Toga's Ramblings

I'm a Samoan girl named Toga. Thanks for that, Dad.

Sunday, October 25, 2015

primary program 2015 (late post)

This year is Simione's first year participating in the Primary Program. We got his part last month and he learned it right away; "I know my Savior loves me because He gave us animals" Pretty simple. Pretty straight forward. He learned it the same day we received his part and we reviewed it with him often and every week during FHE we went through it with him. We pulled out a chair for him to sit on, made a "Pulpit" and we had a "microphone" for him to speak in to. Alma or I would stand up and introduce the "primary" as if it were the actual program. Simon would sit in his chair smiling and waving at us and then would stand up and say his part. Every week we did that and even during some of our evening prayers. We explained to him each time that we would be sitting in the front where he could see us and we would wave at him and give him the "thumbs up" that way he new we were proud of him. All this so he would be "brave" like Thomas and Percy and mostly so he would feel safe while he was sitting up there.
I took him to the primary practice that was held and he almost didn't say his part. Aunty Teresa (his awesome primary teacher) stood up with him and helped him. He did say it, but I could tell he was startled by the sound of the mic. He didn't know he would be so loud. lol
And true to our word, I sat in the front during his practice and I waved at him and gave him the "thumbs up" while he sat/played up there with his class.
Saturday night, we all went to bed early so we could get good nights rest and wake up refreshed and make it to church on time. My MIL bought Simione a white shirt and tie earlier in the month that I was saving for the program because I didn't want him to stain his shirt. For some reason every time he wears a white shirt to church, it is the Sunday his teacher or the primary give out chocolate. lol
Anyhow, he wore his white shirt from Nana and the tie from Uncle Reuben and Aunty Jacquie. Nana got up early and prepared his Taovala (spelling?).  When we got to church, she put it on him while in the parking lot. We took pictures and we headed in.
My poor sweet son was instantly afraid. lol Alma and I were not surprised. It was ok. We still sat in the front like we said we would. We encouraged him throughout sacrament meeting. He would not go up there. lol He eventually agreed to go up and sit with his class, but he wouldn't stay up there. He would go up for a few mins then come back down. I didn't mind. He eventually stayed up there long enough for his turn to do his part. I went up there because he had been almost in tears asking for "my mommy". I went up to help him and he didn't say he part, I had to say it for him lol. My poor baby was too scared. But it was okay. Alma and I were not upset one bit. We were just happy he went up there and didn't cry hysterically. It's all good my baby boy. He was the only one that didn't say his part. HAHAHAHA. I'll post pictures later. i love you son. There's always next year my love! hahah!!!
xoxo

Monday, October 12, 2015

PSfit (late post)

In my quest to become physically fit (I'm currently failing... ) I have inadvertantly let my spiritual "fitness" go down the drain. :( Because of this, my attitude and my whole demeanor had become so negative. As mentioned in my previous blog, I was not a happy girl.
I have since making in a point to have prayers in the morning with Simione and read my scriptures EVERYDAY, during waking hours. Not when I'm in bed. Reading in bed has been something I've always done but has not always been beneficial.
This week I've been thinking/praying and preparing myself spiritually and mentally for the upcoming General Conference. I'm really excited to hear the prophet speak as well as our other leaders. So excited!!! I've been thinking about Sami's (cousin) IG name; PSfit. Physically and Spiritually fit. I began thinking of my 100 year quest of trying to get physical fit. I was doing pretty well the first couple weeks and just like every other time, I fell off the wagon. The wagon basically ran me over and I have been left walking the fat, out of breath, over eating road alone. This week I've been trying to get myself back on the wagon. I started thinking of being physically fit but more specifically becoming spiritually fit. Just like always, I start off really great and on top of everything, but something or another happens, and I eventually fall of the spiritual wagon. I hate that!
Living in Laie makes it easier for me to stay on the wagon though. I can see the temple from my front lawn. Here's to me getting pSfit! xoxo

I love to see the temple.

A few weeks ago I blogged about my commitment to attend the temple that week no matter what. Well, I did and I have been going every week since! My inability to fully explain my experience only stems from my lack of vocabulary. I need to go back to school..hehe. (different blog). Anyhow, my temple experience that first night was beyond amazing. My heart was overwhelmed with the Spirit. I could feel His presence. My heart was on fiyah! :-P  Man, I love my Father in Heaven!!!! And oh how He loves me!
I've been going every week since and I do not plan on stopping! xoxo