tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9210281303379614972023-11-15T22:18:51.608-08:00A WHOLE NEW WORLD!MARCIAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11209777714171233593noreply@blogger.comBlogger89125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921028130337961497.post-8957786331195474722012-04-29T15:42:00.000-07:002012-04-30T07:37:16.095-07:0013 years old.I remember thinking as I was raising Serena that I do not want her to be a teenager. I wasn't a bad teenager, but I just knew that the innocent years would sort of end once she hit 13. And thus my thoughts are true. She is no longer the cute, spunky, down to earth girl she used to be. Serena is now a beautiful, opinionated, second guesses herself young woman. Do I accept that that is all she will be throughout her teenage years? No, I have to learn to accept that things change in life, as will she. We evolve as people, therefore we must evolve as parents and children. This concept/fact is hard for me to accept. I struggled to let Serena grow up this past year. I did not want to let go of my baby girl. She is my oldest child and you would think that I would have treated her as such, but I didn't to a degree. I did expect her to help me with my younger children, but I didn't let her go beyond that. I sheltered her from anything evil, any difficult challenge I defended her and I basically did not let her experience what "normal" children should experience. I have never let her walk home from school, I never let her stay after school alone for any reason at all (she had to be with a friend at all times), I have never let her ride the bus alone or even walk anywhere without someone or something (cell phone) with her. To some this would show that I was being a protective/good mother. But in essence I hindered her from finding who she is and what she has the potential to do.
I believe in the quote, "When you know better, you do better." Serena is my oldest child. I had her when I was a child. So really I didn't know any better. I have come to understand through her small rebellion that she wants/needs freedom from me and that is why I, as well as Solomon have struggled with her this past year. She is a wonderful child of God. She is my test baby per say. I am testing my knowledge as a mother with her as she is testing her freedom to choose as a child with me. So now what? Do I completely let go and try to make up for time lost, or do I slowly let go of the rope a little at a time? I'm trying to figure that out. I want her to be all that she can be, with boundaries that is. I love this girl with all that I am and would do anything for her, but I can't. I have to let her grow and experience it on her own. Oh, its so hard! I wish the world was a better place for me to parent in, but it isn't. I have to have faith and trust in her that she can withstand the winds of time and I need to accept the choices that she makes.
Serena my prayer for you is that you continue to hold strong to your faith. I pray that you never lose sight of your purpose here on earth and and that you REMEMBER who you are. You are a daughter of God who loves you as much as I love you. You were sent to this earth to teach us as parents to trust and have patience in all that we do with you as well as your siblings. You are a beautiful young woman and I pray that you always remember that. I am honored to be your mother and I accept the challenges that lay before me to bring you back to our Heavenly Father. I leave this prayer with you filled with all my love. Happy 13th birthday. Mommy loves you!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR95WNkj3Jm4yrDGiUucXZRxsuvPhH8aNtoL_bnUBpiXibzdKwpsjb4xWxx9k8kMe7zjoxJrfftosGaBPe44G926iAWy9uHB-sl0nq45yTnnBEf4pin-kXNqMOKPtqRci37AoYQuSALiI/s1600/283.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR95WNkj3Jm4yrDGiUucXZRxsuvPhH8aNtoL_bnUBpiXibzdKwpsjb4xWxx9k8kMe7zjoxJrfftosGaBPe44G926iAWy9uHB-sl0nq45yTnnBEf4pin-kXNqMOKPtqRci37AoYQuSALiI/s200/283.jpg" /></a></div>MARCIAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11209777714171233593noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921028130337961497.post-68086008919622088542012-02-14T07:24:00.000-08:002012-02-14T08:06:38.578-08:00My valentine!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjS9uSXwX5VfcQF3WPT1joyda_WGzs5C9mZU7peApOWdKxCQ0BWsavC3G29QEEfWECZVfz1ymtzYik5uXoQJI7363ZQixYF-D5cSc5HMxcxxvGS9bnkMAvARsKQCHSayun83DMoJU_vdA/s1600/valentine.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 154px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjS9uSXwX5VfcQF3WPT1joyda_WGzs5C9mZU7peApOWdKxCQ0BWsavC3G29QEEfWECZVfz1ymtzYik5uXoQJI7363ZQixYF-D5cSc5HMxcxxvGS9bnkMAvARsKQCHSayun83DMoJU_vdA/s200/valentine.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709023280235738466" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj20p0VJjSaZXJ6VGGqToalLfyWfzUkE4DQ7gow39-xTmz7WqlpyYYOWEMhtiKyf-r8gs4b5Ldh2adga8HfgE7s6c2IHwEGUFr9MvAb1AEcgBBA3PFUxYmxXett08XEI0q_3T5hOTrvigw/s1600/20091201-_MG_2105-Edit1123.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj20p0VJjSaZXJ6VGGqToalLfyWfzUkE4DQ7gow39-xTmz7WqlpyYYOWEMhtiKyf-r8gs4b5Ldh2adga8HfgE7s6c2IHwEGUFr9MvAb1AEcgBBA3PFUxYmxXett08XEI0q_3T5hOTrvigw/s200/20091201-_MG_2105-Edit1123.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709022693995091570" /></a><br /><br />HAPPY VALENTINES TO MY QUITE PERFECT MAN! LOVE YOU DEAR!!MARCIAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11209777714171233593noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921028130337961497.post-15551126240578399932012-02-12T18:04:00.000-08:002012-02-12T18:22:33.828-08:00Teaching, no greater call.I have been spiritually edified this weekend. I had the privilege to watch the World Wide Leadership Training video and to attend a class on Teacher training. I have come to understand that we are instruments in Gods hands and that we are not expected to know everything we are assigned to teach. We are to turn to the Savior in all things and he will lead and guide us in the right direction. It was brought to my attention that words play a huge part of teaching. You could us too many words and then lose your audience or you could use to little words and leave your audience wondering what was the purpose of your lesson. <br />I remember when I was first called into Young Woman's almost 3 years ago(I can't believe it's been that long). But I had not had a calling for 2 years before that and the calling I did have was a primary teacher for the 7 year old class. So to be put into a presidency where I had to teach monthly, sometimes twice a month was overwhelming for me. I was literally terrified! I distinctly remember teaching for the first time and shaking during the whole lesson. Not because I wasn't prepared, but because I was afraid of judgement from my peers. The young woman I know had their own thoughts about me as a teacher, but I was only worried about what the other leaders thought of me. A couple of months went by and I realized that I was preparing my lessons with the leaders in mind and not my young woman. I began to pray and ask the Lord to help me to reach my young woman with my teaching. I was then taken back to my thoughts in Relief Society and who I liked as a teacher and how they taught. I remembered a leader, Lynette, she taught a lesson more as a discussion rather than a lecture and I remember loving that way of learning. I began teaching in this way and the girls began to open up to me. They sat up when I would speak and even were excited to join in the discussion. Even the leaders loved it. <br />I am grateful to be an instrument in the Lords hands and to have Him lead and guide me in a way that I could bring His daughters back to his fold. I love this gospel and pray that I can continue to be a light as a teacher to the youth as well as to my family. I know that if I teach with love, love is what I will receive in return. Teaching, there is no greater call!MARCIAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11209777714171233593noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921028130337961497.post-66801906769965505242012-02-02T07:14:00.000-08:002012-02-02T07:28:20.755-08:00Frustrated!For the past two months of my pregnancy, I've been so sick. Not sick, like morning sickness, but just sick to my stomach ALL DAY. This is the hardest pregnancy I've had. Last month all I could eat was red meat. It was so disgusting. I had to eat steak, hamburger and spam all day. If I didn't do that, I got so weak, that I had to stay in bed all day. At first this wasn't easy. It took me a couple of weeks to figure out that all my baby wanted was meat. I felt like Bella from Twilight. Where her baby only wanted blood. That is basically what I was smelling when I ate the red meat. Now the smell of the blood makes me sick and I can only eat chicken. Oh, this is so frustrating for me! I kind of wish that I just had morning sickness and then be good for the rest of the day, because trying to figure out what my baby needs is so confusing and I'm left either weak in bed or nauseated all day. I'm going on twelve weeks and it seems that this confusion is going to last my whole pregnancy. Not to mention the enormous weight gain I've had. I think I've gained at least 10-15 pounds in two months. I can eat 3 cheeseburgers in one sitting and then 10 minutes later, my stomach will be growling for more. If I don't eat something, I get so weak I have to be in bed. FRUSTRATION and CONFUSION are all I've been feeling these past two months and I hate it. I know that after I have this baby I will most likely be around 250lbs. I wasn't super skinny to start with and at the rate I'm eating I won't be for a looooong time. Uggghhh being sick sucks! I just needed to vent. Pray for me please that this too shall pass...lol!!MARCIAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11209777714171233593noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921028130337961497.post-85867478531971551562012-01-22T13:49:00.000-08:002012-01-22T14:34:26.836-08:00Another year older!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdUQcR1KjVl5sglLHiXJX14NSmbU_LsTte7iAo9iEX9JQep06xRCPWQZdEjPUsHPLjzTusu5MoQPdl1VEObnkFYZ-V9A5k7wF7KkUDwkAztl6knAzcZFBqsKQLt1Y10ftC9xldcQ0ZszU/s1600/20091223-_MG_3337-Edit1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdUQcR1KjVl5sglLHiXJX14NSmbU_LsTte7iAo9iEX9JQep06xRCPWQZdEjPUsHPLjzTusu5MoQPdl1VEObnkFYZ-V9A5k7wF7KkUDwkAztl6knAzcZFBqsKQLt1Y10ftC9xldcQ0ZszU/s200/20091223-_MG_3337-Edit1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700588178255176434" /></a><br />Another year older and wiser! I am 33 years old today. Can you believe that? Wait can I believe that? I am always excited for my birthday, not because I get any special treatment, but because I feel special on that day. I ask myself, does my mom remember how she felt when I was born, what did I do this year to earn another year of life, am I contributing to my society, church, family and friends? What can I do better this next year. I look at a year from my birthday to the next, not "New Years." I also make my goals according to birthday. Have you ever wondered about your birthday or is it just me? I'm going to try something new this year. I'm going to list 33 things that I am thankful for and/or wish to accomplish this year...here I go...<br /><br />1. The Lords hands in all I do<br />2. My husband Solomon for his love and support<br />3. My goal is to love and appreciate my husband more<br />4. My mom for bringing me into a wonderful family<br />5. My dad for always being so supportive<br />6. My goal is to spend more quality time with my parents and to be there for them.<br />7. My daughter Serena for her example <br />8. My daughter Jasmine for her zest for life<br />9. My son Junior for the fight he has in him living with girls...lol<br />10. My daughter Ebony for her independence<br />11. My daughter Gabriella for her confidence<br />12. My unborn child for his/her choice to be with me<br />13. My goal is to be a better homemaker to my children and to teach them well<br />14. The calling which I hold so dear to my heart<br />15. The young woman in my ward who just need to be loved and listened too<br />16. My goal is to really be there for my young woman in mind, body and spirit<br />17. The wonderful presidency I work with <br />18. My goal is to be a better counselor to them and to uphold my calling<br />19. My sister Sulieta for her free spirit<br />20. My brother Ifalame Jr for his unselfish giving<br />21. My sister Dianna for her wonderful sense of humor<br />21. My brother Toa for his sensitive heart<br />22. My sister Julina for her go-getter attitude<br />23. My brother Mykel for his great example of a father<br />24. My goal is to be more supportive to my siblings and to be more open to change<br />25. All of my nieces and nephews for the unconditional love and respect they give me<br />26. My goal is to be more laid back with them this summer and just have fun<br />27. My bishopric for the support they have given my family and the prayers as well<br />28. My goal is to be a full tithe payer and to return to the temple soon<br />29. My body for withstanding so many years of abuse and still be strong<br />30. My goal for this birthday year is to take care of me "Just do it!"<br />31. The home I live in, the car I drive and the things that make life easier<br />32. My goal is to take pride in what I have so that it can last for many years<br />33. My membership in the greatest, truest church on earth, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints! For this my life has purpose!<br /><br />Happy birthday to me. Happy birthday to me. Happy birthday dear Marcia. Happy birthday to me!! Here's to another year! Thank you for the blessing! Thank you.MARCIAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11209777714171233593noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921028130337961497.post-80221760762667493752012-01-21T07:50:00.000-08:002012-01-21T18:35:39.167-08:00"You is kind, you is smart, you is important."<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBcxax5GKGlmojSCFV99R3bYZA9p_f4dA_O4fCnTVnUgiF4hIb04sAn4FzGvY8gBok9NGdM1-iOFw-5p90VwZ_Tyl6Dp5hsuIvdW16t_xoZwNUcVNdEqiPrIffEUwBpMivVBFvzsZD0h0/s1600/The+help.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 192px; height: 141px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBcxax5GKGlmojSCFV99R3bYZA9p_f4dA_O4fCnTVnUgiF4hIb04sAn4FzGvY8gBok9NGdM1-iOFw-5p90VwZ_Tyl6Dp5hsuIvdW16t_xoZwNUcVNdEqiPrIffEUwBpMivVBFvzsZD0h0/s200/The+help.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700279446374452322" /></a><br />I LOVE the movie The Help! I want to buy it for myself when I get some extra cash...lol. But this movie has made me realize how blessed I am to be living during this generation. I feel that the Lord put certain people on this earth at certain times due to their strengths and personalities. I often wonder if polynesians or mexicans were put through the kind of racism that the african/black americans were put through, would there still be an America. We have really bad tempers and I don't think we would be able to follow the laws of the land at that time like black people did, honestly.<br />I've been thinking a lot about this movie because I teach all the young woman next month. And being that it is the month of "LOVE" I wanted to find something that not only related to love, but to loving themselves. We as woman tend to judge ourselves and eachother negatively. Society tells us that its what men want, but the truth is, it's what woman "think" that men want. I want to teach my young woman not to worry or care about what others feel or think about them, but to say to themselves daily, "You are kind, you are smart, you are important." Repetition is key. If you continually tell yourself that you are ugly and fat, then you start to believe that that is what you are. But if you tell yourself the opposite, you are beautiful and healthy then that is what you will be. <br />I pray that my young woman learn from what I teach and that I will have the spirit with me to be able to reach them. It's interesting because I feel that every time I teach a lesson, its something that I need to learn from. I'm grateful for the power of prayer and for the Lords answers in His due time.<br /><br /><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/FWHp2Bn0kdQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>MARCIAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11209777714171233593noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921028130337961497.post-10396521993862588972012-01-15T13:45:00.000-08:002012-01-15T14:18:28.955-08:00Why she is my oldest.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD6QiU8vGlFfvXpqfkHgb0sV3GAtibau1L87F7cHqu51gnQoTFQzImZR82J2u2beVit9UMWbdR2Kw96V4-Lsznx3ggkNXYmSyVvwu-t7AyWlY6_EWeTSHF-BJpEr3x3MUd53mxQ-7eoEU/s1600/019.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 120px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD6QiU8vGlFfvXpqfkHgb0sV3GAtibau1L87F7cHqu51gnQoTFQzImZR82J2u2beVit9UMWbdR2Kw96V4-Lsznx3ggkNXYmSyVvwu-t7AyWlY6_EWeTSHF-BJpEr3x3MUd53mxQ-7eoEU/s200/019.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697986657558124594" /></a><br />I've been pretty sick these past couple weeks with this pregnancy and it's completely different than my other pregnancies. I can't figure out what I want to eat and when I think I might like something, my body doesn't accept it. I have been throwing up, gagging, starving and having major headaches due to all this confusion that my body is going through. I continually tell myself, " I never said it would be easy, I only said it would be worth it." Because, hello, I have 5 children I do know its worth it, but that still doesn't make the sickness go away. <br />This past weekend has been especially hard for me. I found nits in one of my girls hair and then paranoia hit and I had to shampoo every one's hair and had Sol take all the bedding to the laundry mat to get them cleaned. Then I sat for 7 hours and picked every nit and/or dandruff out of all 4 of my daughters hair. I was starving, uncomfortable, sick to my stomach from the rush of things and just plain exhausted when it was all done. I literally started throwing up afterwards and couldn't even stand. I know it was my fault for not taking breaks between each of my daughters, but if you know me, once I start something, I can't stop. My body let me know immediately when I did stop that it wasn't happy with me. <br />I can't say enough about my husband. He was such a trooper. He took all the bedding and cleaned it with my son. ( who hated the whole day because all we had to do was cut his hair and then he had to be the slave...lol) Sol then came home and helped me pick out nits, cooked dinner, cleaned the house and then went to the kids basketball game. My body wouldn't take the chicken he cooked, so he then went out and got me pizza. (Crazy I know because soy chicken is my favorite and I can't eat chicken with this baby) He was such a sweetheart and didn't complain once. Well I actually said to him, "you did this to me," when I was crying that I was hungry. LOL he just laughed and went and did what I asked. I'm so dramatic sometimes...<br />Well since I've been sick, my daughter Serena has been my saving grace. She asks me daily if I'm okay, what do I need, or can she help me with anything. I used to tease my husband about his family in Hawaii because whenever we would fly there, Solomon would have major jet lag and his family all hovered him and babied him til he got better. All the while I sat there like "come on suck it up we all have it"...lol. But this past weekend my daughter Serena did that exact thing to me. She hovered me, took care of me and basically nursed me back to health. I am so humbled by her love for me and for the example my husbands family has been to her. I'm grateful that she has learned from him and his family. There example of love to the sick and needy is something I will look at differently now. My family is loving, but not too affectionate and that is just how we were raised. But I understand why the Lord has sent Solomon to me and gave Serena to me as my oldest. Every time I have gone out of my house to visit family, she has been with me. I feel protected when she is with me. It sounds weird, because she is such a wimp at times, but she is so strong when I am weak. She feeds me, massages my feet, takes care of the kids for me and even put the nix in my hair for me. lol<br />My unborn baby is blessed to be born to goodly parents, but most especially to be born as a sibling to Serena. I love this girl and I am honored to be her mother! Thank you Serena for loving mommy during this pregnancy.MARCIAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11209777714171233593noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921028130337961497.post-20230457982945457692012-01-08T15:55:00.000-08:002012-01-08T16:29:08.613-08:00Young Woman.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8oG68ftI09vPZCOo56kHO2gZcL3OfFahb5T-jxcgbX_Clp-VzmB0n1o8wmxKt7WVSeOkkU_CNOzthqc_so-654yqXwAdalTnHuNK8Wk8xxYycAoyQAiJ1zII1yRpmH_DLkhZ01z2dUvA/s1600/young+woman.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 149px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8oG68ftI09vPZCOo56kHO2gZcL3OfFahb5T-jxcgbX_Clp-VzmB0n1o8wmxKt7WVSeOkkU_CNOzthqc_so-654yqXwAdalTnHuNK8Wk8xxYycAoyQAiJ1zII1yRpmH_DLkhZ01z2dUvA/s200/young+woman.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695422735899326738" /></a><br />I can't say enough about my wonderful young woman. I felt kind of incompetent when I was first called and I often wondered why I was given the calling. But I know now, after 2 years, that I was called to learn from these sweet, loving daughters of God. They have taught me to be patient, kind, understanding, and knowledgeable in every aspect of my life, especially in my relationships with my own daughters. <br />I have not been feeling well these past couple weeks and my young woman did the sweetest thing, they brought me jello and pani popo (sweet rolls in coconut sauce). And then my visiting teachers brought me a plate of homemade brownies. This all happened within 10 hours. I was so overwhelmed with gratitude. I cried tears of joy knowing that my young woman really care for me and thought of me enough to bring me treats. I am humbled by the messages they left for me on face book and the hugs that were given to me at church today. They are so excited for me and my pregnancy and are very supportive also. It amazes me to see the growth in them throughout these past couple of years. I am honored to be a part of their lives and pray that they continue to shine in all aspects of their young womanhood. The 2012 YW theme this year is “Arise and shine forth, that thy light may be a standard for the nations” (Doctrine and Covenants 115:5). My young woman have set that standard for 2012, beautifully!MARCIAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11209777714171233593noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921028130337961497.post-87879230189616957632012-01-06T07:27:00.000-08:002012-01-06T07:34:18.853-08:00Baby #6Yay, baby #6 is on his/her way. Its sad to say, but I really hope I have a boy. I have 4 girls and 1 boy and to have a brother for my son would be a dream come true. So pray for me please...lol. I tell everyone I'll cry no matter if I have a boy or girl because I'd be crying tears of joy for a boy and sadness for a girl. LOL j/k This is going to be my last child and it kind of saddens me to think that "I'm done." I wonder often if there are others waiting to join my family, like in Saturdays Warrior, but I haven't felt an intense feeling or want to continue to have more after this one. I have come to a sense of peace that 6 is the number that I can handle and that can handle me. lol I'm grateful to have had all my children and pray that I can lead and guide them the way our Father in Heaven needs me to. Here's to baby #6! Love you no matter if you're a boy or girl :)MARCIAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11209777714171233593noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921028130337961497.post-30296675165189252642011-12-31T08:15:00.000-08:002011-12-31T08:30:36.719-08:00Just DO it!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIOQLOv8fBjN7Kqpl_5g3LAsj9cmu16n4XnLpSBgTMmWNJtDiGyq5ok3vh0yOMWLDnooAsUV8ToiBWq-fkFTw6FGo0pdGsAJIKiZLIrrITDwGYfRGMpSCDWgGTSR75YJvS7qUhiXmRqa0/s1600/Just+do+it+2012.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIOQLOv8fBjN7Kqpl_5g3LAsj9cmu16n4XnLpSBgTMmWNJtDiGyq5ok3vh0yOMWLDnooAsUV8ToiBWq-fkFTw6FGo0pdGsAJIKiZLIrrITDwGYfRGMpSCDWgGTSR75YJvS7qUhiXmRqa0/s200/Just+do+it+2012.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692330683547346338" /></a><br />So I've made it my goal to try and blog at least a couple of times a week. I need to keep track of my children's steps in life, the good and the bad. I have learned a lot from reading other people's blogs that things happen and I just need to deal with it and move on. I think that is what has stopped me from blogging in the past was the not so good times, but I'm over that now. I will be 33(OMGoodness) in less than a month and what have I done with my life??? I really don't remember, because I don't stop to think about it. I NEED to. I need to take a step back sometimes and re-evaluate my life experiences and my dreams. I need to stop and listen to my children, even when they are all speaking to me at the same time. I need to appreciate my husband more, even when he's gone all day. I need to take care of my health, because there is only one ME! So that is what I will be doing this year. Learning and growing. Listening and doing. It's so simple to write, but very difficult to do. So 2012...my word for the year is "DO" and my motto is "Just DO it!" Here I come!!!MARCIAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11209777714171233593noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921028130337961497.post-15174027401176278302011-05-14T21:21:00.000-07:002011-05-14T21:40:26.107-07:00Many changes...Last week I started training at Jetblue, joined a biggest loser competition and stopped eating chocolate..OMGoodness! Working after 6 years of being a stay at home mom was a HUGE change for me and my family. I miss, miss, miss my kids/hubby so, so, so much! I sit and think at certain times of the night what they are doing, eating, who is watching who and how is my working affecting their lives. I work from 4pm-midnight which is straining just thinking about it...lol. I am grateful for the opportunity that I have to teach my children that life isn't easy and that we have to make some sacrifices in order to endure to the end. I pray that they will understand that this is only temporary, because the lovely thing about Jetblue is that after training I get to work from home! Yes, bonus for all of us. <br />The biggest loser competition is such a great motivator for me. I eat only 1700 calories or less a day. The interesting thing is that I don't EVER feel hungry. I know that working and prioritizing my time plays a big part in my eating. I am so busy that I don't even really think about food as often as I used to. I do think about what I'm putting into my body though, before I eat and if I don't make a good choice, I let myself feel the consequences and move on. I don't dwell on it and continue beating myself up over it like I used to.<br />The choice to cut out chocolate was a smart move on my part...lol. Chocolate is my BIGGEST WEAKNESS! I absolutely love chocolate. I had to have it everyday or I thought my head was gonna explode. In training we get chocolate all the time. Every day I come home with at least 3 mini candy bars and Gabby knows just where to find them in my bag. I told myself before training that I would not eat chocolate and it's been a 6 days today, and guess what??? NO CHOCOLATE. <br />These changes have been a sacrifice, but a great blessing. I am helping my family financially and physically. I have leaned on the Lord throughout these past few weeks for strength and He has continually blessed me. I am in a happy place and I LOVE it!!MARCIAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11209777714171233593noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921028130337961497.post-46901734695693737202011-05-10T09:35:00.000-07:002011-05-10T09:53:29.525-07:00My motivator...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgdaRBgdIDwD3n6PZukeILt4td3nUEQveuLlo8Az86X2dcwdJzZQ5ytoZ3a2RegN2jOesQvHRMNJFQGq3A9mZCugucazWchUk7jsh7OZ3Et_7KdDK1tDhyQU0AsbGlDxRvXGP5n8xoD_M/s1600/340.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgdaRBgdIDwD3n6PZukeILt4td3nUEQveuLlo8Az86X2dcwdJzZQ5ytoZ3a2RegN2jOesQvHRMNJFQGq3A9mZCugucazWchUk7jsh7OZ3Et_7KdDK1tDhyQU0AsbGlDxRvXGP5n8xoD_M/s200/340.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605131493751683698" /></a><br />This past Saturday I joined Sinai's biggest loser competition with my friend Lashell, who is our ward YW Pres. We have both been trying to lose weight for a while now. She has lost 50lbs, but gained some of it back. And I've only lost 6lbs in 2 months. I had a lack of motivation and have been trying to figure out how to find my mojo...lol. Well my husband joined a biggest loser competition with a group of friends and came in 2nd place. He lost 30 lbs!! Isn't that great. He was so focused and determined to not only lose the weight, but to make it a lifestyle change. He basically cut rice out of his daily routine and cut down his portion sizes. Instead of eating 3 plates of food...seriously, he ate 2 and eventually got it down to 1. He learned to love salad, and became creative with how he fixed dinner. He also joined a basketball team to make exercising FUN! <br />I am so excited that he has made this change and is continuing to lose another 30 lbs, because he is not in the best health. He has realized that in order to live a long life, you need to be healthy and put yourself first.<br />He has been by greatest cheerleader since I've started trying to lose weight. Sometimes he gets on my nerves with his motivation, but I have to learn to love it, even though I secretly HATE it. I mean who likes someone telling them, "um are you sure you want to eat that?" Ugghh shut it! LOL It is for the best, I understand that now. I'm grateful to have him by my side cheering me on. Here we go....see you at the finish line!!!<br />PS. He won't let me take a picture of him so that you can see his before and after...lol.MARCIAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11209777714171233593noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921028130337961497.post-27697001596735145032011-04-28T22:47:00.000-07:002011-04-28T23:22:24.227-07:0012 years!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuIpmwDhed6RW_hDFHqkytgGWCw1xk2s799DZmVpYgTrjXGJ3C9TTH-J40D6-F8hbwMLgm_doLBTeWB6j9goG0g1jAe2LTQbhS1Qpms9_L_H4XI915v_F2kI4D-6zozwaeozqua6y0rng/s1600/20091201-_MG_1905-Edit-2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuIpmwDhed6RW_hDFHqkytgGWCw1xk2s799DZmVpYgTrjXGJ3C9TTH-J40D6-F8hbwMLgm_doLBTeWB6j9goG0g1jAe2LTQbhS1Qpms9_L_H4XI915v_F2kI4D-6zozwaeozqua6y0rng/s200/20091201-_MG_1905-Edit-2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600886944208683618" /></a><br />I cannot believe that 12 years ago today I had my Serena Angelaite Lealao. That day changed my life FOREVER! She has not once ceased to amaze me from her beauty to her nosey questions...LOL. Serena has grown into a beautiful young woman. I am so honored to call her my daughter. Serena likes list. So for her birthday blog, I'm going to list 12 qualities I admire about her:<br /><br />1-She knows and loves the Lord with all her heart. <br />2-She has taught me more about being a mother than any of my children. (obviously)<br />3-She loves her family (aunts, uncles, cousins included) unconditionally!<br />4-She is an amazing missionary. (don't talk down about the Church around her)<br />5-She is not afraid to speak her mind when she feels you are wrong.<br />6-She is very modest and would let you know when you are not...LOL.<br />7-She is one of the most gorgeous nerds I know. haha<br />8-She has been waiting patiently for this day to come, because she will be a YW!<br />9-She has learned to fight through her fear of basketball.<br />10-She is my biggest cheerleader.<br />11-She loves to read and read and read and question and question and question.<br />12-She is just like me...lol!<br /><br />I love you Serena so very much. You are my oldest because you proved to the Lord that you have the gift of responsibility, will protect your siblings like a soldier, and love mommy and daddy unconditionally! I'm so grateful to have you in my life Serena. HAPPY 12TH BIRTHDAY, my beautiful young woman.MARCIAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11209777714171233593noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921028130337961497.post-47423888527823768982011-04-23T07:52:00.000-07:002011-04-23T07:59:45.709-07:00A work in progress...Wow, I didn't realize that I hadn't posted for over a month. Well I'm still working at it. I slipped a couple of times though. I have the working out for 30mins a day, 5days a week down. But the changing of my eating habits will be a tough one. Starting May will be the beginning of my new life. I need to STOP lying to myself about food and just know that it will always be there, but I can't have it for a while. I will stop eating white foods (rice, bread and pasta) and chocolate I will only eat in moderation. I need to slap myself for being weak and losing control of my life, seriously. Hey it's better now than never, right??! Just keep moving....MARCIAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11209777714171233593noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921028130337961497.post-84491314805639928462011-03-15T08:01:00.000-07:002011-03-15T08:23:47.283-07:00Overcoming Emotional Eating<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvwIItQExRw5y1DcnUl2esG9mrovZM4wmMTxCYknduns1WhhghG5QEk_Z-5pyDCaXN0lfxh1IIg5vr2oAjUHf3AjDsCjP1Y8uN4uimVbNU71FxCz11HgJRqOmkjF11ZSCWndTgBHXjpHc/s1600/005.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvwIItQExRw5y1DcnUl2esG9mrovZM4wmMTxCYknduns1WhhghG5QEk_Z-5pyDCaXN0lfxh1IIg5vr2oAjUHf3AjDsCjP1Y8uN4uimVbNU71FxCz11HgJRqOmkjF11ZSCWndTgBHXjpHc/s200/005.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584327024934745042" /></a><br />(<span style="font-style:italic;">FYI, I was pregnant in this picture</span>)<br />I AM AN EMOTIONAL EATER! I have somewhat known that, but was in denial. Bob Greene's book has taught me how to figure out what my triggers are and how to overcome them. I've learned that sleep is a very important part of my health and that the loss of it causes weight gain and overeating. I've learned that writing down everything I eat will help me to take responsibility for what goes and out of my body. I am learning something new about my body daily and it's kind of fascinating. There are a lot of steps to understanding emotional eating and I pray that I can eventually overcome it.MARCIAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11209777714171233593noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921028130337961497.post-10194819573594839382011-03-11T21:04:00.000-08:002011-03-11T21:28:16.138-08:00S.O.R.E.I am sooooooo SORE! I am told that after you workout and you're sore, it's a good thing. Ummm, are you serious? I've never been this SORE before, yet I've never been this determined either. Right now, I need a spa massage, a couple of hours in a jacuzzi and a looonnnggg nap. My "pretend personal trainer" off of the EA Active is so hard on me...LOL! But the workout is very fun, so it doesn't feel as if I'm working out, it's more of a competition, which I LOVE. I've lost another 2 pounds...yay! My goal is becoming more and more real. Bob Greene is slowly helping me to break down my barriers. It's all in the mind, literally. Once you have made up your mind, like seriously made up your mind, nothing can stop you. Unfortunately my mind hasn't stopped my chocolate cravings. That is my biggest barrier..ugghh and it totally annoys me that I can't JUST SAY NO! Please pray for me or send me ways that I could get past this addiction. Thank you!! :) Here's to 100+ more days of being SORE...wish me luck!MARCIAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11209777714171233593noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921028130337961497.post-4855674633347564142011-03-08T12:46:00.000-08:002011-03-08T13:01:30.308-08:00Just keep moving...Yes! I lost 2 pounds last week, just from working out. Imagine if I ate better, how much I would've lost...LOL! But I am proud of myself and I'm on track with my life change. Today I started EA Active 2 with the WII and it's pretty intense. At first I was like, okay this is nothing and then they had me jumping rope, playing basketball while lunging and dirt bike racing and I was the bike. There are pros and cons working out with the WII, but I can't deny that it was a workout indeed! I am also more and more aware of what I put in my mouth and how it affects my body. Which is one of Bob Greene's challenges. It makes me think twice sometimes before I eat. I'm liking the beginning stages of the new me. A plus to my working out, is that Sol has joined a "Biggest Loser" competition with a group of his friends. He lost 8 pounds in a week,(so unfair) and is a great example/motivator for me. I'm grateful that we are changing our lives for the best. Our children need us and we need us. As long as I keep moving daily, my life will become what I want it to be!! <br /><br />As a side note: Juniors team took 2nd place in his All-County league tournament and Jasmines, Jazzy Girls team, took the Championship in their PARA league basketball tournament! I am so proud of my kids and for their dedication to their love of basketball. Serena and Jas took 2ND in their school science fairs. And Jasmine took 3rd in the district. So now off to State! Ebony won a principals award in reading. I'm so proud of my lil children!! Wooowhooo!!MARCIAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11209777714171233593noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921028130337961497.post-53432912294902259092011-03-04T10:27:00.001-08:002011-03-04T10:36:39.173-08:00Day 4...136 days to go!Yesterday, as well as today, so far were wonderful days. I worked out for an hour and it felt sooooo good. I didn't even realize I was working out for so long because I was reading while doing the elliptical. Once I get to reading nothing else matters. So I found my secret to working out...reading!! Yay me...lol! But I am slowing become more and more aware of what I'm eating and how I feel after I eat. I haven't stopped eating the not so good foods, but I don't eat as much of it. I don't want to burn myself out by exercising and dieting at the same time. So first I want to get myself moving and eventually the food part will come. I love Bob Greene's book. He is teaching me that we as humans have barriers that stop us from living our best life. That is so true. So he is challenging me to break down the barriers and love myself! Things are starting to look up and I'm hoping that it just keeps going up from here!! Here's to tomorrow...MARCIAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11209777714171233593noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921028130337961497.post-75230056590086127742011-03-02T21:19:00.000-08:002011-03-02T21:38:50.520-08:00Day 2...138 days to go!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA28EoP1AQmH2jJ9-QD2TwENtTKC5EsIDYWvWowMxqWjtzHjdYU_UmCndn3Rh_E5qA6ey6qusoprLrnntojDDfdJUvnebZ0sYXtGYtHPSYRPUK0jktwYSFymQGgfSulk9f30a4HMJeOWU/s1600/bob+greene.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA28EoP1AQmH2jJ9-QD2TwENtTKC5EsIDYWvWowMxqWjtzHjdYU_UmCndn3Rh_E5qA6ey6qusoprLrnntojDDfdJUvnebZ0sYXtGYtHPSYRPUK0jktwYSFymQGgfSulk9f30a4HMJeOWU/s200/bob+greene.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579723568858617810" /></a><br />Today was not a good day. I don't even want to post what I ate. But I do want to talk about the book I bought today. It's Bob Greene's book titled The Life You Want: Get Motivated, Lose Weight, and Be Happy. I just started reading it and I love it. I knew that in order for me to lose weight and keep it off, I needed to motivate myself and to really know why I turn to food for comfort. <br /><br />Here is my favorite excerpt from his book so far: "Many people who don't triumph at weight loss beat themselves up without taking into consideration that humans are predisposed to eat as much fat and sugar as possible to conserve our energy and to avoid discomfort-all of which contribute to the difficulty of changing eating and exercise habits. The truth is, there are some things about your physiology that you can't change, and a natural propensity to seek pleasure is one of them. <br />What you can change, however, is what gives you pleasure as well as your tolerance for discomfort."<br /><br />I have come to realize that I need to change my pleasure of eating all types of chocolate to mainly dark chocolate and my tolerance for it as well. This will take a looooooooooong time. But I know I can do it and I pray that I eventually will be able to do without my DAILY chocolate fix. On to another day...goodnight~MARCIAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11209777714171233593noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921028130337961497.post-41790224598170376022011-03-01T22:17:00.000-08:002011-03-01T22:32:03.797-08:00Day 1...139 days to go!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo9y1TCIn6F0JA7BXg-Venf_XEDT4MVo8KvQow2kjdJMSV2-9i0VJmhoc7NTdn6CTlvvsxqQYO6vrPZb_WoZ7rHYSKULp980Rzji9Bc1h_8MuyxthM647JdT2t64mDNdvrlok18n907yw/s1600/006.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo9y1TCIn6F0JA7BXg-Venf_XEDT4MVo8KvQow2kjdJMSV2-9i0VJmhoc7NTdn6CTlvvsxqQYO6vrPZb_WoZ7rHYSKULp980Rzji9Bc1h_8MuyxthM647JdT2t64mDNdvrlok18n907yw/s200/006.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579366570999524082" /></a><br />Today is the first day of my life change and I wasn't too prepared. I stayed out late last night and woke up way too early this morning. I took a nap in the afternoon which left me feeling like crap. I hate when I do this and knew that when I succumbed to the nap, that that would be my consequence. Anyways this was my menu for the day:<br /><br />Breakfast-<br />1 cookie<br />1 fruit snack pack<br />6 strawberries w/ about a 1/2 cup of cream cheese dip<br />water<br />Lunch-<br />1 meat pie<br />1/2 cup crab salad<br />water<br />Snack-<br />2 oatmeal raisin cookies<br />Dinner-<br />1 chicken thigh<br />1 slice of wheat bread (my new favorite bread)<br />water<br />Dessert-<br />6 strawberries w/ 1/2 cup of cream cheese dip<br /><br />Workout:<br />30 mins on the elliptical (woowhoo finally after 2 months!)<br /><br />I know, I know, not such a great start for my first day, but it can only get better. On a side note, I actually did couponing today (LOVE IT) and saved 63%. All in all the weather today was beautiful and my goal was not so beautiful. So on to a better day tomorrow. Good night!MARCIAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11209777714171233593noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921028130337961497.post-44050480140600264802011-02-22T21:18:00.000-08:002011-02-22T23:49:19.005-08:0020 weeks...140 days...50 lbs to lose....thats my goal!So I have been doing ABSOLUTELY NOTHING since Christmas day this past year. I have been content to just sit around, surf the net, and literally do NOTHING! I have been asking myself lately, why? Why have I been so lazy and so unmotivated to do anything? Am I depressed, am I sick, am I missing something in my life or do I just love food and being fat? I came to the conclusion that I'm literally just burnt out and I need a break. A break from the hustle and bustle or life. A break from the norm or what people perceive as the norm. I just needed to find me...and I did. I am taking a class in leadership ( I love learning) I got a job (I haven't worked in 5 years) and I stopped shopping compulsively (This was huge for me). Basically I've come to realize that I'm 32 years old and that I need to start loving myself. I was married young and had kids right after. So the years that were "supposedly" set aside for me to find my purpose in life, were laid out for me with no searching to be found. I am a wife and mother (which I love) but I am not me. I am not Marcia Motuliki anymore. I became Marcia Lealao and I lost myself. Just because my "purpose" changed, doesn't mean that I needed to change everything else about me...but I did. I lost my identity! So how do I find this lost identity??? By doing exactly what I did...ABSOLUTELY NOTHING! <br />I just listened to my body, my mind, my spirit. I really talked to myself and really for the first time in years, looked at myself, literally (and it wasn't too cute...LOL). And I didn't like what I heard or seen. So I've come to realize that now, Marcia Lealao's purpose is HAPPINESS. I know it sounds so cliche' but that's all that matters right? Like the saying goes, "If mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy." That seriously is my life. During my absolutely nothing stage, I seen the impact I have on my family. I apologize for their unhappiness because it was largely due to me. I am their #1 example. I am who my children look up to, admire and strive to be like. Do I want them to be like me...NO not right now. But that's the lovely thing about the gospel that I live. Repentance/forgiveness is the key to happiness. I make a mistake, I repent, ask for forgiveness and move on...<br />And so here I am spilling my guts out on this blog admitting to all of you and especially to myself that it's time for a change in my life. Because once it is written there is no turning back, I've got to follow through with actions now. Here are my goals:<br />1. GET HEALTHY<br />2. SMILE FROM WITHIN<br />3. BECOME IN TUNED WITH MY SPIRIT<br />In doing these 3 things I will gain happiness. I am giving myself 20 weeks, 140 days to lose 50 lbs or fat, stress, guilt, and unhappiness. In doing so I want to gain a healthier perspective on life and one that gives me purpose. A life that is filled with doing ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING for me and my happiness! Which in turn will only make my family happier!<br />This temporary goal begins on March 1st and ends July 23rd. I will try to write about my progress daily. Wish me luck!! New me here I come....MARCIAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11209777714171233593noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921028130337961497.post-28111731155878881562011-01-09T18:20:00.000-08:002011-01-09T18:37:27.734-08:0032!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9qOYVU0JFlTwpAoYZPo_gOkTdIpTF7yK9f4EXPcqguOLQ6E-R96y8KDspZeMCTzFBfhGZs0HpXdiX6EZhIEbXsxQGrCCfmFpEANI70c3z9n7fBUxgT-SK_LaKkA2u1-SLLqURMyR9xHU/s1600/20091223-_MG_3319-Edit.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9qOYVU0JFlTwpAoYZPo_gOkTdIpTF7yK9f4EXPcqguOLQ6E-R96y8KDspZeMCTzFBfhGZs0HpXdiX6EZhIEbXsxQGrCCfmFpEANI70c3z9n7fBUxgT-SK_LaKkA2u1-SLLqURMyR9xHU/s200/20091223-_MG_3319-Edit.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560380747166944434" /></a><br />Today my husband of 12 years turns 32. He is not one to celebrate his birthday, so every year I try to keep it mellow. He and a friend put together a basketball team last year and he just loves them to death. Sometimes I feel he loves them more than me. LOL (seriously though) Well being that his birthday fell on a Sunday this year, I took donuts to their basketball game yesterday and told all the parents and the other coach, Mani, that I would like the girls to sing Happy Birthday to Sol. So after the girls won a very competitive game 11-10, we all went in the hall so that Mani and Sol could have their little pep talk that they give after the games. The girls moved in to huddle and Mani didn't let Sol come into the huddle. He was telling the girls that on 3 they were to start singing, and that's exactly what they did! It was so cute. Solomon had no idea. He was so embarrassed and even blushed...ahahaha. I loved seeing his reaction. I was upset with myself, because I didn't even take pictures of any of it. Oh well, it's one of those memorable moments.<br />Solomon is a very hard working man. He works 2 jobs, goes to school full-time, and coaches 2 basketball teams, he is a great father and friend to me. I love this man and want to thank him for all that he does for our family. Happy Birthday Sol "Dear" I LOVE YOU!!MARCIAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11209777714171233593noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921028130337961497.post-33466690701397395292010-12-12T17:45:00.000-08:002010-12-12T18:00:14.036-08:00Do you skip still?I had a little aha moment this morning as I was watching my children get ready for church. We start at 11am, so I wake them up at 9am, in hopes that we'll make it on time. As each of them awoke they all started complaining how tired they were and then began dragging their feet to get ready. (The usual) Well all but one of them was not happy. My daughter Ebony came skipping into my bedroom to get the brush and then skipped out. She came skipping back into the room to get something else and then back out. She did this the whole time she was getting ready. I finally said to her, "Ebony why are you skipping?" And she says, "I'm happy to go to church!" Wow. I thought to myself, 'Cia, you need to put a lil skip in your step from now on.' I turned to my husband and said to him, "did you skip when you were younger." He said, "yeah, you only do that when you're young." I said, "Skipping is something so simple and yet brings immediate happiness." I challenge you all to try it if you haven't skipped in awhile. You cannot do it without a smile on your face. Let's all put a lil skip in our steps this holiday season!! Merry Christmas bloggers!MARCIAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11209777714171233593noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921028130337961497.post-77491272040190875432010-11-27T17:50:00.001-08:002010-11-27T18:13:23.222-08:00First Black Friday without my dad.Ever since I had my first child I have gone to Black Friday with my dad and some of my other siblings. My dad loved being part of the mayhem and madness that Black Friday brings. So it just became a tradition. We all loved going with him because he became our wallet...LOL! He would see things and say just get it for your kids I'll pay for it. We would always say, "okay dad." haha j/k My dad would get in arguments, push people out of our way, and we would get my dads back when people would cuss him out. He seriously thought he was the Walmart Black Friday police...LOL! My mom hated our funny stories of dads drama sessions...haha Slowly our family members stopped coming because the craziness wasn't worth it, but my dad and I who are die hards went by ourselves last year. It was so cute. He didn't buy one thing, but just wanted to be in the mix of the event. I loved that experience with him, because I never spend one on one time with him. He also bought me breakfast and we just talked, just me and my dad. That is one memory I will never forget. (tears)<br />Anywayz, this year my dad didn't go. I know he wanted to because he kept asking who was going, but he had to work. He's really gotten to old to be doing Black Friday though. So I was just gonna go alone. And then my two saving graces (Anna and Klarah) came to my rescue. We had fun. Well maybe me and Anna more than Klarah, because we have girls and girls are more fun to shop for. I was so grateful to have them with me. This is what we did:<br /><br />10pm-1:30am -Toys R Us ( We will never do that again. Toys r Us sucks and they are so unorganized. Do NOT go to their Black Friday)<br />1:30-3:30 -Walmart (loved it)<br />3:30- Del Taco (for a quick bite to eat)<br />4am-5:00- JCPenny (loved it)<br />5am-6:30 - Target (loved it)<br />6:30am- Walmart (again to look for DS lite)<br />7am - Home<br /><br />I never shopped like that on a Black Friday. It was so much fun being with the girls and shopping til we dropped. I came home and slept til 1pm. My dad called me and asked who I went with and for how long. So cute. I then went and did some more shopping with my hubby from 3pm-7pm. We ended the night at California Pizza Kitchen and then I came home and knocked out til 9:30 am this morning. I am totally shopped out and grateful that my Christmas shopping is DONE!! Thank you Klarah and Anna for hanging in there while I dragged you all over SLC. Love ya and Black Friday!!MARCIAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11209777714171233593noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921028130337961497.post-76147438526121633372010-11-25T12:30:00.000-08:002010-11-25T12:42:39.787-08:00HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!I have started a new tradition with my family. We will give gifts of thanks to all our/their teachers and friends at Thanksgiving and during Christmas we will give gifts of love to our family. This way I am not so overwhelmed with giving so many people gifts. I can break it up in two months and feel the love throughout the holiday season. <br />So last night we delivered our gifts. Everyone was so touched and surprised at receiving gifts of thanks, that it gave us all a warm feeling of happiness and satisfaction that our tradition is appreciated. I was grateful to have my children part of this process in buying, wrapping, making cards of thanks, and giving. I feel that it has taught them to love and appreciate their teachers and friends. <br />I am truly grateful for all the trials and tribulations that 2010 has brought to my life. If it weren't for them, I wouldn't be so grateful to be where I am right now. I am so thankful to all the people who I have crossed paths with and for their examples that they have bestowed upon me. I am thankful for my calling and for the great presidency that I work with. They are such an inspiration to me. I have learned something great from each and every one of them. I am grateful to be an instrument to God in working with 30 beautiful young women. They try me at times, but I have learned to love and know each one of them individually. I am most grateful for my children and my husband. They are my life! They are what has kept me going and continue to make me want to strive to be a mother/wife of Zion. I love my family, friends and the wonderful religion that I have been blessed to be raised in. <br />Happy Thanksgiving!! Now eat, drink plenty or water and get ready for Black Friday...LOL! Love you all!MARCIAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11209777714171233593noreply@blogger.com3