Erana's Sacrament Talk

Live Up to Your Privileges

Good morning everybody, my name is Erana Wihongi, and today I have been given the opportunity to speak on Sister Emily Belle Freeman's talk, “Live Up to Your Privileges” from General Conference October 2024.

When you hear the word privilege, what do you think of? For me, I think of a wealthy or well-off person. 

Well, the real definition of privilege is someone of a particular group with a special right, advantage, immunity, or benefit.

Sister Freeman in her talk often emphasizes that understanding and wielding priesthood ordinances and covenant promises will help us access God's power, and that is her version of living up to our Privileges as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and specifically as women part of the church.

Sister Freeman says, “Priesthood ordinances and covenant promises allow God to sanctify us and then work wonders in our lives. But how does this happen?”

She goes on to say that we must first manifest God's power from ordinances through the authority from the Son of God. The way I interpret this is that as a girl, I can learn from the example of my father who has the priesthood and has shown me bits of its power every time I am blessed for being sick, whenever I get a calling at church, or at the beginning of every school year.

The second step on this is that we don't just make covenant promises, we must keep them.

A few Sundays ago in my young women's class, my mum taught a lesson on covenant promises and I learned how a covenant with God is two-way and that God will always keep his promises. Knowing God always keeps his side of his promises, to me, is encouraging and lets me know he'd never leave me. It also means that every time that a covenant is broken, it is because of me, but because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, I can repent and start over again. And again as you strive to keep your covenants with HeavenlyFather, he will bless you.

Even knowing these things, Sister Emily Freeman still wondered if she fully knew how to access the gift of God's power through priesthood ordinances and if she recognized how God's power worked within her.

Sister Freeman also talks about Emma Smith and her duty in Doctrine and Covenants section 25. Reading this section, the Lord tells Emma right off the bat that she is His daughter, and that all who receive His gospel are his sons and daughters, part of his kingdom. I really love verses 2 through 4 which say:

“2 A revelation I give unto you concerning my will; and if thou art faithful and walk in the paths of virtue before me, I will preserve thy life, and thou shalt receive an inheritance in Zion.

3 Behold, thy sins are forgiven thee, and thou art an elect lady, whom I have called.

4 Murmur not because of the things which thou hast not seen, for they are withheld from thee and from the world, which is wisdom in me in a time to come.”

Emma must've also wondered the same things of her duty and place in God's plan that Sister Freeman wondered, and she also must've been scared or lonely at times as she had also lost her baby boy at this time. But these three verses from God assure her that as she keeps on walking on His covenant path, He will preserve her life and she will receive an inheritance in Zion. That he has forgiven her and sees her as an elect lady, elect meaning he has chosen her. And in the final verse, I would personally find it comforting that I do not have to worry about things I don't know yet, but that God knows these things and I can trust that He'll also let me know them when the time is right.

The Lord gave Emma purpose and she grew to learn her place in His plan, and through revelation learned about sanctification and covenant connection that would increase the priesthood ordinances working in her life. Her work in the Restoration was great as a daughter of God, and she learned how to recognize and use the priesthood to her advantages on His covenant path. Truly, living up to her Privileges.

I know that just like Emma, through the priesthood and the covenants I make with God, He can transform me into the person I need to be to have my eternal destiny. I know that I am a daughter of God and that I am also a disciple of Christ. I know God loves me and He has shown me that every time I turn to him each day and each week. And I also know that as a daughter of God, I can wield the priesthood and do good in these latter-days.

And in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

February 2026 - Mum's 51th Birthday

 2/23/26

Talofa Sister Wihongi, 

Monday 2nd, Erana and I went to another concert but at TVille High with ‘James Thorup’. It was a bit cringey. What was nice the first person that performed first was Ben Taylor, I thought he looked familiar and the name sound familiar. Well it turned out that I was right, it was Mina’s friend from High School and she had made a music video for him, he sang a nice song. 

Friday February 13th, Dad, baby and I went back to St. George to stay there till Monday. Baby and I had a long weekend off from School. And had no plans so we decided to go and stay with Uncle Shaun & Aunty Christine again, since last time was too short. We got an ice-cream at the Cheese Factory in Beaver. When we got to St.George, I made Curry Chicken dinner for everyone. Shaun took, Dad and Baby to get some dessert, they came back with bananas, ice-cream and toppings to make banana splits. We went to one of their condos hot tubs and lounged there for a while. They have firepits too, we sat around one, it was hot. Saturday morning after breaky we went with Shaun to the Main pool area to make Valentines gifts, we made heart finger print key chains and magnets. Then we went and picked up Gracie, and went to visit Maddie and Nephi, and the new baby - ‘Saint Mahia’. They have a nice home, Ziah and Dad were bonding, playing with playdoh. Later Shaun, Christine, Dad & I went to Mesquite to have the All You Can Eat Seafood Buffet. The buffet was ok lol, Shaun and I mainly just ate the Crab legs, they were yummy. We went to the same hot tubs again and relaxed.

Sunday went to their ward sacrament, it was packed full of visitors. Shaun and Christine stayed for classes, we came home with Gracie after sacrament. Connor and Jamie, they work on Sundays, they both seem to be work-a-holics. Christine made a yummy chuck roast dinner, with roasted potatoes. Monday we had breaky and then packed up and came home. While I was driving home I noticed I was getting sick. Tuesday I was sick, I was having bad allergies sickness. Congested, sinus, runny nose, like I usually have BUT I also had sore achy muscles and my tmj in my jaw was painful. So I put a hot bean bag on my jaw…. and didn’t know till Thursday afternoon that I had burned my skin on my face from the hot bean bag. Wednesday I didn’t go to work or to our YW activity, I was still too sick. Thursday I substituted for the Librarian and Science. Thursday was my 51st birthday, Dad, Tyrell, Alisa and I went and ate at The Cheesecake Factory. I ordered spicy ginger beef tenderloins, Dad had Steak Diane, Tyrell got shrimp gumbo and Alisa got 5 cheese pasta. Dad got me a slice of mango and lime cheesecake. When we got home, we used it for my birthday cake, Dad bought be a neck massager (Christine had the same one). Jaxon bought me a candle and a can opener. Saturday I tried cleaning and de junking, ended up putting our leather couches on FB Marketplace and in the afternoon, some guy came and took them away - that was quick!. Now I have to go find a new couch and chair for our room. On Sunday we celebrated my birthday again, I had tried to make the same dinner Jay got, Steak Diane. But I used chuck roast, and it turned out yummy. Mina and Tane bought me a bag of New Zealand treats, and Tyrell and Alisa made me a pavlova. Monday after work I took a nap, still my jaw has been painful. Scott and Heather came over with a mango cake from Tous Le Jour, and Scott gave me $50. 

January 2026 - Jaxon's 22nd Birthday

1/19/2026

Hello Sister Wihongi, I'm sure everyone else told you about Christmas and new years already. So I'll tell you the things you maybe don't know yet. Alisa’s dog Harry passed away right before new years. It happened so fast we noticed he was acting very strange. Trouble breathing, would wander around at night, and refuse to sleep and eat, wouldn't lay down either. We took him to the hospital a couple times, but eventually in the end we learned he had cancer and bleeding in the heart so we had to put him down. Alisa was so heartbroken for days. Alisa and I found out she was pregnant back in October. The baby is doing well now and it's going to be a girl. Shes expected in early July. We made raspberry cream puffs to reveal the gender to the family last Sunday. We have some ideas for names but we don't want to reveal anything yet. Other than that we've just been working. I've working and boxing still. Right now we're just watching the college football championship game with Alisa's family. Anyways, we miss and love you! Hope you are doing well, you are doing an amazing work keep it up! 

Love Tyrell and Alisa

1/20/2026

Talofa Sister Wihongi, 

January 6th we had a combined YM/YW activity. We went to the Murray Ice Rink and did some ice skating. Erana was like a beginner and she was holding onto the side walls. I decided to skate too, since I hadn’t done it for yonks. It was ok, but I was more unstable than I thought I would be. My legs got tired easily, and I fell over and conked my head right in front of the Young Men leaders lol, yup it was embarrassing. We had yummy hot cocoa afterwards. 

Erana had her Piano Recital on Wednesday 14th, at Daynes Music. We went an hour early so she could practice lol. And lucky we did, cause she needed it lol. But she was awesome when it was her turn. We couldn’t eat at Arctic Circle on State street, it was being remodeled. We ate at Freddy’s instead, they had yummy burgers and shakes and fried cheese curd. 

I had a 4 day weekend, which was nice. Friday Dad and I went and did some sealings at the TVille Temple. On Sunday the Young Women sang at the Old people’s home (Monument Health) is what it’s called now. I just keep calling it The Bennion Care Center lol. Alisa and Tyrell made cream puffs and hid the gender of their baby in the cream puffs. It was fun and yummy, and yay - it’s a GIRL! Now we are waiting for Mina and Tane to find out. How exciting aye! Dad went and shot his new gun on Monday, while Erana and I went thrifting and ate lunch at Tous Les Jour. We got some good finds, especially a couple of temple dresses. I will need them if I ever get to work in the Temple. 

1/26/26

Today is Monday, January 26th. I’m typing this at work. I don’t have much to do at work since it’s the beginning of the term. I study my scriptures and listen to Youtube podcasts on the Come Follow Me lesson for the week. We didn’t get to talk with you yesterday, you were busy. Hope you had a nice Zone PDay. Don’t forget to send us an email, it doesn’t have to be long, or write in your journal. Wednesday Mutual was an activity at the Seminary chapel and building by TVille, for all youth. They talked about the new Youth theme this year ‘Walk with God’ and about Seminary. Dad’s been writing a lot of AI songs, as you already know. He loves doing that now, it’s his new fun hobby and I like his songs. Baby went to a Youth Dance on Saturday at the SLCC institute building - I’ll let her tell you about it. I went to Uncle Richards Saturday morning and did some carving. I started Dad’s tewhatewha. Uncle doesn’t like President Trump, it’s because he’s probably watching the normal news on tv, plus his daughter in law is from Canada and they probably didn’t like it when President Trump said he wanted to take over Canada. He’s like Grandpa Pat lol. Looking forward to going to Vegas this Friday, to see the New Edition, Boys to Men and Toni Braxton concert. Love you Mum & Dad xxx

1/28/26

Talofa Sis. Wihongi,

Wednesday January 28th, Jaxon is 23 years old. He’s handsome, a friend to everyone, a little silly, likes to make people laugh, he’s loving and kind. 

He works with Ceedrek doing road construction sporadically when it’s nice weather. It’s winter so now he’s off of work, and he sleeps all day, not sure what he’s doing at night time in his room. He goes out and hangs with his cousins Talia and her husband Nate, Melia, Zion. He says they play games and watch anime. He also hangs with ‘the boys’, Ceedrek and Vintrick. 

He’s been going to his Uncle Clint’s house to play the drums which he’s pretty good at (even though I would prefer he stay home and practice his bag pipes). His Uncle Clint plays his electric guitar and sings, not sure who else is in their band. 

He has family scripture reading and prayer with us each day. He takes Noah Schwenke? to his church every Sunday. That’s if he’s not playing sick from staying up the night before. 

He’s been watching an anime with his minihim (Erana), they both have similar interests. Jaxon is fun to hang with. I wish he would spend more time with us on Sundays after dinner, watching our movie or in general.

He’s a little chubby or solid built is what Aunty Lian calls it, it’s because he eats a ton! And I haven’t seen him work out for a while. 

He’s on my mind, worries me a lot with the choices he’s made. Sometimes I just wanna give him a whack! lol I hope he knows Dad and I love him very much and want the best for him. He’s constantly in our prayers. He will always be my Sunshine! - Mum

1/31/26

On Friday 1/23 we drove to Las Vegas. We stopped at Beaver and got an ice cream. I had a pretzel piece ice cream with caramel and peanut butter and another flavor with chunks in it that I can’t remember. Mum had licorice and huckleberry. The weather has been unusually warm lately like it’s early spring already. We were able to get a coat hanger out of the car and roast some cheese curds around the outdoor fires they have. We drove on and filled gas up in St George since I forgot to in Beaver. I drove to Las Vegas and we went to eat at the Korean BBQ place Captain 6 first thing. We had lots of meats, short ribs, pork bulgogi and side dishes. It was nice but I didn’t get overly stuffed. After that we checked into our hotel Excalibur and rested a bit before getting ready to go to the concert which started at 8pm but we were going to start walking over there at 7pm. Mum and Erana dressed up nice. Our seats were ok, probably not any better than our last ones. Before the show the DJ played old songs and stopped the music to see if we knew the rest of the words. The audience did. I knew most songs until they played weird rap ones. When the show started New Edition, Boyz II Men, and Toni Braxton came out in the opening song. Then they took turns singing a song or 2 before switching to the next group. It was a fun concert but the singing mics especially for Toni Braxton weren’t loud or clear enough to hear the words. This is Mum now - we were in a crowd of black people, the occasional white person, but behind us were 4 white people and of course they were noisy and sometimes annoying. The guy behind Jaxon let everyone know within his shouting range that he’s an atheist, especially yelling that out when the singers were praising God. Dad’s being too nice, the sound system was crap, we paid $200 each and we could see the singers singing, their mouths would move but we heard nothing, especially with Toni Braxton, I felt bad for her. Anyways we overall had an enjoyable time. The weather was so nice, thought it was going to be cold, but we were hot with the clothes we wore. Jaxon and Erana went on the NYNewYork Roller Coaster. Saturday we slept in close to check out. We went to China Town and had yummy Korean Corn Dogs. We ate some yummy pastries at 85°C Bakery Cafe, walked around a little and also got bobba’s. Jaxon drove to Uncle Shauns’s home. They have a new home in a quiet community that's close to the border of Arizona. They also have a community swimming pool they can go to, and it’s the biggest one in the state of Utah. Also a wave pool is being built close by as well. Their house was beautiful and like minimalist living, they bought pizza for dinner. Uncle Shaun took Dad and Jaxon for a ride around in their golf cart. Afterwards Gracie took, Aunty, me and Erana for a ride too, while she was driving, Christine kept telling Gracie she was driving too fast and careless, it was funny! Dad showed Uncle and Aunty his AI songs, they loved them. Uncle Shaun wanted them, but Dad hasn’t put them on Youtube yet, that’s what he’s working on now. Aunty Christine purged her closest, and gave me tons of clothes, I went through them all while we were there. She had some really nice dresses, I was fortunate to receive them. I kept some stuff for you too. 

We slept in on Sunday and ate breaky and sadly we had to leave, so I could get home and make dinner for Jaxon’s birthday. But we ended up buying KFC before we got home and Tyrell and Alisa made Jaxon a Tres Leches cake. 

December 2025

12/7

Hello Leila, I love you. Very very much. It’s max day tomorrow in my weight training class, so I want to get better than 55lbs for my bench (my goal is at most 75), 73lbs in my squat (100 for my goal), 65lbs for my clean (75 for my goal), and 150 for my dead lift (200 for my goal). I had a dream 2 days ago that I was a tall muscular girl (I had abs and biceps but in the normal female way not in a steroid manly way), and I also was in some sort of superhero group because I had powers where I had fast reflexes and I could jump really high. The guys in my group all liked me but I had an asian short king boyfriend so everyone was jealous of him lol. We have cereal that’s green balls because it’s Wicked themed (wizard of oz), and I’ve been craving it and it’s just in our pantry but I haven’t eaten it yet. I’ve not been good at eating lately. Kiko found out how to get under the blanket on my bed so he likes to sleep under the blanket now. I’ve had time to know you were my best friend and now my best friend is gone :(, but that’s okay.  I don’t really do much these days, but I probably should. I think I’ve been mentally drained by PoP because I have not gone to pop in weeks. I feel bad but it just makes me feel awkward because I’m always there in the class we’re supposed to be in, waiting for people to come and for pop to start while I know they’re just mucking around outside in the halls. Tausala isn’t happening next year so that made me sad. I want to dance because I like to dance but now there’s no tausala and I just get stressed with pop. I’m also in key club, a community service club, and there’s a asian boy in that club that I thought was cute but he straight up talked to my asian friend whom he doesn’t know and looked like he wanted to befriend her and completely ignored me (I was sitting right next to her), so I have no chance with him as I assume he likes asian people that look asian (I’ve noticed most of the people he hangs out with are asian because they look asian). Oh well. I wanna start reading again because I read a few books last year and a little bit in the beginning of the year, but I had a burn out for the rest of the year because I literally couldn’t read another page of the Percy Jackson series. I’m still in that burn out, but I can’t stop thinking about Mistborn because I love it so much and you should’ve read it because it’s so good but that’s okay because you can read it when you get back, but I just want to read the first book again.  So, since I keep on thinking about how I should probably read the second book, but I’ve been dreading it because Mina said it wasn’t as good as the first. Anyways, goodbye. - Love Erana

12/11

Tonight is our Ward Christmas Party, I’m wearing my new Christmas sweater I got thrifting - I love it! Erana and I went thrifting yesterday, she got her red Christmas sweats, and a cool beanie, it has Big Foot on it lol I scored me a beautiful temple dress, I’m going to wear it this Friday. Dad and I been buying lots of stuff from Amazon, gifts for Christmas, stocking stuffers etc Christmas is stressful lol Got our family Christmas cards yesterday. Weather’s been nice, no snow yet, only in the mountains. Dad and I been busy with our callings, Dad especially, a lot of people in our ward need help, moving, need blessings etc. 

12/12

Today is Friday 12th - The ward party was enjoyable, we had ham, scalloped potatoes, green salad, rolls and pies. TVille Madrigals came and performed their holiday christmas songs for us, they were cool. 

Last week of School we had Spirit Week. And it was themed with Christmas stuff ie. Red/Green, Tinsel/Sparkly, Ugly Sweaters, Bows/ties, Pjs. It was fun!

12/21

Sunday 21st, we had our Wihongi Whanau Christmas Party at Uncle Jared's house. After we ate we had a Christmas message from Jared and also watched an old family video from 2014. We enjoyed yummy food. I had made Lupulu and Chop Suey (my chopsuey did not turn out the way I wanted it to). We played White Elephant. I had put together our White Elephant gifts from stuff in our home. One bag was purple themed with a Harry Potter lunch box that had Mum’s Hymn book in it, hat, scarf and gloves, treats. The other bag was blue, had blue hat, scarf and gloves, nativity picture, a nativity, Away in the Manger book, and a brownie kit. Lawson got the purple bag and Louisa got the blue one. I had pulled #3 and I chose Minas' gift which was a basket with towels, candle etc which got stolen from me by Alisa and then Talia stole it from her. I swapped my Chocolates with Alessandra’s ‘Golem Fugler’, for Tristan. Erana swapped her gift with Maya. I gave my siblings gifts out, which were Korean sauces and sparkly. Heather gave me a Trader Joes bag of goodies. Jared gave me chocolates. Jody didn’t get us gifts but later sent us a Megaplex gift card. 

12/22-23

Monday to Tuesday, went shopping with Baby to find a gift for Sawyer. We got a couple of things but ended up with a Shrimp squishy holding a pringle container, and so we got him the same pringles to eat. Erana and I handed out all our neighbors and church friends gifts. 

12/24

Christmas Eve, I made Shrimp soup, and we had ribs from Maceys, a shrimp platter. Tyrell and Alisa didn’t eat with us cause they had Alisa’s family activity to go to. But they came over to do Secret Siblings. Baby had painted Jaxon a picture of Psyduck and Akaza off of Demon Slayer, it was cool! She also bought him a beanie with Big Foot on it. Tyrell got Baby a Pokemon card package. Mina got some nail/beauty things from Alisa. Jaxon bought Tane a t-shirt and gift card. We made gingerbread men cookies and decorated them. Dad chose Erana’s cookie for Santa’s plate. Mina and Tane slept over. 

12/25

Christmas morning, we slept in. When Tyrell and Alisa arrived we did stockings and opened Christmas gifts. I had bought Jaxon an AI Jesus picture of Jesus protecting a lamb from wolves. I thought it was the best gift lol But Mina gave me a gift. I opened it up and saw a baby ultrasound that said Best gift ever! I was sooo happy and then Alisa gave me her gift, it was practically the same thing - whoah!!! So both of them are having babies, in June and they are about 2 weeks apart from each other. I was soooo excited, and I was thinking of what my Moko’s can call me. I watched a KDrama and the kids were calling their Grandma ‘Halmeoni’, I like that so I’ve decided that’s my grandma name lol.

Scott, Heather and Dray joined us for Christmas Dinner. Mina and Tane didn’t eat with us since they were going to Fisi’s house to eat. We had Prime Rib Steaks, mashed potatoes, steamed squash and salad. We hung out, you called. 

In between Christmas and New Years, I had gone shopping to look at the Christmas clearances, at Walmart. And then did very little each day, cleaned, ate, watched Kdrama’s ate again, and again lol. 

12/31

New Years Eve we celebrated at our home. I made Clam Chowder and a bacon and egg pie. I got some KFC, Mina paid for that. We had pizza, little sausages, chips and dip, veges and fruit and oreo rice krispie treats. Jaxon took Dray and Jonah with him to his Uncle Clints house. We played games (2025 Trivia-Dad won, Jack Box 11, a card game) and Jared and his family showed up after 830pm, Jared was flying in from Orlando. He brought us a package of Party Poppers, they were fun to shoot off when we rang in the New Year!

November 2025

 11/2/25

Hello Sister Wihongi

A lot has probably happened since last time I wrote to you but I can't remember anything lol. Leading up to Halloween Alisa and I carved pumpkins with her sister Kayla and Dodge. Alisa and I did scary creepy faces and Kayla and dodge did cute ones. For Halloween Alisa and I went to Chinatown in the morning and bought some yummy treats. I bought lemon egg tarts and candied hawthornes. I dont know what a Hawthorne is but it's like a sour plum the size of a strawberry. Anyways so good you'll have to try. Then at 6pm we went to Aunty Heathers for Halloween party. Alisa wore my fedex clothes, and I just wore a big box lol. We ate yummy boil up, chowder, chilli, and pizza. Then we went out for a walk around the neighborhood to see everyone's decorations and stuff. It was kinda sad because the streets were empty, there was hardly anyone out trick or treating. So sad not like what it used to be. Some nights Alisa and I would play phasmophobia online with Tane and Mina, a scary ghost hunting game lol. We watched all of demon slayer again and a show called Wednesday about Wednesday Adams. Oh I had an interview with Delta, but unfortunately I didn't get the job. I'll try again tho. Anyways that's all I remember. We love you and hope you're doing well. You're doing an awesome job!

Love, Alisa and Tyrell

11/14/25

Talofa Sister Wihongi,

I went to our work free Stamp In up giveaway at Murray District building parking lot. It was my first year going to get free stuff. I should’ve taken a wagon, there were lots of serious people there who came prepared lol Anyways I had 20mins to grab as much as I could because I still had to go pick up Erana and kids from school. I grabbed an empty box and filled it with free paper, stamp kits, markers, bags, ribbon, string, paint, pill boxes, cut outs. My box was soooo heavy. I squatted down to pick something up, and couldn’t get back up lol a lady had to help me! 

Most of my free stuff I gave it away to my teachers and I made a back full of everything for Sharlene Coombs in our ward, she appreciated it a lot. 

Today is Friday 14th, had a busy week. Monday, Erana and went to Murray High’s School play, ‘Once Upon a Mattress’. It was funny and I got to see some of my old students perform, and an old student saw me and said Hello and everything he’s a senior now, sadly I couldn’t remember his name. Also I posted a photo of Eran and I on our whanau chat and Jaxon compared my hairstyle to a japanese guy who has no hair on the top part of his head. It was so funny that Erana and I cracked up laughing and couldn’t stop. Wednesday the youth had a Stake Carnival. Each ward did a booth, and they had cotton candy and popcorn and you could win small prizes, they handed out colored tickets. The girls weren’t sure what the tickets were for. There were also spiritual booths, and I told the girls that I had a similar stake activity when I was a teenager and the more spiritual tickets you have probably means you go to the Celestial Kingdom. And I was pretty much right, they ended it as where do you spend most of your time. Who do you give your time to? And if you had white tickets from the spiritual booths you were giving your time to the Lord. 

Last night baby and I went to the Relief Society Friendship dinner. We ate a Thanksgiving dinner, I tried to not eat carbs. Because we had already ate McDs cause I forgot we had this argh! Anyways let us know how your transfer went, and Sonia La’ulu says that her Husbands Dad is from that village you transferred to.Today I’m taking Baby to her Drivers Learners License test, hopefully she’ll pass, cause I don’t know if she studied for it lol. Aunty Heather said, it took 5x for Dray to pass lol. So hopefully she won’t take that many times hehee. 

Love you Mum and Dad

Update: Erana did pass her driver learners permit test on the 2nd try. 

Hey Sister Wihongi!

A lot has happened, sorry I haven't been writing a lot. I got a new job as Intake coordinator at Hopeful Beginnings. I just verify new patient insurances so patients can start therapy (social work). I was sad to leave my old job because my old job was so chill and had such kind people, it was so chill that I just watch YouTube while I worked all day. Anyways, training at this new job is soooo stressful. The training was terrible and I just am faking it till I make it. I applied for this job because it pays more, I can work from home, and I get Friday off since I work 10 hr shifts. But holy cow is it stressful! I just gotta pray and pray that everything will be okay. My photography has slowed down but I don't even feel like doing it anymore with this new job… we'll see. Have you read your patriarchal blessing recently? We had a lesson on it to teach our Sunday school class (11/12 yr olds) not too long ago and no one in our class knew what it was. Anyways, we love you heaps! Keep fighting!! Gambare!

Love you,

Mina and Tane

Thursday November 26th - ThanksGiving Day!

Talofa Sister Leila Wihongi, 

Woke up earlier to put my brined Turkey in the oven. Dad and I watched the ‘Macy’s Parade’ on t.v. We celebrated Thanksgiving at your Uncle Scott’s home. We had a ton of food, Mina did the mashed potatoes and stuffing. Tyrell and Alisa made ‘cream puff’s’. We had turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, grilled veges, corn, gravy, cranberry sauce. We had too many pies, pumpkin, lemon, banana, chocolate and a cheesecake. And it was just us and Scott’s family, you know this cause you called and was talking with us with Kage lol. Mina took photos of Uncle's family, sadly we didn’t - I regret. Dad and I and Erana were the only ones to get in the hot tub. We listened to New Edition and other old songs. It was nice and relaxing but it was also kind of a boring Thanksgiving this year. We need to make family traditions, like add a spiritual thought, take family photos, and play fun games together - next year! 

I gave out the Secret Siblings list to everyone, you are exempt for this year lol 

Arohanui Mum and Dad xxx

October 2025 - Leila's 20th Birthday

Friday October 3rd. Aunty Dolly Baker’s funeral was today. This morning when I dropped off the kids at school, I got a watermelon and doughnuts from Walmart to take for the funeral. Family gathered for the viewing. Dad, Erana and I sat together. Mina and Tane were there also, Mina was taking photos of the service. Aunt Dolly’s kids and a few grand kids spoke. Craig, Aunty Dolly’s son said a shocker in his talk…. When his son Ashton was born…“he didn’t know whether his Mum was crying because of how small Ashton's penis was”... everyone was laughing and probably feeling a little awkward too. I enjoyed Kimberly (Oldest Daughter) and Aunty Raihi’s talks. Some of us Maoris got up to sing a couple of Maori songs. Uncle Scott dedicated the gravesite. We went back to the chapel for a feed, there was a lot of food, because they didn’t know if there were going to be a lot of people. The food was yummy, pork, funeral potatoes, baked beans, sourdough and maori bread etc. Erana went and slept over at Minas. 

Saturday October 4th, This is General Conference weekend. So Dad and I just enjoyed watching General conference in bed lol. Jaxon was supposed to join us but he was in the bathroom practically for an hour. And again for the afternoon session, Jaxon was in the bathroom for about an hour? 

In the afternoon I met Erana, Mina and Tane at a Pho place ‘Viet Deli’. We had yummy pho, spring roll and sandwich. Then we headed to UVU, Noorda Center. We went to watch Julia perform in her play ‘The Crucible’. Julia had a main lead, and she was great. It wasn’t a musical, but they had dancers that were entertaining. We met Zach and her afterwards and gave her compliments and flowers. Aunty Heather was also there with a friend. Erana slept over again at Minas. 

Sunday Tyrell made us breakfast, biscuits and gravy with sausage. And I made some eggs, and we had cinnamon wheels. I also took a cinnamon wheel to the Frandsens, cause I’m supposed to minister to them. There were a lot of good speakers. We were going to have our family photos but I cancelled them cause I thought it was rainy. But Mina and the rest of the kids except Jaxon went on a little hike in the mountains and took nice photos. 

While they were gone I made some pho soup with noodles, and used the broth that was leftover from Viet Deli. It was yummy!

They didn't sustain our new prophet and they didn’t announce any new temples. I liked Sis. Browning’s talk about Primary Music, and how you can strengthen your testimony from music. I liked the talk about the ‘Family Proclamation’, reminding us that it is inspired doctrine. 

I had my fall break, Oct 9-13th. Erana’s is not in sync with mine hers is Oct 16-20. Dad and I spent the night in Wendover on Thursday Oct. 9th, just to get away and for fun.

Even though Mum and Dad don’t talk very much to you on the phone lol doesn’t mean we don’t love you. That’s just how we are, we’re both not talkers lol. But we love seeing you every Monday and knowing you are safe and hopefully happy serving the Lord. Keep up the good work and remember to love the people and speak their language. Love you Mum & Dad

Talofa Sister Wihongi,

Today is Halloween, I’m at work. I came in costume as Shinobu. Last night we had our ward Trunk or Treat and Chili dinner (not a cook-off). I had made my first Chili ever the night before, and put beef mince meat and bacon, it was ok, but I think I could’ve done better, it was missing some flavor? For our Trunk or Treat, we did the Demon Slayer theme. I was Shinobu, Dad was Urokodaki and baby was Inosuke. Dad was annoying me cause he didn't know how to tie his white material on the bottom of his legs. Grrr, lol, I wanted to decorate our trunk the way I envisioned it, but I was running out of time and patience with people lol. Anyways it all turned out fine and we had a nice time. 

Friday Oct 31st. I went to school in my Shinobu costume. I saw a herd of boys dressed as Pink Unicorns, 3 bananas and one Tanjiro. Erana’s friends joined us for Halloween. Erana was the Red Power Ranger, her friend Trisy was the black power ranger who is also black, Liliana - green mask power ranger, she’s american indian, Rose - bee, hispanic and Kendra - piglet, hispanic - she joined us at Uncle Scott’s house. We took photos at home. We had some neighborhood kids trick or treat, and I was prepared this year. I actually had full size boxes of candy to give, M&M’s, Peelers (Dad & I love these new lollies), skittles etc. We started at 6pm at Uncle Scott’s house. I brought boil up with rice, it was so delicious!, left over chili, chips n dip, charcuterie. Aunty also had chili and clam chowder. Mina bought Pizza and Tyrell brought cream cheese chocolate cupcakes. Jaxon was Scream, and Talia and Nate were Roxanne and Max off of the Goofy Movie. When we were done eating everyone went out for a walk about except for Dad and I. We stayed home and gave out the ‘candy’. And we watched our KDrama or tried to lol. 

Saturday we chilled at home, and did some chores. Dad mowed the lawn. We also planned our Spring break get away with Mina and Tane. I’ll let you know about it later. Sunday went to church. We had curry chicken and left over boil up for Sunday dinner. And then we watched ‘Physical Asia’. I have your package I will be mailing sometime this week, if you think of something else you’d like me to send you lmk asap. Love you and talk to you today! - Love Mum & Dad xxx

September 2025 - Mina's 26th and Dad's 54th Birthdays

 9/9/25

Talofa Sis. Wihongi, 

Had a long enjoyable labor weekend. Went carving at Uncle’s, doing my Tewhatewha’s for Dad and Jaxon. Also making you and Erana ‘patu’s’. Went to Electric park afterwards for our Tausala show for Polynesian Days. The front gate people were very unorganized, Dad had to pay $10 instead of $5. I was supposed to buy him a ticket online. Tausala were first for the day performances. I didn’t watch the show, Dad recorded it though. Everyone did awesome! Afterwards we walked around and looked at the shops and got some yummy Otai, and fried musubis and panakeke. We didn’t stay very long and came home. 

Baby had Monday and Tuesday off of school. I just had Monday, I went and did some carving with Uncle. Went to Fashion Place mall and bought a gray, soft cover for our LoveSac. Found out we got the wrong size when we got home, so I called and changed it. 

Thursday 4th, Dad and I flew to Houston, Texas from Provo airport on Allegiant. They are a cheap airline with no snacks or tv/internet and uncomfortable chairs. Dad made him a bum pillow out of a laptop cover lol. 

William P. Hobby was the airport we flew into, it was in the hood, ghetto looking part of the neighborhood. It was at night so we got some Chinese food at the airport, it was yummy. Then we got an Uber to our hotel, about 25mins away. It was a nice hotel. 

Friday 5th. We had breakfast at the hotel, eggs, sausage, waffles, biscuits and gravy. It was kind of the same breakfast we had at our hotel in Tennessee. We stayed in our room till check out and then hung out in the lobby area till Jared and Tania picked us up. On our way to Port Arthur we stopped at this huge gas station facility called ‘Buccees’ apparently it’s popular and we’re getting one built in Springville, Utah.  Met Jody and Scott there we got some mixed candied nuts, drink, chips and some ideas for souvenirs.

Our Airbnb in Port Arthur was in a nice neighborhood. The house looked nice on the outside but someone needed to upkeep the gutters. The inside was a little creepy and 70’ish, kind of reminded me of BeetleJuice after the lady remodeled it. Jay and I got a nice big suite with a king size bed and a bathroom. Jared was up stairs by himself, Tania had a queen to herself and Jody and scott got cabbage beds lol. Jared, Scott and I went to get flowers for our guest, we stopped at a flower shop, but flowers needed to be ordered and they were expensive! We ended up getting flowers from the nearest grocery store. Donna Creech (Uncle Paul's daughter to a girlfriend he had before marrying Aunty Faye), brought over Tobi and Aunty Faye to visit with us. The living room was warm because the thermostat was locked to 80degrees. We got some BBQ from Tony’s, Donna shouted us. We got ribs, brisket, baked beans, garlic cheesy potatoes, fried okra and dirty rice - it was yummy! After they left, we stayed up late. I made Aunty Tania watch ‘KPOP Demon Hunters’. 

Saturday 6th, Donna again brought over Tobi, Aunty Faye and Uncle Paul. Shaun and Christine couldn’t come, because Christine had abdominal pain and they had to go to the ER. Michelle Elkins (cousin) couldn’t make it either due to Covid, we were supposed to stay with her Thursday night and drive up with her Friday. But all good Dad and I preferred our hotel and the privacy and not feeling uncomfortable lol. Also Scotty (Uncle’s oldest Son) couldn’t make it either due to Covid as well? Any ways we had a nice visit with them at our place again. And then we went and had lunch at ‘Judices 1927’. We got yummy appetizers, crab dip, alligator eggs, and boudin balls. I got a cup of seafood gumbo and seafood platter (grilled shrimp, fried fish, crawfish and fries) Dad got ‘scallops & gnocchi. Others got Ribeye steak, blackened red fish, shrimp tacos. All the food was delicious! We stopped off at the cemetery Granny Julia and Grandpa Ira Lee are buried at and took photos and chatted and said our goodbyes there to Uncle, Aunty, Tobi and Donna. Dad and the uncles got into a serious heated conversation about ‘Evolution’, and it was Dad against Uncle Jody & Scott and Jared was kinda for both. Aunty Tania asked me who I think is right, and I said Jay of course lol. The uncles believe in evolution and what’s been taught in schools, Dad doesn’t. I could tell Dad was egging a bit, and when we got back home uncle Jody seemed a bit stressed. So I told Dad not to bring that up anymore, Dad apologized to Uncle Jody. We had the rest of the day, so we went for a drive over a bridge and stopped near a lake. Jody left to go to his hotel near the airport. We then went and got us ice-cream from the grocery store. We all had another night in our Airbnb. The next morning we did our clean up and left. Stopped at ‘Buccees’ and got food and souvenirs. Dad bought a key lime pudding when he thought he bought a banana lol. We had some time before our flight so we went to look at the San Jacinto Memorial Monument. We had to be ferried there and that was a bit worrisome for Scott and Tania thinking it will take a long time and they’ll miss their flight pffft. We went since we googled it,  it only takes  5mins to load and for the ferry to get to the other side.  While in our car on the boat the waves splashed up and freaked out Tania. The monument is taller than the Washington DC Monument. Dad paid for everyone, because they didn’t want to even look inside except for Jared. The museum was actually pretty scabby, but we were allowed to go to the top and have a look. There was a movie but we didn’t have time to watch it. Got some pins and a t-shirt. It was fun, glad we came. We got dropped off at our Airport, and went through security and waited for our flight, ate some more yummy Chinese food. Dad shared his slow jam music with me on the plane since I was listening to ‘Kapohia’ over and over again, since it was the only song I had downloaded lol. We got back home around 11pm. I had to fix the door lock and while I was doing that Kiko ran outside and Dad did not want to chase him, so he stayed out all night.

Monday September 8th. In the morning before work I went to look for him, I was calling out his name down by the mailbox, and then I came up and looked around Jaxon's car and I saw Kiko sitting in the back yard, so I went and got a treat and went out to the deck and called him and he saw me and ran up to me and went straight in side. 

Right now it’s Wednesday September 10th and Charlie Kirk was shot at UVU and he died and I’m so sad. When I found out at school from our family message I was praying so hard he would be ok. I’m sad for his wife and kids and family, I know he's in a good place. 

Love Mum and Dad xxx

Hello Sister Wihongi,

Alisa and I have been rewatching all of demon slayer because we are going to see the new movie soon when it comes out. Mom and dad went to Texas so we stayed a night with Erana so she wasn't alone. Then we went to top golf with Mina, tane, Julie, kristian, and Erana one night for minas birthday, it was Tane's idea. After top golf we went to culvers for a treat. The next morning we met Mina, tane, and Erana at a farmers market in eagle mountain. We mostly just walked around and looked at everything. The food was too expensive so we went to Costco to eat. That evening Alisa and I went to the utes football game. It rained on us a little but luckily we had ponchos. And the utes smashed the other team pretty bad. On Sunday mom and dad weren't home yet from Texas so Mina and tane just brought papa Murphys for dinner. Then we played a game called munchkins which was kinda like dnd and Erana won. Anyways hope you're still doing well! We love and miss you!! 

Alisa and Tyrell

Talofa Sis. Wihongi,

On Monday 15th I took Apollo burgers to Jeanie Tomlin, she’s an older lady in our ward and she had a double mastectomy. Tuesday afternoon I made some asian dishes for dinner, cause Mina and Tane were coming over. We all (Me, Dad, Erana, Mina, Tane, Tyrell, Alisa, Jaxon and Xanda) met at Regal Movie theater to watch ‘The Demon Slayer - : Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle. Xanda was in town so he came to the movies too. Dad again forgot his glasses and had to go back home to get them. Jaxon and Xanda bought everyone popcorn, I got a free drink using my rewards. I wore a Tanjiro tshirt and a kimono and earrings lol, Jaxon and Erana wore tshirts. Jaxon had a demon tshirt ‘Akaza’, and now we know why. Because he has a sad back story, I felt sorry for him! The movie was awesome - you’ll enjoy it when you get home! 

Wednesday September 17th - was our 31st anniversary! I didn’t go to the YW activity, Erana did though they had combined pickleball. When I got home from work, Dad and I went to Chinatown for fun lol We ate some ‘Honey garlic fried korean chicken’, then went to another eating place and got some ‘Rose tteokbokki, it had sausage, bacon and fish cake with cheese on top’, it was sooo good and Dad was able to eat a little of it before it got to spicy for him lol. We got a lot of goodies from 85`bakery, the ‘Hakaido bun’ is yummy. We also got a ‘mango ice-cream’ and I was excited to see they had frozen ‘Candied Hawthorns’, which I always wanted to try them. Because I see them on my Chinese dramas all the time lol. They were like a cherry but a little bigger and a little tart, but I like it! Dad and I drove over the ‘Saltair’ and went for a long walk to get to the Salt Lake and just chilled there and watched the sunset. Then we came home and got in the Hot tub lol.Will be going to Logan Anniversary in next week also.

Saturday Sept. 20th, went and did carving with Uncle. Nive Schwenke had a food fundraiser for her Mission. I bought 3 sapasui and 3 oka’s. It was at her grandma’s home, in our neighborhood. Mina also some but we gave hers and one of mine to Suresa and family. Suresa is on hospice at home. I also picked up Jaxons 3, which he got for himself, Xanda and Ceedrek. The sapasui was yummy but we really liked the Oka (raw fish). Dad and I went and got paint, we will be painting the kitchen and downstairs bathroom cupboards, gray. 

Sunday Sept. 21st. Paje played a beautiful piano piece with her piano partner. I had a Stake YW training after church. Erana stayed home from church, she wasn’t feeling well. Erana told me Saturday night that she was sick last week and I was sad she didn’t tell us, cause she could’ve stayed home from school. 

Keep up the good work, love and miss you - Mum & Dadxxx

9/29/25

Hello Leila, 

Thursday the 25th, I took the day off work and mum got off at 12pm. We booked a room at the anniversary inn at Logan for our 31st anniversary and my birthday. I actually booked it last November when they had a special. We left around 1230pm and stopped at the Cox honey store. We bought some honey and jam. We then got an ice cream at the Aggie creamery. I got the large 2 scoops and the girl piled it on huge. I had peach cobbler and Aggies joy which is almond joy, coconut, chocolate and almonds. Mum had huckleberry. The room we stayed in was the Arabian Nights. We checked in and relaxed but after we went out to eat dinner at Chuckarama. I was hoping they had fried fish but they didn't but I got really full anyway. We had yummy breakfast they brought to us in the morning and we checked out at 12pm. We went to some thrift stores and mum got her clothes. I waited in the car for her. We also went to the Gnosser foods place and got more flavored milk and cheese and another ice cream cone. We got root beer milk, orange cream, banana, strawberry, vanilla, cookies and cream. We drove home after and picked Erana up at school. She had a pop club thing. 

Friday night Auntie Dolly passed away. She had cancer and was expected to last a few months but a stroke she had made her pass away quickly. We went by to visit Uncle Geoff Saturday morning. Uncles Scott, Jody, Jared, aunties Heather and Monica came. We were there for 4 hours. Uncle talked a lot about his life with Aunty Dolly and about my mum and Dad and other things. I know we'll see our passed on relatives soon, the resurrection is right around the corner. 

Sunday we had a yummy dinner and birthday cake dessert. My cake was coconut pudding bundt cake and it was delicious. Mum made it. We played a game called munchkins with me and us all except mum and Jaxon. I ended up winning. Tyrell could have stopped me from winning but then Tane would have won and he already won it before so he allowed me to win for my bday lol. Oh mum and Erana went to Margaret Moleni’s (Muggles)  home coming talk today but I went to our ward. I'm the new Elders quorum president, I can't remember if we told you. I was a little sad with President Nelson's passing but what a life being 101 years old. He left us some awesome teachings like “Let God Prevail”, “seek and expect miracles”, “repent daily”, “think celestial” and “be a peacemaker”. The work will move forward, most likely with Elder Oaks as the new prophet. That's all I have. The church is true.  Love you!