It has been a while...

Life has been hectic but fun for us in the past four months. Here are a few things that we've been up to.

1. I started my Master's program.- I love it, but unfortunately it keeps me in front of the computer too long since it's all online. It's also an accelerated program where a traditional 16 week course is crammed into 5 weeks. Needless to say, it keeps me extra busy.

2. I'm still working, which also keeps me too busy.- I've been busy with actually teaching, helping write the 6th grade LA curriculum for our district, running our school's Spelling Bee, tutoring three days a week after school, still leader of a goal team in the school, and just helping in a few other ways. (I'm exhausted from just typing all of that.)

3. David started a small group through our church.- This has been a blessing from God and we have met some wonderful friends through this! David does a great job with guiding us!

4. We saw my brother leave for Afghanistan.- This has probably been the hardest. I know I've grown up military all my life, but there is something different when it is your brother. We've heard from him a couple of times, and he is doing well. He is very blessed to be good at what he is doing and has wonderful Marines there to support him!

5. David turned the big 3-0, and it only came with a small mid-life crisis that included a motorcycle, two new guns, and a weekend full of events! He had a blast (literally) and am glad because he deserved it!

This next year, hopefully, will bring us more joys and we can't wait!

Aloha from Oahu

A nine hour trip to Hawai'i turned into twenty-four hours.

We were so thrilled to have finally arrived and gotten some much needed sleep!

We got lots of beach time in with the family.

We did some hanging out!

We saw Pearl Harbor. If you look close enough on the water picture you may see black dots in the water. It is because the USS Arizona is still leaking gas. On another picture, you may also see a dark form, that is the boat.

We hiked an amazing trail!

The most important part was that we got to spend time with my brother. I am absolutely amazed at what he does every day, and the courage that he has. I'm extremely proud of him!!!

What I learned from a three (almost four) year old...

Today was my day of fun with my niece.
It always amazes me how advanced her mind is for a three (almost four) year old, in fact I often spend hours later pondering her questions/searching Google for explanations, and will have to get back to her with an answer. We spent quite a bit of time today discussing skunks. Why do they smell bad? What makes them smell bad? Where do they live? What would happen if we dug them out of their homes? How would they feel if we dug them out of their homes? Would they feel the shovel if we dug them out? What do we do if they come near us? Why don't they know that we won't hurt them? Do they eat something that makes them smell bad? Will they be at my school? What about near the slide at my school? What sort of animals would make it give off it's smell? What are bad animals? Could a skunk be as big as this turtle?

At one point in our day, we discussed how she would be turning four soon. She informed me that I could buy her something having to do with Princesses. Without skipping a beat, she then asked me what I was going to get her. Judging by her reaction from above, I think it would be fitting for Uncle David to buy her a princess pony. If he was a good uncle he wouldn't mind, I mean look how happy she is!



I then decided to show her how to be a domestic wife... David keeps telling me that the modern woman is just a phase, and it will never last. :) Just joking, but she had a blast in this part of the museum.

She looks like she knows what she is doing. She looks so much better than I do when in a grocery store!

This would be a basket that her mother would be proud of, filled with vegetables, cheese, and healthy protein!

I'm not proud of this, but I literally had to shove a kid out of the way because he didn't want her to play in this section. The teacher side did have to come out a time or two! Oops...


Once again another moment that would make her mother happy. Every child wanted to play in this pretend bed, instead she just wanted to make the bed.:)

I was reminded of her mom all day, especially when she started to organize the coupons. The more I think about it, she could probably teach me how to be a good wife! :)

And finally we decided to catch up on the daily gossip with Ariel, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Belle, and Princess Jasmine.

To refuel we decided that we needed to get some lunch at one of the finest and healthiest restaurants around.

And finally, we do what every girl does best, we relax!

I absolutely love this little girl, and enjoy watching her grow up. My favorite moment of the day was when we were coloring, and waiting for Uncle David to come home. She looked at my picture that I was coloring, and informed me that my picture was not beautiful, but that she liked it anyway. She is so honest, and in the end I have realized that we can not have kids until my coloring skills are up to par. So no worries to my sister and brother-in-law, we will be around to baby-sit for a while to come!!!

Mehndi and Music Party

A friend of mine and her fiance are both Indian, and are getting married on Saturday. With our culture, we get it all over and done with in a day. So imagine my shock, when I found out that they celebrate over a number of parties. Although after last night, I'm beginning to believe that they truly knows how to do it right. We attended their first of four parties last night, that's right four parties. It was so neat seeing how much of a celebration it is for them, and how colorful everything is. Although, I'm sure I would be dead by the time it all ended!

David got to try his taste buds in some Indian food, which he enjoyed. I also enjoyed it, but unfortunately had to take a drink after every bit. I'm much like my niece, who is not a fan of spicy things.

I also got to get mehndi for the first time. I've learned that it's called henna in other parts of the Middle East.

This lady had amazing talent and was done with my left hand in less than three minutes. Each lady's hand had a different design, I was so blown away. Unfortunately, I would not be able to make a living off of this, because everyone would get squiggly lines and dots that would not form a picture. Although learned, don't put on lotion before you get this done.

I'm also beginning to see that women that get this done, have the right idea. You are to allow the paint to sit on your hand for at least four hours, before you scrap it off. This was great, because it meant that David had to make a plate of food for me at the restaurant, open the car door for me, carry things into the house after we went to Target for a few items, hang something with minimal help from me, and greatest of all wash the dishes. It was a dream! He is such a good man for putting up with me!!!

I was a little worried after the four hours, when we wiped off the paint and my hand was bright orange. It atleast matched my shirt!

Thankfully, after a night, it has toned down in the brightness. It's gorgeous! Also, can you see the picture in there? This will show you how clueless I am, it took David pointing it out after four hours of it being on my hand.

Unfotunately, we can not make their second party tonight. But will be there for the wedding, luncheon afterwards, and then the reception at night. I'll keep you posted on the neat things we get to see, eat, and try!

Postponed

Just to keep everyone updated, our group has decided to postpone our mission trip to Honduras. We are hoping that things will calm down within the next week, and that we are able to go later this month or the beginning of August. We will continue to pray and see where God guides us!

To Go or Not To Go, That is the Question...

As many of you know, David and I are to leave for our mission trip this weekend for Honduras. With all the events that are happening, it has been an up and down situation. It truly breaks my heart for these people. The group that we are to go help have been asking for it for a while now. It would also be the first time that they would have ever received help, which would be an amazing experience. Although, certain forces may keep us from doing this. I have mixed emotions as well right now, and I'm sure David is just searching for ways to get me anxiety meds. So if you will keep us and the Hondurans in your prayers over the next few days, we would really appreciate it.

Exciting News!!!

Today, I received my letter of acceptance to start my Masters' in Curriculum and Instruction. I begin in September and it will take 18 months. I am absolutely thrilled, but have to first conquer the dreadful GRE!