July 2025

 7/7/25

Kia Ora Sister Wihongi, 

Monday June 30th, I felt better in the afternoon to go out for Tyrells Birthday. We shouted to Tyrell, ‘Sukiya’. We ordered 5 Sushi rolls, and they were yummier than the buffet. The buffet’s meat was a bit dry, probably cause people eat the sushi and raw fish stuff mainly. We got full though and drank some yummy mango and coconut milk drinks. It was very expensive, $200 for 5 people. But Alisa ended up paying for herself and Erana, which she wasn’t supposed to. So now we owe them a dinner again lol

Friday for the 4th of July, we slept in and then went to the West Jordan Parade. We found a spot usually where we sit. It was hot and sunny with a nice breeze, we had an umbrella. The Parade was fun and it seemed short. We celebrated at Uncle Scotts house, in the afternoon. We had BBQ and I made ‘baked beans’ and ‘potato salad’. Shaun and Tania’s families did not attend. Girls went swimming in the Hot tub. And we did fireworks in the cul-de-sac. Oh yeah and Talia and Nate eloped in Las Vegas this past week. They were at Uncle’s and we congratulated them! Also your Uncle Tyrone Midgley and his wife Sarah were there. They had visited back in January but are planning to move here from Australia. He is a younger brother to your Uncle Sheldon.
Love you Mum and Dad xxx

Hello Sister Wihongi,

Sorry we haven't written to you in a while. These past couple weeks was my birthday and the 4th of July celebration. For my birthday Alisa bought me two new pairs of shoes. She also prepared a surprise party for me before my birthday and all my friends were in the backyard waiting for me to come out. We ate burgers, talked a lot and played blood on the clocktower. Then on my actual birthday, we went to sukiya for dinner with mom, dad, and erana. Then another day, Her parents took me to a place called Thai delight Cafe for dinner. They had one of the best phos I've ever had. For the 4th of July Alisa and I went to the bakery in Chinatown, then we went to Aunty and Uncles for dinner. There was a lot of yummy food. And a lot of cousins showed up including louisa with her new baby. Alisa and I made pasta salad and strawberry sago. We also brought the coolest fireworks. On Sunday we had a hot dog picnic at grandma's grave, and then we went home and watched old family home videos. Anyways, that's about all. We're glad to see you doing okay. 

We love you! Tyrell and Alisa 

Talofa Sis Wihongi, 

A lot has happened. Molenis had their family camp at bear lake. Tane and I went after work on a Thursday and stayed the weekend. We ate at Zips which was a popular spot at bear lake and it was sooo yummy. They had yummy crispy tater tots and a delicious cheesy burger with a jalapeño raspberry jam on it. We went to zips twice. Of course we swam at the lake, played clocktower, and also played some pickleball. Then we came home on Saturday in time for a surprise birthday party for Tyrell. It was in alisas backyard. I took louisas and Josh's photos with new baby kiera. Then it was 4th of July and celebrated that at aunty Heathers. In the morning, we bought some nz meat pies and sausage rolls from my stake's party. I am doing a lot better and things feel back to normal. 

Alofa atu, Mina and Tane-Toa 

7/14/25

Hi Sister Wihongi,

The big event last week was Maddie and Nephi’s official wedding and reception Friday evening. It was at a wedding place called Siempre in Draper on the south end foothills which had an awesome view of the Salt Lake Valley. It started at 4:30pm but we were a little late. We picked up Suresa because Nephi is a relative. They had the wedding vows outside then the reception inside. It wasn’t too crowded. It was about 200 people. We were on table 21 at the front near the food and they let our table go first. It was pulled pork, rice, cheese breads, salad, and salmon. It was ok. After we went up a level to a dance floor area where they had a DJ. They did the usual speeches, toasts, cake cutting, parents dances, then Maddie did the money dance. She did well and there were heaps of money on the floor. Then Uncle Jared did a wero, mum did the karanga and we did kamate. Uncle Shaun did his best maori warrior impression with the patu off to the side when all that was going on. Uncle Jared explained it all before we started it. Nephi and his brothers joined in the haka as they had practised. They took off their shirts but I didn’t do that because they might have been ashamed of their NFL football bodies if they saw that a 53 year old’s body was more muscular. They had cake and ice cream and then sliders and fries later. We danced to the DJ music and Erana had fun dancing. We left about 9:30pm to take Suresa home. Jaxon saw someone he thought was pretty but he didn’t make any moves. It went to about 10pm.

Sunday only Tyrell and Alisa came for dinner. Mina had a photoshoot. We had cut up pork chops and zuchinnis from the garden and some grilled cheese bread with meats on top. They watched Flushed Away after in the basement, Erana’s choice.

Keep doing your best in your service to the Lord. We love you so much.

Mum and Dad

7/22/2025

Hi Sis Wihongi,

In response to your email, Tane-Toa supported me by doing what I say and listening. He can do better at “see a need, fill a need” instead of me needing to tell him how to care for me. I already told him that so hopefully he does better next time if I'm being honest😅 But I have a habit of hiding my “rough” moments because I dont want people to see me as weak or I'm afraid of how theyll react. but I do let it slip in front of Tane-Toa sometimes and he gives me hugs and kisses. But he is an example to me because he is a positive sunshine boy. Always making me laugh and smile when i dont want to. I'm always thinking the worst and stress myself out but he reminds me to have joy, I'm blessed to have his cheerfulness. Sometimes he is oblivious to my feelings though lol. I just read the recent hunger games book called Sunrise on the Reaping. Its about Haymitch's games, hes the drunk guy that mentors katniss and peeta. His back story is really really sad. It was a really good book though. Had bookclub on Friday about it and I had a trivia for it. Louisa won the trivia and she won a swig gift card. Ariana came and brought her kids and they just hung out with Tane-Toa the whole time on the kitchen table hahah they loved him. Tane-Toa is the toddler/baby whisperer. I went to a content shoot with chrystelle at the Sahara desert (sand dunes) and it went pretty nice. I was sick last week too with a cold. When i started to lose my purpose, I just remember my “why”. I wanted to serve a mission because I wanted others to know the peace, love, forgiveness that I've felt because of our Savior’s Atonement. He saved me and I had received firm confirmation that He lives and loves me. Because of that, I was pretty driven throughout my mission so didnt really lose my sight of purpose. But just think about those souls who are yearning for peace and love that only Jesus can bring and you only have 18 months to find as many as you can! Even if that soul ends up being yourself or just a companion or 1 person, it counts! Anyways thats all the time I have right now. You having trouble with that? What are your current struggles?

Alofa atu, Mina

Talofa Sister Wihongi, 

Monday July 14th, went to carve at Uncles. Been cleaning and organizing and supposed to be dejunking the house. But seems like there’s nothing to get rid of. Erana had Tausala practice and it was at our chapel. I got the girls ice-cream pops, popsicles and watermelon. Brought back happy memories of when we would practice there all the time. It’s nice having Aunty Fina back teaching. 

Wednesday 16th, did carving at Uncles, Aunty Jenni Atkinson came too carve her taonga. A huge wooden necklace for her relative in NZ.  We had combined Young Women Mutual at Murray Park. We took Uncle Scotts badminton and corn throw games. We ate yummy treats/snacks that Sis. Jamie Skinner brought. The girls played twister, and our games we brought. It rained on us sometimes. 

Thursday July 17th, I went carving at Uncles. I also have those gourds that I bought you last year. Tyrell drew a maori design on one of them and Uncle was carving it and accidentally put a small hole in it. Uncle also gave me two huge gourds, one of them I’ll make into a drum for you. 

Erana had Tausala again, they have a show on Friday at the Samoan Heritage Festival. 

Friday July 18th. I didn’t go to Uncles’ cause Jay, Erana and I did Temple baptisms at the Taylorsville Temple. Sister Ballard was the lady that gave us our clothing. Dad went first and then baptized Baby and I. We went to Samoan Heritage Festival around 530pm, it seemed busier than last year. We got Otai, and food it was expensive. I got lamb curry, and a Samoan meat plate and panikoko. We got at spot right up front in the middle of the stage area. The show went well, except for the girls got their costumes there and for some reason they didn’t get their Hawaiian costumes. Also I think the seamstress lady gave baby the wrong Puletasi top, she had to squeeze into it. The dances were awesome and we had a nice time, it started to sprinkle near the end of our show. And so we didn’t stay to watch anything else. 

Saturday July 19th. Ashley Morgan got engaged and it was her bridal shower today. Jaslyn Masina had her baby shower last Saturday (Tonja’s youngest bro.wife is having twins for her, because she can’t have babies). This coming saturday is Alyssa Skinners wedding, next Saturday is AnnaLee Morgans wedding. 

Well that was last week, Dad and I will be camping for 2 days at Pineview, Yippee! lol There’s so much stuff we had to pack in the car. You’ll hear about it next letter. Thank you for you cute email you sent for our Whanau. We love you very much, Mum and Dad xxx

7/28/25

Hi Sister Leila Pearl Wihongi,

Last week’s highlight was camping Wednesday and Thursday and coming home Friday. Just Mum and I. Erana went to FSY and had a good time. Hopefully she can tell you about it. She came home Saturday morning. We first stopped at Magpie camp, the place we camped at last year but the spot we used was taken so we put a paper on another site then went down the road to see if better open spots were available. We found a nice camp site right next to a river in the South Fork camp place. We’ve been there before when you were little. So we reserved it and went back to the first one and took our paper off the sign. There was a little hidden spot by the river where we just sunbathed for both days. We didn’t bother going to the lake. Mum would go up to her neck in the river but it was so cold I could only go up to my thighs, lol. We used a nice new big tent that we got last year. We also bought a new full size air bed where we could both fit on. We made our meals and had a camp fire. We had hot dogs, stew, baked beans and other food. When it was dark we laid by the fire on a blanket and looked at the stars. I did think about the times we did these things with our kids and started to miss you all. You’ve all grown up so fast. We went in the tent and watched a movie on our laptop both nights that I copied on a usb disk. The Thunderbolts the 1st night and Predator: Killer of Killers the next night, an animated movie. We didn’t finish them before we got sleepy and watched the rest in the morning. The nights got pretty cool, in the high 50’s but we had enough warm stuff. We went to the park in town Thursday to catch up on messages and email, etc because there was no data signal at camp. We got more firewood, ice and a shake each. Friday morning we got up, packed everything back up and headed out about 11:30am and got another shake. Mum got a bunch of clothes in bags from Auntie Christine and went through them all to see if she wanted to keep anything. It’s all going to the Moleni families. She also went through more of Grandma’s stuff that Scott and Heather have finally all boxed up ready to throw out. Uncle Jared will take most of it to store at his house. Saturday we went and got Uncle Scott’s old couches from the basement. They got new ones as well as new carpet. Mum cleaned them up and put more padding in some of the seat pillows and they look nicer now. And to answer your questions, my garden is doing good. I’m growing cucumbers, which we made the first ones into pickles which were yum, Golden melon which I think grew too late in the season to get ripe in time, zucchinis, the small tomatoes we had last year and potatoes. I can’t remember any new stuff I have learned this year. Love you heaps, we’re so proud of you. Dad and Mum.

Talofa Sister Wihongi,

Tuesday 29th, went to the movies and watched ‘Fantastic Four’. It was a good movie. But I felt guilty missing the Stake Youth Pool Party at Centennial Pool. But Erana said she’d prefer going to the movies. We also ate out at ‘Rollz’, had yummy pho, sandwich and spring rolls. 

Wednesday, was dentist and ortho appointments for Dad and Erana.

In the mornings I wake up at 7am and get ready to go to Uncle Richard Poulsens house to do my wood carving. I’m carving a taiaha for Tane and Tyrell, which I started last summer. Uncle gave me some gourds to make a drum for you and to carve. I’m also going to carve a ‘patu’ for you and Erana. 

Love Mum and Dad xxx

June 2025 - Erana's 15th & Tyrell's 28th Birthday

 6/3/2025

Last week we had Memorial Day off and slept in and went to some stores, Mum already mentioned that. I went to Tville HS to watch Erana in the assembly do her POP tahitian dance but I missed it. I was a few minutes late, then I went to the gym side doors and they were locked. I didn’t know where to go so I walked around to the middle back entrance and then walked to the gym on the inside and it was locked. I tried going back down the hallway but the hallway doors were locked. I realized that it must be in the auditorium. I went outside and back around to the middle entrance and to the auditorium and they were doing the samoan dance but that was after Erana’s dance. But Erana was the best one. Thursday night I had online DnD with Josh being the Dungeon master. It was fun. Friday we ate out at Carls jr for Erana getting good grades. She had all As and one B. Erana did well with her recital. She did a Lord of the Rings song. It was at Vicki’s chapel this time on Saturday. Sunday we ate dinner at the cemetery. It was a nice hot day. We had sub sandwiches and chicken and fruit and chips. Keep working and studying hard, the church is true! Love Dad and Mum.

Hello Sister Wihongi last week we celebrated memorial day on Sunday at uncle Scott's and had a barbecue alisa and i made cream puffs, the next day we celebrated it with Alisas grandparents and cousins and did a barbecue too. I'm working back at fedex right now as a delivery driver so other than that we've just been busy with work. We've been playing dnd more with the cousins. Alisa had a book club party with Mina,Louisa, and julie. Alisa and i also went to a jujitsu class with dodges buddies. We also played pickleball a  couple times. Alisa and I went to a restaurant called tokai sushi twice in a row cuz it was good lol. We also went out for Boba a couple times. That's all I can remember. Anyways, we hope you doing well and loving the new area. We love you, Alisa and tyrell.

6/9/2025

Talofa Sister Wihongi,

This past week I still had work, Monday to Thursday. Monday I had lunch detention with kids, Tuesday I had no lunch detention and went outside to get some sun. Wednesday I covered the front desk for Jenni. The kids were going to classes late and not worried so much about being tardy because of it being the last day of school. We had 9th grade assembly and awards, we also gave earbuds to the two kids that had perfect attendance all year. 

Wednesday after work Erana and I went to Asian Market and to HMart and bought some watercress from HMart. We also looked at Kim Long Fresh Market and saw watercress there too, which was cheaper. 

For Mutual we did a combined Relief Society and Young Women painting night, with Tessa Sanders painting and you could either copy her or do something on your own. I did my own thing, which was the LDS Youth logo for this year, and Erana did a cool pickle lol. It was a lot of fun! Thursday was just watching kids outside the front of the School signing their Yearbooks! I got my yearbook signed by teachers, faculty and kids too. When I got home I looked at the Teachers and Faculties photos and mine wasn’t even in there, cause I didn’t even get it taken, sad! Last night I had a dream where I was sleeping and my breath got faint and fainter until I couldn’t breath anymore and in my dream I kept on gasping for breath and it happened over and over again. 

Friday was Erana’s 15th Birthday and we went to Tous Le Jour for breaky, then got a lamington and Coco Samoan cake from Sagato Bakery and then dropped Dad off at home. Baby and I went to Ross, Burlington Coat Factory (got Dad’s day gifts), went to Walmart. Went to the Calvary's Thrift store, Erana liked this Granny outfit, and I got her a dress. Got a Swig drink and then looked at the Goodwill and got Erana some shorts, looked at lucky’s for pigtails. We stopped off at home and unloaded stuff and then went to Fashion Place mall and walked around the whole mall. The last store was H&M and I got Erana a strapless bra and a dress. Then we came home, rested a little and then went out to eat dinner with Jaxon at Hwa’s Japanese & Korean Restaurant Dad and my favorite. Baby got Udon with tempura Shrimp, I got Pork Bulgogi, Dad got Japchae and Jaxon got Spicy Beef Bulgogi. At home we sang Happy Birthday to Erana and her cake with the Lamington and Coco Samoan cake.

Saturday I got up early to help clean the chapel, I cleaned the men and womens bathrooms. At home I did a lot of cleaning. Erana got picked up from her friend to go watch her ‘Silk Show - Aerial acrobatics. Dad did some yard work etc. I also prepared stuff for tomorrow’s dinner. And then I went and got a Tiramisu cake from Luckys for Erana’s Bday celebration with the Wedlings tomorrow. 

Sunday we had church and then celebrated Erana’s birthday, she wanted Boil Up, and a Tiramisu cake. Tyrell and Alisa also made her a pavlova. They make really good pavlova’s. We sang to baby again and she opened a few presents. Mina als let her know that Me, Jaxon and her bought her the Monster We Make book volume 2 but Mina got her volume 1 as well. Mina did it without asking her, but Erana told me she wanted it and then Jaxon told her he was going to buy it for her. But Erana thought Jaxon had talked to me about it. Anyways we all bought it! Dad, Erana and I also packed out bags and got ready for our vacation tomorrow, which will be in Anaheim, California - to Disneyland and California Adventures.

6/16/25

Monday June 9th, we woke up early and drove to Mina’s and she dropped us off at the Provo Airport. Provo Airport was small and nice, security was a breeze. Their plane was simple, lucky it was a short flight. We got a Lyft to our Hotel. Our Hotel was called ‘Alpine Inn’ and had a Switzerland snow theme. We left our bags there and walked over to Downtown Disney. We walked around looking in the stores and while we did we also tasted the foods. We got a cheesy jalapeno pretzel and Cinnamon bites, Banana Foster Beignets and a Pickle Dog. Then our hotel room was ready so we went back and checked in. While baby took a nap Jay and I went and got some groceries from CVS across the street. And then we decided to go to a Hotel food court to eat dinner, and when we arrived it was just one kitchen that made different foods from different restaurants. We ordered but what we got was scabby and weird. I had a hair on my bleu cheese burger ewww. Anyways the food wasn’t that bad even though it wasn’t what we expected, but it was daaaang expensive $61, for 3 entrees/meals. 

Tuesday, June 10th. Woke, got ready and ate our breaky in our Hotel room. Walked to Disneyland. Lines were ok, got in and took photos and waited for the Rope Drop. We went on the Jungle Cruise first, then Pirates of the Caribbean.And basically that’s how it went, we didn’t have to wait in really long lines, maybe our longest was 30mins. Went on nearly all the rides, Tiana’s Bayou log ride was cabbage lol. I like the Zippidy Doo Dah song and theme better. 

We were in the Star Wars part and in the line of the ‘Millenium Falcon’ but we got out of line and exited (Dad was nervous we’d miss our time for the next ride) and went to our Lightning Lane ride which was the Rise of the Resistance. That was fun! Went straight to another Lightning Lane ride which was Indiana Jones. We also ate some tasty treats, my favorite was the Bengal skewers, the pork belly was our favorite. I found someone's food card on a rubbish bin and it had $11 left sol I used that towards our yummy ice-creams. We ate pineapple beignets, corn on the cob, turkey leg, Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese bow, and Chilli Dog. We went up the tree house then the pirate ship on the river. Did some rides in Fantasyland. Baby and I danced at a dance show in Tomorrowland. Went on the MonoRail and we got stuck on it because it broke down, and missed the parade and night water show, of course. And my pinky toe was in pain cause it was squished and rubbing up against my shoe. We went to the Star Wars land to watch the fireworks there. Didn’t get a very good spot as everywhere was full. But we got a good spot to watch the Skywalker story show that was projected on the rocky outcrop landscape behind the Millennium Falcon. That was pretty cool. Then our last ride was Space Mountain at 10:30pm then we walked back to the hotel.

Wednesday, June 11th. I wrapped up my pinky toe in 3 bandaids and some tissue paper but it did nothing. I was walking around California Adventures in pain the whole day! We were there for the rope drop. And walked briskly to Carsland to go on that car ride. Fortunately we decided to use the single rider lane and got on the ride in less than 10 mins - Yay! Then we walked around and did other rides, roller coaster, Buzz Light Year, little Mermaid. Spiderman Web slinger was new and fun, Guardians of the Galaxy, California Soaring. We ate yummy foods again, salad taco, Not so little Chicken burger, ramen, udon, corn on the cob, another turkey leg, flavored drinks. I left in the evening to go to CVS and buy me some flip flops $3, while Dad and Erana stayed to watch the lights turn on in Carsland. 

Thursday, June 12th. I was so relieved I was able to wear my cheap; flip flops, Dad was concerned I would get sore feet from them. Well it couldn’t be worse than what I experienced the day before. Anyways they were perfectly fine! We were there for the rope drop and went on Space Mountain for our first ride. I went on it by myself ahead of Dad and Erana, cause they were slow pokes. Went in the Submarine, went to Toon Town and went on Roger Rabbit ride and the new Mickey Mouse Railroad ride, did it twice since it was fun and the line wasn’t long. Then went to Indiana Jones again. We had a Blue Bayou reservation around 330pm. We got starters Erana and I got the Chicken gumbo and Dad got Crab cakes they were both yummy. I got a flavored drink. Our waiter was really nice and gave me a free refill on my drink. Dad then got Banana Foster Cake with vanilla Ice-cream, baby got a fruit tart. We were only went for the experience and won’t be going back seeing that, that experience costs me $80. We went on the raft to Pirate Island and explored that some. We more treats after. A Cinnamon cream cheese pretzel and a Matterhorn macaroon. Went through the haunted house and Star Tours again. Also we did a little train ride and the canal ride in Fantasyland. In the evening we wanted to catch the Fantasmic show on the river at 9pm. Dad didn’t want to stick around for that. He had aches and pains in his back so he went to the hotel. Erana and I stayed and found a place to wait then stand and watch when it started. It was fun. Pn the way out there were a lot of people in main street waiting for the fireworks and a new main street show where they project images and film on the buildings. That was quite cool but we didn’t stop to watch, just saw what we could on the way out. That’s our Disney fun done.

Friday, June 13. We checked out of our hotel at 9:45am and took a Lyft to Knotts Berry Farm theme park. Had to get through security with our bags but got in and put them in a locker for the day. We bought an all-day dining ticket to get food every 90 minutes. We shared it between the 3 of us lol. But it was enough to not be hungry all day. We got a hot dog, a boysenberry pie slice, Fish tacos, huge chocolate chip ice cream sandwich, Panda Express and other food. We went on the park's 3 main roller coasters first, Silver Bullet, Hang Time, Excelerator. They were fun and as good as the rides at Bush Gardens. I think they were all new since we were last there in 2012. There were smaller roller coasters but we didn’t do those. We also went on the river raft ride in which mum luckily wore her poncho because the only 2 big splashes of the ride went on her. Her face got all wet. We went on a mine railroad ride and the train ride. We walked around the whole park which had a Ghost Town area that had so many employees in cowboy era clothes playing characters from those days that you can interact with. We watched a show in the small theater that was good. The main lady sang really good. We went to a hoe down after that in the main stage area. Erana and I danced and they told us what moves we should do. Then Erana danced with some of the characters after I went to the toilet. They also had a few different stages where bands played. I think the summer weekend days have more stuff going on. We were supposed to leave around 5:30pm to the airport to catch our flight at 8pm but we kept getting notices that it is delayed until they pushed it to the next day at 12:15pm. So we stayed in the park until about 9pm and went to a hotel we found close to the airport with a free shuttle to the airport and free breakfast. It was a La Quinta Inn hotel. The Allegiant airline gave us $200 to use for a hotel and a $100 each discount for future flights. We went to the bakery and got a peach cobbler cinnamon roll and a Boysenberry pie type tart thingy and our last meal at Panda Express again before we left and ate it at the hotel. Our room was nice and bigger than our other hotel. It was nice relaxing before going to sleep.

Saturday, June 14, we had breakfast about 8:30am. Scrambled eggs, sausages, hashbrown potatoes and waffles. We took the shuttle to the John Wayne airport in Santa Ana about 10am. Got into Utah about 2:55pm where Mina picked us up at the Provo airport. It was a nice vacation.

6/22/25

Monday June 16th, Dad didn’t have work today cause State Employees were taking today off for ‘Juneteenth’ which is actually on Thursday 19th. After the temple we went on our first Hike in the mountains. I wore strap sandals because of my baby toe. It was a short walk and the weather was nice. We took the car (blackie) through the Car Wash - Wiggly Wash. And thoroughly cleaned the inside. When we were done, Dad tried starting up the car but nothing happened? So I went and told the workers that our car can’t start. They helped us by giving us a jump start. Dad thinks he left something on in the car and that’s why it couldn’t start. I then got a  couple of groceries from Smith’s while Jay drove around a bit and when I was done he picked me up.. Dad, Erana and I went to Uncle Jared’s house for a TVB’s get together. Sinclair and Tina Tarawhiti were visiting their kids, and moko’s. Stan & Lee Marie Moleni and Elsie, Lisa Gudgeon with Liam and Kaela came too. We had some yummy Mama’s Kitchen food, I had made Japchae, and we also video chatted with Leila. 

Tuesday June 17th, dropped off Uncle Scott and Aunty Heather at the Airport, they going to New York for the week. Later Baby and I went and did Temple Baptisms at Jordan River Temple. We saw Fia’s (from Tausala) younger sister working in the temple giving out the baptism clothes.

Wednesday June 18th.  I went and did carving with Uncle Richard. Hope I can finish Tyrell’s and Tane’s Taiaha this summer break. Then I took Erana for her 1st free lunch meal for this summer. We then went through the Wiggly Wash again but this time with Dodge, and thoroughly cleaned the inside. It took longer because it was dirtier. But Dodge was able to start up afterwards. For Mutual we were combined with the Young Men and we played Human Fuse Ball. It was mainly the youth that played, the Bishop, Bro. Jensen and Bro. Maloy. 

Thursday June 19th. Went and did Carving again. Took baby for free lunch. Went to get Dodge fixed at Auto Magic but Nate (the mechanic) said to come back on Monday when it’s less busy. So baby and I looked at Calvary Thrift Store. Went to get ice-cream at Macy’s but ice-cream machine was broken. I made Banana Bread for Kapahaka. Only a little bit of people come to practice, sad. We had snacks before I took Erana to Tausala, but when we got there Jaelyn told me practice will be combined now. So no 7pm class, sad cause there’s not a lot of older girls that come anymore. Got in the hottub.

Friday June 20th, went earlier to carving cause Dad and I went and did initiatories at the Taylorsville temple. I took baby to free lunch. Watched a show in the hot tub, got windy so went inside. 

Saturday June 21st. Went and helped clean the chapel. And then went straight to Uncle’s to carve. Came home around 1030am, Dad was still in bed. Did some house chores and Dad and I went to Mina’s. Mina and Tane shouted Dad to Seven Brother’s, a burger place. I got a bleu cheese burger, Dad got a mushroom burger and we got loaded fries. It was yummy. We also went to Bookers for ice-cream. And they had many different ice-cream flavors, I got mango and tamarino, tigers blood (watermelon, coconut and strawberry) and pina-colada. I should’ve just gotten two flavors because all the food was too much. We went to walk it off at the trail, and looked at a natural hot springs little pool by the lake that people go to sit in. Came home dyed my hair and finalized my lesson for combined Young Womens tomorrow. 

Sunday June 22nd. Went to church, taught the Young Women about ‘Forgiveness - Forgive One Another’. I had tons of time, and I didn’t think I was going to have a lot of time, because last two times I taught I had to cut stuff out, and rush the ending. And I took out a the story of ‘The Unmerciful Servant’, and I regretted doing that. Oh well learn from my mistakes. But the lesson was good. We had our first BBQ of the Summer, I made yummy steaks, and grilled potatoes, Mina bought a salad, Tyrell brought fruit. We watched ‘KPOP Demon Hunter’ an animation on Netflix, it was funny and had a lot of cool songs in it. 

Talofa sis!

Sorry it's been awhile since I wrote. I think the last time I wrote to you, I didn't have my miscarriage yet. Well, I had it a couple days after Becca and Eric's wedding on May 24th. Their wedding reception was at a stake center in West Valley and it was still very nice. Although I got immediate food poisoning from it and was throwing up and diarrheaing all night till 6:30am. I was throwing up until my stomach was empty but my body would still make me try to throw up nothing so I was just gagging out air. And diarrhea. It was a nightmare. This happened at a hotel too because Moana booked tane and I a hotel in West Jordan to be closer to the wedding and to have a lil “getaway” for our anniversary. It was very uncomfortable though. I was still sick for a couple days and on Monday after their wedding, I had to take medicine to induce my miscarriage because my body wasn't recognizing that my pregnancy stopped developing and it needed to come out or else it'll rot inside me or become septic. I took the medicine and was sick and bleeding all Monday evening and then Tuesday evening was the worst ever. Most pain I've ever felt in my life and a huge massive hard clump sac came out of me which was most of the tissue. But I still bleed for a week. It was so painful I was crying so much and Tane didn't realize I was going through hell.. felt kind of lonely going through such intense pain by myself in the bathroom. For some reason I always think I can go through trials on my own and not need to ask for God's help because I don't want to appear as weak to Him or anyone else, which is stupid. Once I started praying, I immediately felt peace and comfort that I wasn't alone. It was still painful but it felt so much better turning to Christ and using His Atonement. I was really sensitive emotionally after this and drained physically. I've cried a few times after when Tane's cousins asked questions or talked about babies to me (they didn't know I had a miscarriage) or just randomly when I'm alone. It just happens. But other than that, my stake relief society presidency surprised me by taking me out to Cheesecake Factory because I told them what happened. It was very nice of them. Took mom out for pho for mothers day, and dad out to Seven Brothers for father's day. Took Tanes parents out to Bonchon, which is a Korean restaurant that just opened near us.it was aight. Took Alisa's family photos and some photos for chrystelle. Had a FHE with Josh's family and Wesley's family and Tyrell and Alisa. Had book club with just Julie and Alisa this month because Louisa had her baby the other day. That's pretty much everything. Just healing still but it's getting better. 

Alofa Atu,

Mina & Tane.

6/29/25

Talofa Sister Wihongi, 

Thursday June 26th, Erana and I had Stake Yound Women’s Camp at Heber City. We all met at Sister Maria Oblad’s home.Daphne and Lydia drove with us in our car. Girls and I got a camp bag with the Youth Logo on it, and we colored them at camp. The bags were filled with goodies, journal, jewelry, stickers, glasses etc. We were in cabins at the Heber Valley Camp ground. And the Young Men were there at the same time. And we were allowed to meet and converse with them when we had free time. We had 2 cabins, and I was in cabin C with, Tiffany Brown, Tessa Sanders, Isla, Penelope, Miriam, Lydia and Harper. The rest were in the other Cabin, Jamie Skinner, Maria Oblad, Erana, Daphne, Ana, Sarah, Brynnlea, Julia, Seren and Heather. And another cabin that was close to us had the Bennion Ward Young Women. We had a very entertaining informational instruction meeting given by the Camp Missionaries, they sang the rules and an Elder played the base guitar. We had lunch, hoagies. We then practiced for our ‘LipSync’. Dinner was bbq chicken, rice, mac salad… Sister Sonia Ta’ulu was in charge of the Food, and Heather Wihongi was helping in the kitchen. Scott and Dray were also at Camp. All wards performed their LypSync my favorite was Crosspointe Ward. We won the sparkle award, and got soda pop for everyone. We did awesome, and then had a little dance afterwards. DJ played a little inappropriate songs lol. We all then walked a bit and waited in a parking lot to go on the ‘Walk with Christ Trail’. The Trail was more than I ever expected. It was amazing and spiritually uplifting. With visual and audio with music and talking from the Prophet and apostles and other people. 

Friday June 27th, we had a yummy bacon and pancake breaky. We had our devotional with everyone, everytime we do devotional the YCL’s are in charge. Erana, Ana, Sarah and Daphne were our YCL’s. Each ward was in charge each time. We would do ours cheers, some of our’s were ‘Fear Not Brookshire is Here’, We ain’t nothing but Brookshire, praying all the time 2x, Bennion East Stake you are a friend of mine - Thank you, thank you very much (Brookshire has left the building). We sang a song, had prayer, said the Young Women theme and did the flag ceremony. We had activities we could choose to do. First we did some tie-dye hair scrunchies, then we put beads on glasses, and there was embroidery. And then the girls did their challenge, which was the Zipline and course. Us leaders didn’t get to do it, cause of too many girls. I took photos. We had burgers for lunch and then a little down time, colored my bag and made jewelry with the girls. We then walked to the lake, while we walked we sang Disney and church songs. At the lake we were given time with another ward or two. We could go on the canoe’s or paddle boats. Me, Tessa and Jamie went on a paddle boat (the one where you paddle with your legs). We did not get wet, all the other girls and leaders were getting wet. Bishop and Bro.Ted Thackeray were with us for the day, they were getting wet with the girls. They had squirty sticks to shoot at people. After the lake we showered - I had a 2min cold shower lol We had Cafe Rio for dinner. We then had our Testimony with our wards. We had our firepit, and were given some time to bear our testimonies. Erana bore her testimony, she gave a very heartfelt lovely testimony. I wanted to bear mine too, I had it written out before camp and was going to say exactly what I had planned out, because I’m scared to have a mind blank and be embarrassed saying things that don’t make since. BUT I decided to let the spirit guide me and say stuff that comes to mind lol Anyways I did and it was going great, then I felt the spirit strongly and started to cry (another reason why I don’t let the spirit take control cause I don’t like to cry lol) But it turned out ok and I have no regrets. After testimonies we had smore’s and then I stayed up late to put out the fire, cause I didn’t get to sleep last night and did not have enough sleep (I had a migraine yesterday due to lack of sleep) So my plan was to stay up late and then go to bed and see if I’m tired and fall to sleep. It was harder to put out the fire than I had thought it was going to be. I think I inhaled some smoke. I went to bed at about 12am and then when I woke up to go to the toilet I was hoping it was around 6am but when I looked at my clock it was about 3pm?! 

Saturday June 28th. We had a cold breaky which was bagels and fruit, Bennion ward gave us their leftover bacon, their leaders are fun!  Went to devotional then came back to camp and started to clean and pack up. We were an hour early getting home from Heber Camp. We relaxed and then I went to Smith’s to get a couple of things for Tyrell’s birthday surprise party tonight at Alisa’s home. Tyrell was surprised to see all his close friends there, Tyler, Rhett and Quinn, only Alex was missing. Scott (Alisa’s Dad) cooked the hotdogs and hamburger meat. We were in the backyard. Everyone started playing a game except for me and Rhett’s wife,      we got onto the topic of KDrama’s and ended up talking the whole time lol.

Saturday June 28th, I was sick from lack of sleep, and all the tree pollen on camp. I had a headache, runny nose, congestion, chills, fever, achy body. So I stayed in bed the whole day. 

Sunday June 29th I was still sick and couldn’t go to church, which was sad cause I wanted to go to hear Bishops lesson to the youth. Erana came home and said they gave out the Camp Awards, she said I got ‘Night Creep’ for watching the girls sleep. Erana got ‘The friend we all wish we could be, ERANA the unbothered queen!’

Dad had to bbq the marinated chops (Tyrell came and took over), and mash the pumpkin and cook the veges, he did an awesome job. There wasn’t a cake for Tyrell’s birthday and they didn’t sing to him either.