Deuces

Dear Lauren,
Today's my Friday. Me and Ti are heading up to Utah tomorrow. Can't wait to see you! Peace out Vegas.
-Kiki

Tagged

I'm up way too early. I just dropped off the boys and Misi at the airport. The kids are off of school for Spring Break so they're heading up to Utah to spend time with Lauren.
The sun came out on my drive and when I got home I seen this lovely piece of artwork.

I like Siope's version.

Cool fact about my boys: They're lefties... all 3 of them. How that happened - I do not know.

4.15.11

A Weekend in Vegas With the Falatea's

I have been SUPER homesick since I've been back in Vegas. I really really really treasured the family time that was shared while we were out visiting Lauren. I miss being close to them. I think a lot about how nice it would be to move back so that I could see Lauren and the rest of my family more frequently. This past weekend was General Conference. Since my Dad didn't have any church meetings, he and my mom decided to come out and visit. Originally Neo was going to come with him, but she gave up her spot to let Sila's kids come out. I've missed these kids so much! I can't believe how much they've grown and matured. I've gotten the opportunity to really bond with them while Lauren's been in the hospital. They're so smart and humble. Since Sila is at the hospital all day Vince, Constance, and Misi kinda hop around from house to house. Someone will pick them up after school and they'll be at one of their grandparents or uncles/aunts house until Sila and Abe pick them up at night to go home and do it all again. I've never heard them complain. Sometimes they prefer a certain house over another, but these kids are patient and full of love. I was so happy to see them. All they wanted to do was swim, swim, swim... so that we did. Their trip was short, but I was so happy just to be able to hug them. In our Moala family I feel like what brings us all together (especially the in-laws) are our kids. The nieces and nephews are so comfortable around Ti Tonga, Kauasi, and Abe. I'm glad that although we live in different states, our kids are so close still. I love hearing them express their love for each other. Whenever we leave I hear the kids tell their cousins that they love them and they'll miss them. While Vince and them were out here I heard him say, "I love that you guys live in Las Vegas." I guess that makes me feel a little better about not living in Utah. I'm glad they enjoy coming out to visit.

MJ In the Building!

This past weekend was so busy at work. Michael Jordan hosted his Celebrity Invitational here. They normally hold it in the Bahamas and for the first time they brought it to Vegas. And not just anywhere in Vegas, but at Aria! It was crazy. They had the red carpet right behind the front desk and I've never seen so many celebrities in such a short amount of time. The super cool thing about it is all the money that they're able to raise for charitable organizations. Look at which organization was on the list...Yay! Cool huh?! Ren has been working with the Make a Wish team and so this was really cool for me to see. I'm assuming that the tournament was a success because Michael Jordan will be hosting the invitational at Aria & Shadow Creek for the next 3 years.

A Life Worth Celebrating: 12 yrs of Lauren

Our family after we got the news that Ren's surgery was successful

Tuesday March 22nd we celebrated Lauren's 12th birthday. Just a couple days before we were told that she had a 10-20% chance of surviving an operation on her lungs. She is absolutely amazing and we are so blessed to have her in our lives.

Sila and Neo decorated Ren's room for her special day. It turned out so cute!

^She got a new room... with windows!

^The hospital made this banner

^Little Misi picked out these balloons

All of Rennie's grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins were there. We had a room set aside for us and we had pizza and cake for everyone to enjoy while we each rotated on visiting with her.

^gift from Uncle Doug & Auntie Trina.
She looked so cute wearing them in her hospital bed

Sila's kids got special permission to visit with Ren. They sang to her and Sila said that Constance even busted out some dance moves :)

^Sten was here

Although the hospital was probably the last place Ren would've liked to spend her birthday I know she is aware of the battle she is facing. I don't know if she knows the extent, but she knew that she was undergoing surgery and that she had to fight to make it. I have never seen someone with so much strength as hers. Spending time at Primary Children's has totally changed my outlook on life. I'm so grateful for my family and the bond that we share. I am grateful beyond words for Lauren's life and feel like the luckiest person to be able call myself HER aunt.

Happy Birthday Grandpa

Mote: "Happy birthday Grandpa!!"

Grandpa: "Thank you Mote!"

Mote: "How old are you Grandpa?"

Grandpa: *laughs* "I'm an old man."

Mote: "But how old are you Grandpa?"

Grandpa: "61"

Mote: "60 months?! ... I knew it!!"

On My Knees

Right after I got off the phone with Sila I dropped to my knees and plead to my Father in Heaven in prayer. As I waited in the airport I prayed. Throughout my flight I prayed. I'm not sure if I have ever prayed so much before. I got on my knees before I went to sleep on my Mom's couch last night and woke up the next day and got back in that same position. Prayers at the hospital. Last night me and Sten said a prayer before bed and she asked if she could say it. This morning I prayed with my Mom & Dad before my mom left to work. And a couple hours later I bowed my head as my Dad gave Vince a blessing. Text messages have been continually coming through my phone asking how everything's going and how they can help. You can help by saying a prayer for our sweet Rennie. Whether it be on your knees or a little prayer in your heart for her. I looked up after our prayer with my mom and Dad and seen this picture
On the floor next to me was Constance. Above her on the smaller couch was where Ruby Mei was asleep. My parent's bedroom was just 5 steps away. And across the dining room table in the TV room was where Fatu, Misi, Vince and little Misi were all sleeping. Everyone was spread out on floors or couches. There were pillows and blankets of all kind that had been brought out. This home is filled with love. It is overflowing. I am so grateful for our family and for having my parents and siblings to lean on when my faith and hope start to waver. I have a testimony of prayer and of the plan of salvation. Everything now is in the Lord's hands. Pray for our sweet Lauren. From our family to yours- ofa atu. Thank you.