My Hawaiian Vacation- as promised

I returned from Hawaii on Tuesday morning after my first 6 day stay in Kaua'i.  This had to have been the most beautiful and the most peaceful place I've visited.  Time ceased to exist for seven days and Glenn and I spent the majority of our time doing nothing very fast and going no where in a hurry.  We went to several awesome restaurants with great food, including my first dining experience at the St. Regis.  We visited the light house, went on a Sunset dinner cruise to see the Napali Coast, basically drove the entire island and in general just enjoyed the sights.  There are plants and animals on the island that I've never seen before including purple palm trees and chickens that run free.  Included below are some of the photos that either myself or Glenn took.  The captions are on the photos.  We stayed in Princeville in a condo that's a part of Pali Ke Kua.  These pictures are taken around the condo.

These pictures are from around the island...

Finally, these pictures were taken on the boat cruise up the Napali Coast.

I can't wait to go back and visit.  What an amazing trip!  Thank you to Glenn, my wonderful father-in-law for making it all happen.  It was just like magic!

At our one year...looking back

Today I have been married to the one person I've loved more than anyone else for a year.  Although we are celebrating our one year wedding anniversary, our journey has lasted for much longer than that.  Mike has transformed my life in ways I can't find words to describe.  Here is our journey...

At Drew's wedding in the fall of 2004.  We were only 22.

Our first official date at BJ's Brewery for Mike's birthday Jan. 2005.  Mike was 23

First spring break in Florida March 2005

Spending time with Mike's friends: Jonathan, David, Fonz, Nate, Cassidy, and Yvette

My graduation from ASU December 2005

One Year anniversary celebrated at Disneyland with Krista, Tracy, Amber and Garrett

When we took Good Shepherd Youth to Ski Fest in Utah February 2006

Joann and Josh's wedding.  My first time officiating.  We made a dashing couple

Very special mother's day spent with Mike's mom Scottie

Summer vacation to the Grand Canyon July 2006

Christmas in Colorado at Estes Park December 2007

Celebrating Mike's new job with JFCS at Sapporo

Engaged April 10, 2009

Exchanging our vows and rings.  Making the decision to join my life with Mike's forever

The beginning of our life together.

June 19, 2009

There are so many memories that happened in between but I just couldn't recount them all even if I had endless time.  God has granted me so many precious experiences and memories with my beloved.  

Happy Anniversary Michael.  Here's to our next 6 years and beyond.

The portrait of a great week!

This week I was blessed with several days of limited commitments.  I used this time to catch up with many friends that I haven't had a chance to see in weeks, months, and even a year ago at my wedding. 

Monday started with a frustrating but great morning with Kristy swimsuit shopping.  I had no success that day finding the perfect suit but I had Kristy with me so that made it all worth it.  She's moved far from me now so I'm special because she drove a distance to shop near me.  We finished Monday with an early Father's Day dinner for Glenn.  He won't be in town for Father's Day this year so we celebrated early.

Tuesday started with some great finds at Victoria's Secret Semi-annual sale, followed by finding the perfect bathing suit at Pebbles Swimwear in Kierland Shopping Center.  A random call in the middle of the day found me shopping with Thea at Desert Ridge.  That night Mike and I spent time with our small group (which we had  taken a break from for a bit while they did a financial study).  Loved being back and looking forward to summer.

Wednesday was lunch with Jessica who I haven't seen since she photographed at my wedding.  We commandeered a booth at Sweet Tomatoes for three hours.  Miss her and loved seeing her again.

Thursday morning I drug myself out of bed to go to Squaw Peak with Thea for an hour long stroll in the early morning.  It was energizing and fun!  I enjoyed some lunch with Joann and her little girl Camdyn.  She is growing so fast!  Afterward I became Susie Homemaker...I vacuumed, dusted, took out all the trashes, ironed and sewed some missing buttons. 

Today I spent time with two wonderful mothers and their beautiful little girls.  I started with coffee and breakfast at Sarah and Lila's.  Then I finally met little Miss Tara, Marie and Dermott's two week old.  She was just darling. 

Tomorrow I still have my one year anniversary to look forward to with my husband! 

What a neat week!

violins now please

Thus begins my pity party.

I'm in a slump, I am.  It started with just a couple little bummers and now has turned into a few days of general sadness.  Some of it I can put my finger on and some I can't.

I know that I'm super bummed about the slowing of my weight loss.  I feel like I'm plateauing and even though I've lost 25 lbs, guess what?  I can't find even one swim suit that looks good on me and is supportive.  Bummer.

My body just isn't working correctly.  I'll spare the details in light of this being public but I will have to visit the doctor again.  Not only is it frustrating and inconvenient but it's also painful.  Bummer

My biological alarm clock and won't shut off.  Mike and I are praying and have been talking this into the ground but I feel like I have to bring this back to God daily.  I want to start, which means I want to start what comes next with it all.  No answers, no relief.  Bummer.

I've been feeling lonely and detached.  There's no explanation for it and there isn't anything in particular that any person has said or done, I'm just lonely.  Bummer.

I guess my symphony is coming to a close now.  Thanks for listening, hope you enjoyed the show. 

Christian Romance... oxymoron? Not even close

Something that my friend Dana and I shared in high school (and still do I believe) is our love of Christian Fiction Novels.  My favorite author in this genre is Lori Wick.   

I believe own all of her books (except perhaps one) and although I've read them numerous times since highschool, I just recently started one series again while I determining my next book reading adventures.  Currently I am going through the Kensington Chronicles (probably one of my favorite series of hers). 

There is something rereading these novels that has lightened my heart lately.  These books are not just a cheesy excuse to get my kicks in for romance as the most you get from these characters are a heart felt kiss.  What I was amazing with this time is how everytime one of the characters is worries, distressed, unsure, confused, needing to make an important/life altering decision, desperate for a loved one's salvation, or too busy wrapped up in themselves, they pray.  This is a theme carried throughout all Lori Wick's series and novels.  Her characters are constantly petitioning God and not just on their behalf but for His will, for His direction, His clarity or discernment, His peace if they can't change their predicament, and His Spirit to speak into a person' heart.  How often do I think to myself, "I should pray about that" or tell someone "I'll pray for you" and then do it alone.  In her books, when a character mentions that they should go to God in prayer, Lori Wick writes that prayer then and there in the novel.  When I read her books I find myself constantly talking to God.  I can learn a lesson from these fictional characters.  I need to pray more often and without embarrassment or timidity. 

If you haven't read any of these books and you are looking for something good that will make you sigh because you love romance, try Lori Wick.

What Kind of Mom do I Get to Be?

Recently the subject of children has been frequent in my home and constantly on my heart.  I have almost no rest from my building desire for it.  Only a month ago the idea of being a mom was terrifying and I abhorred the thought.  Something changed almost over night.  Luckily I have a husband who I find to be both wise and careful and unlike me tends to make decisions based on fact and reality while I go head long into my emotions.  Because there are just so many unanswered questions, we are still on the waiting block and on birth control.

Some concerns we both have:
1.  Are we ready for this?  Our "just the two of us" phase would come to a close.  I'd be lying if I said that I haven't loved every minute of getting to married finally.
2.  Can we afford a baby?  I know, I know, I know- you are never really financially ready to have a baby.  The thing is, I'd really like to stay home with our baby at least for a while.  I don't want to use day care as an a option.  Mike and I wholly use both of our incomes and I know that we can make adjustments in our budget but even cutting out cable, coffee, eating out etc, that's not enough for child care by a long shot.  Going down to one income isn't either.  Mike is good with me going back to work and I want to stay home so we aren't quite congruent there.
3.  What if we move?  The possibility is highly likely that will happen soon.  I like my OB/GYN and I'd like to stick with her.  We have family and friends here for support.  Could we do this moving away?
4.  Jobs and careers- I want to get my master's in something.  I want to start soon and I'm not sure both could be afforded or managed.  What comes first?



There are just so many questions and my heart isn't at rest.  I know Jeremiah reminds me that God already knows the plans He has for me and I should in all things, through prayer and petition bring my requests to God.  He isn't worried about any of this and in fact he's already got it all worked out.  I just need a green light.  Better yet, I need God to show Mike the green light and trust my husband's judgment and discernment.  The fact still remains...I want a baby and I think I'm finally ready to be a mom.

All my mom friends out there- I'd love to have your feedback.