HAUNTED LAGOON

Halloween is so close I cant believe it! It came so quick this year. Last night, us and some of our friends hit up the Haunted Lagoon, which was a huge hit island wide, I am NOT even kidding when I say island wide. It took place at the Polynesian Cultural Center and it went on with all its other normal activities, they just had an added attraction tis the season. So since everyone and their mom and aunties and uncles were going we thought we'd better check it out. Our friends Chris and Dana got to the PCC first and got the tickets and stood in line. They were there for about 20 minutes before I had a chance to join them, little bit later Rebecca and Tyler joined us, we moved a whole 100 ft in 1 hour again NOT even kidding. The line was ridiculously long. We didnt mind though we knew it would be long, but it there were so many people there. It was a serious hit. About and 45 minutes later Ev had gotten off work and he joined us in line having only moved about 15 ft from the point before. And we thought we were almost there. Long story short we talked story,ate some snacks, played games and got scared by creepy scary monsters that would just walk in line right in front of you, or peeked behind bushes..I screamed a few times, even seeing them, I was always delayed in my reaction. Ev was my eyes for the rest of the night always warning me of a scary person coming my way. We ended up getting on the canoe/lagoon ride around 10-10:30 PM. It was a long night. It was very well done. I have to say I didnt get as scared as alot of people on the canoe but I think its because we were in the back and the front and middle got the bulk of the scare initially. I had my arm locked into Ev's arm the whole time and if something had come at me I would've probably throw him at them.They had scary music, great costumes, and alot of great ways of scaring people. I think the people got a thrill out of seeing people get freaked out haha..But even though I wasnt too scared I was always so paranoid looking behind me at every second because people that looked like plants or rocks were so hard to see at night and people were popping out of the water like crazy. I really enjoyed it and had a great time being Rebecca's arm to squeeze, even though her husband was right next to her haha for some reason she liked my little skinny arm, I guess it provides more protection than I thought =) We had a great night!

He's Amazing and...

YAY!! For everyone in my family that got a text at 1am California/Oregon/Nevada time sorry, I hope I didn't wake you up! If I did, it was for a good cause because I was sharing our joy (yes blame me not Ev, hes a little more considerate than I::hehe) So basically heres the skinny::There are only two universities on the west coast with an entry-level Masters in Athletic Training program, University of Hawaii and California Baptist University. Evan just submitted his application to Cal Baptist University. We will wait and see as there is nothing else we can do but pray, pray, and pray some more. We know that if its in the plans for us then we will be moving to California, if not, we will apply to UH and see if we are to stay here in Hawaii. If neither, well figure it out! I am just so proud of my husband. He is taking alot of credits this semester and next, as he crammed all his classes in so that he could be graduated by April 2010 (ONLY 6 months away!!) With each class comes a lot of information, projects, and discipline. But I know that he can do it. I know that he has such great potential to do even greater things than he has thus far accomplished. The Lord blessed me with such an amazing, smart, devoted husband and best friend in my life that I have much to learn from. He has taught me so much already and I am so thankful for him. He is a hard worker and does what he has to, to make things happen. I am so proud of my Evy.

Being Prepared

With all the natural disasters happening so close to us on the island, I kept thinking,"We really need to get our 72 hour kits.." then the countless earthquakes that hit Samoa again and again,tsunami warnings, the typhoon in the Phillipines and Indonesia and then the Category 2 Hurricane warning. We were fortunate to have everything just either miss us or go around us or just gets small effects of it on our island. So I really felt like Heavenly Father was testing my obedience. Very much like he did with Abraham. So that weekend we went to Wal-mart and got some of the stuff we needed. It was crazy to think of everything you could possibly need for 3 days. I got stuff like beef jerky, flash lights, ponchos, lighter, fire starters, threw canned goods we had like tuna, corn, clam chowder, beans, and the blonde did not even forget the can opener =) I remembered. I packed us warm clothes, a change of clothes, granola bars, peanut butter, first aid kits, extra batteries and water. Now I dont know that anything will happen where I will need all this stuff but it will sit in those back packs for the next 6 months, if we move, and if we dont we will rotate and improve our kits. But I just know I was feeling prompted to get these kits together and I didnt want to know what would happen if I didnt follow the prompting so I am so glad I did and that we have them now! "..if ye are prepared ye shall not fear". (Doctrine and Covenants 38:30)

Our 72-hour kits::

::funnies::

1. Nothing beats a stale bowl apple jacks after you open the box just a week ago..thank you Hawaii air.I figured I would eat the bowl of cereal anyways and not waste it, I mean there are people starving in the world..So I thought..ok..well if I just let it get a little milk on it it wont be so stale tasting..well I let it get a little too wet..lets just say soggy and I just cant eat soggy cereal so, I did eat some of it, but I did waste..sorry China and Africa and everyone else starving in the world I will promise to do better.

2. The Womens soccer team had a game that I wanted to watch. I finished up working and rushed to get in the shower. This specific morning Evan opened the medicine cabinet to find a gecko hiding out getting free rent. Well He had to go to class and so I tried to catch the gecko but he was so fast so I didnt bother with it, I just let it live freely in our home. So kind of me right?Well, like I was saying I was rushing in the shower to at least make the second half. I hop in the shower and start washing away, well I knew that gecko was in the shower because they love to hide behind our shampoo and soap bottles. So I started moving things around because frankly Id rather know where the little hoodlum is than him jump on me cuz he thinks I am cute or something. So of course he races out from behind Evans soap and I nearly slipped in the shower and pulled the shower curtain down with me, but I was safe, that little hoodlum scared me to dead. So then began the science of chasing a gecko thats in the shower with you..I caught him twice and tried to put him out the bathroom window but I couldnt get the screen to gap enough to give the hoodlum a clear shot out of the shower, so of course he just ran around the shower and finally settled at the bottom where I could see him. I mean seriously is taking a shower always this interesting?? not really..So I continued on with my shower and I kept a close eye on the gecko. When I was washing my face I was trying to keep one eye open to watch him because they move so fast, but that didnt work cuz then I got soap in my eye. So I hurried. Then as I am washing the shampoo out of my hair I do the normal thing and turn my back to the shower head thus rinsing the soap out, but then I was like,"oh no, hes gonna make a run for it.." So I turned towards the shower head turning my head down to rinse and watch, but that didnt work cuz I got soap in my eyes again...needless to say this peeping perve stayed in the shower the whole time. I finally finished and got out. Then chased him while I was in my towel and got him. I walked to the door scanned to make sure no one was nearby,since I was in my towel, and chucked the little hoodlum outside..phew..long shower, but I made it to the game by 2nd half.

3. Ev and I love AMAZING RACE! We watch it every week and its just so fun for us. We wish we could be on the show. So we kinda are preparing ourselves and every detour, road block, whatever task they have to do were always like,"Ok who would do this one..ya you.." its so much fun. On tonites episode there was a girl that is afraid of water and terrified of heights. Well they had to slide down a 6 story high water slide at almost a 90 degree angle in Dubai. Evan turns to me and says," would you be afraid?"then he answers his own question within seconds,"naw you would slide right down head first without thinking about it"haha I thought that was pretty funny. We enjoy that time we can spend together. We each always end up siding with one of the teams and wishing some of the annoying teams would leave. My team Megan and Cheyne are amazing and have been first the last two times and once before. Ev's team the Globetrotters are doing ok, they barely made it on this pit stop only because the girl wouldnt slide down the slide so they won by luck this time around. So Ev's team is still hangin in there. We also talk about how we would play the game and the strategies we would use. The important things we would need to bring..everything..pretty funny we are, but we love AMAZING RACE!!

4. so this event isnt so much funny as it is adorable and so sweet. I asked Ev if he could make me a sandwich because I was busy with work and he was waiting to head to another class and of course he did because he would do anything for me. Well instead of a LameO sandwich not even cut or just plainly cut in half, he was so cute and designed it all fun. It really brightened my day. And the one of the best parts besides the pickles on the plate and the string cheese with legs is that he put cut up pickles in with the chicken, he knows me so well. It tasted so good too! I love my husband.

The Story that made my Jaw Drop!

Intro:: This is a stroller. Strollers have wheels. Strollers have brakes for those wheels. Safety first please::end of intro::

I couldnt believe my eyes!!

Saturday is a Special Day!

We had a great adventurous day yesterday! We hiked the most famous volcanic crater in the world called Diamond Head, located on the South-east Coast of O'ahu at the end of Waikiki overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It was originally named Laeahi by the ancient Hawaiians. The name meant "brow of the tuna", cool, I guess?

Just some history about Diamond Head:

When the United States annexed Hawaii in 1898, harbor defense became a main responsibility. One of the major defense forts, Fort Ruger, occupied the Diamond Head Crater. A battery of canons was located within the crater providing complete concealment and protection from invading enemies. An observation deck was constructed at the summit in 1910 to provide target sighting and a four level underground complex was built within the walls of the crater as a command post. A 580-foot tunnel was dug through the crater wall to provide easier access to the Fort.The observation deck and underground complex is now abandoned with the advent of radar but evidence of the command post is still present along Diamond Head Trail. The trail is paved the entire way but can be steep in spots. There are two set of stairs, one with 99 steps and the other, 76 steps. There is also a 225-foot unlit tunnel. The hike is classified as easy to moderate in exertion but is certainly worth the breathtaking, unparalleled view of the entire west side of the island, from Waikiki to Koko Head. We had such a fun hike and now I can cross another thing off of my bucket list of things to do before we leave Hawaii. We had some friends join us, Becky and Tyler Waldron. We had such a great time with them. We made it to the top together! The view was for sure breathtaking. I love the color of the water here.And not that we didnt already know this but there are a lot of homes and buildings in Wakiki.On the way down the trail we listened to this gentleman that was probably in his late 40's, try and spit his game on these younger Asian girls. He had two boys with him and was telling this story about some bunny named Floppy and how he found him dead because Floppy ate rat poisoning.haha.it was so funny to listen to him tell this story and then the boys came back over to him and he was like, "Im telling the girls about Floppy, kids you remember Floppy right?" It was so funny..Then he goes on to tell this joke: "What did the river say to the ocean" and the young boy says,"Im a river Im bigger than you ocean." Then the Dad or whoever he was, asks the joke again and the kid says, "I just said it!" Then the Dad said no Im asking these two(meaning the girls). Anyways it was pretty good entertainment.

My cute hubby!

Becky being illegal::She climbed over the railing to check out the other bunker.

Then theres me!

After the hike we headed to Waikiki beach to go Surfing. Now I mentioned Becky and Tyler previously, but I would like to give them an intro.They are recently married,like 1 month, they moved from California so that Tyler could attend BYU-Hawaii. Tyler is actually one of my companions, Kimber (aka Sister Stevens) bro-in-law, so while talking to her one day she mentioned that they were out here. It didnt take long and we got connected and we have had a blast. Tyler and Becky like to surf and since we were going to be in town they brought their surf boards and it was nice to do something new. I have gone surfing (riding on the whitewash with a surfboard::hehe) while in California and Hawaii, but Ev and I dont own boards and we arent very good at it. So it was nice for me to practice something and maybe get better at it. I caught a few waves stood up then fell, but I had so much fun. I stole all the time and Ev didnt get a chance to go since it was nearly dark by the time I came back into shore(such a mean wife, but he wasnt mad he was just happy I had a great time). But theres always next time! All in all we had a blast and we look forward to more fun times with Becky and Tyler.

Becky and Tyler, the cool surfers.

me,paddling in after a good time in the water.

It was neat to be in the water and just chillin on shore as the sun was setting! Ev captured these amazing photos. Way to go!

Tsunami Memorial Service

Samoans gathered for a national day of mourning after 143 people were killed in Samoa and at least 32 people died in the neighboring island American Samoa and then 9 in Tonga, today Friday October 9th,2009. A memorial service was held at a stadium in the capital, to honour the victims. Following the ceremony, 11 unclaimed bodies were buried in a mass grave. The government had initially expected about 100 victims to be buried in the mass grave, but most families have opted for private burials in keeping with the local tradition of laying their dead to rest close to their homes. A search continues for six people still missing.

I cannot imagine having to identify an unknown body with the possibility that it might be one of my loved ones. I pray that I never have to experience that trial. The people of Samoa are a lot stronger than I am.

The result of a natural disaster.

The burial of unknown bodies, by the size of this casket you can see that it is a child. I am grateful that this child is with our Heavenly Father and that He has embraced that little angel with open arms and that that child is safe and watching above.

I see these struggles that these people are having to endure and I wonder what am I suppose to learn from this tragic event? What am I suppose to learn? This is a question I have been pondering and I wonder maybe the Lord is warning me to always be prepared. The people of Samoa did not have a warning, but I feel that I am to heed the warning that they werent given. I dont know if the earthquakes are over and the natural disasters are stopped for now, but while I live on this island I can only be prepared for such occasions. This weekend it is mine and Evans goal to get our 72 kits ready. We have some stuff, but I really feel that even if nothing is going to happen that the Lord is testing my obedience. I really feel that I can be faithful in the most simple way by just being prepared. And so, as tomorrow approaches, we hope to be successful and accomplish our goal of being prepared, obedient, and faithful.

Tsunami WATCH #2 canceled!

Another 8.0 earthquake happened near Vanuatu, Fiji. We were once again on a Tsunami watch, it didnt escalate to a warning just a "watch", then 30 minutes later it was canceled. The nice thing is that I had no idea we were even on Tsunami watch until I turned on the radio and I heard,"Tsunami watch canceled!" Im not sure whether its better to know there is a possibility for a tsunami and wait and prepare and maybe freak out a little bit or never know and hear about it later. Glad that we were saved once again, sad that another group of peeps had to suffer the effects of yet another earthquake. And I thought California was the earthquake state..lately it seems to be the South Pacific.

Visitors!

I loved my mission! I loved the people, the members, the adventure, everything about a mission is amazing! I served in only 4 areas my WHOLE mission whereas Evan had ALOT, granted he did serve 6 more months than I did, so that makes a little difference. Anyways I served in my greeny area, THE DALLES, OREGON for 4 1/2 months; then KENNEWICK, WASHINGTON for 4 1/2 months; then ELLENSBURG,WASHINGTON for 6 months; then finally VANCOUVER, WASHINGTON for 3 months. I met so many good people. Talked to so many people. And of course bore my testimony to everyone (accepting and non-accepting). One thing about a mission though that makes the difference is the members. When you have good members to go out with you and when you have members willing to do anything to help. I had great members in my mission. A couple weeks ago I had a chance to meet up with a family from my second area. The McCulloughs were coming out to Hawaii again to watch their daughter Lauran play soccer for BYU-Hawaii. Lauran is going on her second year here and when I was on my mission she was still in high school. I remember she was about to go back into soccer season and hadn't been working out. Me being a soccer player, scolded her with kindness of course, and told her she had better get working. Its her senior year and shes gotta be on her game. I told Lauran to come running with us in the mornings. Yes I was a missionary dedicated to my morning exercise time. She showed up at our apartment at 6:30 am and got running. It wasnt super intense or anything, but for her to get up, get ready and drive to our apartment for a 20-30 min run, it was awesome. Lauran used to come lessons with us too. It was a fun experience to see her having to make decisions about college and sports like I had to. Anyways, anytime we were in the McCulloughs area they would always feed us or give us a snack, or give us the 411 on their neighbors. We worked in their neighborhood some weeks, but the McCulloughs were always happy to help. Linda McCullough also went out with us too and we always had a great time, even if we werent able to get into anyones home or our appointments fell through, she was a good sport and tried to help us find people to visit. My last night in the area, they took Sister Noel and I to dinner and it was sad to have to say goodbye. Well, the McCullough's have kid #2 here.Their son Trent. I picked him up at the airport and help get him settled in since he didnt have his Mum to help him =) James and Linda came a few weeks ago and we watched the soccer game with them and then had dinner with them that Sunday. We played games and it was a whole different feeling being around them this time, since now I am married and not a missionary. I now keep an eye on her kiddies while shes away! Thank you McCulloughs for the fun time!

Last Saturday was a Special Day!

We are big kids but we love to play games! Dave and Busters is our favorite date nite! We love to eat dinner(super good food) and play games and win tickets. We have over 13,000 tickets accumulated so far. We all know that anytime you cash in tickets for an item, you could have easily just bought the item and it probably would have been cheaper, but oh well that takes the fun out of it. Ev usually gets discounts emails like buy $10 of play and get $10 free. We always have a lot of fun when we go and sad when all of our chips/token run out because thats our cue to head out until next time! We went to Dave and Busters alot while we were dating, my bachelorette party was there, and we continue to always go back. I like to call it a BIG KID Chucke Cheese. We had a great Date nite at D&B!!

Evy Da Builder

( This picture was taken at Home Depot trip #2, camera sitting on top of sponge rocks as a tripod)

There isnt much space in Hawaii to have your own full blown garden, unless you have a lot to yourself and space on the lot to plant. Most lots in Hawaii have 2 or even 3 homes on them which means a lot of peeps in and a lot of peeps out, but some do manage to have their own space. My in-laws live in Honolulu and its a busy place, not really a place for "space" of your own as there are lots of buildings and people build houses sometimes on lots wedged in between two other houses, its very odd, but I assume its like trying to find a place to park in a crowded space, if you can parallel park and barely fit in without hitting car A and B then you are good to go. Anyhoo, after talking to his Mom one day, Ev came away with the idea to build a square foot garden for his Mom. She has a perfect space on her porch where it will do great. We had previously made a Home Depot run and bought all the supplies, but when we went to build it that night the guy cut them off and we weren't able to build it that night. So after three weeks where we finally had some time we went back to Home Depot and got the wood all figured out. We decided to take it back to our house and Ev would build it there. So last Sunday morning, Ev said he was "doing service" for his mom so it was okay to build this on Sunday =) He took everything outside and I thought the drill was going to be super loud, but it wasn't any louder than my vacuum. Ev did a good job. He didnt take very long yet his building skills were saweet. I got to help too, mostly because the bottom board had to be pushed out so that it lined up with the other boards and I wasnt strong enough to push it out. There is always a great feeling of accomplishment when you complete a project. We tend to sit and criticize what is wrong with it and then take pride that we actually built something and its stable, looks good and will function as its suppose to. I think my mo-in-law Lolly will love it. Ev loves his Mum and would do anything for her this is just something fun that he took an interest in and decided to follow through. Now that I have my own personal builder, I have already thought of a few things that when we get more settled somewhere more long term he can build for me. While Ev was building this box, our neighbors little boy Uli, who had learned how to walk recently, was all over checking out the new things he hasnt seen or played with before. He decided he wanted to see what we were doing and of course he needed to touch everything. He thought everything Evan was doing was neato and that the screws were for eating..j/k we didnt let him eat a screw.He also thought Ev was building him a bed or possibly a box to play in or maybe a sand box..whatever he was thinking he and his saggy diaper were enjoying the newly built square foot garden. Great job Ev!

Ev "the builder" and Uli his "sidekick"

He is such a sweet little boi

Christmas in October say what??

Honestly?!? Its already almost that time again? I love Christmas time but I just cant believe that Stores (Macy's) is already setting up for, I guess expecting someone to buy something?? Not sure..Maybe its their way of advertising..It not even Halloween yet..but oh well, I just thought it was kinda random thats all. Never to early to start getting people into the holiday spirit thats for sure!

Samoa Disaster Update..Phillipines too.

I record these natural disasters as a memory for me and my posterity--

Death toll 169 as of today::

-138 Samoa

-31 American Samoa

"Words written by reporters from Hawaii that flew to Samoa,"The village of Leone was hit really hard. Driving through at night was a sobering. Houses are swept off their foundations, or completely destroyed. People closest to the water lost everything that was in their homes, nothing can be salvaged. Their primary concern was to save their loved ones, and they didn't have time to collect valuables between the time of the earthquake and tsunami. There was no time to officially warn them of the hazard. Cars, vans and trucks were tossed around like toys. Public works employees were down in Leone helping to clean up this morning. That was a good thing to see, but the devastation and loss is very real. We've spoken to people who tried to save others and weren't successful. Others were.The interview that stands out in my mind from this morning was with a man who saved 4 people from the wave. He got slammed into a pillar while trying to save his wife, breaking three ribs. Two elderly ladies were swept near him as well, all three of them were hanging onto him as the wave washed through. He got them to safety and soon thereafter a 12 year old girl was swept near him as well. He saved her too. Stories of everyday heroes. And, stories of heart-breaking loss. One man told us his auntie was driving her truck when the wave came through in Pagopago, her truck filled with water and she drowned. The people here have experienced terrible losses. This is a very sad time. "

It makes me sad to see the suffering of the families of those that were lost and lost their homes. I remember when our house caught fire April 8th, 1998. Even though I wasn't there when the fire happened I saw the aftermath. The burn smell is familiar and the fear of losing family are feelings still so real. I remember after moving back into our newly remodeled and rebuilt home I used to think, "if a fire were to ever happen again what would I take, what would be the most important thing to grab??"I watched the news about the disaster relief groups recovering children from a school. I saw the images of the people surrounding the recovered body wrapped in a sarong.The fear and sorrow in their faces is indescribable. The thoughts that went through my mind were,"most of those people are probably wondering if that was their child. What a scary feeling. To wonder where your lost child is in all the mess of the disaster." I am not a mum yet, but I am an auntie and a sister and a daughter and a wifey and I truly cant grasp the feelings that they must be feeling, but I can imagine losing someone I love very dearly.

Phillipines suffer from typhoon fengshen. Miserable, terrible, horrible, unexplainable flooding; such a disaster.

Death toll: 1100 and counting

I dont know too much about this natural disaster, all I know is the photos I have seen. They are very saddening. Water is at unimaginable heights. People drowning. No homes.

I pray that their faith will be waxed strong, that their sadness might be lessened, and that they might find joy or relief in small things.

In the morning I wake up..

"In the morning I wake up, I dont put on my makeup, but I say a little prayer for you...

Forever, and ever, you'll stay in my heart, and I will love you
Forever, and ever, we never will part, oh how I love you
Together, forever, that's how it should be

Living without you Would only mean heartbreak for me..."

I love my husband! I woke up this morning after he left for his 7am class and the computer was already turned on for me for work and there was such a cute thoughtful note opened in a word document that said,

"MORNING BABE!!!!!!!!!!"

The smallest things just make me smile! Its a good day!

Tsunami WARNING canceled!

Everyday Ev and I have a usual routine. We watch the show "Price is Right" at 10 am. While I am loading something for work, I will come in with Ev and we play against each other to see who would "win'" as if we are really on the show. We enjoy bidding on the showcase showdown to see just how close we get.Its just something we have fun doing everyday; But something we dont do everyday is wake up to the news report saying that American Samoa had an 8.3 magnitude earthquake then hearing you (Hawaii) is being warned about a Tsunami. . I'm thinking in my head, Tsunami=BIG WAVE. Wait I live less than a half a mile from the Ocean...CRAP! No wonder why 72 hour kits are important! I wouldn't say too much ran through my mind, I'm not sure why, but I wasn't too worried about us in Hawaii. Very sad for the people in Samoa and my heart goes out to them and their current situation. This earthquake triggers tsunami which threatens Tonga, Samoa, Fiji and New Zealand. Now that I think about it, I didnt think much of it. I just went about the rest of my day. We were told we would see effects of a Tsunami at about 1:11pm, luckily around noon the WARNING was called off and we were just told to stay out of the water from Noon until 7:30 pm because there were some smaller effects, unusual current changes and sea level changes etc as an effect of the Earthquake in American Samoa. There were 14 earthquakes(aftershocks) after the main big one with the magnitude of about 4.5. As of 10pm Tuesday night 29 September there were 90 people declared dead. President Barrack Obama has declared American Samoa a disaster area. Some estimates said the tsunami waves reached twenty-feet. The surge came fast.By the time they got the first warning the first waves had hit already, destroying homes. Later, my brother Josh called me and we were talking about what had happened and he said,"where would you go?" I looked at Ev and said," Where would we go?!?" Ev simply said,"to higher ground, to the mountains." This reminded me of the talk given by Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, in November 2005, after the tsunami that hit off the coast of Indonesia. This talk is titled "Journey to Higher Ground". I cant help but make the connection of yet another natural disaster to the Gospel, not that the Gospel has anything to do with the cause of the natural disaster, but as an outsider looking in I see how applicable the truths of Elder Wirthlin's talk become a reality, yet his words were written over 4 years ago. The people of American Samoa had no warning. By the time the first warning was given the first 20 ft wave had already hit and people had died. Much like our lives, there is often No Flashing Warning Light when "large waves/ripples in the current" and things are going to happen, when sadness or sorrow will occur, when death becomes an ugly reality, or even when lifes plans dont happen as we wish they would because bad things happen to good people its a fact. Unfortunately these things happen, but Journey to Higher Ground. Elder Wirthlin states,"We are faced with a choice. We can trust in our own strength, or we can journey to higher ground and come unto Christ." I appreciate very much the advice to Journey to Higher Ground because we all need to find refuge whether we wake up and theres a Tsunami warning or when life just stinks. There is only one way to get away from the stank of life and its to plow through it making your way to higher ground everyday leaving the bad and trying to take in the good along the way. I'm thinking I am grateful that we didn't actually have a Tsunami hit Hawaii but its taught me many things about being prepared and the importance of 72 hour kits and a whole lot of FAITH! I pray for the people of American Samoa that their faith can be strengthened, that their strength can be amplified and that together they can build each other up!

Journeying to Higher Ground

Life is meant to be lived. -Eleanor Roosevelt

I am really about living life and letting the wind blow my hair to a complete disaster--for the most part. Two days ago in the afternoon I happened to be heading to the post office. I was grateful I left when I did and got stuck behind this guy pedaling away because he just looked like he was having the time of his life. First, he was smiling away as he pedaled, kinda like how I smile away when I play soccer. Second, he was just in cruise mode. He didn't have anywhere to be he was just enjoying the day. I love that. I think "cruise mode" is a must! Especially in the world today when we can often get caught up in day to day things that we easily forget to take a breather and enjoy. After this happy man snapped out of lala land and realized he was holding up a line of cars down Hale La'a (seemed like I was following him for 5 minutes) he stopped in the round about and waved all the cars to go passed him.

I gave him a shaka shaka and smiled at him. Oh joy the things that amuse me! Good day!

Saturday is a Special Day!

Ev and I keep pretty busy, but we decided since school just started, for Ev, that Saturday was a designated lounge day. We hung out all morning til we headed to the soccer games for the BYU-Hawaii Men's and Women's soccer. During the midst of all the hoots and hollers for the players and yelling and name calling at the referee for bizarre or should I say RIDICULOUS calls, I turned to my right and found myself very amused by one little girl. Not going to lie, I could be considered a Cr-e-e-per for taking this picture, very nonchalantly with Ev's iphone I might add, of this little girl treating her little brother like a little doll. But not even kidding! It was probably the sweetest thing I had seen on Saturday. If you look closely she is even reading her little brother a book, not like he's even listening, while watching the game. I hope that my "someday" kids are that loving and kind. I learned from watching and being so amused by this little girl and her baby brother that:

1. i can be a little more gentle and a little more kind.

2. i can see others as a young child sees them.

3. i can find greater appreciation for the small things.

4. i can use my time to be more helpful.

5. i can find more ways to serve others.

6. i can find more ways to express my love for my siblings, even though I am so far away.

7. i should run around more often with no slippers or shoes.

There are so many small and simple things to see around us; if we just take the time to see them and recognize the goodness, we will be more appreciative and our day will be that much better!

Beautiful Sights to see

Evan ready to go to school (First day of second to last semester!!) Beautiful sight! Cant you see his excitement?!? Such a cutie with his backpack and dimples! It was raining yesterday or more or less pouring, so he got to take the car to school too! A whole 1/4 mile drive to keep him dry. But he came home in between classes and I was happy he was having a great day!

A beautiful sunset behind the mountains

A beautiful mix of colors filling the sky of Hawaii.

A little old man, in a little car, with a duck in the front seat!

Maybe this ones not so beautiful but hecka funny!

The things we think we know, but dont really know

Evan has been preparing to apply for graduate school. He has really stepped it up and taken on large loads of classes these next two semesters, which include all of his prerequisite classes and classes he needs to graduate. I am so proud of him, I really am and I know I put a alot of pressure on him to get good grades and do well, but I do it because I love him and I know that he can excel in so many things. Well as I was looking over some of the pre-requisites on Saturday, I realized that he was missing one class in his schedule. So I told Ev, "you may have to take another class, in fact, I am almost positive you have to." He says,"Ok.." In my head Im thinking "ok?" thats it..thats all I get? I guess I was expecting a different answer. I was more or less expecting him to get up and solve the problem right then and there. But instead he said, "ok" because he would take care of it on Monday. I know this sounds anal retentive or obessive compulsive but for some reason in my family when we have an idea or thought (ie: the floor needs to be vacuumed) we have a hard time letting the thought pass until we complete the task. I think there has to be some kind of disorder for that (Michelle--you're the Psychology Master?any ideas?). Anyways, even though Ev said he would take care of the stuff with his classes I worried. I worried that it all wouldnt fit in and that things wouldnt go how we planned..etc then I get myself all worked up and feel like I need to go exercise or take a nap to clear my mind. I am a super worry wart-even as chill and calm and easy going as I am sometimes I think I am crazy. I really have always understood the principle of faith and the power that comes with believing that everything will just work itself out, that God lives, that Jesus is the Christ and that when we turn our life to them and receive guidance through prayer that we really will be guided and directed as we make choices. But sometimes I drive myself crazy when I cant control the situtation. Going back to the story about Ev's classes. I wanted an immediate resolution. I wanted the classes to be added and everything situated so that I knew what to work on next and that it would all work out. I learned I had to wait.

As I prepared for church yesterday I watched a BYU devotional by Cecil Samuelson titled, "Our Future." In his talk there were a few principles I found extraordinary. It was like I was hearing them for the first time in my life.

1. Ray Evans composed- Doris Day sang it too- this is the chorus:

Que Sera, Sera, Whatever will be, will be

The future's not ours, to see
Que Sera, Sera What will be, will be.

Cecil Samuelson states," There is significant truth in the notion that much of what happens to us is not in our control or is it always expected, but the things of greatest ultimate importance to us are largely in our control and are within the scope of our agency. There are the unfair occurances like cancer or other selfish acts, natural disasters, doing everything right just happen to be in the wrong place..Life is not fair or equal.Things rarely turn out how we would like, predict or desire--Life is full of great surprises both happy and sad."

2. Things we have control of that are of the greatest importance:

-RELATIONSHIPS:

Starting with our Heavenly Father and his Son Jesus Christ-know and always remember that we are his children.

Our families: Dont forget them. Love & Honor themeven in their imperfections and deficiencies. Love others.

Self: Be honest with yourself. Including your failings, mistakes and deficiencies. Remember who you are. You wont have success in any other relationships if you dont have a healthy sense of who you are.

-COVENANTS:

Keeping them is arduous and demanding but you will be blessed for enduring. Make and keep covenants

-COMMITMENTS: Now & future

Make your work your own and fulfil your responsibilities.

Elder Samuelson adds his own verse to Que Sera Sera:

Now that I've grown older the futures more clear to me, Some things I cant predict or control, but I can become what I need to be.

After my happenings on Saturday of wanting to make things work instead of just letting them work as they are suppose to, after we did all we could, I am more appreciative of a patient husband that understands this and loves me even though "when I have to vacuum the floor, it cant wait, I have to vacuum the floor". I learned more about myself than anything and was really reprimanded by the Lord through Elder Samuelson's talk, but it was good because it was exactly what I needed to hear. So I say to a lesson needed to be learned:

Que Sera, Sera, Whatever will be, will be

The future's not ours, to see
Que Sera, Sera What will be, will be.

Labor Day activities

Got up this morning and had a mini-olympic games with my ward, BYU-Hawaii 6th ward..played a lot of relay games and Evan and I were the 3-legged race champs..we dominated..we sprinted forwards and backwards..GREAT TEAMWORK! must have something to do with the Lord's instructions" cleave unto your spouse and non else.."Played some soccer, ate some rice, mac salad and Ono chicken that had been marinated for about 13 hours and then barbequed..it was delish. There is something about the way people in Hawaii cook chicken, it is just so good compared to the mainland. Fun day we spent together and with the ward.

The bucket list continues I have crossed off quite a few things since we usually spend our special day, Saturday, doing some activity around the island. I took a lesson to learn how to Stand up Paddleboard. It was pretty much the best thing ever. If I could afford a paddle board (they range from $800 up) So its looking like I wont be purchasing one anytime soon..sigh..maybe someday...But for now I will live in the moment. I SUP (stand up paddled) for an hour. It was such a great work out! One of my favorite ways to exercise now for sure! I feel like I caught on pretty well, but I was doing any performance paddling just crusing around. My instructor was nice enough to let Ev try it for a few minutes just to see what it was like and he seemed to like it and did good to. Nice afternoon we spent in Kailua.

Starting out on my knees to get a feel for paddling and balancing.

Graduated from my knees after a few minutes to my feet.

Just cruising around..

Stand up Paddling in Action

Saturday is a Special Day!

Ev and I were kinda whatever bout what we wanted to do Saturday. Evan wants to build his Mom a square foot garden so he had drawn up plans for those and we planned to get those supplies whenever we got into town. I was going to go SUP (stand up paddle boarding) but decided to move that activity to Monday. We drove into town (Honolulu) and decided to stop by The Byodo-In Temple at the Valley of the Temples. What is this? Well this temple was est June 7th, 1968 to commemorate the first Japanese immigrants to Hawaii. The Byodo-In Temple (translates "temple of equality"-not to discriminate) was built entirely without nails. It is a scale replica of a temple at Uji Japan that was constructed over 900 years ago. The temple is built to represent the mythical phoenix, its wings upheld by pillars of stone. Folklore tells of the phoenix arising from the ahses to reflect the promises of hope and renewal. There was also a golden Budda unique to the entire world because it is thought to be the largestfigure carved since ancient times. I wanted to check it out because it seemed like a neat place to go. It was indeed very peaceful. The grounds were beautiful. There wasnt too much to see except for the temple itself, the bell, and the giant Koi fish, but we had a relaxing time just walking around looking at the architecture, and the beauty of the replica temple. We also made a trip to Home depot to get supplies to make a square foot garden. I remember going with my dad to home depot so many times, it was never a fun store for me, I was always like how boring. I think my dad's car was on auto pilot it had been there so many times, to every home depot. The only thing I remember liking about home depot was the light section. It was just "pretty" to me growing up. Just walking into Home Depot reminds me of my Dad, the smell of the wood and the plumbing section. I like it now that I am older. There are so many things you can design. I love looking at the pre-made kitchens and I have started to put money away as a form of wishful thinking so that someday I can have a cool kitchen. So after Ev and I got all the wood and supplies we needed, I got to go to the light department it was my favorite part of the trip to home depot. We spent some time with the parentals and had a good evening. When we were almost home, we started to play this game where the next song that came on the radio we had to see who knew more of the actual lyrics instead of ," hmm yaya..etc" we so often place our own words or just sing the chorus, it was hilarious. We were laughing so hard. It was a fun game and one I think we will keep playing. We had a great day in town together and our fun game just added to our laughter and fun.