The Throw Down!

Let's just say that this past weekend showed how great a leader and father James is. I'm glad I didn't have to fill the shoes he needed to, in order for things run smoothly & honestly. Even though I can still be a Negative Nancy at times for living here, I am reminded by little situations like this weekend (& others) that our family was needed here for various purposes. And to be honest, it's still taking me time to adjust, even accept, responsibilities asked of us. I could go into a play-by-play about an emotional meltdown I had today, but I'll save it since Hawaii is nearby. SO near. 

So last week was drama. It pathetically found us, as in the business we manage…….and like the smart people we are, things were taken cared of, allowing us to recover Saturday, Sunday and welcoming a fresh new week. *FYI- Dumb people, will always be dumb. Not necessarily uneducated, but just NO common sense or integrity. As you can see, James is the one with compassion & I'm the one still rolling my eyes!

Friday, after the huge "throw down", we got ready & relaxed at our first Pesega Lima (5th) Ward party. It was at the gym located on Pesega High's campus. James made a yummy crab salad. Yes, VERY yummy. James is pretty cocky when it comes to cooking & anything in the kitchen, even washing dishes, but he really is a good cook. He can throw things together and it'll taste awesome. Ya, it's kind of annoying, especially since he sounds like a "know-it-all" as he cooks. hahaha. For me, I like my recipes & I stick with them. Anyways, his was one of the few dishes that was devoured, sauce and all. Good job hun! Mind you, the sister serving our crab salad was calling it coleslaw. hahaha.

I got to perform with some of my relief society sisters. It felt wonderful to dance again. I think I was OVERLY excited when I was invited & learned the dance as soon as they taught it to me. It was my first time performing a Cook Island dance. We were even called up for a hana hou. Mahie got really excited when she saw me on stage & tried to copy us, it was cute. 

Saturday, was very relaxing. Although James had to wake up for a 6 a.m client, we all were able to get sufficient rest and put in quality time to deep clean our home. I am very particular when it comes to cleaning. I'm not an OCD freak nor do I always have a spotless house, but I do get grossed out when people don't clean things properly. I almost had a heart attack  the first time we arrived and I saw our house girl wipe the table, counter & floor messes up…and then use the same rag thing to wash our dishes. Pua'i!! Blah! Anyways, I'm proud that I have made a few adjustments here and there, making it a little homier for our time spent in the family house. I still have a lot of projects in mind to keep me occupied while I roast in the Samoa heat, but I seriously can't wait to stop by Ross to bring things back. 

Early Sunday morning, in the wee dark mosquito filled hours of night……I heard the happiest voice talking loudly as if no one was asleep. Mum arrived from Auckland!!! With boxes of New Zealand cookies, chocolates, lollies, clothes for the kids and things for the business. The fun definitely had arrived and I couldn't be any more relieved, excited, overjoyed! I love my husband and my babies, but sometimes a woman just needs another woman to talk to. 

Evan wearing 9-12 months clothes from Aunty Sharon in NZ

(He just made 5 months)

Mum's energetic spirit has filled our home once again and I can't believe she has been gone a month and a half/almost two months. I remember James and I dreading the day Mum would leave us alone here in Samoa, and now here we are almost 100% locals, hahaha. Almost. I made a joke to Mum when she walked in saying, "You smell really nice!! What are you wearing?"   Mum: "Oh, nothing, I didn't put anything special on. It's just me."   Me: "Oh, that's right…….I forgot how nice NORMAL smelled like". Maybe because it was 1 in the morning & we're delirious…..or that I've lived here in Samoa for almost 3 months, you know, smelling trash burning outside, sweaty people, mosquito punk smoke……..so I can make jokes like that & laugh, because we both laughed so hard. Just incase someone out there gets offended. I don't care. 

Mum has been a big help. I even got to relax baby-free, laundry-free, dinner-free, dishes-free, Aleipata kid-free, lol, watching all my Pretty Little Liars dvds…..and we even bullied James into driving us to "Kua" (not sure of the spelling), the "boonies" of Samoa where all the gorgeous beach resorts are. We are totally burnt. No where, not even the beaches back home in Hawaii can beat the crystal clear water & white sandy beaches here. 

.….now to spend as much time as we can with "Nana" before this week is over. Tomorrow I plan to FORCE Mum to bake her yummy brownies!!

Teepee or Grass Shack

{*Not a post about us in Samoa, hahaha}

Culturally, my childhood was confusing at times. Ok, not so much confusing, but I was born with two separate cultural worlds. My siblings and I were raised in Laie, Hawaii all our lives. And the ONLY Hawaiian/Navajo's, for quite a while. In fact, most people didn't even know what a "Navajo" or "Native American" or "American Indian" was, especially if they were Polynesian. 

The Hawaiian comes from my Father's side, with a little part Chinese, German, etc. mixed in, raised in Papakolea. So you CAN'T argue he ain't Hawaiian. He meets the Hawaiian Homes blood quantity requirement, but us kids don't. THAT'S BECAUSE…my Mother is Navajo or "Dine", FULL BLOODED. From little Sawmill, Arizona. (Middle of Navajo Reservation) 

So this is just from my perspective & feelings, not sure how my siblings felt or feel. 

Anyways, I grew up in Hawaii, raised as a Hawaii kid with black rubbah slippahs, dancing hula, always at the beach. I KNEW I was Hawaiian because I felt Hawaiian. Of course I was also told I was Navajo too, and a few times a place called "the reservation" and "Window Rock, Arizona" where my Navajo Grandma Yazzie lived was mentioned a few times. And then every so often old albums were pulled out showing kodak portraits of red/orange deserts & canyons, recalling foggy memories of once-in-a-while trips we took to Dinehtah (Navajoland). 

Around our home I'd stare at exotic looking sand art tiles, southwestern pottery designs, and daydream as I secretly played with my mother's delicate turquoise jewelry. I always enjoyed my fish, poi & rice but was equally thrilled when Mom made fry bread or Navajo tortillas (don't know how to write the Navajo name). As a child "Navajo" seemed faraway. That changed as I grew up.

We made trips to the Navajo Reservation when we were older and I visited many other Native American reservations. I embraced its beauty with a mature mind, finally understanding all of my once foggy memories. Not replacing my Hawaiian childhood but adding to and thus completing my unique culture. My siblings and I are pretty unique. You can't get more 'NATIVE" than us. 

Just a few responses I've gotten from people trying to make sense of me saying I'm Hawaiian & Navajo:

Being Hawaiian:

-"Oh, there's still Hawaiians alive?"

-"Are you sure you're not Filipino?"

-"Soo, basically Asian?"

-"But if you can't speak your language, how are you Hawaiian?"

-"You're not really Hawaiian because King Kamehameha was Samoan"

-"Don't Hawaiians wear tons of gold bracelets?"

-"Why don't you surf?"

Being Navajo:

"What's a Navaho?"

-"Ohhhh, like Pocahontas?!!"

-stranger waves hand in circular motion and says in a deep voice 'Howww'

-"where's your feather?"

-"Wingapo"

-"Do you guys always wear feathers?"

-"Oh, I'm a little part-Cherokee too"

-"Do you live in teepees?"

-"You must be rich off of casinos"

-"So you're like the bad Lamanites in the scriptures that were cursed."

People/family in Hawaii asked if people/my family in Arizona lived in teepees. People/family in Arizona asked if people/my family in Hawaii lived in grass huts. Go figure. 

Things to point out, because I can!

*Other Polynesian cultures always made fun of Hawaiian culture: chanting, hula, making up words, fighting for our land….AND YET these NON-Hawaiians are the ones giving their newborns HAWAIIAN middles names!!!! Wtf?! 

*The Pinterest/Hipster obsession of wearing a full-feathered headdress like they fashionable. No, you look dumb! Or stringing feathers in your hair & wearing tribal prints on Instagram, eeeh!

*Hallowen costumes: "Be a Hawaiian, wear a coconut bra & grass skirt kit" or "Be an indian, feather & facial paint kit". Ummm, you're turning someone's culture into a Party City costume.

*Kahuku High & their arm chops & hand over mouth "wah wah wah". I'm at fault for this too because I'm an alumni. But I was always like, my Mom, grandparent don't do this. Only "Indians" in Hollywood & Disney do. 

No, I'm not mad. lol. I'm not trying to be politically correct on anything, nor a marching sovereign-ist, activist, or negative Nancy. This was just my random blog thought for the day. Yes times have changed. Yes things have modernized. Yes even my own cultures are not perfect. Yes even people of my cultures are ignorant. Yes I'm gorgeous. hahaha, got you. 

So it's either hula girl or Pocahontas. Whatevs, I may not be fluent in any of my languages, or culturally knowledgable…but those before me were & remind me that I'm American. (Not getting so Patriotic).

Anyways, just think what my kids will go through. At least they will be greatly funded in college scholarships. And I'll randomly end with that. SHABOOYAH! 

FYI {There are over 4,000 Native American tribes; only 513 of which are still 'recognized' by the US Government. The Navajo Nation is the largest Native American tribe in the United States 300,000+ members, with also the largest owned land area.} ....someone asked

4 MONTHS EVAN

Little "Evie" is now Mr. 4 MONTHS! 

I know we Mama's say this a lot, but these past months have flown by. I'm a little guilty though. I promised I wouldn't be one of those parents that noted/photographed every milestone for their oldest child and then gives the second the shaft. And I have! I blame our move and it being too hot here to function at times. I'm kidding, but here's to documenting every second of Evan's life too! I promise Son, one day you'll find this blog & feel just as important as your bossy older sister. 

Okay, let's start with his BIG head. He has a HUGE WIDE head. Not soo much "Hey, Arnold football" width, but its pretty wide and round. That's definitely not my genes. I don't remember Mahie having a huge head, not that I'm fearing he's abnormal. I love it, it makes him even more chubby & yummier to cuddle with. Well, his fat head isn't as bald anymore. It's covered with hair, its just that his strands are so thin. And they fall out! My poor baby sheds hahaha. The thickest and longest parts are on his sides, so if you run water through, they stick up like two horns. 

instagram baby horns, just like "Sulley"

I think my kids are going to be very tall. *FINGERS CROSSED. Both Mahie and Evan are very long babies. When I nurse him, it feels like he's wrapping around my body. Currently he is about 27/28 inches long. Not sure about his weight, but James says he's heavy & can barely hold him for 10 minutes. I guess I'm just used to carrying him throughout the day because this kid WILL NOT go down. He will cry so loud if he sees you walking away.

This guy LOVES to eat. He still feeds like a newborn and sometimes I'm like, "Can I have a break to replenish my supply?" However when 9pm hits, he's out like a lightbulb until the next morning. Lately though he's been waking twice to "snack nurse" lol, really short feeding sessions to which his eyes roll back and off to deep sleep he goes. They say babies go through a growth spurt at 4 months, so maybe thats why. Sadly (for us & ME mostly) he has DENIED+REFUSED the pacifier. I guess there are highs and lows. Mahie loved her pacifier & it was hell when we forgot it at home or misplaced it. But it kept her calm, situated and put her straight to sleep. Before she turned one we decided to wean her off & that sucked for three days. Maybe it's because she was formula fed and Evan is breastfed. Correction: he USED to take it right to the day we moved here. But we stopped for a while after we kept catching our "house girls" dropping it and not washing, or holding the mouth part in between their fingers, etc; no matter how many times we scolded them. Consequently he caught a bad & fussy case of oral thrush from those germs, which annoyingly passed to me. I was in blistering pain for half a month, on medication & forced to pump for a baby that hates bottles. SO that pain = me pissed off = NO ONE touches Evan without washing their hands. He then never went back to a pacifier. I guess I'm the pacifier now. LOL. Get over it if you feel uncomfortable right now. I really don't mind if we used a pacifier or not. I say parents should do whatever gives them peace of mind. 

He is still pretty light. Not as white as his cousin Sofia, but way lighter than Mahie or the Joyce's kids. After holding him, a pink imprint of your hand will be on his skin. His cheeks will turn red even with sunscreen & being in the shade. Mahie on the other hand gets no sunburn, runs around IN THE SUN, however her face stays white and her body black!

I'm pretty sure he is size 3 diapers, but they don't go by that here. They go by kg's & i'm too lazy to check the packaging. Diapers are such a rip off here. I'm glad we only just ran out of our Costco supply we bought. Still going strong with the wipes. 

Things that I feel have come early:

-A month and a half ago he started biting. He only has full gums, so I blew off the idea of him teething. Too early? Well that gum biting has only increased and I fear a tooth may break through soon. His middle front feels firm. Please no! This is my first time exclusively breastfeeding, so I don't know what to expect, something similar to "Ouch!" He chews & sucks his hands and fingers non stop. If you get too close to his mouth, he will quickly turn and chomp at you. It's kinda scary if you don't back off quick enough, haha. 

-He also has a strong grip and midsection. Again, last month I was playing with him on the couch. As I held his hands in mine, he literally pulled and sat up….and then stood up (of course leaning on my hands). He beat Mahie at this stage. Now at 4 months, when you hold his hands as he is laying down, he automatically will sit and stand. It's so weird and cute. And then give you a full gum smile as if he's proud of his trick. 

(a typical day)

-He has also been rolling and wiggling backwards. Yup, he fell twice. Once off a low couch onto carpet and sadly once off a bed. He isn't safe anywhere, since he was surrounded with pillows and then sleeping in the MIDDLE of the bed. He's a wiggle worm. And silent too. FYI not safe on the ground either because Mahie will sit on him and watch Mulan. He's ok, don't worry. He giggles when Mahie inflicts pain on him, ummm yah?

Other than that, he is a big healthy boy. Very happy and smiley. His gum smile melts my heart. I love laying him in my lap and making all sort of noises to get him to coo or giggle. He is also VERY ticklish. Any fat you squeeze, he laughs. He gets really happy when he sees Mahie, even if she ignores him or tries to roll him and says, "MOVE!". Oh and remember that solid grip I mentioned earlier, well Mahie has finally gotten a taste of her own medicine. Lately, Evan has been able to snatch her hair when she leans in and WILL NOT LET GO. I'm such a bad Mom, because I just let him pull her hair. And it's hilarious seeing her panic and struggle to pry his fingers open. Once free, she wastes no time to tattle-tale, "Eban….hair. MINE hair. Pull hair. Ouch". She then will wait/expect me to scold Evan. After which she will say, "Aua Eban. Niiiiiiice" aka "No Evan, be nice!". I then will have to send her away or she will try to pluck off one of his precious hairs. I must be an awesome Stay-at-home Mom, cause look, I can translate baby talk, eh.

And Big Sister Mahie is making 23 months soon to be my big TWO YEAR-OLD!

Love you Evie my chunky boy. Countdown to Hawaii!

Happy 24!

Happy Birthday to ME & Happy (Belated) Valentines Day to You!

One thing's clear: James can not plan a surprise to save his life. And I am just too niele about everything, that if something DOES NOT make sense to me, I get upset and thus spoil my surprise. This has happened on a few special occasions, so I don't know why James and I still fail at this. No matter what, we end up happy laughing at our dumb selves. 

Anyways…if you didn't know, I was born February 14th, 1989. Apparently I was the first baby born on Valentine's Day in Hawaii, and so my Mom was surprised with roses and gifts. I loved being a Valentine's baby until high school. Then I felt embarrassed because many of my friends (I was soooo popular, jk) came to school with all things V-day to celebrate my birthday. Again, I dreaded that day because 1) I didn't want people to feel obligated 2) I was very grateful for all my gifts, but I'd have to haul my school bag full of treats + heavy textbooks, gift bags, platter of cupcakes, welted roses, leis and the largest clump of tangled balloons that could outdo the movie "Up". I'm serious. It sucked those years rushing across the HOT football field from P.E. to my third floor class in A building. Roll your eyes about me complaining, haha, but once I got home every year, I really did take the time to read through all my cards, admire all my balloons, water my flowers….I was really happy & felt loved ;)

Favorite Valentine's/Birthday Memories:

Childhood- Woke up and my Dad had roses and things waiting for my Mom, Hill and I. I was very little and got so excited. Back then Laie used to have a small flower shop next to Laie Chop Suey and I saw these set of teddy bears with red ribbons in the window. I came home from school and my Dad had got them for me!!!

Teen's- One of my bestie's Annie stole her Mom's car one night, picked up me & my other two besties….and off around Laie we cruised. Yes, so shame, but what else do Laie kids do?!  (ANd we were good, compared to what Laie kids do nowadays!!!) Annie knows I love her, so I can say this: That old blue car was a piece of crap, BUT WE LOVED it nonetheless. It was probably our 5th best friend, lol. It squeaked, smoked, had duck tape, we played our ringtones for music….consequently it broke down on us behind PCC, just when the security needed to lock up. All of us were underage, non of us had a license, non of our parents knew what we were doing and no one knew how to fix the car. We were scared out of our minds!! Especially for Annie. Long story short, we prayed, stalled the security, pushed the car all the way to where the tour buses park until it somehow kickstarted the engine, fire shot out of the muffler….and off we chased after Annie who shouted that she couldn't stop or else!! Somehow we jumped in the backseat and cried/laughed til we got home.

College- My roommates and I woke up to chocolate roses and cards. We then had a photo shoot in the beautiful winter snow and James had sent me a vase of roses. (long distance relationship)

This year I turned 24!! I'm married. I have two kids plus taking care of one more. I live in Samoa (say whaaaat?!). I'm not at my ideal weight, but hopefully that will change. And, I forgot it was my birthday since I'm not mindful of the days of the week. Usually, I countdown the time til I can rush to Alamoana for a shopping spree. However, since we're so busy: me with the kids and James with work, all I wanted was to spend time together. James randomly found a resort, mind you "resorts" here are usually 3 stars and below….oh, and NEVER appear as they do in pictures. Just a FYI! Regardless of the crappy customer service (what is that in Samoa?), their a.c. was freezingly awesome for Evan to sleep forever and Mahie loved the shallow water. Not really what James had in mind (false advertisement LOL), but we somewhat had a weekend of rest.

I'm so thankful for my husband. I love him more everyday.

Thank you everyone for the birthday wishes, I really mean it!

Our Samoa transition

Talofa! Mama Aspinall blogging here from Lotopa, Samoa!

In the word's of Dora the Explorer (currently on non-stop repeat for Mahie), "We did it! We did it! Yah, yah, WE DID IT!!"

It's been almost TWO AND A HALF weeks since our move to Apia, Samoa. 

Drove to "Mum's" village Vailoa, on the other side of the island in Aleipata district. Gorgeous resorts along the way.

Some areas in Apia still recovering from Cyclone Evan. Very sad. Mud & logs all over in houses.

The hardest things we're battling now (and I may NEVER get used to)

     1. The heat: You sit, in front of a fan, on high blast….and you STILL sweat. (The life of living on any South Pacific Isle) I think we're getting used to the climate though, which is gorgeous. Clear sunny days and then extreme downpour when it rains. At times when I can't bare it, or when I put the babies down to nap…I escape to our a.c. bedroom. Yes, we are spoiled with our a.c, we're in Apia everyone. Meaning electricity, hot water, cable, internet, basically living in a similar community and housing as Laie. Some neighboring homes and properties are extremely gorgeous. Did I mention that a multimillionaire lives up the road and is my Relief Society president?! I'm grateful that we don't live way out in the real villages, well actually, I wouldn't have come if we did, hahaha. Being honest. The sun seriously doesn't set until after 8pm, so it really throws me off with bathing Mahie and eating dinner. That is the perfect time to sit out in the yard, it's peaceful & cool for Evan to enjoy. 

2. The "Mozzy's": Mosquitoes bite you everyday, well thats what it feels like. I wonder if we will ever build up a tolerance or if the mosquitoes will eventually leave us alone. Those green coils are constantly burning, I told James I smell like I'm forever on a camping trip. Ask anyone, I snap If the door is left even slightly ajar. I try my best to lock me and the kids in the house, but Mahie has become the most restless kid ever and NEEDS the outside. So I send her with one of the house workers or cousins because I think my legs can't stand another bite. So if you wonder why I dress Mahie in leggings everyday, that's her mozzy protection. Poor thing, already one of her bites have gotten infected from scratching and we had to take her to a Pediatrician. Which, by the way, quality care and cheap! NOT REQUIRING INSURANCE!!!! (FYI we're going to have Samoa residency & then citizenship….then on to New Zealand residency and citizenship)

Mahie snuck outside to the rain

Food has been good to us! All New Zealand brands, which means YUMMY! Real creamy butter, cheese…and even the bottled cokes taste better than in the U.S. Majority of everything is homemade (no quick trips to any drive-thru's anymore), and if not, straight from the ground and sea, obviously. I am still getting the hang of where to do my grocery shopping. American products can be found at certain places if we need them. It's funny how I bought James the Ninja Kitchen System for Christmas, and we said we'd start juicing come January. Well, since we've moved here, my Mother-in-law has been nonstop cooking and baking for us. It's a great help because the kids make me so tired, and James is tired from working all day…but we laugh because we KNOW we've put on weight! 

James and Mum having a bake off!

Pesega 5th: I don't even know anyone yet, but I love our ward. This is the FIRST time I've ever felt this way (other than my childhood ward). Everyone was VERY welcoming, and I think it helped more that EVERYone knows James' parents (Richard & Failuga Aspinall). Mahie did well in Nursery. A big change from a class of 23 kids to now 5. She only cried the last 10 minutes, to which a parent walked her over. Our ward is english speaking and called the "International ward". And, drumroll….it starts at 7:30am!!! Dannnnng, we struggle! But here, it's better to have Church early when it's cool instead of late when it's HOT! Families in the ward of friends we've made at PCC/BYUH include: the Merediths, Palepoi's, Fuimaono's and Seumanutafa's. *Cool Moment- We were approached by a missionary couple in charge of Public Affairs for the Church, and were asked to have our picture taken for a brochure representing the Church here in Apia. It will be used for both Church and parliamentary government business. Pretty cool when the Elder explained it to us as we signed waivers. Sadly we looked tired, haha and Mahie was asleep. 

James has definitely been working hard! I'm so grateful that although he works 9 to 5 PLUS any errands before or after office hours, he does it all from our home, where the office is located and where our family members help out too. I knew my husband should've majored in business, because he is quite the business man and efficient business manager. As soon as we landed, he went straight to work learning all that my Mother-in-Law would be transferring over before she leaves to Wellington. Our faith is surely embedded in our Heavenly Father. And I know James is doing an awesome job, he is in his element, seriously! Sometimes I need to remind him to take a break because he is always thinking of better ways to improve something. And his hardwork is definitely paying off! (Can't wait for April trip to Hawaii, woohoo!)

Ashlyn the STAY-AT-HOME-MOM, say what?! I don't know how my Mom did it with all 5 of my siblings and I. Mahie has hit the TWO stage (even though she's only 21months) and tries my patience all day, every day. We are seriously dumbfounded at her tantrums and fussiness. Sometimes she'll cry and we're like, what the heck? What happened? The only times I've lost my cool is when I'm nursing Evan, because she'll try to pull or pinch him to get attention. I'm grateful for our house workers and my Mother-in-law's cousins for playing with her, or taking Evan when the tantrums come around. Sometimes….most of the time lately, I want to pull my hair out…but I remind myself, HELLO, I only have TWO kids, and EVERY Mom has done this before….so suck it up! And I remind myself, how grateful I am that I don't need to work. That I can be home, right where my husband works, to play with our babies as they grow, to teach them, to endure tantrums, to watch Tangled and Mulan a million times with them, to rock them to sleep for naps……and to make sure they sure as hell don't get uku's!! :) hahaha, but for reals :) I struggle with being in baby/kid's world all day, but I'm trying!

Mahie leading the opening song. We've had 100% FHE so far!

Nap time. 

Ua lelei. That's our quick Samoa update! Everyday I try to learn some lingo, "Filifili mea tonu" Choose the Right!

The Plane Ride

Our flight experience is a story all its own.  

Morning of Friday, January 4th, 2013. Mahalo to Laie's own 'Island Transportation' for picking us up at 5am and dropping us off at the Airport. That night/morning happened so fast with HUGE last minute packing, cleaning and important document finding! It was EXACTLY what I had been avoiding the weeks prior, but as usual, nothing like stress and rushing before traveling. Like I said, hugging my parents and siblings goodbye and leaving Laie was a blur. Mahie was barely awake and didn't understand why her Grandparents were hugging her long and tight, and eventually crying. We flew Air Pacific (first and LAST) lol, no it was fine. Actually it was a blessing we did, although at first it didn't seem like. 

When we checked in, the counter man wondered why James and I were assigned different seats. After trying many times to sit us together, policy explained that passengers with lap infants can't sit next to each other. (Annoying!) James took Mahie and I had Evan…and we both were window seats, rows far apart. As soon as we boarded, we explained (begged) to the flight attendant our situation and he immediately said he'd work on it after everyone was seated. Sooooo here comes my soon-to-be MELT DOWN! 

James' row was completely filled (although he sat by a wonderful couple). However, the two seats next me never filled UNTIL LITERALLY the last second with the most IRRITS SAMOAN LADY EVER! The very understanding Fijian flight attendant guy explained our situation and asked her kindly if we could have the whole row since we had two babies. He even offered her an upgraded seat at the front. And before you knew it, she threw a loud  and dramatic fit. She could've been the same age as Mahie, saying, "What's that you say?" (Flicking her wrist here and there) "The airlines sat me HERE!" "Why do I HAVE to move?" *He wasn't forcing her, just asking kindly but HINTiNG the obvious. Even the passengers around us couldn't believe she wouldn't move and I felt totally awkward two seats away cradling Evan. So the witch parked her broomstick and ALL her carry-ons, huge jacket, dead lei's, books, you name it…all NOT under the seat in front of her, but on the empty seat in between us, which the flight attendant already said I could use for the baby if needed!! And her damn pile started to crowd us. She seriously had no care for being considerate. I kept it all in because I had no sleep and I was still on a positive "Yay we're moving to Samoa" high. 

Two hours in. I had to pee badly. My arm was dead from carrying Evan, too scared to move incase I woke him plus my neck/back hurt. I resented the snoring ogre next to me blocking my way out and her pile of crap that kept leaning on me. James was too far away to call (and he was sleeping) to come grab baby so I could relieve myself. Plus Evan's diaper was so full I feared he'd get a rash. And then I started to get upset at James for putting the diaper bag in the compartment above instead of giving it to me. And THEN I heard Mahie starting to fuss followed by Evan right after…….in comes The Emotions: resentment toward EVERYONE on the plane, lol. Silent daggers at the woman next to me. Tearful eyes burning holes into the back of my husband's head. Hating on the airlines. Questioning if this move to Samoa was the right choice, upset at pulling an all-nighter... 

Melt-down: I bawled all my emotions out, everything I kept in since I first started to make preparations to move. 

…and then, literally, I heard a still small voice telling me to pray. And as soon as I started, it felt like everything was put on pause and every sound on mute. By the time I finished, I was calm and told myself, "You can do this." (But I think I took it a little too far, lol) I leaned over and pushed the woman hard to wake her, but I didn't wait. I was climbing over her lap before she could even open her eyes. Yes, she had that, "Oh no she didn't!" face on….And I gave it back to her, "Oh yes I DID!!".  Walked over to James sleeping and flung my hair tie at his forehead to wake him, handed him Evan. Grabbed the diaper bag on my way to the bathroom, shoved it across the woman to my seat…..and the whole time everyone watching me! Lol, after that I was a NEW me. For reals!  

When I went back for Evan, Mahie wanted me too. So I first took Mahie back to my seat and put a movie on for her. The woman was gone, so I removed her obnoxious pile from the middle seat and put it all on her seat. Even draping her dead leis all over her head rest. I returned with Evan and all three of us made house in our two seats. The woman returned and said, "Oh, you have two babies?" She sat for a little bit and tried to make small talk, but I gave her the cold shoulder and tended to my babies. After getting up one more time to grab something from James, the woman had decided to leave. The lady finally took that upgraded seat, without even telling the flight attendant. The two fijian flight attendant guys, the woman across the aisle and I all laughed shaking our heads. It took her 3 of the 5 1/2 hour flight to move. (Not that she HAD too, but hello!!) We finally had our row. James just stayed at his seat though, not wanting to bother the kind elderly woman next to him.

Thank you Heavenly Father for listening to me. For the flight attendants having compassion for me, bringing whatever I needed, eating all the snacks Mahie force fed them and even offering to hold Evan. For the Samoan woman across the aisle for reading my mind and offering to play with Evan & a bored/fussy Mahie the last hour and a half so I could finally knock out. (She even carried him all the way to Customs, lol)

What an experience traveling internationally with a toddler and newborn! No matter how many creative things I packed according to my Pinterest research, once a child wants OFF THE PLANE, there is NOTHING that can change their mind but landing!!

Now that all the illegal fireworks have blown in Laie & the babies are finally fast asleep....I have been blessed with some alone time before hitting the sack. I'm dead tired, a little smokey, and the all of a sudden heavy rain is making me shiver. But I thought it would be nice to welcome in our FIRST OFFICIAL BLOG POST for 2013!!!

Many MANY things are in store for this year, with the biggest change happening this Friday at 5a.m. Honolulu to Apia bound! We are calling it our new adventure. And to keep our smiles up incase we hit those hard times (especially me), I've stumbled upon a beautiful quote that fits perfectly for 2013.

Here's to our little family!

Printed, framed....keep ya head up!

Goodnight Midnight!

Laie, soon-to-be-Samoa, Aspinall's

2013

Last Sunday of 2012

Our last Sunday of 2012....and our last Sunday here on O'ahu! Both countdowns are ticking away!! I've been on an emotional roller coaster the past few days, and hours!

I'm excited, nervous, anxious. Hawaii is my home and so far Mahie's home. She doesn't know what's going to hit her. I'm having constant flashbacks of this past Christmas in Apia. Hmmm....Heavenly Father really can be humorous in his planning, was I being prepared (in a way) ???? At least we have a little sense of what we need to pack. Thank you for end of the year sales, because we were able to buy a whole bunch of big clothes for the babies to grow into while there.

Bye Target, see you in a few!

 James is just excited and ready! We were laughing at how long he's been in Hawaii. He came back in 2006?? for just a visit and ended up not returning to New Zealand...going to school, working forever at PCC, finding ME, marriage & now kids! HE....IS.....READY AS CAN BE!! James has definitely been my reassurance and strength! I'm glad I have him. It will be our new 2013 adventure, yes AN ADVENTURE! While all the world will probably fall back into their same old ways, we have something fresh to experience. Yes, different & maybe challenging, but I have no doubt we will be strengthened as a family!

2011 Christmas in Samoa flashback!

I've heard it all. EVERYONE'S opinion's and reactions....so save it! I'm happy to hear that a lot of my friends may make plans to come visit....PLEASE COME (not if i don't know you!), its just us in a big ol' house & yard.

See....we ain't gonna be in no hut! Probably better than some of the houses here in Laie :)

We're even near the temple!!

Oh, & I'm taking my closet with me.....so don't ask or hint! I can rock my Steve Madden's or Jeffrey's anywhere, K?!

And no, we're not just kicking back on a hammock drinking from coconuts! We'll be busy running my in-law's successful family business & hoping to help expand it. Who knew my four semesters of Samoan at BYUH would came in handy (yeah like I remember!). It's not all that sad, since we're already planning for me and the babies to visit in April! (You know, to keep my sanity!) At least in Samoa I don't have an Alamoana or online shopping to tempt me, therefore I'll be returning on my visits with SAVINGS!!! Yeeyah, that's something to look forward to!

Anyways, gots some cleaning & packing to do.

p.s. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY SISTAH-FROM-ANOTHER-MISTAH "LANURRR"-nea Snow! 

We "the Aspinall's & Kaahanui's" LOVE YOU TO PIECES!!