Post Christmas Slump

What the heck....does anyone hate it when Christmas is over? Thanksgiving is like the best day ever...you eat tons of food and get to be with family...maybe catch a flick or two...enjoy the time off work AND start the Christmas season! Christmas music is bumpin', snow is fallin', friends are callin', & the food is the bomb. It's the day after Christmas that the "feeling in the air" is gone & you're back to the everyday rustics. Well, all I have to say is I miss that Christmas magic in the air. However, I had one of the BEST Christmas seasons of my life! It's funny how that "special someone" can change the feel of the season....oh how I love Sini! Ok ok ok...I know enough of the lovey dovey stuff. Guys, we had so much fun this December! How were your Christmases? I wanna hear about them....I love reading your blogs & seeing what fun traditions you have & the fun acitivities you participated in! Christmas day was super fun! I don't know about you all but I was so happy we got so much snow...one of the reasons was b/c I was with my family & we were at home with a cozy fire eating lots (I do mean lots) of yummy food & watching movies & playing games!

Here are some photos of our Christmas break!

Our favorite restaurant it The Cheesecake Factory....we go there once a week...it's like an addiction.

This was one of the nights where the snow was falling but there wasn't any wind blowing so it wasn't really cold. We just walked & walked forever....we got COVERED in snow but it was so fun!

Mikey & I making the fire...well Mikey TRIED to start it...it wasn't until I stepped up & utlized my Young Women's Girl's Camp skills! Then there's Sini trying to get warm by the fire...I just threw him in the snow (that's right folks....he needs to know his role! hahaha...I'm joking...)!

Sini & I had to make a ton of pies for Christmas day (they are the BEST pies...so they are in high demand) & instead of letting me do it by myself...Sini helped me...we had an assembly line...well...it was just me...and Sini (does that count as a line?)...The pies were a hit! Now I'm craving them...great...this always happens!

All in all Christmas time was so much fun! Now it's on to the New Year...into uncharted waters...I'm not goona lie...I'm looking forward to this year. This will be the first year that I actually make resolutions/goals (write them down~according to my brother Manti if you write them down you're more likely to achieve them) & try to accomplish them! I hope everyone had a memorable Holiday Season....blog on!

Tis the season

This Christmas has been so fun. Sini & I have done everything we can think of...except sledding...we haven't been sledding yet....I don't know if his Tongan blood temperature will be able to handle it hahahaha. I can't believe Christmas is almost here...I feel like once it's here it's over so quickly! So this year I've been taking things slow & enjoying every minute of the season. Sini & I went on a walk during one of the snow "storms"....it was (dare I say...at the price of sounding overly cheesy) magical. The snow was falling so softly, the night was reflecting off the the snow so the street lamps weren't necessary....it wasn't too cold...but it wasn't warm either. It was wonderful. In the past Sini has hightailed to the warmth of Hawaii for the the winter season, but this year I couldn't allow that....no....I just begged him to stay (begged is over exaggerated...all I did was look at him funny & he knew Hawaii was not an option). So this season marks the first snowfall of Sini's memory. I feel so lucky that I get to share these experiences with him. Sini has seriously brought a tremendous amount of joy to my life....& no I'm not trying to get sappy with my love for Sini, but I truly love him & all that he does for me....so sue me for wanting to share that with the world *big gasp* what'll I tell mom? In all of my 27 years I have never had a signifigant other to share Christmas with, & I wouldn't have had it any other way. Sini was def worth the wait!
Sometimes people write about their top 5 favorite moments of the the Holiday Season & as I sit here at work....with a little time on my hands...I thought I'd do the same....maybe you'll have the same idea & blog about it!
Top 5 Favorite Holiday Memories '08:
5: Walking outside & seeing Sini shoveling my driveway so my dad or my mom wouldn't have to do it. (It was so thoughtful...no one asked him to do it...I know it might seem like a little thing but it meant so much to all of us...who didn't have to do it).
4: Advent Sunday with my family
3: Christmas Tea with the Campbell Girls (yes I'm a Campbell girl by birth...I might not look like it....but it's something to envy hehehehe)
2: Taking Sini to see the lights at Temple Square for the first time in his life.
1: Going to Candlelight Christmas at "This is the Place" w/"Haisy" (Daisy & Hema) & the boys.
Now I know that the Holiday season is not yet over....so this list is "just for now." I love watching everyones reactions when they open their gifts. Stay tuned for post Holiday blogs! Hopefully I'll have funny family stories too tell...fingers crossed...everything crossed!

Christmas Bingo!

Every Christmas season we have a family tradition called Advent. On the first Sunday of December my family gets together to celebrate Advent Sunday (which is a German holiday...mind you, none of us are German. My mom served a mission in Germany & imported this family tradition). We eat dinner, catch up, but most importantly we play a few rounds of the ever competitive & amusing "Christmas Bingo." To begin...we have been doing this for years now, since I was a little girl, so naturally, our family has grown...some of us end up with the same cards, & the once crisp red dots that were used to mark are bingo cards have been somewhat replaced with dry kidney beans, however that does not stop our ever ambiguous quest for victory! What is the prize you ask? The highly coveted "couch of stuff" supplied by none other than the dollar store. I realize that some of you reading might mock the vigor displayed for the game.....I will inform you that Christmas Bingo is not a game....it is a Christmas Tradition! We take traditions very seriously around here. Much to our dismay bingo is quickly over & reality sets in once again, yet once Christmas Bingo is played we can officially start the Christmas season.

I love Advent Sunday b/c it gives me a chance to reconnect with my mom's side of the family, all of whom I love dearly. Advent is always a fun way to start off the season & I know as some of you read this you'll want to "bite" (copy) this tradition from the Campbell family...I advise you to beware....Christmas bingo can get pretty intense!

The 1st times.....

This year marks the first Christmas that Sini & I will spend together. Sini had never been to see the lights at Temple Square *gasp* it was such a fun experience to watch him as we walked on Temple Grounds...this might sound cheesy, but he couldn't stop smiling *warm fuzzy feeling*. Ask yourself this question: Have you ever taken someone to see the lights at Temple Square for the first time in their life? If you haven't I suggest that you find a "Temple Square Lights Virgin" grab them by a limb and drag them there...even if it's against their will...the outcome: genuine happiness. The lights at Temple Square were fun to see. The air was crisp & smelled like winter. It was fun to see different families with their kids running around. The Holidays are such a magical time of year. It really makes me stop & think of how grateful I am. *Note to self: make it a point to be just as grateful as I am during this time of year all year round.
Just last week I "won" tickets to "Candle Light Christmas" at "This is the Place." We invited Hema, Daisy, & the boys to go with us. It was SO much fun! I think we started a new Christmas tradition. We rode the "Choo-choo Train" around the Brigham Young-esque village, listened to old fashioned carolers, visited "Father Christmas" talked to a chimney sweep, had hot cider, & sat by the camp fire. It was so fun to see the kids enjoy themselves...it was even more fun to see the "big kids" enjoy themselves....

My assesment of Twilight...

I had been waiting for the crowds to die down at the box office before I went to see Twilight but my anxious fiance wanted to surprise me by taking me out to see the much anticipated film. Such a kind gesture from my husband-to-be, I'm sure it wasn't his first pick for a date night movie, but in his own words "he knew it would make me happy"...I know right? As we got ready to go I tried to brace myself for screaming teenage girls, maybe even cat fights between Team Jacob & Team Edward, however, much to my surprise there were "children of all ages" & also to my amazement there were a lot of guys there. I was a little worried that everyone would get jealous that I was with Jacob Black aka Sini, but I knew I could "take 'em" if they tried any funny business. Are you ready for my assesment of the film? I went with the lowest of expectations, as not to be too disappointed....and just as I had expected....not a great film. I know that a lot of you loved the film, & I truly apologize if I offend you or hurt your feelings...I mean no harm...but I thought it looked like a low budget film...I thought the acting was not great....& the special effects were worse. I felt rushed throughout the whole film. The whole time I was watching it I kept thinking to myself..."wait..they forgot this part....wait...they forgot this part." The highlight of the movie (for me) was Jacob Black...sigh....I have always been on "Team Jacob" (don't hate) I take pride in the fact that I found my Jacob Black (Sini) & am going to be married to him on April 11th. When the film was over Sini took me to dinner, & while we discussed the film I found out that he actually liked it *confusion* huh? Who would'a thunk.....As for those that loved the film...keep on keepin on...to each his own. I hold no animosity in my heart. I hope that they'll "go the extra mile" & spend a little more money on "New Moon" hopefully it will improve the sequel...fingers crossed!

So Fresh & So Clean

My sister is nothing less than a genius folks. I had no intentions of dressing up this year..I never really get into Halloween (I feel like everything has been done already). Every year my sister always has really funny & creative ideas (i.e. last year she was a jelly fish it actually turned out really good). Since this year is my FIRST Halloween with Sini I decided to ask my sister for help. Jamie (my sis) put together a "loofah" costume for herself this year...and I was very eager to copy her (my sis is really cool like that so she had no problem with me stealing her idea)....then she suggested that Sini be the soap....we went to the craft store and voila! The birth of "So fresh & so clean" was born hahahaha. I am on the activities committee for my singles ward and we had a dance for halloween so I was really excited to show off our costumes! They were a big hit! One of the best parts about it was that my dad couldn't stop laughing. While my sister was making Sini's costume my dad had doubts that Sini would cooperate, however Sini is very laid back and was willing to do whatever it takes to make me happy...*sigh* so lucky :) Over all Halloween '08 was fantastic!

The "Official" Proposal!

I never thought it would happen. It's always been a thought in my mind, but never an actual reality. Friday night Sini told me we were going out to brunch with his family. He told me that one of their clients wanted to take them out to brunch. Sini told me to wear something nice....so I did...I also wore heels (to complete the outfit). At 10:30am Sini was supposed to pick me up, but instead I received a phone call telling me to come outside. When I walked outside one of Sini's cousins "Lee" was standing in my driveway holding a poster board with a riddle on it. If any of you know me, you KNOW that I love riddles and I love games! Sini had put together a "little" treasure hunt for me. Each riddle would lead me to the next destination. The first destination was where Sini FIRST asked for my number (which was my ward building). The second destination was our favorite park. The third was Temple Square. The fourth was Ensign Peak (the gardens at the base of the peak)...The fifth destination (remember what I'm wearing folks..."something nice" with heels!).....the TOP of Ensign Peak! *Thoughts going through my mind when I read the clue* "Are you serious? For real? No are you serious? Does he know I'm wearing stilettos? Should we call him and tell him I'm not dressed for hiking? Well...I walked up anyway...I figured if he went to all the trouble to plan it I should at least TRY to hike up this mountain....word to the wise...never hike in stilettos! So...anyway...it was really hard to walk up the mountain...so we ended up calling him and letting him know the situation...at the end of the conversation I was still supposed to meet him up there but as we were walking up...he...and an entourage of people (some carrying musical instruments) started walking down. As soon as I saw all the people walking down with him my heart sank! I felt SO bad for whining about my shoes. Was that it? Did I miss it? Was he going to propose? NOPE! As we were hiking down the mountain (an even harder task...I acutally had to remove my shoes and walk barefoot)














At that point my mom called me and told me that my dad needed to speak with me before he went to work and that I needed to rush home right away. Without any complaint Sini agreed to take me home right away...but we needed to drop off some of his entourage at his house. When we got to Sini's house he told me his mom had some stuff for my dad, and he asked if I would help him carry it outside...mind you the whole time I'm worried about getting home so my dad doesn't get mad so I was rushing Sini and everyone in the car....when I walked into Sini's house my family AND Sini's family were all there. Sini said a lot of sweet things and then finally....he got down on one knee pulled out a ring box from his pocket and asked "Jenilyn Fa'ilagi Su'a, will you marry me?" Just so you all know I was bawling (something I made fun of others for doing) and couldn't speak so I just nodded my head enthusiastically! I didn't even look at the ring (I just didn't care) all I wanted to do was hug Sini. After several moments I composed myself and realized that after all this time I was engaged to the man of my dreams. I also realized that Sini was trying to put something on my left hand.....O-M-G!














I feel so blessed. I just keep saying that in my mind. I honestly don't know how I could be this happy.

Da Kine bah

I find I do all my best thinking/blogging late at night. I find as the day winds down, "good nights" are said...late night television comes on (not that I watch it), and the sound of the dishwasher is humming in my ear...my "random" thoughts come alive, and sometimes I feel if they are not recorded...my randomness will dissipate into the abyss of nothingness. Ahem, today in my daily routine of watching tv and eating sunflower seeds I came across a television show that I thought had been cancelled. "Dog the Bounty Hunter" was at one point a favorite of mine (not that I'm proud of that...it's sort of my one guilty pleasure). I thought it very interesting that alothough Dog and Beth (his busty wifey) are natives of Colorado....they had developed a pidgeon accent. Hmmmm....really? I mean...really? Anyway anyway....that's a completely different subject. I was watching Dog and his brigade bring down a drug trafficer in Honolulu...*sigh* how I miss Hawai'i! Not so much the drugs and criminals but the way of life....the laid back attitude...the "Locals" Flip flops that you can buy at Walmart for $2.88 then wearing them EVERYWHERE even to church...the late night trips to walmart just to get out of Laie...then stopping at Jack-in-the-box on the way home....waking up to the soft, warm breeze blowing in through the ever famous louvers....the humidity....the smell of cigarettes and plumerias (combined) once you get off the plane (or anywhere in honolulu)....the melting pot of races that attend byuh.....foodfest....the beach.....skinny dipping at the end of every semester (a tradition)...the way you smell after you eat at subway (how can you not miss that)...walking EVERYWHERE...people watching in the Aloha Center....matsumotos even thought there's a place 100 yards away that doesn't have a massive line, you can never go there b/c it's NOT "matsumotos"......going to the Laie Temple on Sunday b/c there's nothing else to do and it is air conditioned....the pidgeon accent ugh! the pidgeon accent (that's probably on the top five things i miss).....calling every lady that is older than me "Auntie" even some of my teachers.....going to 7-11 in Hau'ula to cruise....walking to chevron when we don't have a ride to 7-11....making plans to go to the gym (b/c it's free) but then making up some excuse not to go.....the food.....going on outrageous hikes (i went on like four....they were hard but they were da bomb)...skipping class to go to the seasider....hanging out at the library (literally just hanging out...no homework)....how every house that was off campus had a nickname i.e. the quiet house, the animal house, the aloha house, the green house....going to the nasty movie theater that was always way too cold....kim chee I in kaneohe (that's number 1 on my list..ugh i miss it!!!)....kccn fm 100 (lina girl! hahaha)! All of these memories flooded my mind as I was watching Dog the Bounty Hunter...odd (head tilt)....All in all I think my Hawaii days have to be some of the best in my life thus far. However, Utah is giving me a run for my money....don't worry I'm not gonna name all the things I love about Ut tonight...but I will say this....my family is in Ut so....that's why I'm here. Well I'm sure I will visit Hawai'i many times throughout my life...might even move there some day..we'll see. I hope my randomness entertained some of you this evening if not.....too bad...ya can't win 'em all right? Aloha oe for the evening.

The Buzz....

Here I go here I go here I go again..girls what's my weakness? HIM! Ok then chillin chillin mindin my business yo' salt I looked around and I couldn't believe it...(Salt n Peppa...Shoop)...ok so did I grab your attention? So...here's a little intro as to what is going on at this very given point in time..here's the buzz. I recently got engaged to a wonderful man named Siniholani Talanoa (Sini) we dated 2 1/2 years ago before his mission...he left on his mission and although I did not promise to "wait" I promised that I would be here when he got back (meaning I wouldn't be married)..the week before he got home I started dating another fellow....however the moment I saw Sini all of my old feelings came back and I knew at that moment that we would be together forever (as corny as that sounds). Soon after his arrival to Utah we decided the next, and best step for us was to get married. A few weeks later he approached my dad to ask for permission (a wonderful sign of respect in my opinion...and also courage...if any of you have seen my dad you know WHY courage is an important factor in this specific circumstance) to marry his oldest daughter. My dad quickly agreed and encouraged the union! YAY! Sini has yet to "officially" propose (you know...get down on one knee and present a ring) but I know that when he does, it will be something that I'll never forget.
Sini is Tongan however he was born and raised here in Utah...he speaks Tongan, English, & Spanish fluently. He served a mission in Panama. He just made the BYU Rubgy Team (which I am very excited about...b/c Rugby is my favorite sport to watch) where he will play with BOTH of my brothers (Manti & Mikey). We are getting married in the Salt Lake City Temple on April 11th 2009. You know it's funny...there were days I never thought I'd settle down...and now that it's happening I couldn't be happier...it's funny the way life works out don'tcha think?

What it do what it do!

I suppose I should take the time to welcome myself to the wonderful world of blogging. I've heard the hype about blogging from friends...twix commercials...myspace...emails....I just never thought I'd be "blog savvy" until recently. A lot has been going on in my life and myspace, bebo, facebook, hi5 and ringo just don't seem to be enough....tragic. A few of my friends suggested I start a blog. Would anyone ever read it? Would it be beneficial in any way? I wouldn't want to bore anyone with the stories or everyday acitivities in the life of Jenilyn. Then the thought popped in my mind...what have you got to lose.....*lightbulb*....you're right what HAVE I got to lose? Besides the privacy of my personal life...hahahaha...I'm just teasing...I won't write anything I don't want anyone else to know....(big sigh of relief). Bottom line: I think this is a really great way to stay involved with loved ones and friends...and their lives...one could argue that you could just pick up the phone and chat with friends and loved ones....but honestly you guys...sometimes I'm so lazy that I'd rather read about it then spend hours catching up you know? Don't get me wrong I love you all....I'm just lazy sometimes...that aside....let's blog!