10/1/17
Hi Son,Watching General conf. The last speaker on sunday, are you watching how & where? We will go eat at Scotts when it’s finished. I had a dream a couple of days ago that you came home to visit with us, we were all excited to see you? I must be missing you! Lol I know you’re in the right place though. I have been just working more because of all the cancelled flights to puerto rico/caribbean because of the Hurricanes. Weather is getting colder, not happy bout that, cause I love Summer! Grandma is still the same with her health no progress, still in pain, very sleepy and frail, pray for her. Celebrated Dad birthday on friday he turned 46yrs old went & ate lunch at Tucanos, just him & I, gate was in a ghost town now. And that night went to Hiona’s Dine and Dance and enjoyed NZ people and food. Also bought Mina some dresses for her Home Coming dance and prom. I keep forgetting to buy your camera as well, sorry. Well take care, we love you Mum and Dad xxx
Hello Tyrell,
I hope you had a great week! I did! I played at my friend’s house with Erana and had piano on Tuesday. Went to the store to get dad birthday gifts with mom and Erana and went to Arctic Circle for lunch this Friday. Played with Kage and Dray this Thursday and Friday. For dad’s birthday went to the kapahaka dine and dance thingy this Friday. Saturday, we went to Arctic Circle for and dinner. Today, we went to Kage and Dray’s house for dinner. I hope you have a great week, stay safe! I LOVE YOU!!!
Love, Leila XOXO
Hi Tyrell how is it going.I had so much fun on General Conference with Jaxon.Love erana xoxo.
Hi Tyrell,
Nothing much has happened this week so this letter will be short. I had no school on Friday so that was nice, I got to sleep in. School has been doing great, I have good grades. Bagpipe lessons are doing great too. I now have 20 subscribers on my channel. I finally got my ps4 camera so now we can get the just dance games for the ps4 and I can have a facecam in my youtube videos. Robert D. Hales died today so that was sad. He died at 85. That’s all I can think of this week so I hope you have a wonderful. Love, Jaxon XOXO
Hey Big Bro,
Did you see Mrs.T conduct the choir in the Saturday Afternoon Session? This week I had tennis regions and me and julie placed 3rd so we are going to state this Wednesday. I went to Lagoon after school on Wednesday with Julie’s family and Kristian. It was fun even though I was third wheeling most of the time (my life). We had a home football game this Friday, we lost against Riverton. It was a white out, afterwards I went to get a burrito at Sweeto Burrito. Sweeto Burrito is a place that opened up recently, it’s where the Chiku place used to be: Right next to Five Guys across our High School. It’s pretty good. There is a burrito called the Buff Chick and it has chicken, cheese, tater tots, rice, and hot sauce or ranch in it and it is yummy. I can’t wait to hear about your view on General Conference. My favorite talk was by the Elder Pingree. I also liked a quote from Elder Rasband which is “Nothing happens by ‘coincidence’ but by His divine design!” God knows all and designs all, there are no coincidences! Love and Miss you -Mina
10/8/17
Son,Hope all is well. I took Wednesday off work to watch Mina and Julie play in the State tournament. They played really well but lost the 3rd set. I bought them both a hoodie after the game that says State Tennis on it. I took Leila and Erana with me. The game was at Liberty Park right next to the Tracy Aviary so after I took the 2 little girls to that for a field trip. We had fun looking at all the different kinds of birds from around the world. Erana got lost for a little bit. I downloaded the audiobook of “They Saw Our Day” you told me about. It is really fascinating and enjoyed it a lot. Tomorrow I have off for Columbus Day. Jaxon and I went home teaching to the Hatch’s today. We also still see the Garcias, probably next Sunday. Keep working hard, be humble, trust in the Lord and the Spirit will guide.
Love Dad and Mum
Hello Tyrell,
I hope you had a great week! I had a pretty great one! On Friday, Erana and I went to Erana’s friend’s birthday party, it was super fun! Erana’s friend is in our ward, her name is Daphne. On the same day, Erana and I played at Kage’s for a while, and then I went to a Jazz game with Kage, Dray, and Aunty Heather. I was on the big screen 3 times! Well, the first time was only my shirt. I was so amazed when I saw real NBA basketball players! I one my basketball game with my winning shot! After that, Erana and I helped dad paint some parts of the house a little and then went to Kage’s to play. I did perfect on my piano recital, Erana did a few mess ups, but still did good. I’m going to have my birthday in 3 weeks! I hope you have a great week, stay safe! I LOVE YOU!
Love, Leila XOXO
Not much happened this week so my letter will be short. School’s been doing good for me, Brother Hill is the best seminary teacher ever!!! Bagpipe lessons are boring but Mom said I have to do them so. Before you come home I’m gonna look stronger than you and that i’ll beat you in an armwrestle. General Conference was fun last week, don’t you think? We went to Brother Ashworth’s Halloween party on Monday and I wore my Chewbacca onesie to the party. Leila and Erana had their piano recital on Tuesday but I didn’t go cause I had homework. That’s all I can remember so have an amazing week, can’t believe that you’re a year and a half away from coming back home!!! Love, Jaxon XOXO
Hi Tyrell, me and mom went to the witch breakfast, and when we went there we met Maya. One day I did my piano recital, first time I was a little bit nervous but I didn’t care but I messed up a little bit. Love, Erana XOXO
10/15/17
We missed hearing from you last Monday, you must of been busy! Grandma is not doing well and she has not been able to eat, because the pill she is taking for her cancer is making her not have an appetite and all food tastes like metal, she has no energy and sleeps alot, she looks very weak and frail. It could be her trial to endure this as much as she can if it’s God's will to take her then all our prayers for her to get better is not going to happen if it's her time to go. Our family is not going to be the same without her, very sad for us. Not sad for Mum cause she’ll be pain free and with her love. Anyway keep her in your prayers. We love you and keep you in our prayers always hope you are good and keeping yourself busy with the Lord's work! Love Mum and Dad xxxHi, Tyrell
Not much happened this week so this will be short. School’s been going great. We went to a festival near Aunty Tania’s house on Thursday. Then we went to Aunty Tania’s house for a chili competition. Aunty Heather and Uncle Scott were there too. There was yummy chili there and my favorite was a white chicken chili. It tasted like curry. And that chili won the competition and Mom was mad at me for voting for that chili. That’s the only interesting that happened this week so hope you have a great week. Love, Jaxon XOXO
Hello Tyrell,
I had a kind of fun week. Mom, Erana, and I went and helped grandma with some things, I forgot what day though. We went to a bee festival on Saturday and the only thing we did was the petting zoo, except mom and dad. After that, we went to Aunty Tania’s for the chili competition. Today, I had my interview with the Bishop and it went well. I hope you have a great week, stay safe! I LOVE YOU!
Love, Leila XOXO
Hi Tyrell,
I went to Aunty Tania’s for the chili contest. I’m about to go to Brinleys Birthday party. Love Erana xoxo
10/22/17
Hi Tyrell, Grandma just passed away on Saturday. I was really sad. That’s all I have to say this week so hope you have a great week and remember that Grandma is now happy to be with Grandpa Barney. Love, Jaxon XOXOHi Tyrell, I miss Grandma and I cried when she died. But I know that Grandma will meet Grandpa Barney, Love Erana xxx
Hello Tyrell,
Grandma passed yesterday. It went by so fast. She looks fine at your mission call party, but then gets sick and dies. At least she’s with Grandpa and her family and other loved ones. I miss her so much, but I know Grandma wants me to be happy. The day Grandma died, I went in the backyard and prayed to Heavenly Father, thanking him for taking Grandma into his loving home and giving her a wonderful life, and for helping her raise her own family. After, I looked up into the clouds, and I kind of saw Grandma’s face shaped into the clouds. I felt warm and happy after I said my prayer. I hope Grandma will be with you always on your mission, watching the wonderful things you do. I hope you have a great week, stay safe. I love you!
Love, Leila XOXO
Hi Son, We’ve had a very emotional past week, and you know why because you also we’re there with us at a very short special time on the phone. Your Grandma passed away very peacefully, Saturday morning at 11:58am, Dad, Jaxon, Leila and I were home, we we’re there just before but Dad came home to get family videos and Jaxon and Leila needed a shower, & I brought them. Mina, Aunty Moni, Aunty Charmaine, and Charilyn and Uncle Scott were in the room. Mina says she just stopped breathing while Aunty Charmaine was speaking to grandma. We had a tangi when we arrived at first I couldn’t cry, Dad though was crying alot. I cried later though, wasn’t sure why I couldn’t cry when I was with your Dad next to Grandma. It was a very beautiful day and all this happened over fall break. What a joyous reunion Grandma is having with Grandpa and loved ones in Heaven. Dad shared with everyone Grandma’s Patriarchal blessing and Uncle Scott shared a very spiritual sacred experience that her and Grandpa Barney had in the NZ Temple, which is too sacred to share until we speak with you face to face. I’m so happy you were able to say your goodbye to Grandma and she was able to say her last ‘Love you Tyrell’ to you! We are so blessed to have had a Mother/Grandma like her she is my greatest example of faith, patience and Charity. We are having her Funeral Service this Saturday and will let you know more the next Monday. Hope this is not distracting you from the work of the Lord, we love and pray for you and know you are doing your best, remember Grandma and her example and be like her. Love Mum and Dad xxx
Hey big bro. I know everyone is talking about Grandma’s passing but I also had something else going on this weekend. Me and my friends signed up for Questival. It’s this thing where you have a group of friends try to complete the most challenges within 24 hours, and you compete with other groups. The challenges are silly like “walk across a street like a zombie with your team” or “Find this mural in Salt lake City and take a pic” or “Float in the Great Salt Lake” and we completed a lot. At one point we were in first place, but ended up in 100th place out of 413 other people. We receive a free cotopaxi bag for signing up for this and it was fun. My group’s name was Tville Squad (Me, Julie, Kristian, Zach, Jordan, and Skylar), we went to bed sometime past 1 o’clock and woke up at 7. We slept over at Zach’s house, girls were on the top floor and boys were in the basement. But I went home early around 10am to go to grandma’s, luckily I did so I can spend the last few moments with her. To be honest, it was a very beautiful and peaceful moment when she passed away. It was as if it was sacred. She chose a perfect time to leave this mortal life, she made sure that none of her sons and daughter were there in the room. The only ones in the room was Aunty Charmaine (Grandpa Barney’s sister), Charilyn (Aunty Charmaine’s daughter), Aunty Monica, and me. Later on that day, I found a heavy box and it had all the names of the people she did temple work for, they were all completed! It had soooo many! It was amazing to know that she will be meeting all of those ancestors and names in heaven right now! I hope you are doing well Tyrell. I thought about you a lot during this time, guess what? Now you have two guardian angels right by your side during your mission, Grandpa and Grandma! and i’m pretty sure they want to help! Death is not a scary thing because Christ overcame it so we can also. I love you and can’t wait to hear from you. -Mina
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10/29/17
Hi Son,We’ve had a hard couple of weeks, the week that Grandma passed away and this past week of her funeral. Hard because we were so busy with helping get grandma’s funeral organized and friends and family came from Texas, NZ, Japan and all over. Trying to do that and our callings, kids school… things just got put on hold for a while. But we had sorrow, joy and lots of love and laughing with everyone. Mum had the most beautiful send off, you can probably see all the happenings on fb if you’re allowed to view it. I’ve posted things on our fb page. I also managed to send you a package before Halloween, you should’ve received it by now. Dad even bought him a new suit for the services, I got you a new black one too, and a black coat. I will be mailing them soon. Did grandma ever write to you or did she just email you, if you have hand written letters or cards from her please cherish them and keep them safe, so I can put them in your scrapbook. Not going to say much about the events, only that your Dad gave a very funny talk for funeral service and I was told by people that his was the best! I also did the karanga at the gravesite to call grandma to her final resting place which is a Maori custom, I had to call it over while the bagpipes were playing. Also interesting is that Grandma’s funeral was October 28th and that’s the same day her and grandpa Barney was sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. I hope you get to see some of it, might make you emotional, that’s ok we’ve been crying everyday since grandma has passed away. Time will heal and also knowing that she is with her love and loved ones and that we will see her again. Hope all is well with you let us know if you need anything. We love you and pray for you Mum and Dad xxx
Hi Tyrell,
We had the family viewing for Grandma on Thursday. Then on Friday we had the actual viewing. Then Saturday was the funeral. The funeral was great except for the crying part. Dad gave his remarks and everyone loved Dads talk better than anyone else. His talk was funnier, a lot of people call him buns of steel now. The Moleni’s sang a beautiful song. Uncle Jody sang a song too and another song with Mele Fifita. After the program we went to the cemetery to take Grandma to her grave. I was one of the pallbearers. Then after we did the haka and it was super loud and powerful people started crying. Everyone’s voice changed after the haka because we were yelling the haka at the top of our lungs. We went back to the stake center to eat food and the food was delicious. I slept over at Uncle Vaughn's house with Mina, Talia, Julia, Melia, Maddie, Savanna, and other cousins. Then on Sunday we celebrated Leila’s birthday at Auntie Heather’s house. That’s all I can think of so hope you have a wonderful week and remember to keep doing what you're doing. Love, Jaxon XOXO
Hi Tyrell,
It was Leilas birthday. We had fun at Gardner Village. We went to JBS for breakfast. And we went downtown to see the temple. Love, Erana XOXO
Hey Big Bro, Grandma’s funeral was very beautiful. During the burial, all of the men did the haka at her gravesite and it was surprisingly the most powerful haka i’ve ever witnessed. It made me cry! All of the granddaughters had real flower leis throughout the day, and then we placed them on grandma’s casket before they lowered her down into the earth. The boys did the same with their boutonnieres they each received. We had dad’s temple view boy friend stay over at our house. His name was Sheldon. He was sleeping in Jaxon’s room and I forgot, Mom told me to “Go wake up Jaxon!” early saturday morning and I went into Jaxon’s room and switched on the lights and Sheldon jerked awake and I was like “Oh shoot sorry, you're not Jaxon!” haha, Daniel Golder came too. We met with family almost every single day this week and I really enjoyed it. It was the closest i’ve ever felt with the family. Grandma’s grave is just right across the street near the front of the cemetery ish. I hope all is well in North Carolina! Love you- Wiramina
Hello Tyrell,
We had Grandma’s funeral on Saturday, it was sad and happy. Before that, on Friday, Kage, Jonah, and Jenna - my best friend, and I went to the witches breakfast, and a witch said she would find a girlfriend for Jonah XD. And she actually did! After that, we played a little at my house til’ I went to my orthodontist appointment. Then we went to Grandma’s viewing. My birthday was today! I can’t wait to go to young women’s! We had breakfast downtown at JB’s with Uncle Scotty and Aunty Toby, Aunty Tania and Uncle Brent, and Kage’s family. Next, we met up with Uncle Shaun and Uncle Jared with some of their family, and went and walked around temple square. We had dinner at Kage’s and I opened up some presents. I hope you have a great week, stay safe! I LOVE YOU!
Love, Leila XOXOi. Love Leila xox
