Aljay & Sandra Updates

And now for the grownups update...cuz like our children, we too are growing bigger and outter and all sorts lol...hopefully somewhere along the way getting wiser and brighter and better each day.



*Note to self- take more selfies with your hubby


So here's what we've been up to this past month of November...


 Aljay
  • he's been doing commissioned pieces for people and we've had a few online orders
  • the coolest experience thus far has been meeting the people who purchase his artwork. It really is humbling to hear their stories and how his artwork impacts them.
  • He got involved with Tenelle's creative team and ended up bringing in Lahvjal and Penny to help with the her projects here in Utah

    • so many cool connections were realized through this...soo..
      • Tilo was Tenelle's make up artist 
        • Tilo is cousins with Moana Ho Ching (and she reached out to Tenelle)
          • Moana is from Pasifika First Fridays and that's how we know her
            • And so Moana really was the catalyst in bringing the creative team together
          • That's how Lahvjal ended up producing Tenelle's video
        • Penny was the photographer along with Kara
      • Aljay was assisting (and I was a super cheerleader lol)
    • So yeah was pretty cool!
Sandra
  • Nothing too exciting lol
  • I'm job hunting...I really like my job but my salary needs to LEVEL UP
  • I've been thinking about going back to school...we both have actually. I think if we start planning now, we'll be ready to start full force when all the kids are in school

Annnyways....things have been alright for us. This year was a tough year (like when is it not?).
  • We started another venture (Manusina Art)-- something that we both felt right about
  • Added another beautiful child to our family-- huge blessing but also emotionally tough
  • Got through our first year in the new house...with the new additional bills (booo)
  • And had many little unexpected bumps along the road. 

But the Lord has been merciful and has always provided a way for us to make it through.

Financially we feel like we're always playing the catch up game. I hate talking about finances but it can be a big stressor and easily the most annoying relationship you cannot avoid. We used to be so good at saving money and being strict on our budget, but okaaaa with all the little surprises that come up and ventures that go on we just end up having to play catch up. It's a bit stressful sometimes, but we find comfort in knowing that we always pay tithing and somehow (thank you Heavenly Father)  we HE always pulls through. #tithing

Physically we both NEED to be more active and healthier. So I decided to do the 25 Hours of Fitness thing I did a few years ago lol. It worked really well and got me active so I'm going to make it a tradition! but like can you call it a tradition if it's only been done twice now? hahah who cares

Anyways..it's this thing > http://aljayandsandra.blogspot.com/2016/11/25-hours-of-fitness.html

Spiritually We are at least decent in this area lol. We started using the Book of Mormon Readers (for kids) to help the kids understand the stories from the BOM. The kids have been listening to each chapter at bedtime. We're still new to it but in time the kids will get used to the routine. The second night we did it, it was cool to hear Saleima say with excitement "are we listen to Book of Mowwman?!?!" followed by a quick "yaay!!"


 Looking forward...
  • We both feel like 2019 is going to be a great year for Manusina Art. We've got a few things planned and some potential projects that we're excited about. 
  • We're thrilled about 2 hour church!!
  • We're excited for Christmas!!! Woohoo! 
  • We are excited about the direction of our career paths. 
  • and we love our little family :)




*Note to self- take more family pics








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