well, today we had a little fun in the basement. I got to dress up as Samuel the Lamanite and dodge projectiles as I told my family how they could improve and what they needed to do to be happy. You see, wickedness never was happiness. You see, when you're feeling down, sometimes you try to find happiness in things that aren't good for you. But none of it seems to work. You can only be happy by doing good things.
 

The Biz marveled and wondered that she couldn't hit me, even after dedicating countless hours to her marksbabyship. Better luck next time, babe.

One thing I admire about The Biz though, is that she tries to eat well and find positive things to do with her time. Maybe that's why she's always so happy!


Next, we put down the guns and played a high stakes game of Trouble. If you didn't already know, Trouble documents the epic journey of four pegs of the same color trying to make it home. The objective is simple, get all your pegs home by avoiding trouble along the way. Only the high rollers need apply.


So I learned three major lessons today: first, make sure you find good things to feed your mind and body. Second, ya gotta make your home a place that is safe from trouble and, third, when you're feeling down, ya gotta find positive ways to pull yourself up--like serving or spending time with people you love and who love you. If you don't have someone, please find someone to love.



So pull yourselves up and be happy! Peace.

Saturday, August 4, 2012

I think I'm gonna do P90X

I think if I start working out now, I'll be in good shape by the time next summer rolls around. So here are my before pictures.


These guns are so huge, even my Concealed Carry Permit doesn't cover them.


My sister is a fierce competitor and body builder too.
 

I weigh 46.7 pounds right now. So I think, if I eat right and exercise regularly, I can probably bulk up to a toned 180 pounds by next summer. Let's see how it goes. I hope you're all just as pumped as I am.

Friday, August 3, 2012

Tucanos 2012

I was feeling a little bit better this afternoon, so I told the folks that we should go to one of my favorite places: Tucanos.



The great thing about Tucanos is that you can sign up for their Birthday Club and get a free meal during the month of your birthday. What a deal! I love going there with my family because Tucanos has such good food and a really fun atmosphere for kids. I love going to the salad bar and getting all the yummy fruits I want.



The Biz really likes it too. She likes to eat grapes, cantaloupe, and mashed potatoes. Every once in a while she likes to eat beef and other meats too. My favorite dish is the Mango Codfish. YUMMY!

Thursday, August 2, 2012

Midnight Olympics

Well, my health still isn't back to 100%, so I woke up in the middle of the night and sneaked into my parents' room, like I usually do when I'm not feeling well.



They let me watch the Olympics with them. I hope I get better soon.

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

I Need A Doctor

One way to start a really fun day is to eat a Softball Pancake with hot chocolate for breakfast at Denny's.



Then you go to the park and swing around with your little sister because you love her.

 

Then when everyone is hungry, you go to your friend, Chuck E. Cheese's, house to eat some food and play some games.




Then you come home, have some cake, and bust out the glow sticks and the black light for a dance party.





Then you cap off the night by thinking about how lucky you are to have a mom who loves you. So, Mom, this one's for you.

Dear Mom,
"All I know is
You came to me when I was at my lowest
You picked me up, breathed new life in me--I owe my life to you
But for the life of me, I don't see why you don't see like I do...
It's dark; let me turn on the lights and brighten it and enlighten you
I don't think you realize what you mean to me--not the slightest clue
Cuz me and you were like a crew...
It was you who believed in me...
You risked your career for me; I know it as well as you...
You saved my life; now maybe it's my time to save yours
But I could never repay you; what you did for me was way more"



Mom, thanks for celebrating one of the biggest days of our lives with me and for thinking of a really good present for me since I'm so into Doc McStuffins. I hope I can learn the Healer's Art (not necessarily the profession) and help others to feel better just like you help me to feel good about myself each day.



Thanks for all your help over these years, Mom. I hope I can honor your sacrifice by becoming the son you know I can become. I know you will always love me, no matter what. Thank you for never giving up on me and for bringing me to life. Thanks for being my Doctor.