WOW

So it has been a really long time.....

One of my goals for the New Year is

to try and post here at least a few times a month.

I feel like this past year has been one of the hardest,

yet rewarding times of my life. I feel like I am a

in a better place, and at peace with myself.

Not to say there are thing's that I would like to

improve on. There is always room to improve.

So as far as things we have been up to...

Tilisa is in fourth grade and loving it! She loves

school. She loves to learn and she loves researching

new things, she loves technology, and reading.

We found out that she is blind as a bat...lol! So she

is now wearing some stylin new glasses! She is still

taking piano with a new teacher that we love! She had her

piano recital this past fall and did a great job.

She also was is in her elementary choir and there Christmas

concert was awesome.

Shannan is in first grade and she is doing great.

She loves her teacher and on her last report

card she earned all A's.

She is so much like my mom (her namesake)

I cannot believe it at times.

She loves to laugh, and tease, but not like

to be teased. She wants to start piano and

soccer this year so we will see.

Shannan lost her two front teeth right

before Thanksgiving so she is still praying

she will soon get them back!!

Ana is youngest and the craziest of our girls.

She always has something to say that is funny

and very quick I must say. Some of the things that

come out of her mouth shock me, amaze me, and

make me sometimes want to put a whole bar of soap in

her mouth....LOL!! Ana is in kindergarten and she

can't get enough of it, the social part of it that is.

She cannot wait to get to school every day to be with her

friends. The winter break has been torture for her!!

Ana loves to laugh, dance and just be a goof ball!!

This past year I have realized how precious

the time is I have with my girls. Each day I hope that

I am giving them my best. I love them so much and I

am so thankful that my Heavenly Father has given

me my girls. I don't know what I would be without them.

I am working full time as a graveyard PBX operator.

It has been a huge struggle since I have always

only worked part time. I feel like a zombie 99.9%

of the time, but I try to be as normal as possible.

I don't think people quite understand what it's like to

work grave yards, and be a mom, at the time.

I keep telling Loni I can't wait until August when

all three girls will be full time in school. Then I can

Sleep!! I can make it through the next 8 months.

This next year I really want to focus on finding

balance. Sometimes, well most of the time I sit and

wonder where the day went. I am trying to be more

organized. I want to be better with our finances, and

of coarse I want to continue losing weight. Those are my

top goals for this year, and of coarse keeping up with our blog.

I hope all of you have a Awesome 2011!!

This is my year!!!

Here is to finding BALANCE!!!

Tilisa's Baptism...

What a wonderful day this was.
My heart was so full this day and
I cannot express how thankful
I am that she has made this decision.
My family also was able to come(except my brother)
It felt so good to see them.
I miss the all so much!

I am so thankful for my parents
and the relationship they have with
T. I am thankful for the examples
they were on my life.

I love you Tilisa.
Thank You for being
a great example to me
and your little sisters.

Tilisa's Piano Recital

Tilisa just started taking piano about
2 months ago and has already moved
up four classes. She loves it, and she
is so good. I don't even have to
remind her to practice. She just puts her
ipod on and practices for hours.
I am so proud of her and look
forward to seeing her talent grow.

My Little Shanny

Shanny just turned 6 and so much has
happen in the past few weeks.
She started her first day of Kindergarten and
she was so excited to go.
Everyday she has brought home a smiley face
to show what a great
job she did for the day.
She has loved being in school
and making new friends.
Her first day she said was boring because all
they did was talk about colors...lol!

Trip to Venus........

Loni has been experimenting with Photo shop....

Here is something he came up with.

I think it looks pretty cool.....

We have been staying busy with work, church,

school, swimming. Hope you are all well!

Until next time!!!

Daddy is your boyfriend!

I always get a kick out of things kids say....

This week Ana said, "Mom why you like

kissing daddy so much?"

I laughed of coarse and

said, I don't know. I just

like kissing him! Ana broke out

in the loudest, goofiest laugh and said,

"Because he is your Boyfriend!"

Your right Ana, He is my boyfriend!

I love him so much!!!

Here is T and Ana.

My kids hate taking pictures for

some reason. It's like pulling teeth.

My Shanny. At least she smiles for me!

We have not been up to much.

Just swimming, job interviews,

more swimming, running,

more swimming!

T is off track now.

I am kind of glad. I miss

her during the day.

Well I hope all you have a great week!

Trina

Your choices are unlimited!

You don't have to buy from anyone.
You don't have to work at any particular job.
You don't have to participate in any given relationship.
You can choose.

You steer the course you choose in the direction
of where you want to be today, tomorrow,
or in a distant time to come.
You hold the tiller.

You can decide to alter the course of your life at any time.
No one can ever take that away from you.
You can decide what you want and go after it.
It's always your next move.

Lately I have been reflecting on thing's in my life

that I can do differently or better. There are many

things that I cannot wait to change. I think I have

seen the "light" and realized that I was neglecting

certain things. This last week for FHE we talked

about goals. For myself I set three goals; a mental,

spiritual, and a physical goal. I am not going to tell

you what they are yet, I will just tell you I am excited!

I think they are things that will help me be a better

person, wife, mom and friend.

So until next time...CHOOSE to make today a great one!!!

Weekly Update!

Last week was teacher appreciation week.

We decided to make candy lei's for

the kids teachers.

There teachers loved them, and the kids had fun making them.

We made about 20 of them last week

for teachers, Mother's in the ward,

and a few neighbors.

Here is just a random picture of

Tilisa and Shanny. She is getting so

excited to start kindergarten.

I don't know what Ana will do all on

her own.

One of the great thing's about Vegas is Loni

has been able to perform more often.

He loves singing. When I see him on stage

I know he is doing something he loves

and he is most comfortable.

This is the first time Shannan and Ana have seen

him perform. They performed on Freemont Street 

which was pretty exciting for all of us.

Well that is what we have been up to this past 

week. Oh ya and we got asked to speak in 

church.....We are thinking of going into hiding!

Have a great week.

Trina

Thankful to Be A Mommy!

I could not go much longer without saying how

very blessed I feel being a Mom.

My whole life the only thing I wanted was 

to be a Mom.

It's hard sometimes, but totally worth it.

Here is my little Ana. In church Sunday

she was being rather grumpy, and I was

holding her. I whispered in her ear Ana

can you please be and reverent in church today

so Mommy can have a Happy Mother's Day?

She quickly said, "you are not a mother, 

you are a Mommy! LoL.

That is Ana always keeping me on my toes.

My shanny. She has the best heart and 

constantly tells me how much she loves me.

She will be starting kindergarten this year.

She is a great sister and always the peace maker.

My little T, isn't so little anymore.

She is getting so tall, and she will be eight

this year. Where does the time go?

She is a little smarty pants and always

amazes me how smart and talented she is.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Now I could not go any further without saying

how thankful I am for my own Mom.

She has always been there for me through tick or thin.

She has been my constant support and shoulder

to cry on. It's been so hard being so far apart,

but I know that she is always a phone call away.

I love you Mommy!!!

I found this story and I thought it was

a great one to share.

The Invisible Mother

It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response, the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I'm on the phone and ask to be taken to the store.

Inside I'm thinking, 'Can't you see I'm on the phone?'

Obviously, not. No one can see if I'm on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the floor,

or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see me at all.

I'm invisible. The invisible Mom. Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more:

Can you fix this?

Can you tie this?

Can you open this ?

Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a human being.

I'm a clock to ask, 'What time is it?' I'm a satellite guide to answer,

'What number is the Disney Channel?'

I'm a car to order, 'Right around 5:30, please.'

I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied history and the mind that graduated sum a cum laud - but now they had disappeared into

the peanut butter, never to be seen again.

She's going; she's going; she is gone!

One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a friend from England ..Janice had just gotten back from a fabulous trip, and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in.

I was sitting there, looking around at the others all put together so well. It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for myself.

I was feeling pretty pathetic, when Janice turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package, and said, 'I brought you this.'

It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe. I wasn't exactly sure why she'd given it to me until I read her inscription:

'To Charlotte, with admiration for the greatness of what you are building when no one sees.'

In the days ahead I would read - no, devour - the book.

And I would discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after which I could pattern my work:

No one can say who built the great cathedrals - we have no record of their names.

These builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never see finished.

They made great sacrifices and expected no recognition.

The passion of their building was fueled by their faith that the eyes of God saw everything .

A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man,

'Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof?

No one will ever see it.' And the workman replied, 'Because God sees.'

I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place. It was almost as if I heard God whispering to me,

'I see you, Charlotte. I see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does.

No act of kindness you've done, no sequin you've sewn on, no cupcake you've baked, is too small for me to notice and smile over.

You are building a great cathedral, but you can't see right now what it will become.'

At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction.

But it is not a disease that is erasing my life. It is the cure for the disease of my own self-centeredness.

It is the antidote to my strong, stubborn pride. I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great builder.

As one of the people who show up at a job that they will never see finished, to work on something that their name will never be on.

The writer of the book went so far as to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in our lifetime because there are so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree. When I really think about it,

I don't want my son to tell the friend he's bringing home from college for Thanksgiving,

'My Mom gets up at 4 in the morning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bastes a turkey for three hours and presses all the linens for the table.'

That would mean I'd built a shrine or a monument to myself. I just want him to want to come home.

And then, if there is anything more to say to his friend, to add, 'you're gonna love it there.'

As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if we're doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible women. We never know what our finished products will turn out to be because of our perseverance.

"As you create a home, don't get distracted with a lot of things that have no meaning for you or your family. Don't dwell on your failures, but think about your successes. Have joy in your home. Have joy in your children. Have joy in your husband. Be grateful for the journey."

-Marjorie Pay Hinckley

"You are loved! Your Heavenly Father loves you. Your husband loves you. Your children love you. You have many friends and family that love you.

Sometimes we tend to forget that, or it gets lost in all the "clutter" of our everyday lives. You can't do everything, but you can do something. You would probably be really surprised about the number of people's lives that you touch. They are most likely looking at you and saying the same thing...."If she can do it why can't I?"

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How many times have you found yourself saying that same thing "if she can do it why can't I"? in our own families and within in our circle of friends.

Sometimes just being who we are, where we are and cultivating our relationships and life where we stand should be enough but always moving forward doing something.

We are always looking for more then we should sometimes we try to do it all, and soon find out that things get put on the back shelf that should be right at the front.

SIMPLIFY

As hard as it is sometimes. It usually works out for the best.

We can't please everyone either no matter how hard we try, I think we need to spend more time on the most important things in our lives, and feeling loved and being loved by those around us. and most importantly loving ourselves for who we are not who we wish we were or letting the if only' s get in the way.

We get distracted to much by whats out there or things that don't matter and won't get us anywhere.

I really think that doing our best serving others and being examples does more for the soul and others around us then we have the ability to comprehend.

Our children, family, friends are watching and learning from us.

We need to eliminate the "clutter" in our lives and do what we can

knowing that we can't do everything.

but we can do SOMETHING.
-----------------------------------

HAVE A GREAT WEEK!!

DO SOMETHING THAT MATTERS.

Let's have some Mango!!!

 

2	cups mango juice or tropical juice blend
1/4	to 1/2 cup lime juice
12	to 14 ice cubes
1	cup club soda
1	pint coconut ice cream, coconut sorbet or vanilla ice cream
	Large candy sprinkles, if desired 1. Chill glass jars or goblets in freezer several hours before serving, if desired. 2. Place mango juice, lime juice and ice cubes in blender. Cover and blend on high speed about 45 seconds or until smooth. Pour mixture into 4 jars. 3. Pour 1/4 cup club soda into each of the jars. Add 1 large scoop ice cream to each jar. Garnish with candy sprinkles.

Okay so you all know I absolutely love Mango.

This is such a good drink. Very Refreshing. 

I added a little bit of shredded coconut in the blender 

and I served it with vanilla ice cream!

Also I used fresh Mangos!

ENJOY!!!

Girls and Awards!

Okay so the pictures loaded backwards....

I wanted a picture of the girls

TOGETHER before we went

to church Sunday.

Next time mommy will be the 

photographer. So you will have to

have a all three separately.

Ana Finau in her pink princess dress.

She still goes to my class after

wandering off into the parking lot

incident. I love her, she keeps me

going ALL day long!

My Shanny....she now has a permanent

accessory. Her back back my sister gave

her for Easter. She is learning so much lately.

She loves reading, painting, and impersonating

everyone. Love you Shanny! 

My Tilisa. She is such a big helper.

Sometimes I have to remind her,

that I am the mom! LOL.

I think that is the age.

She is so smart and so talented.

She is starting piano lessons

soon, and is still always painting and drawing.

Tilisa has merged into her new school like a pro. 

I think Utah and Nevada school system 

are soooo different.

Tuesday she received the highest award 

for the school. The principals award.

She was so excited and we are so

proud of her. She is always reading and

doing her spelling. She loves math and 

she gets along well with everyone.

I am so thankful for my family.

I am so thankful that my 

Heavenly Father has blessed

me with so much.

I hope you all have a wonderful day!

Much Love,

Trina

President Thomas S. Monson

As Many of you know I was an operator for 

The Church of Jesus Christ

of Latter Day Saints before I move to Las Vegas.

Since we have moved one of the things

that has made me so sad about leaving

was my job. I know to the outside world

people probably think I am crazy!

Before I started working for the church

I was struggling big time with just about 

everything. My testimony, why I was here,

what I was doing, who I was....

Pretty much any question you could ask,

I was asking myself.

I have so many wonderful stories that have 

happen to me while I worked for the church.

Most of them are personal and ones I will

always hold dear to heart for as long as I live.

My first week in training I walked into

the office sat down and in walked

President Monson.

He walked over put his hand on my

shoulder and said we are glad you are here.

To most, this would not be a big deal.

To me at that moment in time, it meant 

everything. From that day on I had many

conversations with the prophet.

I have written these experiences down

in my journal and hope one day my grandchildren 

will think WOW my grandma knew the prophet!

I have to say my experiences working for

the church have changed my life.

They have made me want to be a better

wife, mother, daughter, friend.

President Monson will always

hold a very special place in my heart.

I sustain him and I know he is

a true prophet of God.

"Occasionally discouragement may darken our pathway; 

frustration may be a constant companion. 

In our ears there may sound the sophistry of Satan as he whispers, 

“You cannot save the world; your small efforts are meaningless. 

You haven’t time to be concerned for others.” 

Trusting in the Lord, let us turn our heads from such falsehoods 

and make certain our feet are firmly planted in the path of service and 

our hearts and souls dedicated to follow the example of the Lord. 

In moments when the light of resolution dims and when the heart grows faint, 

we can take comfort from His promise: 

'Be not weary in well-doing. … 

Out of small things proceedeth that which is great. 

Behold, the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind.'”

A four-year old is kind of like having a blender, 

but you don't have a top for it.

*****************************************

I feel like this with all my girls sometimes.

Am I the only one?

I love there enthusiasm and that

they keep me constantly on my toes.

I am so thankful I have my girls

they are my greatest treasures!

Made a few things I

found on a very cute blog

christalbevans.blogspot.com

 wanted to share.

Try them, they are delicious!

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2 quarts water

12 cubes chicken bouillon

4 large diced 

potatoes with skin

3 large carrots (chunked)

1 large onion (chopped)

1 cup celery (diced)

1 bunch broccoli (chopped)

1½ cups butter

1½ cups flour

1½ quarts more

 water

16 ounce jar Cheez Whiz

¾ teaspoon of garlic salt

In 2 quarts water, c

ook bouillon and vegetables. In smaller pan, combine butter and flour. Slowly add 1 ½ quarts of water. Stir to thicken. Add slowly to lar

ge pan of veggies. Add Cheez Whiz and salt. 

Simmer. 

I found this recipe and my girls 

LOVE it!!!

Also You have to have some Aloha Bread.

-Lion House Recipe

Ingredients:
1 Cup Butter
2 Cups Sugar
4 Eggs
1 Cup Mashed Bananas
4 Cups all-purpose Flour
2 Teaspoons Baking Powder
1 Teaspoon Salt
1 Teaspoon Soda
1 20-Ounce Can Crushed Pineapple, Undrained
¾ Cup Chopped Pecans
1 Cup Coconut

Method:
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Grease 2 large 8x4-inch loaf pans. Set aside. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter, and sugar. Add eggs. Stir in bananas. In separate bowl mix flour, baking powder, soda, and salt, then add to banana mixture. Blend well, but be careful not to over mix. (Over mixing causes tunnels and a coarse texture) Add pineapple, pecans, and coconut and mix together on low speed until blended. Pour into prepared pans. The pans should each be two-thirds full. Bake for 60 to 80 minutes.

Makes 2 large loaves.

I am going to try and make this for the my 

ladies I now go Visiting Teaching too.

Recipes and pictures

from christalbevans.blogspot.com