So last night my family anxiously gathered at my parents to hear where my younger brother Vini will be called to serve. It was a night we all have been waitng for, for years. The first missionary in my immediate family. Of course my poor brother had to wait all day long til everyone was off work so finally 10pm hits and we're all ready except Lora and Hobart are running late. What a buzz killer! When they finally arrive, we all take a wild guess at where he would be called. Guesses of countries all over the world from Europe to the Phillipines and even to the motherland of Samoa. We finally let the missionary take a whack at it and his guess was, California! With wide stares and everyone at the edge of their seats, holding their breath, the big white envelope finally opens and Vini reads, "you have been called to serve in the San Bernadino California mission, english speaking!" Everyone finally takes a breath and is just soooo happy for Elder Purcell.
My brother Vini is a very special person. Those of you who know him well, knows that he was born to serve the lord. I have been amazed watching him mature into a man that is so strong despite all the trials our youth is faced with these days. He's very obedient and very well mannered. He's been preparing himself for this day and he is ready. My testimony of the gospel has grown from watching him go to the temple every Saturday with my parents to do baptisms for the dead while they are in their session. I'm so excited for him and know he will be an awesome missionary. However, I'm a bit worried about my mother. Vini is her right-hand man, and the biggest mama's boy so we'll all be praying for her :) I'm incredibly thrilled and honored to be his sister. I never doubted this day would come. We love you Vini and we're sooooo proud of you!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Happy Birthday, Mom!
Today is a special day. My mother--who also happens to be one of my best friends, is another year cooler today. And wiser. And older. She's made me into the person I am today and I'm forever indebted into all she's invested in me. As I thought about this post, I was reminded of all the things my mother has done for me. I've caused her both joy and heartache, but my mother's love has never failed me. She's taught me so many great lessons of life. Here are just a few of the many lesson's my mother has taught me that has helped mold my backbone and perception of the world.
1. My parents greatest pet-peeve was when we argued as siblings and growing up in a house with two other sisters all one to two years apart was tough. I remember when I was younger, I USE to be the biggest Laker fan (soo not the case anymore!). I loved the old school team with Magic. I also loved them because my dad did to and I adore my dad. Lora and Sala were the biggest Chicago fans because of Jordan of course. It was a playoff game and we got into the biggeset fight over who was the better team. It got a bit out of hand, and I remember the disgust and disappointment in my mother's face. She was by far the disciplinary parent, but always gave us a good talk. That day, my mother taught me RESPECT! It is more than ok to disagree, but you always need to show respect.
2. My mother is big on education! All growing up, the principals, office ladies, counselors and teachers knew my mother by first name. I swear Hunter High School was on her speed dial. She would constantly call in and check on our attendance, grades and behavior. The same woman who when I brought home all A's with one A minus, sent me back to the teacher to see why, and if there was anything I could do to bring that up to an A. It was a bit insane. My mother always pushed us to challenge ourselves. My senior year I thought would be a breeze since I was done with credits for graduation but my mother had other plans. She enrolled me into 3 AP classes, yes SHE enrolled ME! :) She would always tell us "push yourselves, if these palagi kids can do it, so can you!" I learned over and over again, and I am still learning from my mother that the only barrier we face in achieving something is the self doubt we create within ourselves. The power to push me thru that barrier-- or to push me back into it -- had never belonged to any other person. It was mine and only mine.
3. When I was expecting with Devyn, my pregnancy was amazingly easy. I never had morning sickness and I felt great. When I went into labor, everyone just thought it would be cake too! After 16 hours of labor I couldn't dialate past a 5 and her head was starting to swell at the top, so the doctor called for an emergency cesarean. I started to panic. My mother and sister combined had given birth to 9 kids and never has there been a cesarean given to anyone in my family. It was unheard of, but that soon was about to change. With a somber face, my mother stood at my bedside and told me that everything was going to be ok, even though I just heard her franticly calling my dad to rush over to give me another blessing. It was too late, they started to prep me for surgery. The numbness made me so sick. I told my husband that I'm needing to breath harder and I feel like my heart is going to stop beating at any moment. They only allowed one person in the operating room, so my husband came with me. My mother held my hand tight until they rolled me into the operating room. The entire time, I can see the nervousness in her face, but she kept reassuring me that everything would be ok. That day, I learned that pain can be transferred and shared by two people.
Mom, happy birthday. Thank you for everything you are. I hope to be able to follow your footsteps and be that amazing mother for Devyn, as you have been for me. I love you!
1. My parents greatest pet-peeve was when we argued as siblings and growing up in a house with two other sisters all one to two years apart was tough. I remember when I was younger, I USE to be the biggest Laker fan (soo not the case anymore!). I loved the old school team with Magic. I also loved them because my dad did to and I adore my dad. Lora and Sala were the biggest Chicago fans because of Jordan of course. It was a playoff game and we got into the biggeset fight over who was the better team. It got a bit out of hand, and I remember the disgust and disappointment in my mother's face. She was by far the disciplinary parent, but always gave us a good talk. That day, my mother taught me RESPECT! It is more than ok to disagree, but you always need to show respect.
2. My mother is big on education! All growing up, the principals, office ladies, counselors and teachers knew my mother by first name. I swear Hunter High School was on her speed dial. She would constantly call in and check on our attendance, grades and behavior. The same woman who when I brought home all A's with one A minus, sent me back to the teacher to see why, and if there was anything I could do to bring that up to an A. It was a bit insane. My mother always pushed us to challenge ourselves. My senior year I thought would be a breeze since I was done with credits for graduation but my mother had other plans. She enrolled me into 3 AP classes, yes SHE enrolled ME! :) She would always tell us "push yourselves, if these palagi kids can do it, so can you!" I learned over and over again, and I am still learning from my mother that the only barrier we face in achieving something is the self doubt we create within ourselves. The power to push me thru that barrier-- or to push me back into it -- had never belonged to any other person. It was mine and only mine.
3. When I was expecting with Devyn, my pregnancy was amazingly easy. I never had morning sickness and I felt great. When I went into labor, everyone just thought it would be cake too! After 16 hours of labor I couldn't dialate past a 5 and her head was starting to swell at the top, so the doctor called for an emergency cesarean. I started to panic. My mother and sister combined had given birth to 9 kids and never has there been a cesarean given to anyone in my family. It was unheard of, but that soon was about to change. With a somber face, my mother stood at my bedside and told me that everything was going to be ok, even though I just heard her franticly calling my dad to rush over to give me another blessing. It was too late, they started to prep me for surgery. The numbness made me so sick. I told my husband that I'm needing to breath harder and I feel like my heart is going to stop beating at any moment. They only allowed one person in the operating room, so my husband came with me. My mother held my hand tight until they rolled me into the operating room. The entire time, I can see the nervousness in her face, but she kept reassuring me that everything would be ok. That day, I learned that pain can be transferred and shared by two people.
Mom, happy birthday. Thank you for everything you are. I hope to be able to follow your footsteps and be that amazing mother for Devyn, as you have been for me. I love you!
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Rosa and Julius Ulugia's wedding!
We lit the newlyweds table. It looked real cool once we dimmed the lights
All the bride asked for was to drape the hall, so we did a tent style drape
We put a 40ft by 15ft platform to raise the headtables which consisted of the newlyweds and the whole wedding party. People only go to weddings to see the wedding party so we needed to make sure they were visible no matter where you sat
Drapes were tied with bows for a curtain look. It helped break up the ugly brown walls
Round tables were the VIP's so we did the taller vases
Wedding colors were Red, Black and White
Black table runners with red rose petals and silver bowls for the centerpieces
So my sisters and I have been doing weddings for about 8 years now, starting from Sala's wedding and we've finally talked ourselves into starting a business for weddings and events. Rosa is like a little sister to us and we did the wedding decor on Valentine's day for her special day. It was very busy since we took on all the decor and flowers but I had so much fun doing it, especially cause it was for someone who is very dear to us. We love you Rosa and Julius! Thanks for letting us be a part of your special day. You were beautiful!
Just a few pictures of the decor! There will be more to come. Thank you to everyone who tirelessly stayed awake all night to help us. Special thanks to our husbands for all their hard work in helping our dream become reality. Much love and thanks to our younger brother Vini! I love you!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
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!
Thursday, January 8, 2009
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! :)
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
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
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
Saturday, December 13, 2008
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!
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