1/5/13
2012 in review
main highlights of the past year (371 days late of course)...
*we went on an amazing trip this summer to Chicago for my family reunion...we certainly had a blast and enjoyed spending time with my family!
*both our girls are in school now. Our H-Diva has been itching to see what the fuss is about and she's loving being a K-er. Our C-Diva is just a sponge when it comes to learning. She loves loves loves school!
*We've moved! Still in Utah but North of the SLC valley now. We love the new neighborhood and the new ward and being close to family in the Davis Cty area. And our new pad isn't too bad either :)
There's certainly a lot more to report but these seem to be the most memorable items I can think of. (pics to come soon)
xoxo
9/19/11
on my day off, I....
PLAY CATCH-UP: Bear with me as I attempt to summarize the busy ongoings of our crazy household since I last posted:
I don't think I've mentioned in previous entries - but Sa recently joined a local rugby club called the Utah Warriors. During their debut season in the USA Super League circuit last year, they put on a good showing - and defied many odds despite not having a stable foundation, uniformed chemistry, or an overwhelming reception from the league and many of it's more 'permanent' fixtures. These, plus many other 'distractions', may have led to their not being able to make it to the playoffs for the 15s Super League 2010-11 season and a shot at the title - BUT, they have since multiplied in numbers, as far as potential players go, and also in a growing fan base - dubbed 'Warrior Nation'.
The SL season ended in April or May - and they once again united in the summer to form their very own Sevens team to compete in the Pacific Coast Rugby Football Union Tournament: 1st & 2nd place qualifying for the USA 7s Nationals later in the summer. Sa was able to be a part of this compilation as well - and as newbies they redeemed themselves after a below average SL debut by becoming PCRFU Champions for 2011(having defeated SFGG twice during the tournament - a great team who have become overnight rivals both on and off the pitch since joining the league).
Featured above - are the members of this 2011 PCRFU sevens championship squad. Great Job Fellas! (furbished from Utah Warriors Pac Coast Champs album on facebook)
***They ranked #3 after the USA 7s Nationals = pretty good for newbies.
***They are about to add a Division-1 15s rugby team come 2012
***They just resumed rugby operations for esteemed Highland Highschool rugby program
***Try-outs for the new season are next month - come out and support your very own local pro rugby team!
The first time she laid eyes on that Tangled-themed cake, she was in love. But it had more to do with the little plastic rings used to decorate it than anything else. *sigh... My H-diva is really coming in to her own nowadays. She is still a bit shy and timid but when it's just her and her sister - I've seen her crazy Savaii side emerge now and again. haha... :) (Vaimoso/Falealili/Fagaloa/Tulaele people aren't crazy at all) :)
I still haven't figured out how to cut the cord that exists between her and her daddy. It's comparable to steel cable wires that are lined with superglue! If, and when, Sa is out of town - we rarely miss him because Heiress steps in and does all the burping in public for him while he's out. *ugh... Even grown men have given her a look of pure amazement at how she can belch. *smh
Cheers to another year for our fun loving, baby diva - love you tons xoxo - Mommy, Daddy & Leka and all your families around the world.
Pretty self-explanatory: I just recently reconnected with my TWO long lost brothers.
LEFT: is my childhood brother 'Jared' whom I was raised with and grew up with until 1993 when he moved back to Cali to be with his biological mom and their family. He has since been going by 'David' or Kavika - and it's been 18 yrs since we'd last spoken or seen each other. Love that I've finally gotten a chance to talk to him again. Been missing you a long time Brother!
RIGHT: is my biological brother Presley. He and I last saw each other in 2004. So it's been about - what 7yrs? He was legally adopted by my mom's brother who lives in Utah - so he's "technically" my cousin. Confusion much? - Anyway - love the guy to bits. So glad to have found him as well.
I've missed out on so much with these two - but this only gives way to making up for lost time. Hopefully I'll be able to take my family (which was news to BOTH of them - haha) to visit and meet with them.
Although I missed out on many fun activities during this family reunion - It was still a blast to have been able to see everyone and catchup with my Poloai family.
Victorious Warriors
I don't think I've mentioned in previous entries - but Sa recently joined a local rugby club called the Utah Warriors. During their debut season in the USA Super League circuit last year, they put on a good showing - and defied many odds despite not having a stable foundation, uniformed chemistry, or an overwhelming reception from the league and many of it's more 'permanent' fixtures. These, plus many other 'distractions', may have led to their not being able to make it to the playoffs for the 15s Super League 2010-11 season and a shot at the title - BUT, they have since multiplied in numbers, as far as potential players go, and also in a growing fan base - dubbed 'Warrior Nation'.
The SL season ended in April or May - and they once again united in the summer to form their very own Sevens team to compete in the Pacific Coast Rugby Football Union Tournament: 1st & 2nd place qualifying for the USA 7s Nationals later in the summer. Sa was able to be a part of this compilation as well - and as newbies they redeemed themselves after a below average SL debut by becoming PCRFU Champions for 2011(having defeated SFGG twice during the tournament - a great team who have become overnight rivals both on and off the pitch since joining the league).
Featured above - are the members of this 2011 PCRFU sevens championship squad. Great Job Fellas! (furbished from Utah Warriors Pac Coast Champs album on facebook)
***They ranked #3 after the USA 7s Nationals = pretty good for newbies.
***They are about to add a Division-1 15s rugby team come 2012
***They just resumed rugby operations for esteemed Highland Highschool rugby program
***Try-outs for the new season are next month - come out and support your very own local pro rugby team!
WARRIOR NATION - all day everyday.
***
MISS HEIRESS...FunnyOutstandingUniqueReserved
Our youngest diva turned 4yrs old in July.
The first time she laid eyes on that Tangled-themed cake, she was in love. But it had more to do with the little plastic rings used to decorate it than anything else. *sigh... My H-diva is really coming in to her own nowadays. She is still a bit shy and timid but when it's just her and her sister - I've seen her crazy Savaii side emerge now and again. haha... :) (Vaimoso/Falealili/Fagaloa/Tulaele people aren't crazy at all) :)
I still haven't figured out how to cut the cord that exists between her and her daddy. It's comparable to steel cable wires that are lined with superglue! If, and when, Sa is out of town - we rarely miss him because Heiress steps in and does all the burping in public for him while he's out. *ugh... Even grown men have given her a look of pure amazement at how she can belch. *smh
Cheers to another year for our fun loving, baby diva - love you tons xoxo - Mommy, Daddy & Leka and all your families around the world.
***
"MY SCHOOL IS CALLED KINDERGARTEN "
Not the best quality shot - but this was more of an afterthought: "Oh I should probably take a pic of Baby C - since today is her first day of Kindergarten!!!" - lol
So far - so good. She loves Kindergarten. Should I be worried that she talks about having a ton more 'boy' friends than 'girl' friends? And what is up with homework EVERY night!?? lol - It's been hilarious (and fun) helping her with homework.
I think Sa and I have had many "loud" conversations as to how best to tutor and help her with her studies. One thing I know for sure is - (and this is only my opinion) but I really hope there are better English teachers in Sam-Co nowadays. hahahaha... what? school pride much?
My only advice to her was to always listen to the teacher, raise your hand to answer questions and ask them, and always be nice and friendly to everyone.
Oh and to tell me if any of the kids pick on her. Because "mommy is going to sasa them and their mommy too" - ok? :)
Oh and to tell me if any of the kids pick on her. Because "mommy is going to sasa them and their mommy too" - ok? :)
Next year my other diva is going to be in Kindergarten - woohoo! Soon after - Sa and I will be empty nesters! yay!
(End goal in mind. End - goal - in - mind). :)
***
RECONNECTED
Pretty self-explanatory: I just recently reconnected with my TWO long lost brothers.
LEFT: is my childhood brother 'Jared' whom I was raised with and grew up with until 1993 when he moved back to Cali to be with his biological mom and their family. He has since been going by 'David' or Kavika - and it's been 18 yrs since we'd last spoken or seen each other. Love that I've finally gotten a chance to talk to him again. Been missing you a long time Brother!
RIGHT: is my biological brother Presley. He and I last saw each other in 2004. So it's been about - what 7yrs? He was legally adopted by my mom's brother who lives in Utah - so he's "technically" my cousin. Confusion much? - Anyway - love the guy to bits. So glad to have found him as well. I've missed out on so much with these two - but this only gives way to making up for lost time. Hopefully I'll be able to take my family (which was news to BOTH of them - haha) to visit and meet with them.
***
POLOAIs' REUNITE
Although I missed out on many fun activities during this family reunion - It was still a blast to have been able to see everyone and catchup with my Poloai family. Can't wait for next year. Hope to make it out there - God willing.
***
SIGH...
This is what I get for putting off updating this blog all the time. I know I still have a lot more to post - but these are the main highlights I've been meaning to put up since June! Plus I think I'm developing carpel tunnel after just this one post!
Generally speaking: Work is great (for the most part). I'm loving working with the Young Women of our Ward. And ending today's (3mths worth) entry on a high note - GO MANU SAMOA!!!! (RWC 2011)
***