From 2 down to 1

Well y'all- we went to the doctor looking to see what other horrors he could give us for our first pregnancy experience. It turns out that we will only be having one baby this time. The other little angel didn't quite make it so its sibling is going to have to bring us double the joy. Good news though- our baby is healthy and its heart is beating and it looks just like an alien button- whatever that looks like :) Thanks to everyone for being so supportive and excited for us. We're on our way to one really big adventure!

Soon to be FOUR!

Well everyone-- we finally have some BIG NEWS! We are pregnant with twins! What we like to call "Just the Two of Us" will soon be updated to "Just the Four of Us." We suspected about two weeks ago that we were pregnant and so we went in to see the doc. Well he decided to do an ultrasound for- cuz we were in such a state of shock. Good doctor :) And guess what he found- two little black dots! Well for those of you who've seen an ultrasound- that's not normal. That's double the blessing though right!! So now we are worried with how many diapers these little things are going to need- and how we may need to use bottles more often than we though. Oh wait maybe not- Mommy's got Gillespie in her!
So we are about 6 weeks along right now which means those little things have heartbeats! We're due right around July 14th or 15th but they say that twins usually come about 4 weeks early so look for our news around June 16th or 17th!!!! Gonna share with Auntie Ethnee! We love you all! Glad we could share with you!

Speaking words of wisdom...

A wise man once said, "WE MUST ALL HANG TOGETHER - OR MOST ASSUREDLY, WE SHALL ALL HANG SEPARATELY."

What a great family motto. :)

Christmas Wishes From a Neice

The other day, while talking on the phone with one of my three favorite sisters in the whole world, I was reminded of how important family is. We were talking about plans for the holidays and Kayrena told me that the only thing Avonleah wanted for Christmas was to go see her Boo Boo Grandma. Boo Boo Grandma is my mom, whom Avonleah loves very much. Sometimes I think of all the great things I would love to have, like a new car or cute sweater. But hearing Ave's Christmas wish makes me remember how great it us to curl up by the fire at Mom and Dad's house in a blanket with some hot chocolate while the Christmas Tree lights in the next room light our season up with joy. The giggles of the little children and the peace that surrounds the true Christmas spirit is something that I am really looking forward to this year. Thanks Ave!

Stepping into the Spanish Branch

Hola y bienvenidos a nuestro blog. Lo nuevo de la familia Afuvai este mes es que ahora asistimos a una rama española! Nos encanta comunicar y estar con la gente latina. Sus corazones son grandes y sus testimonios fuertes. Ser miembros de la rama es una experiencia que me hace muy humilde. Soy maestra de la escuela dominical y Jake es miembro de la presidencia del Elder's Quorum. Es un desfío pero estamos trabajando aprender el lenguaje, la gente, y las costumbres- yo por la primera vez y Jake la segunda. ¡Es más fácil para él!

For those of you who don't "habla español" El niño is Spanish for "the niño." Ok so Chris Farley is a hero of mine. But seriously- Jake and I are now in the Spanish branch and we are loving getting to know everyone. The gospel is true wherever you go. We both have new callings- Jakes is in the Elder's Quorum presidency and I teach Sunday school to the youth ages 12-14. We love it and we love people already!

High School Football

So Jake has decided to coach the high school football team this season with two of his brothers. All three of them went to school here at Bonneville, played football here, and graduated from here. This week is what they like to call "Hell Week" so the boys are working two-a-days which means that Jake is also working two-a-days on the field and trying to fit his real job in between! It's gonna be a great season for the Lakers' defense headed up by three Afuvai's! Go Bonneville!

Our New Favorite Girl

This is our new favorite niece Prita. She got to spend the weekend with us and it was so fun to have her around. Of course she cried when we left the house or told her she had to stay outside. And that whining and petite howling tugged on our heart strings every time. She is a pure bred Rottweiler and is the prettiest thing ever. She's also mostly deaf, responding to only high pitched noises which she can't exactly place. So I spent the weekend kneeling down to get her to recognize me, or running after her when she chased little boys on their bikes down the street. I stayed home with her one day and she wasn't too interested in playing with me but rather waited by the gate all day long for Jake to come home. She knows who loves her! It sure teaches you something when you have to pay special attention to someone in order to get them to understand you- instead of yelling at the or commanding them to listen to you. She was such a joy to have around and we ended up with dog-kisses and dirty shirts every day- and it was totally worth it!

Another Amos Inspiration

Sometimes we think about all the troubles that we just can't handle, but we must choose to be strong and if all we can to pull us up is our memories, let them pull us up for now until we can find that greater strength that we truly need.


Amos Lee - Better Days

the darkness has always been,
the world was born into a blanket of sin,
when all the faith's been gone,
still we found a reason to carry on,
through the worrry, worry, worry,
caught in an endless maze
oh when the lights go out,
all i can think about,
is how, we've seen better days...

oh lover lately i've been thinkin i might leave you,
as you're surrounded by these fools who do decieve you,
yes our past is wretched true,
but i'm still in love with you,
thats why i am still refusin to give in to
all this worry, worry, worry
caught in an endless maze,
but when the lights go out,
all i can think about,
is how, we've seen better days

where do we go from here,
while we're all so consumed by feer,
why im trying not to be suspiscious of those im suspicious of,
I'm tryin to crackopen this angry heart and find a little love,
still i worry, worry, worry,
caught in an endless maze,
still when the lights go out,
all that i can think about is how we've seen better days,

oh when the lights go out,
all i can dream about,
is how, we've seen better days...

Batman Mania

Ok so he's aging, but aren't we all? Do you remember when he played Jack Kelly in Disney's "Newsies?" But man- he makes an incredible Batman. However, as excited as I was to see him put on that bullet-proof suit and fly across Gotham City, Jake was intensely more excited. Maybe it's that whole guys and super-hero thing. Juuuuuust maybe! This show was lots of fun to watch!

Bottom of the Barrel

"What makes a man a man? A friend of mine once wondered. Is it his origins? The way he comes to life? I don't think so. It's the choices he makes. Not how he starts things, but how he decides to end them."
- "Hellboy"

In light of a few recent events I find this man's song and voice very comforting. How true it is that everyone gets pushed to the bottom, but how far is that from the top? Do we really know? We wil never know unless we begin to climb.


"Bottom Of The Barrel"
Amos Lee

I keep on livin',
to keep from cryin'.
I keep on dreamin',
to keep from dyin'.
I keep on trying,
I aint gonna stop.

Get right down to the bottom of the barrel and float back on top.

We all know someone,
whos always hurtin',
The sun is shinin',
they draw the curtain.
One thing for certain,
the pain aint gonna stop.

You get right down to the bottom of the barrel and float back on top.

Cuz i know the grass,
is always greener in someone else's yard.
And the world is so much meaner,
when your heart is hard.

I go out walkin',
in any season.
It could be rainin',
it could be freezin'.
I don't need no reason,
it's just so pleasin'.
And i can't stop.

You get right down to the bottom of the barrel and float back on top.

You get right down to the bottom of the barrel and float back on top.

My New Feat/Feet!

Ok so I know this isn't much to be proud of but I sure am excited about it. The other day I ran a grand total of 6 MILES! I thought, "Hey, I'll just run while Jake lifts weights today." And so I did. And so I wasn't huffing and puffing. And so the next morning I thought I would die before I rolled out of bed!!! So no- this isn't a picture of me- but isn't it inspirational?

Key Lime Pie- YUMMMMMM!

This pie is sooooo good! I saw it on the Food Network about a year ago and it's been one of my favorites ever since. Plus it's easy! I've even learned to add my own twists to it! Wow- my first modified recipe! :) I'm learning...slowly.



1 Graham Cracker crust
zest of 2 limes
3 egg yolks
1 can sweetened condensed milk
2/3 cup lime juice (fresh squeezed or bottled)

1. Beat yolks and lime zest together on medium speed until thick or about 2 minutes
2. Slowly add sweetened condensed milk and beat 3-4 minutes
3. SLOW speed- pour in lime juice and just beat until it's barely mixed in. Don't keep beating it.
4. Pour filling into crust and bake at 350* for 12-15 minutes or until just set (like Jell-O)
5. Let cool, then freeze it and you're done!

Vanessa's awesome chef tips...
1. I like to use egg whites instead of yolks, but if you make two pies, then you can do one of each.
2. If you don't like your pie tart, use less lime juice- as little as 1/3 cup.
3. Put it in the fridge 15 minutes before you serve it and it will take away that icy feeling.
4. This looks beautiful with whipped cream and strawberries on top (and even lime slices too!) and tastes even better than it looks!
5. Oh and hey, I bet this would taste good as a lemon pie too!

One More Thing

I know I've posted a lot in the last couple of days, worthless thoughts that make me realize how scatter-brained I really am. But this one is one of my favorites.
In learning Spanish and studying Spanish literature I've come across a lot of really great information. Perhaps that's part of why i can't think straight- sometimes I think of a word in Spanish and have to struggle to translate it into English. But there's something I learned in these last 6 or so years of Spanish that I already knew- having been taught by "goodly parents" who tried to root my life in the gospel.

"Mejor estar solo que mal acompañado"

In English, that means it's better to be alone than in bad company. So, it's pretty self-explanatory. Stand up for who you really are, no matter what the world thinks of you!

One More Silly Song Lyric(s)

Amos Lee states that Beauty is the Only power in a wicked world.

Let's all remember to remain beautiful on the inside so we will be strong in this world.

Black-Eyed Peas a Good Thing?

Ok so I know that there isn't a whole lot of music here that we'd like our kids to listen to. This song- however- came to my mind today as I think of Darron leaving to Iraq because there are things that we can be doing right here at home to keep our homes and communities peaceful. Shout out to all the members of community groups who work hard to make the world a safe, nurturing, and fun place to live! I especially love the chorus of this song which I have placed at the very end where they look to God for guidance. And also the part that talks about keeping our faith alive. We control our faith, our testimonies, and our knowledge. Let's now let anyone take those away from us and let us stay strong 'til the end!

So here are the lyrics to a song entitled "Where is the Love?"
What's wrong with the world, mama
People livin' like they ain't got no mamas
I think the whole world addicted to the drama
Only attracted to things that'll bring you trauma
Overseas, yeah, we try to stop terrorism
But we still got terrorists here livin'
In the USA, the big CIA
The Bloods and The Crips and the KKK
But if you only have love for your own race
Then you only leave space to discriminate
And to discriminate only generates hate
And when you hate then you're bound to get irate, yeah
Madness is what you demonstrate
And that's exactly how anger works and operates
Man, you gotta have love just to set it straight
Take control of your mind and meditate
Let your soul gravitate to the love, y'all, y'all

It just ain't the same, always unchanged
New days are strange, is the world insane
If love and peace is so strong
Why are there pieces of love that don't belong
Nations droppin' bombs
Chemical gasses fillin' lungs of little ones
With ongoin' sufferin' as the youth die young
So ask yourself is the lovin' really gone
So I could ask myself really what is goin' wrong
In this world that we livin' in people keep on givin'
in
Makin' wrong decisions, only visions of them dividends
Not respectin' each other, deny thy brother
A war is goin' on but the reason's undercover
The truth is kept secret, it's swept under the rug
If you never know truth then you never know love
Where's the love, y'all, come on (I don't know)
Where's the truth, y'all, come on (I don't know)
Where's the love, y'all

I feel the weight of the world on my shoulder
As I'm gettin' older, y'all, people gets colder
Most of us only care about money makin'
Selfishness got us followin' our wrong direction
Wrong information always shown by the media
Negative images is the main criteria
Infecting the young minds faster than bacteria
Kids wanna act like what they see in the cinema
Yo', whatever happened to the values of humanity
Whatever happened to the fairness in equality
Instead in spreading love we spreading animosity
Lack of understanding, leading lives away from unity
That's the reason why sometimes I'm feelin' under
That's the reason why sometimes I'm feelin' down
There's no wonder why sometimes I'm feelin' under
Gotta keep my faith alive till love is found

People killin', people dyin'
Children hurt and you hear them cryin'
Can you practice what you preach
And would you turn the other cheek

Father, Father, Father help us
Send some guidance from above
'Cause people got me, got me questionin'
Where is the love (Love)

Where is the love (The love)
Where is the love (The love)
Where is the love
The love, the love

Looking Back

Aren't uncles the best? I remember walking over to Uncle Curt's house to pet old Zeb and feed the cow. Then he'd let us pick his strawberries and we'd stay and watch MASH with him and Aunt Lannie. I have such great memories of all my aunt and uncles, and Gram & Papa too!

All these pictures were taken a couple of years ago when we all made that fun trip down to Vernon to be there for Gram & Papa's temple sealing. I just found them and thought that it would be nice to share. I hope we all remember to pass on the great tradition of FAMILY to our own children and all the others we consider family.

Two inspiring quotes

I'm sure we've all heard at least one of these before, but it never hurts to look back on something that might inspire our future.

"My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is Heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions are few, my guide is reliable, my mission is clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, diluted, or dealyed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of adversity, negotiate...at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in a maze of mediocrity. I won't give up, shut up, let up or slow up."
- Robert Moorehead


"I am in earnest; I will not equivocate; I will not excuse; I will not retreat a single inch; and I will be heard."
- William Lloyd Garrison

A New Kind of X-Effect

Do we remember having a remote control for our tv's as children? Did we have tv's at all? Now, some people have more than one tv, and most people have more than one controller. When tv's first came out, remote controllers weren't available. Can you belive that we actually got out of our seats, walked to the tv, turned the dial, and then walked back to our seats and sat down?!! Today, we can do a million things with our remotes. Here's a sample...

Change the channel, change the color, change the pitch, change the picture mode, change the width of the picture, change the display mode, switch inputs, watch dvd's, play nintendo, shop for homes, shop for cars, buy jewelry, rent movies, pause, record, fast-forward, and rewind live programs, access re-runs, listen to music...

The list goes on and on. Do you have a tv? If yes- do you have a remote? Duh! Who doesn't? So why are these things so important to us? What do they mean? A remote control means for me- INSTANT GRATIFICATION. I get to watch what I want, when I want, where I want, with who I want. I don't have to skip work to come home and watch my show. I can record and watch it later. I don't have to put the kids in the back yard so that I can enjoy the program. I can wait for them to go to bed! I don't have to run to the video store to rent a movie. I can pay for it and have it sent to my television then and there- and save the gas money! I don't have to fiddle with the radio to find a station that comes in clearly. I have hundreds of options for music on my tv! All i have to is click a button.

So what does this say about our society, and perhaps, more generally, Generation X? Our new generation, all the way back to those born in 1961, has a remote control mentality. We want everything and we want it now. A remote control, a microwave oven, a credit card, a diet pill- all of these things give us what we want when we want them. We don't have to do any work to get the product we want! A twenty-year old can get a loan and buy a brand new house. Then his/her spouse can get a loan to buy two brand new cars. Then they can use credit cards to decorate and furnish their homes and lives, dropping themselves close to a million dollars in debt.
What happened to working hard to be able to have the things you wanted? What happened to saving money?

I remember saving the money we earned by selling candy from our house to all the neighborhood kids just so i could go down to the store and buy more treats. I remember working with my class at recess, selling treats in order to pay for our field trips.

What was once a convenient piece of equipment used to change the channel on the television set, is now a necessity for those seeking yet not willing to work to acheive.

As families- mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, and otherwise influential members of this Generation X, let us all work to change the remote control mentality and pass on to our children and loved ones the true meaning of hard work and the satisfaction of acheiving something you worked hard to acheive.

One More Fun Dessert!

Pink Clouds of Heaven

I'm sure my family all remembers this one from reuinions and get-togethers! But again- I'm just learning all this fun stuff!

1 can cherry pie filling
1 large container vanilla yogurt
1 tub whipped topping
1 can sweetened condensed milk

And then you just mix it all together and serve it cold. Yummy again!

Acini de Pepe Pasta Salad (Frog Eye!)

I'm sure you have all learned how to make this from your wonderful mothers- but I just found out and I'm pretty excited about it! This is the dish i'm taking to Thanksgiving tomorrow!

1 cup acini de pepe pasta
1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple
1 (15 oz) can mandarin oranges
1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping
7 oz mini marshmallows
1 cup sugar
2 eggs (beaten)
1/2 tsp. salt
3 TB flour
1 (10 oz) jar maraschino cherries (optional)


1. Cook pasta according to package directions (usually 8-10 minutes in boiling water). Don't forget to add a little salt!

2. Combine pineapple and orange juice from the cans, flour, sugar, salt, & eggs in a pot. Stir constantly while cooking on medium heat until mixture thickens. Refrigerate this mixture overnight.

3. The next day add pineapple, oranges, whipped topping and marshmallows (cherries if you like). Serve Cold!


MMMMMMMMMMMMMM YUMMY!