Merry Christmas to all our dear family and friends!!!

"Even before God created the world, He prepared a plan that allows us to learn and grow during this life. Jesus Christ is the center of this plan. Christ’s mission was not only to teach us about God the Father and how we should live, but also to make a way for us to be forgiven after we sin. . . The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the "good news" of Christ's sacrifice for us, giving us a path back to the Father. "Wherefore, how great the importance to make these things known unto the inhabitants of the earth, that they may know that there is no flesh that can dwell in the presence of God, save it be through the merits and mercy, grace of the Holy Messiah" Quoted from mormon.org

I would like to add my testimony that Jesus Christ is literally the Son of God and that it is only through Him that we can return to our Heavenly Father. God is a God of love and order. He has provided a way for all who have ever lived, now live, and ever will live to return to him through His true Son and through his church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. May we remember the only true source of peace and joy this Christmas Season, our Redeemer Jesus Christ.

December Updates

Saki and I are trying to become better time users-always so much to do and so little time! REALLY enjoyed our date friday at a mexican restaurant I've been eyeing since we moved out here! It's so pretty and the food was excellent!

Mere-working on memorizing the 1st Article of Faith "We believe in God the Eternal Father and in His Son Jesus Christ and in the Holy Ghost." She is getting a little better at being reverent in church-when she's had a nap, but can get pretty loud and goofy when she's around other kids or doesn't want to sit still. She's very busy and sweet. Into pretend play and this week when my visiting teaching people came by she passed out the cheese croissants (one by one, until everyone had 3 or 4), then gave plates, then asked if they wanted water-it was very cute! All I did was tell her she could give the croissants now! She can be very sweet with Glenn, but gets frustrated to cause he tries to play with her but really ruins what she's trying to build or make. She has an excellent memory and puts things that together very quickly. She loves to jump and "fall." She occasionally gets upset with Glenn for looking out of "her" car window." I love seeing her grow up-I hope to be more patient with her and let grow at her own pace instead of mine. Some books we've been enjoying "Mr. Putter and Tabby" series, Angelina Ballerina, Little Bear, Dr Suess ABC's and non fiction books about animals. Luckily mere doesn't stick to one book over and over-though I know that is good for kids-we get lots of library books-I like variety, so I hope she doesn't get too used to novelty.

Glenn-I think he's a momma's boy. He can get rather clingy, but he's really grown a lot and now enjoys playing with others more-best when he doesn't see me. If he sees me he want to be held or give a hug. I love his habit of coming over hugging and then going back to play!!! He has been in nursery (church class/play for little ones) for some time now and is doing well there. He is a bit louder than he used to be, but it's still for simple things like too tired, hungry, or thirsty (he drinks like a camel). Now he's less content to sit still and squeals when in his carseat or having to sit still too long. He likes exploring and hitting things. He can say more things now-copies phrases and words, but it's mostly the intonation, not well annunciated, kind of odd to me. Like he's making the sounds but no clear consonants maybe: "Its right there" is like "iiss righ ere" He can say "more" clearly and I think he follow's things going on better than he used to. When I say "lets go" he knows to get his shoes and will sometimes get mine and then fuss at the door cause going out is sure exciting until you're buckled in the car... Glenn's the kind of kid who you think of their baby and childhood days very endearingly-he's just soo sweet. I am hoping and thinking he will always stay so loving. He likes books a lot more now. He will grab a book and then come to you and want to sit in your lap and read.

We are enjoying where we live, it has been good to be near Saki's parents and get to know them a bit better. Saki's work is going well-and while we won't be in caregiving forever, we are so grateful for a steady job so we can save up some money, pay off some bills, and just do some things that need to be done. Life can be busy and frustrating at times, but some things just take time. Saki is so patient, and I am really learning patience pays off. The most important thing is seeking and doing the Lord's will. I am so grateful to my little eternal family and for my extended family too! I have been missing my family a lot...and want to send love to them as well as Tima and Jay-we love you! Think of all of you often-though I'm not so good at calling.

would love to hear some thoughts...

http://blogs.reuters.com/faithworld/2010/11/04/almost-christian-teens-challenge-american-parents-churches/

“moral therapeutic deism.” Coined by NYSR chief investigator Christian Smith, a Notre Dame professor, the term symbolizes the view that “religion is about being nice, feeling good about themselves, and that otherwise God pretty much stays out of the way — unless you need to call upon God to serve your needs,” says Dean.

Interesting-thanks dad-I really agree that a lot of people don't treat religion as it deserves to be treated. I really feel if someone believes in their religion (ie the church they attend or the set of religious beliefs they adhere to) it needs to be encompassing of the whole life. Like anything that is truly of value, it is not a one sided, selfish, "I use it because I benefit from it." We do benefit greatly from many religious practices, but if we are practicing and living our religion solely for social or emotional or any reason, besides true faith that what we are practicing is what God would want us to do, then how is religion different than any other philosophy or way of life?

And if we really believe we are doing what God wants us to do, why would we not teach our children to do the same? How can we claim we want our children to be free to do what they feel is right when they are not taught what is right and what is wrong? Why is it that mainstream society seems to think that almost any behavior if legal or widespread is acceptable even if it is morally wrong? What is so bad about calling some behaviors or actions morally wrong? It seems we are so afraid of making someone feel bad about themselves or making someone feel like they're not accepted that we are afraid to stand up for what is right. I know we don't want to offend others and we are sometimes afraid to say what we believe to be true-but this is just a plea that we will be stronger in our defense of truth and living God's standards rather than conforming to the worlds. When you truly love someone you correct and guide them rather than letting them do anything that pleases them which will cause unhappiness in the future.

The Sabbath day

The older I get the more I appreciate the Sabbath day as a day of worship and rest! It is a break from everyday life. It can be a time of gratitude and personal reflection if we take the time. I enjoyed the Christmas Devotional too! What a wonderful season this is! I love the time to focus on the Savior's birth, life, and mission! So neat to be able to teach to our children!

AMERICAN CITIZEN!!!

We went to Ikea afterwards for lunch-which was delicious. . . since you can can desserts, kid food and a good meal all for the price of two servings almost anywhere else :) Mere saw this fabric food set and I figured if I had her carry it around the whole store while we looked around she would put it back, but she clung to it all the way to the checkout line (see it in her hand above) ! Below is the Graduation dinner for the branch's teacher preparation class and then photos from Thanksgiving and Saki Sr and Seru's home.








A potluck after church above right. Below: Thanksgiving dinner!!!

flashback-Thomas and Lisa are coming up on 1 year of marriage ;) Here's all their nieces and nephews!

Saki is now a U.S. citizen! Yeah!!! It's kind of a feeling of relief to not have him be a temporary resident any more. Mere, Glenn, and I were able to attend the swearing in ceremony which was very well done. It made me feel proud to be an American, grateful for those who have died for our country, and grateful most of all for the freedoms and blessings we often take for granted in this blessed country! Anyone who has traveled will know what I mean. So a belated Happy Thanksgiving to all-that we may all express gratitude to the Lord for what we have been given!

I am most grateful for the sacrifice of my Savior Jesus Christ and the plan of salvation! I am also indebted to my amazing husband, my delightful children, my parents for how they raised me, my brothers and their wives for their support, Saki's family for their love and support, including his dear Aunt Meresiana.

Family Photos & Graduation Pictures

When my dad came out almost a month ago we asked him to take some family photos and some of Saki in his graduation gown. Yes-Saki has graduated and finished his Masters in Business with Finance concentration! He finished this summer, but we've been busy doing things and never got photos etc... I am so proud of him for all his hard work and how well he did in all his classes despite them being online. I think he learned more than most students since he puts so much effort in learning about the assignments, not just getting the homework done. We are so blessed he was able to accomplish this almost all during his time of unemployment. God has the best timing in everything, it would have been impossible for him to do so well while working full time and doing things at church and with family. It felt like he was working full time with his school and at times I begrudged his efforts in his classes, but he pulled through with the perseverance I have always admired in him! We were short on time for taking the photos, so most the kids were looking away...we need to schedule a photo session with you Carlye :)

October's Over? Wow!

I guess I haven't uploaded my camera for a couple of weeks...here's some photos of my dad's visit as well as our Halloween costumes. We actually didn't celebrate Halloween much--since it was on a Sunday we didn't go trick-or-treating and Saki had to work Saturday so we were unable to go to the stake activity. I tried to do some fun stuff at home-cheese cat toast, dress up, making a paper turkey (Glenn kept trying to tear it), playing and popping pop corn-but you know how it is with kids, sometimes it doesn't all go like you had planned it. I know they enjoyed sliding down the slide into their play balls and Mere loves popcorn, never made it before in a pan. So I guess they had fun and didn't know what they were missing. I always enjoyed Halloween because I love costumes, I would love a costume ball for my 50th wedding anniversary! I love making and seeing all the neat costumes and ideas, but I DO NOT like all the gory, gross, and "sexy" costumes that are becoming so rampant. In my book Halloween is for kids and wholesome fun... and cute little kid costumes!

There's also some photos of Saki's family members, one Aunt and Uncle visiting from his mom's village in Fiji. Then there's photos of the kids playing in the water fountain at the temple. You may wonder why I'm always talking about the temple and going to the temple. The temple is not our chapel, but it is a place of worship. It is dedicated to the Lord and is the Lord's house. It is a sacred and beloved place. We do work for ourselves and for the dead in the temples-performing ordinances like baptisms for those who did not have the opportunity to be baptized in this life and marriages or as we call them sealings of families for all time and all eternity. This is through the sealing power of Elijah (see the Old Testament). We believe that those who have gone on are taught the gospel in Heaven and are able to choose to accept these ordinances if they wish to. Paul speaks of this in the New Testament in 1 Corinthians 15:29 "Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? Why are they then baptized for the dead?"
While only worthy church members can enter, anyone can attend an open house and walk through a temple before it is dedicated. What we learn in the temple helps us more fully understand our purpose hear on earth and the eternal perspective of things. It is a place of peace, love, and joy. It is a place where Saki and I find comfort and strength.

COMING UP NEXT WEEK-FAMILY PHOTOS






Mere walking with Glenn-they're cute when they do this, Mere walks a little bit with him, but then she speeds up and looses him. He is pretty good at walking to the park (just down the hill) and is understanding a lot now-hold hands, go take a bath, where's your car book etc-fun to see. I have to say I love kids growing older, it's a great source of joy to me to see them develop and change and grow!

See Glenn's double cowlick? Makes a mohawk no matter what I do...

Happy Birthday Boxer!!! See our paper turkey-Mere thinks they say cock-a-doodle-do, so we watched some turkeys online and will keep practicing gobble gobble :)


Does this remind you of Brenna Tima?

Typical Glenn, typical Mere


Glenn loves this car book from the library-he LOVES vehicles and balls!




Bui Kiti, Aunty Ruci (Seru's 1st cousin), Uncle Mosese, Saki Sr, Seru

Aunty Tara, Seru, Aunty Ruci (ruthy or ruth) (Seru's 1st cousin), Aunty Asena (Seru's sister), Aunty Gade (gnanday) (2nd or 3rd cousin?) and in front Uncle Mosese and Saki Sr.



Ruby and Lydia-my neices!!!