Merry Christmas

Wishing all our friends and family the Merriest of

Christmases and Happiest of New Years...

from the bottom of our Heart!!

May the Lord bless and keep you all this holiday

season and throughout the New Year!!

A White Christmas....almost!

Some photos of the snow!!

The parking lot of little Walmart--- a little snow can't keep me from shopping!

Snowing on my drive home from work.

The snow on our deck table.

The drive into work the day after the storm.

Mechanical Mathematics

What does this

plus this

Equal?

********

A shattered windsheild, missing side view mirror, dented roof, and EXPENSIVE and UNEXPECTED repairs.....

and one very grateful wife!!

You'll be happy to know that while the picture of my car is pretty gruesome (ok, so maybe that is a bit dramatic...still, I like that car!) no one was injured as a result of the clash between car and tire debris! Here's what happened--- Karl was driving my car on the 2-15 in the left lane behind one of those big trucks with the raised suspension kits and huge tires (you know the kinda trucks that make you think "yeah, he's compensating for something") when the truck in front of him ran over a tire and shot it out at Karl. Luckily, he was able to swerve slightly as the tire was headed directly for the driver's side of the windshield, and thank goodness he had the foresight not to swerve into the car in the lane next to him. After all is said and done-- I'm just glad Karl is okay. I can always get a new car, but it took me forever to find a good man! ha ha ha! (and I'm keeping him forever, too!)

Wedding day photos!

Thanks to my cousin Carla for these wedding day photos of friends and family! Thanks to our family and friends who joined us on our special day-- it was a wonderful experience and the perfect way to begin our life together!

*if any of you have any photos of the wedding day,

please feel free to e-mail them to me at telesiafau@gmail.com! Thanks!!

We're back!!!

Just a quick note to thank everyone for the wonderful love and support you have given my husband and I (yep, I can officially say husband!!) over the last several months. The wedding ceremony was perfect, and Karl and I extend a heart-felt "thank you" to all the family and friends who were able to attend our sealing. Kneeling across the alter from my handsome man, surrounded by our loved ones, was a moment I will alway cherish. As soon as I get photos from the wedding I'll be sure to post them-- so stay tuned!

*P.S.--- the honeymoon was better then great!! Fiji was amazing! :)

Some photos from our trip to Oregon!

A little late, but good nonetheless, I thought I'd post a few photos from our trip to Oregon. Since Ana already covered the "fruit" patches along the way, I thought I'd include this little gem... Ah, a mother's love, who else will wipe your bum in the middle of nowhere! As it turns out, we were 10 minutes away from a town, but when nature calls you have to answer NOW!! (To save the embarassment of my sensitive nephew I will not tell you which bum she was wiping!!)

Teni enjoyed his new yard, and we played ball while his brothers rode their bikes.

Of course in true Teni style he played without pants!!

Eddie and the boys fishing at Hagg lake. A beautiful morning, too bad the fish weren't biting! The first of many fishing trips, I'm sure!

Cannon beach was so much fun! Can't wait to go back!

Karl and I enjoying the beach. I love that he is tall enough to take a picture of both of us!

We had such a great time in Oregon. I miss my family terribly, but it helps to know that they are in such a beautiful place, and that we can visit them anytime!

Happy Birthday Sis!

Happy 26th Birthday to my beautfiul sister! Sorry this is a bit late, but I wanted to make sure to share a birthday photo from your big day (okay, technically you are still 25 in this photo!) I love you sis, and am so proud of the woman that you are-- you are an example of compassion and thoughtfulness. Brains, beauty and a great laugh-- you have it all!! Love ya!

The date is set!!

We've set the date--- on October 25, 2008 at 10:00 a.m, Karl and I will be sealed for time and all eternity in the Las Vegas, Nevada Temple!!!! We have decided to get married, go on a honeymoon (and by go on a honeymoon I mean leave as soon as the sealing is done. Any suggestions for where we should go? We're thinking tropical and secluded....) and then come back and have our reception. Right now we're penciling in the reception date as Saturday, November 15th, but don't worry, we'll keep you posted. We will be sending out new invitations/reminders of the reception, so everyone will get word. Hopefully you can all join us for a much anticipated party!!

WE'RE GETTING MARRIED!!

Finally, the news we've been waiting to share! This past Monday we received the clearance letter we've been waiting for and now we're getting married!!! We're looking at October 25th for the temple wedding, with a reception/party to follow a few weeks later (we're eyeballing the 15th of November, but we'll keep you posted!).

Long time no blog!!

Well, it's been a while since I last blogged--- and Ana is on my back to put something up so she can leave a smart comment!!! So, here's a short recap of the last few weeks:

1. We made another trip to Wyoming to help Karl's brother's family pour their concrete driveway.  We got some fishing in-- minus the mosquito bites!  Karl and Aaron did such a great job they started a business up there: Sweetwater Concrete.  They specialize in residential concrete slabs, including driveways and patios.  It's a weekend business.... or is it a ploy to get more fishing in?!?!? Only time will tell!

2. We celebrated Karl's 29th birthday on August 18th!!!! I bought him a new fishing rod and a reel (actually, he got it early so he could try it out in UT and WY).  One the big day we hung out, had some PF Changs and watched the classic movie "Watcher in the Woods"--- have you ever seen the alternate endings to this movie?  Crazy!!

3. I was called to teach seminary-- 15 minutes before seminary registration on the Sunday before school started!!!  Yeah, talk about no pressure to accept!! Of course I said yes, and started the very next day.  Poor kids-- I planned to drive Ana and Eddie up to Oregon, so I taught week 1 and had a substitute for week 2!! It was a bit sad because they had to release me from my calling as YW 1st counselor, which I've had for close to 3 years, and I loved my YW, but now I get to see them all everyday-- and I do mean every day. I always wanted to teach seminary-- I just figured it would be a lot later in life!!! 

4. We celebrated my birthday on the 29th of August!!!  It was a great birthday-- Karl surprised me and decorated the condo with signs and 2 dozen roses while I was at seminary, and then gave me a beautiful ring!!  Flowers and jewelry-- he's a keeper!

5. We packed up Ana and Eddie and headed out to Oregon!  I'm actually posting this from the kitchen counter in her new house!  It was a LOOOONNNNGGG drive, but I was glad to have the time with them.  I'll post some photos of our trip when I get back!!

Fishin at Otter Creek!!

A few weekends ago Karl & I had the opportunity to go fishing with his Dad at Otter Creek in Utah. We had a great time getting up early, going out on the boat and catchin some fish!

What a catch!!

Hmmm, who's fish is bigger...

Karl and his brother Jerad holding up our morning's catch!!

Karl & I after a long day of fishin fun!

Ok, so I'm not known for being an outdoorswoman-- but after Karl promised that I would never have to bait my own hook or gut my fish (I said I'd try the gutting thing-- but I'm okay to never bait my hook!) I was good to go! I was pretty excited to get away from the heat of Vegas and spend some time out under the stars. We went to Otter Creek in Antimony, Utah with Karl's Dad, his wife Lorraine, and his younger brother, Jerad (it was a chaperoned weekend-- keepin the rules!!). Antimony was a small, but beautiful town and we had a good time. I loved getting up early and going out on the boat-- not to mention catching 5 fish!! Since our trip, Karl has bought me my own fishin pole and I've had a chance to try it out last week in Wyoming. Who knows, maybe I'll become an outdoorswoman!! (yeah, don't hold your breath!!! ha ha ha!)

Wyoming Wildlife!!

So, our trip to Wyoming wasn't all work--we did get a chance to get out on the Green River and do some fishing. It was my first time really fishing! Luckily for me, we didn't use live bait!

I'd like to say I caught my first fish here-- but it was at a different part of the river! But, if you look closely you'll see we did catch a photo of some wildlife...

A moose!!!

We also saw a beautiful antelope right at sunset. Apparently it was a trophy antelope-- which means a big one with big antlers-- Karl and his brother wished it was hunting season, I was cool with a snapshot!

I did happen to catch 3 fish on our trip-- rainbow trouts, each of which we threw back (I'd like to say they were "trophy" fish, but that would be a fish story!!). While I only caught 3 fish, there were about 30 mosquitos who caught me-- and right in the ear!! Mosquito ear....

Normal ear!! Next time I'll get the spray with the extra Deet!

Yeah, this is the actual name of a business in Green River-- I wonder if they only work a few days a month? Ha ha ha!

There was another business with a very interesting name, but after much giggling and discussion with my sister LaAna, we decided it was a bit too much for the blog! If you're really interested, drop me a note and I'll e-mail you the photo!

Working weekend in Wyoming!!

On the road again.... after being asked to help pour concrete for Karl's sister-in-law's family in Wyoming (ok, so they didn't ask me, I was strictly the sidekick!) we hit the road for the 8 hour drive to fabulous town of Green River, Wyoming, population 11,458!

After purchasing a new tire in St. George, and a few hours on the road, here we are-- still bright eyed and bushy tailed!

It started with a pile of rocks (which I help shovel, by the way!)....

Then came the concrete mixer (I learned a lot about forming, pouring, brushing and finishing concrete--boy is it hard work!)...

Then came the floating and brushing (the technique reminded me of frosting a cake--could be that watching all that hard work just made me hungry!)

And a few finishing touches and we (okay, the boys) were done!!

I tell you, I have a new respect for construction-- and a greater sympathy when Karl comes home from a long day of work and is soooo tired!! Still, even in the heat of things he never complained and made it look easy-- when I know it wasn't-- and all the while managed to look handsome, too! He's a keeper!!!

It's George!!

My Handsome Hunter comes through!! Ever since I moved into the condo I've had a "pet" lizard I named George (acutally, there are several versions of George that live around my deck that I've randomly left fruit out for over the last few years). I've always tried to catch him, but seriously, I've got a better chance at running a 1 minute mile (yeah, my sisters are dying laughing right now!! ). But leave it to my handsome hunter-- he caught George in no time! After a quick "hello" we released George back into the Henderson wilderness. (Don't worry- no lizards were hurt in the posting of this blog!!). Hmmmmm, maybe it's time to get a real pet-- if only I can talk Karl into letting me have a Pug that I can name Peeps!!

Our weekend of fun!

Keeping cool at the pool--with a human raft. Don't drop us Uncle Karl!

Three little monkeys hanging out on the jungle gym!!!

Rahhhhh-- it's a monster! (But which one is scarier!!)

Finally- nap time!! Teni snuggling up to "Wuncle Kawel"

What a whirlwind weekend it has been! LaAna and Eddie went to Portland to check out a job opportunity there and so Aunt Mimi (Aniva), Grandma and Karl and I had the 3 boys from Wednesday to Saturday night. We had a great time! The boys camped out at my house Thursday, Friday and Saturday morning-- we put the mattress on the living room floor, watched movies, swam (they love it when Karl throws them in the pool and they can do flips), went to the park, had lunch at Peter Piper Pizza, saw Journey to the Center of the Earth in 3-D and hung out. Karl is so good with the boys- he knows the right jokes, how to tease Aunt Sia and can spin pillows on his finger! It was a fun, though exhausting, weekend. I have to give credit to all the moms out there- it is not easy remembering sippy cups, sunblock, shoes, diapers, wipeys, bath time, clean underwear.... the list goes on!! I'm so proud of Ana, she makes it look easy (ok, easier!) Ha ha ha! Of course, we had the best teacher ever--our own amazing mom!

Happy Birthday America!

What a fun 4th of July!! Karl and I spent the 4th at mom's house along with Ana & Eddie, the boys, Aniva & David, Tenny, Karl's mom Pamela, and his sister Elisa and her husband James. We had a great time swimming, chowing on BBQ, and hanging out. The highlight of the party, however, was the amazing fireworks display put on by Green Valley Ranch-- we had the best seats in the house as we lounged poolside and took in the great show. Food, fun, and family-- who could ask for more!!

Happy Birthday Guy Guy!

Happy 6th Birthday Guy Scott Fau Littlefield!!!

Love Auntie Sia

Relaxing without a care in the world

Keepin' in real

Clearly, he has his mother's intensity!

Hangin' out with Auntie Sia in Samoa

Where the wild things are!

After a few attempts to snap a clear photo from Karl's phone, I had to settle for this shot of the crew having a nice Sunday gathering at Grandma Fau's house. We went to my mom's this last Sunday for a family dinner and some relaxation-- though Drake, Guy and Teni quickly realized how much more fun it was to hitch a ride on Uncle Karl's back then to sit and quietly enjoy a Sunday evening. We always have so much fun with Ana's boys; they are the best nephews you could ever want-- cute, well mannered, loving and endlessly entertaining. Baby Teni has taken to "Wuncle Kawel" and loves to just sit by him or on him. I am so blessed to have such a great family!!

Happy Birthday Ana!

Happy 29th birthday to my beautiful sister LaAna!!

Happy Birthday Eddie!!

Feliz Cumpleanos Eddie!!! Happy 33rd birthday to an amazing bro-in-law!! Thanks for taking such good care of my sister and nephews! Like I always say, you're the older brother I never wanted but am so grateful to have been blessed with!! ha ha ha! Hope you had a great day!! (p.s. it's been a long time since you've invited me over for dinner-- what's the deal with that? Carne asada burritos sound good!)

Fun Babysitting!

Sia and Lauren- Karl's newest niece!

Karl and his girls--nieces Mallory & Hallie

Lauren & Sia hanging out!

Karl and I had the opportunity to babysit for Karl's older brother, Aaron (he's the brother who set us up on our first date!). Aaron and his wife, Jennifer, have 3 beautiful girls. We had a fun night of disney princess movies and pizza. It was, however, a bit odd for me-- coming from an all nephew background it has been a LONG time since I watched anything with a princess (unless it also had a swamp rat in it!). I'm so used to trucks and bugs and karate moves and "leaky basements" that I've forgotten what little girls like!! ha ha ha! But I was happy to find that my girlie instincts quickly returned and we had a great night! Karl is so good with his nieces-- they absolutely LOVE him! He is even good at changing yucky diapers!!