Alex The Great

When I was around 14 years old a few of my friends had had enough of school. We would go through the short cut of the Old Road near on the Driver Crescent/Warspite Avenue entrance and head to Beauzami Cresent in Ascot Park. It was the kind of short cut that we were always warned about, but we grew up here and we'd be alright.

We'd always ended up at the Carters, next door to the Fonotis.

Alex was one of the counsellors in our Bishopric. He and his wife Desiree only had baby girl Kehayla then and we would skip school there for days in a row. In hindsight, I can see that he wanted to keep us safe. If we weren't going to go to school, at least he knew we were safe. I'm pretty sure my kids won't be reading this so I won't have to explain the wagging haha.

One day he sat us down and said, "Bishop said you have to go back to school". And we did - because we knew that he didn't have to let us stay at his house and he got a bit of flack from Bishop so we listened.

This morning Alex passed away after battling cancer.

It's literally been years since I saw him last. He was part of the circle when my son was given a name and blessing (like a christening) at church. That's how much he meant to us.

We would laugh at him. He would laugh at us and then all laugh together. He would talk about his passion that is softball, and he was one of the first guys that respected that I could speak rugby and we'd have great conversations.

One day I remember saying to him,
"Hey, can you see this mark on the back of my leg? It won't come off."
"It's called soap and hot water Babe, try it some time!" or he would say things like "You better watch those taro legs are going to get you one day." Man, I should've listened!

I went and visited the family once when I home in Porirua. Desiree was one of my Seminary Teachers so I tried to stop by whenever I was home. I walked into the house and sat there waiting and there was some washing. So I decided to just start folding it as you do. He came out and said "When you're done with that, there's some dishes in the kitchen waiting for you."

That's home.

The Carter home was one of my safety nets when I was a teenager. When he was in Coach mode, he was at his best. I remember when he was teaching one of the girls how to drive. The first thing he said was "The car is a big weapon. Never forget that and you'll always drive safely."

Always remember those that influence your life for the better. I'm sorry I never said thank you but I hope you feel it now.

I'm glad you're not in pain anymore. Say hi to Dad for me and I'm sure you'll have a great welcoming committee and there'll be somewhere up there for you to play softball I'm sure.

Rest easy old guy.  Thank you times a million. Till sweet reunions in the heavens.

Love you Xx

Hoop Dreams & Church Ball

When I was growing up there were two things that were a constant in my life: Church and Basketball.

As a child, I would watch the youth and adults during Ward Nights in awe. I would see elbows fly and baskets being dunked on. I would see missionaries join in on their P-Days and turn into these competitive sports stars, all keen for the win. It was great! 

The biggest competitions weren't school or community tournaments, it was the church ones. Stake Basketball was the big time. The basketball practices would be intense and you really had to earn your game time.  It was at these practices that I learnt to box out, screen, dribble, lay up, shuffle those feet and shoot. 


I wasn't exactly a natural when it came to playing ball. When I started High School I made the basketball team purely on my sister Ama's reputation. I remember the looks the coaches gave each other after they had made that decision and then asked me to do a jump shot.  Priceless. I was so unnatural at it in the beginning that when I was in Beehives (12-13yrs old) and it was time for Stake Basketball tournament, I was a cheerleader. That's right - a cheerleader!  There were four of us around the same age.  

"We're out to win, we're out to fight. 
We're from the East, we're dynamite" 

"That's East! E-A-S-T, that East E-A-S-T
That's E with an Eh and an A-S-T
You put it altogether and that spells East
That's East - Yeah!"   

Oh those cheers! We did have fun but thank goodness there weren't many video recordings around back then. 

The competition was pretty fierce. You were allowed to have three non-members (not members of the church) in your team but they had to attend church at least three times before the tournament. You knew it was nearly tournament time, because some of the best players in the area were at church for three times that year. Yes, basketball is a great missionary tool. 

You would almost taste tension soup between Wards from the first game. No team was underestimated. There may have been a few flying fists here and there (because we all know, we are not perfect) and there may have been one or two wards that didn't really care, but we're weren't one of them. Yes, there were tears when a team lost the in the semi-finals or the finals because everyone was on their way to join Larry Bird, Charles Barkley, John Stockton & Michael Jordan in the NBA hahaha.   

I have fond memories of church ball. Great friends, the soreness the next day and wondering when we could play again. 

Today, over 20 years later we're off to watch our teenagers play in their first Stake Basketball tournament. It's spread over a few weeks. I went to watch my son at one of his practices and even though I tried to compose myself the words 'fell' out, 

"Move you feet son!" 
"Move to the ball" 
"Hands up"
"Seagull!" 

Then the clincher "I want a turn"
"Mum, sit down. Please". 

What basketball has taught me is that after the final whistle has blown there are better wins to be made even if you didn't come first. 

Fitness, sportsmanship, and friendships are great wins. Invitations extended way beyond tournament dates that have changed lives are greater wins and this is what I want my children to learn from the game too. 

To Serve

On Sunday I got a new calling in Church. 

It's been just over 2 years since I've been serving in our ward Primary and it's been such a great experience. The roller coaster got me a few times there, but the ride was fantastic. On Sunday as the Bishopric member conducted ward business and my name was called out as being released from my calling, there were a few gasps. One of the older primary children were sitting in front of me and turned around with her jaw hitting the ground and I patted her back, assuring her that everything would be fine. 

A few minutes later I stood to be sustained for my new calling in Stake Primary. There were gasps again and I laughed a little to myself because I was trying to figure out if they were surprised gasps because believe me, I was pretty surprised when I first heard the news too. 

Surprised? Hell (or Heck) yeah! 

There was a time when I was a covenant breaker, a prodigal daughter, a hater-rater and a not so great person. I know a few people singing a few hallelujahs to that right now and I own that :). It took me a good 6 years to make it right with the Lord, and probably longer to make it right with me.. cos you know that's what us chicks do. There were a few years there when I wasn't even going to church. The blessings I got out of that period were twofold: 1. My empathy levels went up 10000% for less active members (because some people were pretty mean to me) and 2. It reminded me what I really wanted for my family. 

I'm still a hater-rater every now and again (Amen) and I'm certainly no where near achieving that imaginary bright shining 'perfection' badge (double Amen) mostly because I love chocolate way too much. I believe that all we can do is try our best with what we know and I'm trying.  

I have no doubt that my love to serve and the philosophy to help others if you can is a Christlike attribute that my parents showed frequently in word and deed. I see them in my siblings as I watch them serve their families in every shape and form.  There's no greater feeling than serving and helping others both in need and in want.  

It is beyond my wisdom why I have been called in this capacity. And I repeat the words of Alma: 

"Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things...." Alma 26:12

I'm looking forward to this new adventure and grateful for the opportunity to meet new people and serve the children within our Stake. 

It's been a long time since this prodigal daughter returned home. It may seem to some that I was never away. The small time away has helped me and has also cemented my testimony, alongside others that if I can make things right - anyone can. World peace is great. Inner peace is way better - just saying :)

Amen. 

QUIET PLEASE!

In a galaxy far, far away... or in a country far, far away. It's really in another State far, far away ...Ok, the point is this is not about my ward (haha).. Anyway, a friend of mine has a calling in church which includes teaching adults and asked me for some help with getting people to stop talking during class. Apparently she has frequent chatterboxes who talk through every part of the lesson apart from the prayer. I'm pretty sure if there could be talking throughout the prayer (and they're not the one actually praying) they would do that too! 

I was asked to do a handout to help out but the only one I could think of was something like this. Remember this backfired pick up line: 

Well, I would add this bit ....

BUT something tells me that wouldn't go down quite so well... 

Now, I've been teaching the Primary children for quite a few years now and when the kids get rowdy, I sing 'Stop, look and listen' and they sing it back to me. Another tactic is doing different actions (like tapping my head or clapping quietly) and everyone will follow my actions until I can see that everyone is watching and ready to listen. However, the most effective thing about singing 'Stop, look and listen' to a bunch of adults would probably be the amazing level of eyebrow raising that would be taking place. 

Before we go on, I know that some people talk because they are translating for something or other reasons. Thank you for what you do. 

So for those of you blessed to be able to sit in an adult class during church, following are a few reasons why people shouldn't chatterbox during a lesson. 

1: "A church is a hospital for sinners, not a museum for saints"

Sometimes this is part of our weekly medicine, and we need to hear what is going on! 

2. This lesson may help answer your prayers! and what you have to contribute may be an answer to someone else's prayer. 

3. Help the Missionaries by example

They work so hard to serve and teach investigators and welcome back less-actives. Let's help lighten their load by offering to fellowship during class. 

Here are two missionaries close to our hearts, Hermana Tenney serving the people of Scotsdale, Arizona and Elder Lematua serving the people of Luanda, Angola. 

4. Your teacher's preparation

As a Primary Leader, I know that a lot of time goes into preparing for a lesson.  As you prepare, you picture the individuals in your class and how you can meet their needs. It takes a lot to prepare to teach a class.  It doesn't matter if teacher teaches you every week, or once a month. Be mindful of your teacher too before you decide to start flapping your lips. 






5. It's Pretty Simple

Class isn't a time for a catch up session with your mates. Be inspired, get recharged and remember manners matter! 

There you go - five pretty simple reasons. Be mindful of those around you. And next time I get to sit in an adult class on a Sunday, I will try my best too. 

Just keep trying harder every week :) 

Amen! 








Disclaimer: This is not an official church website/blog and information is not sponsored or endorsed by the Church. Please feel free to visit the official church website www.lds.org 

What To Expect At Eliana's Baptism

My youngest will be getting baptised this weekend and I've invited a few of my work buddies (past & present) who are not religious or follow a different faith. We are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (aka LDS or Mormons) and here are few things you should or shouldn't expect to see at her baptism


1. DON'T EXPECT her to be a baby. Baptism age for an LDS member is 8 yrs old. 

2. The person 'Conducting' is like the MC. The Chorister is the person 'conducting' the music. 

3. You may hear someone talk about 'Opening' or 'Closing' Exercises. It's not actual exercise. It's just the hymn, introduction, and prayer. 

4. You know the speeches or prayers are going to end when they say "In the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen". No need for applause or 'hallelujahs'. The congregation will say amen and move on. Amen means 'so be it' or you agree... So you can say Amen if you want or just look at the ceiling. Up to you. 

5. Inside the chapel 'room' and when she is actually getting baptised (or receiving the ordinance) are very sacred. So no photos or video recordings please. However, in the rest of the building, go for your life! 

6. Girls usually dress in a knee-length skirt and blouse or a dress. Guys in a shirt and tie. Again, up to you - smart casual is cool too. 

7. No smoking or alcohol on chapel grounds at all. You can puff away on the street at the bottom of the drive. There will also be no coffee or tea served with the refreshments. This is because of a health law we live by called The Word of Wisdom. You may wonder why there are lot of Mormon fatties around. It's because we're still trying to get it right. No judging hahaha ! 

8. Baptism by immersion, means that she will literally be dunked under water. Her Dad holds the priesthood and authority to baptise her. After they get dressed and the programme goes on, she will be confirmed a member of the Church and given the Gift of the Holy Ghost. This is where men who hold the priesthood will form a circle around her, place their hands on her head and a prayer will be said (again by her Dad). 

9. After the closing prayer, everyone is invited to eat. We are sharing some light refreshments. Now 'light' means different things in different cultures, but I expect you should have enough to eat. 

10. The missionaries will be there, so no doubt they will say hello. Saying hello to them doesn't mean that we'll be at your baptism next week. If you have any questions - they are not a bad place to start. 

Well I think this covers all our bases. We're looking forward to a great day for our little girl. 

Disclaimer: That it is not an official Church website/blog, and information is not sponsored or endorsed by the Church,

Please feel free to visit the official website www.lds.org

Forever Ever ft. #thevisesios

My awesome friend Miss Jo has a quote tattooed on her arm from the movie 'The Crow' which says: Real love lasts forever.

If you were to wrap everything I believe in up, in one little sentence - that would be a good one.

So a few months ago, my neicey Eve married her sweetheart Jevahn on a day that will go down in our family history as one of the best days ever!

Theirs is pretty much every mormon girl's fairytale story. They were dating before he went to serve a mission in the (Zion) Australia Adelaide Mission for our church for 2 years. She waited for him. Hold on - she grieved for him a little bit - but once she pulled herself together, she got on with it and waited for him. Two years apart that made them stronger. He served well and returned with honour. Yay!

On his return (Oh, happy days) after a few months, they were engaged.

The wedding day was amaaazeballs!

So, Eve is the eldest daughter of my 2nd eldest sister Lagi.  Highlight of the day was being inside the Brisbane Temple and seeing them be sealed for time and all eternity. As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (aka the mormons), that's what we believe - Families are forever or Real love lasts forever. So when you are married, it's not till death do you part but forever ever.

So we hung around for a few photos at the temple with all of our families there. Top points to everyone for really making the effort to dress for the occasion (got some grey hair shopping with the sisters that week). I think it's one of the few times all the girls have been in dresses/skirts since our parents made us wear them for family photos hahaha.

It was time to head to the reception - off we headed to the Rydges Southbank. Again, it was every island family's dream wedding because no one was stressed out about the food or was stuck in the kitchen. In saying that, I am quite useless in that department so I'm sure my siblings were more happy than me.  More photos please :)

Just before the reception, I also got the honour of winning selfie of the day with our golden child neicey Kilvina #winning!

The cake courtesy of Dana at Cut To The Cake was awesome and totally yummo!

There were a few items. Eve did a traditional samoan siva for both families. The Father/Daughter dance was a real tear fest, Jevahn threw a surprise item for Eve that got top points for audience participation, and of course the haka. The MCs and the DJ were on point!

Oh and my crazy family. Love love love them! I'm sure Dad was smiling from the heavens.

The Rydges said it was one of the happiest receptions they've had. Cheeehoooo!


It was such a great day!


But back to the beginning, for what this is all about. The beginning for this lovely and beautiful young couple. Where real love lasts forever......

..... because till death do you part is simply not enough.  Manuia!

Squished Boobies Day

Today I was man-handled by a small indian (asian not american) lady. 

In all honesty I was expecting it, because I had booked it in. Today I had a mammogram. 

After one of my loved ones had a health scare, it was time. I was pretty apprehensive about it, but sometimes you gotta (wo)man up and do it.  

I got my referral from the doctor for QLD Radiology, but ended up walking into BreastScreen QLD. Even though someone was right there, I still had to call into make an appointment (why do places do this?). The appointment was made with a lovely lady over the phone, who - all power to her, tried valiantly to pronounce my full samoan name. Giggles. 

The instructions were: 

• no deodorant
• no body power
• no perfume
• arrive 20 minutes before your appointment. 

I spoke to a few of my buddies about it, went on Doctor Google and still didn't know how it would feel. The best description was that my puppies would be squished like a pancake. Not as thin as a crepe and not as thick as a bread roll. This made me feel a bit uneasy because as an amply blessed polynesian woman, I couldn't imagine them getting to pancake stage. I was a bit scared there would be a bit of a 'pancake battle royale'. You know - (wo)man Vs machine kind of proportions.  I wasn't looking forward to it, but compared to pushing another human out of your body, I was certain it would be okay.

It's game day. I rock up to BreastScreen QLD and get security checked by the lovely small indian lady. I get ushered into the screening room and there are a few chairs in there and she directs me to my assigned seat. The machine isn't what I expected, but I didn't know what to expect. She shows me where my boob needs to go and starts to guide me in.  

"Ok wrap your arm against the machine, elbow out."

"Look away and then look up" She shuffles around me and there are foot pedals on the floor on either side of me. When she pushes it, the pancake-maker comes down. 

"Lift your arm up a bit more". I get embarrassed, because I followed the instructions and put on no deodorant, and resist. She walks around me, pulls up my arm by the fat and I despair as she lays my arm fat on the machine too. I nearly say, 'Sorry about smelling like a Delhi train' but stop myself before my mother's wit leaves my lips. It is also something my mate JB would say - and I instantly feel ashamed. He'd love that! 

Time for the other booby. I just stand there like a puppet and she does all the work. 

"Wrap your arm against the machine. Lean your head this way. Look up. Look away." She doesn't get the angle she wants and shuffles around me again. Grabs my arm fat again and takes  care of that. 

"Don't pull out. The machine won't get the right angle"

Whoa whoa lady, I ain't pulling anything anywhere. She guides me back into the machine before I stop her. "Um, that's not part of my boob" and we both look away from my upper stomach roll that she tried to put into the machine. Awkward. 

"Ok. Now, time for a side on view" Oh joy! 

It is sore, but bearable. Not sore enough for me to want to take any kind of pain killer. The discomfort is kind of like a pap smear, but on a different level. Kind of like Cocoa, Caro & Milo. All in the same ball park, but different.

The whole thing took 10 minutes which is pretty good. My results are posted to me in 10 days but I'm feeling okay. She didn't flinch or spend too long on one focus point, which was a little reassuring. She said she would've told me if there was something she was concerned about. 

If you haven't been for a mammogram and should  - hurry up! Early detection can save lives! 

PS: It hasn't put me off pancakes either dahahaha. 

Disclaimer: If you are someone with smallish boobies, your experience may be different.