My weekend...

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

It's Valentine's Day and it's like any other day. It began with the usual, getting the kids off to school. Gideon didn't make it to school. He stayed at my mom's because he was feeling sick. His twin offered to take his Valentine cards to school for him. We'll see how the rest of today goes.

As for this past weekend, a lot happened. On Friday at work (my regular full time job), a friend of mine was laid off. 17 years dedicated to the company we work for and she was let go. It was a sad day. As sad as the week prior when the same happened to my little sis. I'm still trying to comprehend all that has happened. In my mind, I don't think it's fair. I think if anything, some kind of notice would've been nice. I mean, we are required to give two weeks notice if you want to quit, yet they are not required to do the same when they want to terminate employment. I have mixed emotions about it. I am grateful to still have a job, however, I'm sure we will be picking up more work to do, for the same pay. As with any experience, a few things I know and learned -- if I ever have my own company, it will be one that the employees enjoy coming to work. If for whatever reason I need to downsize, I would give them time to find other employment. It's a tough time as is and I know just an abrupt change is stressful. Along with this change, I found out that my new work schedule is changing from Monday - Friday to Tuesday - Saturday. Like I said, grateful at this point to have a job.

I forgot to mention that I've been having car problems. I woke up Thursday morning with my car not starting at all. I had to have my sister pick me up for Zumba. Then I borrowed my mom's van to get to and from work. Car was towed Friday. Funny thing -- it started when it got to the shop. By Friday evening, the car was back home.

Satuday morning -- ready to head over to my mom's and go with my sister to the kids' tahitian practice and guess what? Car was dead again. My sister Lani came and picked me up. For the rest of the weekend, I ended up using my little sister Silia's car since they were in Vegas for the 7's tournament.

It was Stake Conference weekend. We all knew we would be getting a new Stake Presidency. On Saturday evening, we all had the privilege of listening to an area seventy (Von Keecht) and a member of the quorum of the 12 apostles (David A. Bednar). Von Keecht shared something he learned from the late President Faust. He had asked Faust, "who do people who are members of the church for a long time fall away". President Faust told him, "the same reason why you fall out of bed, you are not in far enough". So true. As for Elder Bednar, he was able to give insight on the calling & sustaining of a new stake presidency. I left enlightened learning and knowing more. Now it's a matter of taking what was heard and applying it.

On Sunday, it was the general meeting. At the general meeting, President Semisi Pau'u & his counselors (President Kioa & President Fakatou) were released. The new stake presidency called consisted of President Elini Kinikini, counselors President Fonua & President Moli. I'm not sure whose first and second. I know both President Kinikini and Moli, humble and great men of the gospel. I'm not familiar with President Fonua, but I'm sure he is the same way. They all (old & new) shared their testimonies along with the wives of President Pau'u & President Kinikini. Elder Keecht & Bednar ended the meeting with some great talks.

Elder Von Keecht

After conference, we all gathered at my mom's house. Sister Lani and my mom provided all of the food (talo, ota, bbq ribs, crab salad, turkey meatballs, lu pulu, and garlic bread). Last Thursday was her daughter Milei's birthday and Saturday was my sister Kalo's birthday. We ended up picking up some pies from Marie Callender's to take over. We had a great time eating and talking.