tis' the season

I am a proud Alumni of BYU-Hawaii since June 2008. I loved attending this university not for the fact that I lived a hop skip and a jump from the beach or because I woke up to waves crashing, but more or less because the gospel was incorporated into our secular learning in certain classes. Yes there wasn't much to do here in Laie, but its was certainly a beautiful place to be living. I am really grateful though that I have the chance to at least spend one Christmas here. After being here for about 3 years this will be my first Christmas in Hawaii and my first Christmas with my amazing husband (we were married two days after Christmas, so technically second Christmas, but we weren't "legally married" last year).

Four reasons why I love Christmas in Hawaii:

1. i can go to the beach and its still beautiful. I went today, got burned where I forgot sunblock and made this creation in the sand.

2. i get to be close to Evan's family

3. i get to decorate my humble abode and I get excited when I get to add decorations on my "paper" tree.

4. i get to be so close to the temple. Its a beautiful reminder of the meaning of Christmas.

Today, December 23rd is the birthday of the Prophet Joseph Smith. I am indeed grateful for the faith and perseverance of the Prophet. I know that he restored the Gospel of Jesus Christ in its fullness to the earth. It was his mission and calling to bring the world the truth. He did this as he translated the Book of Mormon, a witness that Jesus is the Christ, the son of God, our eternal Redeemer. President Spencer W.Kimball said," there are some in the world who mistakenly say that we are a non-Christian Church—a cult; that we worship Joseph Smith rather than our Savior, Jesus Christ. How far from the truth they are! What heresy! The Lord declared, “For thus shall my church be called in the last days, even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.” (D&C 115:4.)

We have a hope in Christ here and now. He died for our sins. Because of Him and His gospel, our sins are washed away in the waters of baptism; sin and iniquity are burned out of our souls as though by fire; and we become clean, we have a clear conscience, and we gain that peace which passeth understanding.

We believe, and it is our testimony, and we proclaim it to the world, “that there shall be no other name given nor any other way nor means whereby salvation can come unto the children of men, only in and through the name of Christ, the Lord Omnipotent.” (Mosiah 3:17.)

We know, and it is our testimony, and we proclaim it to the world, that to be saved men must “believe that salvation was, and is, and is to come, in and through the atoning blood of Christ, the Lord Omnipotent.” (Mosiah 3:18.)

“And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.” (2 Ne. 25:26.)

For the past century and a half since the Restoration, beginning with the Prophet Joseph Smith, the latter-day prophets of God have raised their voices in clarity and with authority and truth as they have borne their testimonies of the divinity of this great latter-day work and the redemptive power of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

I too have great respect for the Prophet Joseph Smith, for without him we wouldn't have all the truths that we have today. People would still be wandering for truth, confused, and seeking for more as many still are today. But we have the truth! We know that God Lives, that Jesus is the Christ! He is my personal Savior and Redeemer.We know that He will come again and that we have the opportunity to live with him and Heavenly Father; There is life after death, for these truths and knowledge, I am extremely grateful! I reverence the Prophet Joseph Smith and respect him. I know that he died a martyr and died in cold blood, defending the truths with which we all are blessed to know. I know that Joseph Smith died for the cause of our Savior Jesus Christ. I honestly dont believe that anyone would go through so much trial and persecution all because it was something to do. I know that our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith and it was that day in the grove of trees that changed not only Joseph's life, but changed the world. We have a prophet of God on the earth today, President Thomas S. Monson. The Lord has not left us alone to fend for ourselves and figure life out. He answers prayers, he speaks to us, and he directs a prophet of God today. I know the gospel is true.

If I could give Joseph Smith a birthday present today, I would give him my personal copy of the Book of Mormon that I took with me on my mission(which is marked up like crazy with my notes and thoughts) so that he would know that his life of persecution and torture was worth living because I gained a testimony of the Book of Mormon and all the truths that he restored to the earth, under the direction of my Savior Jesus Christ. But more than that, I know that God's Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ, laid down his life for me and gave me a chance to repent and be clean and return and live with Him again. I wouldn't trade this knowledge for anything!

tis' the season to be jolly fahlalalala-lalalala! tis' the season to be grateful.

Saturday is a Special Day!

December is quite the month. So much celebration of birthdays! I cant believe that next Friday is Christmas!! We have much to be grateful for this year and family is one of our greatest blessings. It has been so nice living here in Hawaii and being able to spend time with Evan's parents and Grandma and Aunties and Uncles. Of course I miss my family, but it is nice to have family close by to visit and enjoy many laughs. On Friday its was Momma Lolly's birthday. Evan and I went to town to drop some friends off at the airport and stayed in town to celebrate. A while back Ev had built a square foot planter for his Mom and we started her little garden, well the cucumbers started to take over everything else growing in the garden and lets just say we decided to start over. So after running some errands on Friday we headed to Home Depot and bought some "pre-grown" herbs and a tomato plant. We thought maybe we would go big and skip the whole "plant the seed and watch it sprout and grow" deal this time around, we were so over that =) Well after Ev was done planting, it looked like Mom's garden had grown within hours. It looked great!

So we shall see how her garden goes this time around, its fun for us to see what works and what doesn't and we have so much fun going to Home Depot. I just love the smell of it and of course Ev took me down my favorite aisle, the lights.We had a good time roaming around looking at sinks, doors, etc for our "make believe, some day house". Ev had his internship on Saturday, he had a nasty wrestling tournament, and I had work for a couple hours, but I joined up with him after I was done and sat in that stinky gym that smelt like sweat and bodies. It was amazing to me though how many girls actually wrestled. I was used to seeing a couple here and there at Corey's tournaments/matches, but man they had a ton of girls wrestling.I thought that was pretty cool. After the day of work we headed back to town and went to dinner at a nice restaurant called Stage, for Momma Lolly's birthday. It was good food, good fun, good music (the guy singing Christmas music live sounded like Michael Buble) and good laughs. My camera batteries were dead, but I wanted a picture of us all, so we took one with Ev's iphone, here we are:

Finals week

I finished my training for work on Monday. I felt like I was back in school again, I had to take oral and written quizzes each day and pass them with 90% or better and then on Monday I took a cumulative "Final" which I also had to pass with 90% or better. I passed all my exams and have slowly started to work with children with Autism, but due to the holiday season, families are going out of town and my schedule is very temporary until the beginning of the year. Its Evans last week of classes and he only has to take 3 exams. He got an email from one of his professors that basically said, " If you are receiving this email, it means that you are amazing and pretty much your grade in the class is a very strong A and you do not need to take the final.." I am so proud of my husband. He is working hard and is actually in the library as I am writing this blog post. I know that he can accomplish so much and he took on a lot of classes this semester and sometimes I know it was a lot for him, but I am thankful that he stuck it out so that he can be on track to graduate in April 2010. I love my husband and one of the best parts about being married and having one of us going to school is that I get to be his beautiful "pusher, encourager, you can do it" person and I know he always loves me for it. GOOD LUCK on your finals babe!

SHOUT OUT: Happy Birthday Josh and Nicole! Love you both!

Cockroach adventures

So..dont read this if you get grossed out easily..no really..dont do it..You might throw up in your mouth..So living in Hawaii brings for much beautiful weather and many surprises when it comes to little critters. First off, Please dont think we live a messy life, because we dont, I am a little anal..we do the dishes and keep our house clean..end. So I first noticed that there were roaches living in the face of our microwave when I looked to see the time and noticed that one of the parts of the numbers was missing, so I got up to see if the bulb was going bad and well, I found that there was a cockroach posted on the tail of the 5. GROSS!! They arent living on our splatter, they are chilling in the FACE of the flippin microwave how in the world did they get in there?!?! So I tried to bust out the screw driver and the screw driver worked for almost all the screws except two. It was a special torx screwdriver that no one seemed to have..so the roaches lived in the face of the microwave doing their thing making babies and laying eggs and I had enough when I saw little roaches starting to appear! Finally I found the bit we needed. $20 dollars later we were able to get the two lame screws off. Ev took the microwave outside and took the microwave apart. EWWWW...so gross! There were hatched eggs and roaches..yikes..pretty much the grossest thing ever! I am happy to report my amazing husband took apart, removed the roaches, and put back together a working microwave!!

Celebrating

Dana and Chris Bradshaw
Tyler and Becky Waldron

Da Gang

Happy Birthday DANA!! Our friend Dana's birthday landed on our weekly Monday FHE. So we decided to make it a surprise FHE and bring out the balloons, and cake, and ice cream. Ev and I attempted a new recipe, Haupia cake, since thats one of Dana's favorite types of cakes. I think it turned out pretty good! I was proud of Ev and I, we make a good team. We had a lesson, played some games and had cake and ice cream. It was a good nite.

I also started a new job today. I am a skills trainer for children with Autism and Asperger's syndrome. It was my first day of training. It was full of useful information and I am so thankful for Heavenly Father blessing me with a new job, especially since Ev and I will only be here in Hawaii for 4 more months. Who wants to hire someone for only 4 months? We are truly blessed and count our blessings everyday.

Today,December 7th, is also my sister Jessica's birthday! Happy growing old day! I love my sister so much and thankful for the relationship that we have developed. She didn't like me very when I was younger because I was annoying and the little sister, but I am thankful for her being my big sister and thankful that she and I can talk and discuss anything and that we can be there for each other even though we are far in distance. Happy Birthday Jess! I love you!

Our Christmas tree two days later! Thanks to Momma Maggie; we got our stockings (Evan's is so much newer looking than mine) and gifts. Oh and our first ornament for our paper tree! Now it doesn't look so plain. Thanks Mom!

Oh Christmas tree!

I love Christmas time! I have many fond memories of going to the local AAA tree farm in Nuevo, California with my family and the goal was to find the winning tree. Each family member would find a tree that they thought fit the profile of the perfect tree.Then we would stand by the tree and yell for the fam bam to come and observe the tree to decide if it was "the tree". We had so much fun and spent so much time at the farm because everyones tree was too tall or too fat or too bald..Well this year since Evan and I will be staying in Hawaii for Christmas, we are making the most of the traditions that I am used to. Like most things in Hawaii, Christmas trees are pretty expensive, but I decided I didnt want to have Christmas without a tree. So I thought about getting a small bonsai tree, but thats totally Japanese, not Chinese. I thought I could get a small plumeria tree, but then we would have this potted tree in our apartment and no where to plant it, so I went with the most practical idea. It cost us a whole $2.40, what a bargain! It works perfect and does its job minus the pine needles all over and the smell, oh and watering it!

I heard this quote the other day I am not really sure what the actual quote is, but this is what I pulled from it, "Where theres acceptance theres courtesy. Where theres gratitude theres humility." Just something to feed on.

Good times

We stayed the nite in town on Thanksgiving. After recovering from good food on Turkey Day, Ev and I were going to hit the craze of "BLACK FRIDAY" but then we decided that it didn't matter that much, its not like we wanted to buy things that were crazy on sale, so we slept. We did however go out shopping later, lots of people, lots of cars, lots of traffic even in Hawaii. We used team work. I would shop and Ev would get in line (he's a trooper). After our day of shopping or should I say dodging and weaving through people, we went out with Mom and Dad Stubbs to a movie I have been dying to see,THE BLINDSIDE. I would highly recommend it! I am trying to convince Evan to take me to see it again because I loved it so much! It was super inspirational and so funny! A very well balanced movie!

Countdown to Turkey Day!

I am thankful for..

1. The Lord's hand in my life

2. The smell of rain

3. The people in my life

4. A good movie

5. An amazing husband

Entangled in the SAGA

For the past 4 days I have been entangled in a web. A web of Twilight Saga! I love to read, but I just hadn't taken the time to sit down and do it. After deciding to see New Moon on Saturday with Ev and some friends, I had to get caught up. I hadn't read any of the books. I started Twilight, but read here and there not getting very far and couldnt quite get into it. But then once I set my mind to finishing New Moon by Saturday, I devoted all my efforts to finishing. Poor Evan (someone might need to call Spouse Protection Services, he was neglected attention, I did make dinner though so not too neglected) I was happy to say that I finished Twilight and New Moon in about 2 days I think, but I was hooked! I could not put those books down..They were enthralling! By now I had felt like I was there observing all of what was happening. When I would have to stop reading, it was so hard, but it was as if their imaginary life had stopped too and when I would pick the book up again I jumped right back into my world. I loved it! I really enjoyed reading it and now Evan knows not to get me a good book if he doesn't want to be neglected--haha--He and are the exact same when we read "in our own little worlds". Emotions I went through while reading-fear, frustration, anxiety (too much arguing, it got me worked up), joy, happiness, enthusiasm, and I just wished Bella would stop being so pessimistic (it drove me crazy). I finished the final book last night/early this morning and I am probably the last person to have read these books in the world; Ev even read them before me..but its all good..I'm sad the story ended it was very good, but glad I don't have to neglect my husband anymore.

An Apostle came here

On Sunday, in place of what was suppose to be our stake conference, we had a regional (island-wide) conference..why? Because President Thomas S. Monson, Prophet of the Lord, and one of the Lord's Apostles, Elder L. Tom Perry, were coming to Hawaii. It was an exciting feeling to think that the Prophet of the Lord was going to be here, I was going to be here with him in the same room, listening intently as I would if Jesus were standing right there. Unfortunately, President Monson's wife had a fall and was hospitalized and he needed to be there to care for her. Completely understandable! Not gonna lie though, I was hoping He would be there. But we were still blessed with the presence of an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, Elder L. Tom Perry and a member of the Seventy, Richard Maynes. It was a remarkable conference. Elder Perry is hilarious (if that isn't irreverent to say) and so in tune. I listened intently trying to follow along to what he was speaking about to see some way that it could pertain to my own life and my progression. I mostly just sat and stared trying to absorb the truth and Spirit radiating from his mouth and his aura. Elder Maynes spoke about how the church in Hawaii will never be stronger than the next generation, basically to be an example to the future kids and the pathway to raising a righteous generation. Elder Perry talked about the fruit of repentance, spirit of strength and overcoming our faults, humbly offer our prayers (willing to make course corrections), and give thanks. Most importantly though he bore a strong testimony of truth. President Monson spoke from Salt Lake City, Utah and it was like he was there in the room with us. He spoke about the Aloha of the islands (Spirit of love). He too spoke truth. He taught: have a desire to rescue those who may be lost and how the lost members know where the church is they just need a little help to find the way. He said give service to all men ("If we dont try, we dont do. If we dont do, then why are we here?"), that love is seldom expressed, live together in love, magnify our callings and then he said people can change. "Dont you know a leopard cant change its spots, I wouldn't know I work with men and men change." "A friend cares more about helping than getting credit." It was an uplifting meeting and I am thankful that I had to opportunity to sit in and listen to the Lord's servants.

Countdown to Turkey Day!

I am thankful for..

1. knowledge and learning

2. exercise

3. ability to love unconditionally

4. food

5. ability to forgive

Countdown to Turkey Day!

I am thankful for..

1. technology

2. living in paradise

3. learning lifes lessons and the faith that accompanies it

4. food

5. friends

Countdown to Turkey Day!

I am thankful for..

1. My husband and best friend-I LUB HIM!

2. My Savior Jesus Christ

3. My families

4. A living Prophet and Apostles on the earth-TRUTH!

5. Laughter

Saturday is a Special Day!

We had an early Saturday morning. Despite the forecast of much rain and flash flood warnings, we played in a 6v6 soccer tournament at the BYU-Hawaii campus. It was a fundraiser that our Women's soccer team puts on every year, basically the players are the coaches and round up peeps to play on their team. You have to pay to play, but you are guaranteed 3 games and if you have enough points you can move on to the semi-finals then the finals. It was a good cause and we always play every year. Our team was the LADYBUGS-woop woop- our coach was Lauran McCullough (I served in the McCullough's home ward in Kennewick, WA on my mission-see previous post about special visitors). We played three games and came out with a 2-1 overall record. The game we lost was a bogus one. I really had my game face on in that game (dont push me because I will push you back and I will make you fall and then if you do it again I will be just as mean to you) It was intense, elbows out! Anyways we ended up having 16 points for the tourney and you needed 18 to move on the the semi-finals so we didn't move on, but we had a blast in the rain and sliding in the mud.

Afterwards, Ev made me one of his specialty breakfasts, Eggs and portuguese sausage in the toast and it was yummy. One of my favorite breakfasts Ev makes!

It takes faith

"It takes faith--unseeing faith--for young people to proceed immediately with their family responsibilities in the face of financial uncertainties. It takes faith for the young woman to bear her family instead of accepting employment, especially when schooling for the young husband is to be finished. It takes faith to observe the Sabbath when 'time and a half' can be had working,when sales can be made, when merchandise can be sold. It takes great faith to pay tithes when funds are scarce and demands are great.It takes faith to fast and have family prayers and to observe the Word of Wisdom..But know this--that all these are of the planting, while faithful, devout families, spiritual security, peace, and eternal life are the harvests...But know this: that undaunted faith can stop the mouths of lions, make ineffective the fiery flames, make dry corridors through beds of rivers and seas. Unwavering faith can protect against deluge, terminate droughts, heal the sick and bring heavenly manifestations. Indomitable faith can help us live the commandments and thereby bring blessings unnumbered with peace, perfection, and exaltation in the kingdom of God. May this be our desire to develop this kind of faith and may we finally attain the blessings which such perfect faith can bring.."

--President Spencer W. Kimball

Life has many curve balls and many unexpecteds. But it takes faith to endure and faith to persevere. It takes faith to know you will be taken care of and it takes faith to act knowing that because you are going and doing you will be blessed and given what you need. It takes faith.

Naturally, most husbands lend an ear, a shoulder, and a hug when their wives have sad moments. My husband naturally does all those and more. He goes out of his way to make me feel better any way he can. I don't have "sad moments" all that often but Friday he bought me...

ICE CREAM!Very expensive ice cream! Now I am not really a huge ice cream fan, but.. I do like Mochi ice cream, it must be the Asian in me.I love my husband! He's always looking out for me.He sure is my favorite and my best buddy!

Saturday was a very Special Day!

Ev and I started out the day both working and then got ready to go into town. Today was a special day for us because we were going into town to visit Grandpa Quon at the cemetery. In all my time living here and being with Evan's family I had always driven past and known the cemetery as"that's where Grandpa is buried." I wasnt excited because cemetery's are the happiest place on earth, but more so because I finally could "meet Grandpa". I notice very quickly that on his headstone there were three small baby oranges. I couldn't help and be simple minded and ask," who would put oranges on a grave? they are just going to rot." Evan explained to me that in the Chinese culture, they have many rituals. One of the rituals is to put food/drink on the grave. Its considered an offering to the Spirits. By putting oranges, or any fruit and/or food and drinks in the "other" realm, they will take it, and use it to relieve their "hunger." I looked around and saw fruit, drinks, pumpkins..I thought to myself all I have ever brought to my Dad's grave was flowers, maybe he'd like some Dr.Pepper one of these days. haha..I took one of Grandpa Quon's flowers and put it on the grave next to him,Mr. Nakamura, because thats what I always do when I put flowers on Daddy Matthews grave, we always remember to put flowers on Clarence's headstone. It was a beautiful day especially to sit and be reminded of those we love. November 7th is Grandma and Grandpa Quon's Anniversary, it would have been 68 years today. Grandpa Quon passed away 2 days shy of their 57th Wedding Anniversary. When I was being told about the series of events that surrounded Grandpa's passing away, I was told that Grandpa was on a breathing machine in Saint Frances Hospital and the family had dinner reservations for November 7th (to celebrate their anniversary) at Kincaid's (Fish, Chop & Steakhouse), one of Grandpa's favorite restaurants that has a nice view of the Honolulu Harbor. Well last night, Evan, Mom, Dad, Auntie Chicky, Uncle Jonathon, Dems, and of course Grandma Quon, went to the same restaurant, Kincaids, that they had reservations for 11 years ago and set a place at the table for Grandpa Quon. It was a good day, a special day!

Dear Grandpa Quon,

Today, November 5th, 2009, We remember you Richard Kwai Yuen Quon. Another man I wish I could have known in this life. I am thankful for your amazing influence on my husband. Evan has so many stories and precious memories that I love to hear about. Its a special blessing to have such a strong relationship with your Grandparents. I am grateful that Evan has had that blessing in his life and still continues his special relationship with Grandma Quon. Thank you Grandpa Quon for touching my husband and best friend, I know he is a better person because you were in his life! You are missed! I love you!

FHE

“What is the great strength of [this] Church? … It is the emphasis which we place on families. … Keep your families close together and love and honor your children” -President Gordon B. Hinckley

One Evening a Week—Monday Night

“We have a family home evening program once a week [Monday night] across the Church in which parents sit down with their children. They study the scriptures. They talk about family problems. They plan family activities and things of that kind. I don’t hesitate to say if every family in the world practiced that one thing, you’d see a very great difference in the solidarity of the families of the world” (interview, Boston Globe, 14 Aug. 2000).

“[The Lord] expects us to have family home evening—one night a week to gather our children together and teach them the gospel. Isaiah said, ‘And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord.’ That is the commandment: ‘All thy children shall be taught of the Lord.’ And the blessing: ‘And great,’ he said, ‘shall be the peace of thy children’ [Isa. 54:13]”

"You have to establish in your life some sense of prioritizing things, of giving emphasis to the important things and of laying aside the unimportant things that will lead to nothing. Establish a sense of justice, a sense of what is good and what is not good, what is important and is not important; and that can become a marvelous and wonderful blessing in your lives”

A LETTER FROM THE FIRST PRESIDENCY

October 4, 1999

To: Members of the Church throughout the World

Dear Brothers and Sisters:

Monday nights are reserved throughout the Church for family home evenings. We encourage members to set aside this time to strengthen family ties and teach the gospel in their homes.

Earlier this year we called on parents to devote their best efforts to the teaching and rearing of their children in gospel principles which will keep them close to the Church. We also counseled parents and children to give highest priority to family prayer, family home evening, gospel study and instruction, and wholesome family activities.

We urge members, where possible, to avoid holding receptions or other similar activities on Monday evenings. Where practical, members may also want to encourage community and school leaders to avoid scheduling activities on Monday evenings that require children or parents to be away from their homes.

Church buildings and facilities should be closed on Monday evenings. No ward or stake activities should be planned, and other interruptions to family home evenings should be avoided.

Sincerely yours, Gordon B. Hinckley Thomas S. Monson James E. Faust

Now with all these wonderful words from the beloved prophet President Gordon B. Hinckley, Evan and I have always tried to read something or we each just get multiple parts of FHE or just go on with our busy life and think, "oh ya, we need to do that, next Monday we will get on that.." Well it was so up and down that Ev and I decided to invite a few friends over to fulfill our need and their need to follow the prophet and have FHE. Rebecca and Tyler Waldron & Dana and Chris Bradshaw and us have set a record. We have had FHE every Monday for an entire month. It has been so great! We always switch off whos house we have it at and move around the lesson, scripture, prayer,treat and activity. I really enjoy having friends over, but more than their company is just the increase of the Spirit that I am able to obtain from 1. being obedient and 2. allowing myself to be touched or become better by the lessons. We played a super fun game called Raving Rabbids on the Wii for activity recently and had a blast!

Happy Halloweeny 2009

So I decided to look up the meaning of Halloween to refresh my mind on why we have such a holiday. It was pretty neat to read about why people wear masks and why food or "candy" in our time is given out. Refreshers are nice. Ev and I didnt have a typical Halloween. We dont have kiddies and we werent going to head to Waikiki for Halloween, those could be some scary costumes on the streets..So we decided to head to the beach..ahh..I love the beach. Ev played baseball in the morning with some friends and then later we went with Rebecca and Tyler to Haleiwa, HI. I had never actually been to this beach, but once you been to one you been to them all right? wrong..this beach you werent able to really walk out into as the coral reef covers almost the entire bottom of the ocean anywhere where you can reach. So I hesitated going surfing because I really didnt want to get in a fight with the coral and lose. But it was too beautiful and serene to pass up. I'm not all that experienced but the better I get aka the more I stand up and not just ride the wave, the more I love it. Its so much fun! Well I caught a couple of really great waves and stood up too. I have a good coach, Rebecca, giving me pointers here and there. I love it! After surfing we headed to Mililani to eat food and watch, "Where the Wild things are". I enjoyed the movie, but I spent a lot of the time sitting there eating popcorn and popcorn chicken, thank you for a large purse, but I also just thought about the point of the movie and how were all very much like the little boi Max. We have different sides to us. We are happy, sad, disappointed, angry, frustrated...etc I liked the movie because it really opened my eyes about the importance of love and loving people for who they are. You cant change people. You cant make them become who you want them to be, but you can help them see the potential they have to become better than they think they are. I appreciate feeling that someone, my husband, can help me become a better, happier person so that I do not battle with all of my me's. The movie was definitely thought provoking and I enjoyed it and spending time eating candy that I did not get from trick or treating, but that I had to buy myself..and enjoyed eating reeses pieces while picking out all the brown ones (because I do not eat chocolate and even though I know they are not chocolate, but just a brown candy coat, I am still a freak and wont eat them) so Rebecca ate them =) It was a Happy Safe beautiful Halloween night!

This is just a random picture taken a few weeks ago where Evan happens to be cuddling with a skeleton (from Lolly's classroom) aka me.

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.