A year later, the first African American President!

I watched today as Barack Obama grasped the power as America's first black president. I couldn't help but hope for change and progress in America. It was a year ago this month when Uela and I sat in a waiting room for my daughters ENT doctor where a little boy about 6 years old told his grandmother that he didn't want to play Lego's with Devyn because she is black! His grandmother was so embarrassed and quickly apologized. I remember my heart stopped the moment I heard those words come out of his mouth. I sat there with tears running down my cheeks. I was so sad for this little boy because I knew no one that young would know color without hearing or seeing this behavior at home or school. My nieces and nephews are all different ages, and I know they don't see color at all. I also was in tears looking at Devyn so innocent and carrying on in the play area with no clue to what had just happened. I didn't want her to go through anything like this. We've come a long way from the black and white days, but we still have such a long way to go. It is night and day coming from Laie where you are the majority and making the transition here where my homeroom teacher in high school told me he was surprised to see my name on the national honor list. What did that mean? There were many times I was faced with discrimination, especially with school. Being judged because of the color of my skin is the worse thing for me. I find myself always on the defense and I hate it. I fear Devyn will struggle with the same things, but today with President Obama's inauguration, was I guess you can say a sign of hope, progress and acceptance. He declared the nation must choose "hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord." So today I choose HOPE!

Christmas 2008

I'm finally back and fully recovered from the holiday season! Christmas was amazing and even though I think I overspent, (which is every Christmas season) I had fun doing it, but I'm glad it's over! Uela splurged on me this Christmas. I think he overdid it but I'm still grateful. Uela has always been one to over-deliver when it comes to gift giving with me. I swear I just mentioned it once that I needed a new pair of running shoes, and of course he had to get me 3 pairs. Who needs 3 pairs, especially when I don't really use them for what they are designed for?! Lol. I think it just comes with the over obsession he has with shoes. Then on top of that he had to get a running suit that matched with each shoe he bought. Ok, is this the biggest hint or what! Oh well, I'm not complaining but it just makes me laugh. Thanks babe for all the wonderful gifts! :)

HUSBAND TAG! :)

1.What is his name? Uela Robert Young Yen

2. Who eats more? Uela usually does, but sometimes it's a tie!

3.Who said "I love you" first? Uela of course!

4.Who is taller? I think that's obvious!

5. Who is smarter? I am, I married him!

6.Who is more sensitive? I am with or without my time of the month!

7.Who does the laundry? Uela. He is soooooo picky with his laundry and doesn't trust me with it. I'm really not allowed to touch the laundry! :) He has a pile of colors, a pile of blacks, a pile of whites, and a pile of good whites, which usually entails nothing but his clothes, so WHATEVER! Less chores for me to do. He also uses waaaay too much detergent and I think it just goes to waste. As you can see, we've had a few disputes on the laundry but I love him still, he's great at doing laundry and he even folds. I had to give up control which was hard, but I love it and it works out perfect :)

8.Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? Uela

9.Who pays the bills? I do most of the time, but Uela will do it sometimes.

10.Who cooks more? Uela by far. He is my personal chef and he's great at it, both of our families can testify to that. My bro-in-law holds steak nights, featuring Uela's steaks and his tacos are to die for. Wow I just realized I found someone that does laundry and cook! ;)

11.Who is more stubborn? I am. Poor Uela!

12.Who is first to admit they are wrong? Uela, I refuse to do that! :)

13.Who has more siblings? Uela

14.Who wears the pants in the relationship? Ask Uela lol

15.What do you like to do together? Have movie nights at home, take drives or EAT OUT!

16.Who eats more sweets? Me!

17.His Guilty pleaures? Lakers, Football, Sushi, Dry cleaning, Shopping for Devyn, Shoes, Basketball shoes and more SHOES!

18.How did you meet? His family moved into my ward from L.A.

19.Who asked whom out first? Uela chased after me just a few weeks after coming home from his mission. lol

20.Who kissed who first? He came 90 and I went 10!

21.Who proposed? Uela

22.His best features and qualities? Amazing father, Worthy priesthood holder, very forgiving, makes me laugh everyday, thoughtful, loving and much more! I love you Uela!

23. Tag your it - Lora

Tapusoa Women Christmas party!

When it comes to the chaos of our daily lives, you know you can always count on your family. Not just any family member, but the women in your family. We share our laughters, tears, and gossip with these women. If times are tough, we depend on them. If times are brilliant, we gloat with them. So it's absolutely imperative that we celebrate with them. Tapusoa Girl's night is the chance to ditch the "to do's", leave the man to bond with the remote control, be free of kids, house work, laundry and let our hair down. My Tapusoa family has a girls night out once a month and we all take our turn to host. So Aunty Edna and I were in charge of December. We gathered the troop at Olive Garden for dinner, despite the traffic that night, most of us made it there. We sat down and scarffed down well over 1500 calories of pasta and had our gift exchange. Too funny! We ended the night with a walk around Temple square to view the Christmas lights. I had so much fun ladies! We missed a lot of you, especially Sina and Gwen who are both now in Samoa for Miss Samoa's reign. We love you both and we are thinking of you during this holiday season. I love you all ladies, and I'm so grateful to be apart of this family. Can't wait for next month, Maumea and Tofi, better get planning!

Day trip to beautiful San Francisco

Sunday morning, my little family got up and jumped on the plane and headed to San Francisco for my nephews baby blessing. Uela's older brother just had a new addition to his cute little family a few months ago, Armani Leonidis Young Yen. He is such a good baby who can just sit with anyone and chill. San Francisco was beautiful and clear. The members of the Menlo Park English ward were so warm and friendly, very different from most members in the English wards here in Utah-sad to say! I love San Francisco and the diversity you find there. Too bad we left that same night. Next time we'll have to plan a week trip. Thank you to the Jimenez family for your love and hospitality you always show. Special thanks to Sione, Virginia and the boys! We love you all, especially Baby Armani! Congratulations and you will be seeing us again very soon.

My Twilight Review!

Ok so finally the awaited day has come and gone. I watched twighlight at midnight with my sisters and it was a packed theatre full of anxious twilight fans. Finally after 20 minutes of previews and commercials, the movie started. Not twilight, but Madagascar 2! Lol. What a buzz killer! I can't believe the theatre didn't have one seat open for the most anticipated movie of the year and they didn't even remember to put in the right film. Anyway, I went into the theater with mixed feelings on what the movie would be like. I guess it was exactly what I expected. I didn't love it, but didn't hate it. Whenever someone decides to make a movie inspired by a brilliant book, it never is as great as the book. The book just totally sucks you into the amazing story line and the characters. The movie didn't develop that, no not so much! If you did not read the book before you watched the movie, you would think most of America or world for that matter is insane because of all the hype! One thing I can really say is that I loved the acting, especially with the main characters-Edward and Bella! They both have such a wonderful talent. I've got to admit when Stephanie Meyer first released who would be playing the characters on her website, I was soooo disappointed in the choice for Edward....but, I fell in love with Robert Pattinson as Edward from the moment I watched him walk into the lunch room. He played Edward as this Romeo, James Dean, Heathcliff and Brad Pitt all rolled into one. He is absolutely beautiful. Did I just say all that? Lol. Kristen Stewart was a fantastic Bella, perfect in every way. A very simple and plain looking girl, but with this undertone beauty just like the book. I love the books but the director did not even begin to capture the magic in them. Overall it was fun and entertaining.

A tribute to my Grandfather: I love you Papa!

Well it's been a month since we buried my dearest grandfather and I'm barely going through pictures from the funeral. My mind immediately flooded with precious memories of him. You know lately, there has been so many movies about superheroes that have hit the big screen and I've seen almost all since my husband is a big fan, but I can honestly say that I've had a real life superhero in my life and that is my Grandpa! I remember being young living in Laie and always being at Papa's house. He loved his grandchildren and when we got into trouble, he would always save us from any punishment our parents would dish out. His favorite thing to do was put you on his lap, force your arm way up high and tickle you almost to death. He was a man of great faith and would always teach me the importance of paying tithing, even as I grew to adulthood. He was a hardworking man as a world famous carver. He hand crafted everything, never needing a machine for precision or accuracy, from headboards, canes, caskets, old samoan weapons, canoes, but his most sought after carving was the traditional Samoan tanoa, or the ava bowl. He took care of his family financially through this marvelous talent and this is what the Purcell family was built upon. We as his grandchildren, and great grandchildren benefit from that today. I miss my grandfather dearly. It will be hard going back home to Laie, and not being able to physically see my Papa. I will miss walking into his home and seeing him sitting on his chair in the living room with a big smile and giving me the "shaka" sign. There is nothing quite like grandparents. My grandparents have loved me unconditionally despite my many mistakes. I hope I can continue the legacy he left behind. I miss you Papa, but I know that if I am deemed worthy, I will see you again! I love you!