A Princess Playdate & Miss Luaipou's Birthay Cake

You might've guessed Miss Pouey is three

                                                But just in a little she will no longer be

For December has come a'knocking at our door

Which gladly means she will now be four

All things princess she prances to be

She'd love if you dressed as one, you see

We'd love to have you come celebrate

A Princess (or Prince) Playdate & Miss Pouey's Birthday Cake

Birthday girl awoke at 6am on Monday December 12, 2011 and jumped into her mummy & daddy's bed, then pranced off to grandma's bed (but most likely not brave enough to jump into aunty Nelia's bed) to announce "Hey, guess what - it's my birthday now!" 

As a babe she could be boisterous and restless legs always bouncing off the lap of the person carrying her. She was now a professed princess, turning four & ready to embrace a world of wonder. Eldest sister to a younger brother & sister, she has taken them under her wing with pride. One of my favourite things about her. But today was her day - her birthday. From 12am to 12pm she made that much clear, ha! 

She had a birthday breakfast with Grandma & Pa at a local cafe, crepes being her specific order. Her mother's daughter indeed.

She returned home to eagerly await her fellow royal friends whom she'd invited to celebrate her day with. Cake was prepared, decorations hanging & set, everything ready for a day of fun.

Friends began to arrive Pouey greeted them running down the stairs as her royal friends entered. Elegantly dressed, they entered a little of Pouey's kingdom.
Prince Michael fittingly found riding his horse & Princess Aimee elegantly dressed in white - just some of the little guests of the day.

Once all had arrived, Pouey an avid storybook lover each night before bed, wanted to read a favourite with her friends on her birthday. One of my favourites also, authored by Rachel Ann Nunes it is written beautifully and painted illustration with rich colours of detail by David Helmsley. Entitled 'Daughter of A King'.

This is a story of little country girl Katie who is taught that she has come from a Crystal Palace before birth and there awaits the loving King for her return. She believes she is a princess of this king, but has come for a little while to live in care of parents raising her from physical birth. She tries her best to emanate the behaviour of that of a kind loving princess, though at times she would fall short.  

This picture book embraces our journey here in the mortal realm and to be living our divine heritage even though we may fall short at times. We are indeed only "here for a little while" but our Heavenly Father awaits as he hopes that our behaviour emanates our divine heritage and indeed our return to Him one day, although we may not wear the physical attire of royalty. There is nothing more powerful and visible than the countenance of a child or adult, who knows 'who' they are & not get caught up in the worldly fashion of 'what' they are.

I recommend this simple yet powerful story to everyone, especially those with young children.

The children seemed to love the story. 

It was time after the story for Pouey to blow her big candles on her cake. I decided to go for a buying a cheap $2 barbie doll from Reject Shop, took off the tacky clothes (ha!) got the glue gun out and left over ribbon & strings and played fashion designer. It was fun.

After the birthday song was sung, Pouey got straight into saying her own "hip hip!" to which everyone replied "hooray!" and I thought that was quite cute, as it revealed a little of her eager personality.

And finally the Princess had run enough of a 'royal mok' and after trails of crumbs of food were had in their dresses and about, each guest said their royal goodbyes - little thank yous from Pouey were given. Because we know how mums love lolly bags for their children to take home right after a birthday celebration of treats & sweets.

Everyone had retreated to their royal abodes, and left within the Walshe abode were two exhausted princesses with one pooped prince. Not to mention the queen mother who was ready for some quiet time. Perhaps the perfect depiction of depleated energy levels can me summated through these 'before & after' shots. And of course noting time in between these were taken - was had a lot of fun.

BEFORE

Beginning of playdate...

AFTER

A few hours after some royal fun...

And so, it was to be realised that our eldest babe had turned an 'I'm-a-big-girl-now' four years of age. Where time had gone from the first time I had since become a mother, was unknown, yet unworried for, for present happiness couldn't compare to any of the past. 

Vaiola - Living Waters

I have wanted dedicate a section of our blog, to my daughter Vaiola, who turned two years of age in March early this year, intending to write of her birthday party & celebrations. But never have, until now. So here it is, and also a little more than that.

You never really to it’s full extent, ever know your child. Or at least when you think you do - they surprise you. That’s how it is for us.

Our second eldest daughter, was born on March 26, 2009. Sticking to the even number days of the month, her mother likes. She was given the name, Vaiola Pauline-Jennifer Walshe. Her middle names denote both her loving grandmothers. Her first name has a beautiful meaning, “living waters”. Vaiola is also the vilage in which my mother Pauline Matuauto was raised. Vaiola, Tapu'ele'ele - Savaii, Samoa. Campbell and I went there together both, for the first time in 2007. It is literally paradise. Situated in the hills of Savaii, Vaiola has a peace & spiritual assurance about it. It is the village of my ancestors, and as I sat on the ground while Cam was cleaning gravesides of my ancestors with a cousin, I remember a sublime feeling of peace & honour as I closed my eyes to imagine all those who have gone before me who lived in this beautiful place.

—————

The story of my great-grandfather Faaoso Matuauto the Head Chieftain or ‘matai’ Tapu'ele'ele, my mothers grandfather, is one that reminds me of where I am from in geneaology & identity. I am so grateful to have this experience written in the book of Elder W Karl Brewer, young missionary who served in Samoa from Dec 6, 1920 - May 29, 1923.  This was during Faaoso’s time. Elder Brewer was given a Samoan name during his mission, Misi Paine. Elder Brewer has written a book and his astounding experiences are recorded in his book entitled “Armed With The Spirit - Missionary Experiences in Samoa”. 

We now have this book in our possesion - what a treasure!

In this book is his role & relationship with my great-grandfather who was the youngest and also the head chieftan & other chieftans (also known as ‘matai’) of villages of how Vaiola has been occupied by citizens who are all memebers of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from Elder Brewer’s time to this day. This is the geneaology of my forefathers, and how I am also a Latter-day saint, as are all my children.

The experience in short is like this. Misi Paine (or Paine) as they had called Elder Brewer, had been proselyting in Savaii, island of Samoa. (Best island in the world by the way!) Born and shortly raised in Water Canyon, Arizona, this white young man stood out amongst the Samoan people. He quickly became known as the ‘white missionary’. The matai of Tapu’ele’ele came to a knowledge of this white travelling missionary and soon word had passed to Paine that he was wanted in Tapu’ele’ele as soon as possible upon the eager request of the matai. The following day, Paine ascended up the hill toward Tapu’ele’ele and was surprised to find head chieftan, my great-grandfather, waiting for him. A ‘fono’ or council meeting was called with other matai of surrounding villages.

Paine writes, “When [the matai] arrived, they sat cross-legged, according to rank, around the council room, resting their backs against the roof support posts. I was given a place of honour next to the head chief, who introduced me as the white missionary the had been waiting for."

“Realizing that these chieftains must have had a very important prupose in mind for inviting me there, I felt impressed to add, “Your highnesses must understand that I have no authority to make promises to you that would obligate the Church in any financial matters. Anything of this nature would have to be discussed with our mission president in Pesega. How ever I can teach you the gospel and will be happy to answer any questions you may have in this regard.. The chieftains agreed.. and began to ask questions about the gospel..” beginning with “What is God like?”

Paine continues, “Little did I imagine that these matai and villagers would question me for four days and four nights, almost nontstop, about the gospel.. It happened suddenly, after the last session of questions and answers.. the youngest and highest ranking chief leaned forward [and stated to Paine] “I am much impressed with your patience in answering our questions and your knowledge of the gospel you teach.. I would like to be baptized a Mormon.. Each chieftain, in turn, responded, “I would like to join also.”

Seven out of eight chieftains elected to be baptized into the Church. Soon, the entire village made the decision to be baptized. The one chieftain, Muliaga, who was not baptized made the choice to not do so as it was the the dying wish or ‘mavaega’ of his mother that he would promise to never be baptized into another church. But Muliaga said “Nevertheless I will support you chieftains and the village fathers, in every way I can.”

Paine writes how the chieftains discussed their desire to gift all their public lands - banana & coconut plantations, school and church buildings - to the Church. Paine concludes how he found it hard to believe that these matai, heads of Tapu’ele’ele only a week before meeting him, knew nothing about the Church, and had now transferred all their plantations and public buildings to The Church of Jesus Christ Of Latter-day Saints. Paine signs off “The Lord works in mysterious ways, his wonders to perform.

—————

Most this information I vaguely knew of through my mother and aunties & grandfather in his old age. It was only within the last month, when my great-aunt (daughter of Faaoso Matuauto, and sister of my beloved grandfather Pueomanu Matuauto) was able to relay specific details and knowledge of the book.

Pueomanu has been a keynote figure in my life and I have chosen to emanate in living the gospel as he did as also my forefathers.

To this day, Tapu'ele'ele residents are predominantly if not all, members of The Church of Jesus Christ Of Latter-day Saints. There also remains to be the school run by the Church, Church College Of Samoa, Vaiola. There is also one other school of it's kind on the main island of Upolu, in Apia. Namely, Pesega.

Perhaps and rightly named, Vaiola. Living Waters. It’s spiritual connection is a profound one, and I for one can’t help but know it is truly a paradise, and not only in appearance. I hope to go back there very soon with my husband again and all of my children, to this beautiful heritage. A name is important to my husband and myself, and in choosing one for our children we do not take lightly and wish to have our children’s heritage connected to them in many ways including their name. I connect the naming of this holy land to reminding me of what my family and I believe in.

http://lds.org/liahona/2011/07/drink-deeply-of-the-living-water?lang=eng&query=living+water

As for our beautiful Vaiola, she is now two years of age and almost three. She is reserved, never shies from correcting us all when we slip up, loves her brother and sister just immensely, as all my children look out for each other. She had a beautiful birthday and remained reserved holding her teddy bear while all the children were having fun playing around her.

Theme for her party was a “Teddy Bears Picnic” as her mother lost some sleep staying up in the wee hours of the night preparing for her party. But what mother wouldn’t!

Party favour baskets, the children filled with goodies from an Easter Egg Hunt. Thanks to Aunty Nelia for tying all the individual bows onto 23 baskets!

What's a birthday without a cake. Turned out suprisingly well!

Finished product & and again thanks to Aunty Nelia for opinion on dimensions!

We ended that same day with attending and participating in the Seaford Football Club hosting “The Donny Epa Memorial Tribute Match” an amazing event!

We’re grateful to Heavenly Father every day for blessing our lives, with Vaiola and our two other precious children, Luaipou Irrawaddy & Bruce Hilton. Families Are Forever.

When you wake up - please do so properly.

Well, I admit I have been keenly wondering day, after day what I could possibly write about on my family blog that would cater some interest to my generous followers. Then, the last thought to cross my mind last night before walking to my dreams was something like "Right, whatever it is I really am going to write something on this task of blogging I have started." I'm not a finisher you see.

Nonetheless. I apologise for this post being about an event that occured soley to myself - which conveniently occured at first light the follwing morning. Perhaps the ironic response to my hope of something to write about blog-worthy. I thought to take the opportunity to explain this mishap which I foolishly thought I could keep within the confines of my home - but having amazing family and friends who care (or simply sniff for a faikala), such is not the case, thus my endeavour is to give a non-live commentary.

Note: This blog is family-rated so photos of my gash will absolutely not be posted. In fact none were taken.

Irra The Lamanite

title courtesy of Quonelia, as you will see in photos.

'Twas the morning of Conference

When all through the house

Not a creature was stirring

Not even a mouse (perhaps because recently we killed three)

Mother woke up to a cough

Straightway swung over her leg

And lifted herself up

To get out of bed

Whilst somewhat asleep

Stumbled past her door
Before she had known it

She lay sprawled on the floor

To her consciousness felt

A blow to her head

Happened sometime soon after

She proceeded out of bed

Her intention was the sink

Of the bathroom ahead

Thus, she hauled herself up

And onward she tread

When feeling a  slight throb

With her fingers she felt

To the rear of her head

Some blood indeed spelt

All was on deck

Daddy, Grandma and Pou

Except Bruce who was wailing

Conveniently, so

Upon remembrance, dear mother

Thought how this came to be

Loss of bearings and half asleep 

Not a worthy combination you see

A cut was so carved

And quite generously so

She felt indeed nautious

Thus, to the hospital she must go!

With her husband in hand

He drove swiftly with caution

While in the passenger seat she felt

Her head spin out of proportion

Arriving at emergency

The doctor quick at hand

Then confides to his nurse

"There is only one plan"

"To the operating room!" 

Mother lay down and still

"Three stitches shall you require"

She's certainly not thrilled

When all is complete and

Head bandaged for pressure

Hair unbrushed and bloodied

She felt glamourous as ever

Her quiet superman Cam 

By her side all throughout

Would sucessfully make her smile

What was previously a pout

And thus they headed home

To their sanctuary and abode

Three babes anxiously await

With grandma in tow

Mother bandaged and stitched

Pouey said for the time thrice

"Mummy all better?"

"My go get some ice!"

Her heart filled with joy

To come home to her loves

After her morning ordeal

Gratitude was owed to Above

Now, Mother's father concerned

When ailment arose

Tradition shows his love by food

Her favourite, he exactly knows

Chop suey, Taro, Pisupo

and Masi times three

Lu'au absolute favourite

Indeed lucky was she

Suddenly she came to thought;
Her vanity surely in place
That this three-stitch-wide gash
Was not on her face!

So children listen close;

What moral have we this

Learn from such an experience

Not a word must you miss

Take care when you awake

Lest your fall means stitches three

So when you wake up;

Please - do so properly.

    One hour later

     & 

   Twelve hours later 

   Courtesy: AP Nelia

     

First blog. Check.

Do you remember sitting in Primary during Music Time, front row on the pint sized seats allocated for the munchkins, straining your eyes to see what you couldn't read on the words of the primary song on that white, just bigger than A3 sized piece of cardboard? I most probably blamed it on the handwriting. Though now as a 'grown up' the whiff of history surpasses in a split second when I think of that moment and I always remember the last line of perhaps a well known tune;

Two little eyes that blink, blink, blink,
Two little eyes that see;
Head and shoulders; knees and toes;
And many more things make me.
Tra la la la la la,
Two little eyes that see,
Two little eyes that blink, blink, blink,
And many more things make me


“Two Little Eyes,” Children’s Songbook of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 268 

So having three beautiful munchkins myself now, one of which is that of a three year old munchkin on the pint sized seat in Music Sharing Time (as I snuck a peek on Sunday) - I must have my own take on the infamous line now indented in my mind, and name it title of my blog. Which does so fittingly, if I do say so myself. As I am no longer a 'me', the word family itself encapsulates in the plural sense - in my case five beings inclusive of three beautiful children, my palagi, and myself.

Thus, welcome to the weird and wonderful world of the Walshes through tiny snippets of this world of blogging. There's just not enough paper for written words, enough video memory - even enough time - to recall every amazing moment made each second of every day in the history that makes this Walshe family. I have no particular aniticipation of what will be posted - all I know is there are many more things that make 'We' so perhaps you might come on a little journey with us for a few seconds or minutes on our blog - to see exactly what that could be.

To all our family and friends we may have lost contact with - we would love to hear from you.