Our Ohana Vacation

At the beginning of this month, Andrew and I got to be with his family in HAWAII!!!

We had so much stinkin fun! 

We did the typical tourist things + relaxation which is just what we needed after a stressful semester of school.

And we didn't look much at our phones so it was a break from reality.

AND... Andrew and I got to spend an entire week together 24/7! Pure bliss I tell you!

We arrived in Hawaii and all 7 of us- with all of our luggage, carry ons, and purses, piled into the van.
We needed food for the week and Costco was closing so on our way to our condo we stopped at Costco and bought groceries.
Somehow we managed to fit our grocery haul into the van too which took some creativity, but we did it!

When we finally arrived at our condo we were amazed by the view!
And the place we were staying was less crowded than the other places along the way. It was perfect.

Once we got all settled into our condo we walked around the beach path that surrounded the area. 

From that moment we were already in love with Hawaii! 

The next day was Sunday. We started off our morning with church and then we drove around the island which I really
loved seeing all the beauty of the area. There are so many places I want to go back to and explore.
One day it will happen!

We were also able to stop by the temple. I love visiting temples when we travel places, even just the grounds.
There is such a special spirit there and it just feels like a piece of home.

Another stop that we made was the Punchbowl Cemetery. It is formed from an extinct volcano and it was really neat to see.

None of the pictures we have do it justice. I guess it's a see it in person experience.

The cemetery is up on a hill and driving up there was an amazing view. That is Honolulu behind us, and this was 

my favorite part about Punchbowl Cemetery.  We were eye level with the buildings instead of looking 

up or down on them. The beauty of Hawaii kept amazing me, over and over again for the entire week! 😍

More pictures and hopefully a video to come 🤞

And how is it possible that we have 2 more weeks of school left?!

It does not feel like it's almost done. Maybe because the weather is so rainy and it is not feeling anywhere close to summer at all. 

I mean, I've been wearing long sleeves and a jacket to work! 

Can I go back to Hawaii?

Hopefully Utah weather will begin to act like summer! Or spring. Anything warm. Please! :) 

I Have the Best Job

Guys, I love my job! There are so many good moments and I wish everyone could experience it.

Personally, I think that everyone should work with special education or special needs at least at one point of their lives.

There are so many things I have learned from the kids I work with. And even when I'm having a bad day or when

work is a struggle, there is always something to laugh about. I mean, our kids are hilarious! 

I love celebrating with them their accomplishments of when they succeed in what they have been working hard on. 

I love cheering them on. I love their hugs. I love it when they are excited to see us and their friends at school.

I'm not exaggerating when I say it's one of the most rewarding things I've ever done.  

This past week was teacher appreciation and I loved it because it made me grateful for my job 

and for the staff and the students I get to work with. 

The PTA put a teacher appreciation together in the break room and is this not the cutest thing? 

And please notice the mini lantern lights above the red banner. They may be hard to see but it really completed 

the whole ensemble. We even turned off the lights for a minute and it was a little magic.

^And look at these smores' cupcakes! I'm not eating candy or desserts until our big vacation so 

I passed and gave it to Andrew instead. But I definitely want to try and make a similar recipe.^

Moments that Made This Week Special

⭐When one of our students wanted us to look up a picture of their brother. 

This student does not have a brother but they responded, "Yes I do, it's Jesus, and He loves me."

⭐Warm spring days when our kids want us to play with them during recess.

⭐When one of your kids invites you to their birthday party. I went and I absolutely loved it!

⭐The giggles from the kids.

⭐When the office staff plays with your kids and both love it.
Sometimes the kids run into the office on the way to the bus to play with the staff. 🙈

⭐ Potty training is going well!!! 

⭐The hilarious things our kids said. I think once tears even came because I was laughing so hard! 

I am so blessed to be working where I work and with all the amazing people. I love what I do. 

It's such a wonderful thing. If you want to be involved with anything involving special needs let me know and I will

give you different ideas of how to be involved. It will be a life changing experience for sure! 

Don't Take Your Friends Ice Skating

Holy cow, what a weekend we had! We were booked solid but it was so good!

Our friend Dennis planned a very last minute trip to Utah so we got to hang out with him! :) 

We started off our weekend with ice skating. It went really well until the very end...

We were doing only one lap more lap around because they were closing and the next thing I know Dennis 

is on the ground covered in ice. He makes it off the rink and when we get back to our apartment his ankle is swelling and 

he's hobbling around. We had a doctor look do a quick examination at the house and after he poked and 

prodded his conclusion was a really bad sprain. Ooops! Sorry Dennis!

Come to find out when Dennis went back to Connecticut he fractured his foot in 3 places and his hand! 

Next time Dennis comes to town, I think we'll skip the ice skating. 

The next morning we woke up and took pictures. Dennis wrote a book called,

"Is He Nuts?: Why a Gay Man Would Become a Member of the Church of Jesus Christ"

and he wanted Andrew to take some pictures for his social media account and other purposes.

It's a wonder he got his shoe on and he was hobbling around as we dragged him everywhere. 

But I think they got some good shots even with the circumstances. 

One thing special that we were able to do was to go to the Provo City Center Temple. 

Dennis had a brother who died around 15 years ago and Dennis went to the temple for his brother on Saturday 

(to learn a little more you can click here). So grateful for temples and so blessed to live so close. 

I mean this one is walking distance from our apartment

(of course we didn't walk with Dennis' foot and all) but so happy to live where we do. 

This gospel is true and I feel so much peace inside the temple. 

I love knowing that God loves all of His children and He wants them all to have a chance to receive His gospel. 

I love knowing that there is more to life than just this life- that there is life after death made 

possible through our Savior Jesus Christ. 

I love learning more about my Savior. I love becoming closer to Him.

And I love the countless blessings the gospel of Jesus Christ brings to my life on a daily basis #blessed.

^And of course, brides are everywhere, so we needed one in our picture, haha^

We continued our downtown Provo tour at Hruskas Kolache which I highly recommend. 

It's the perfect place for breakfast! 

In the evening we went to Comedy Sportz which is one of the best outings there is. 

Dennis is someone who loves to laugh and is constantly upbeat with a smile on his face.

He loved it! If you're looking for clean comedy, this is the place! This was Andrew and mine's 3rd time this year alone!

On Sunday we headed up north to see one of the many sister missionaries who served in Dennis 

home ward give her homecoming talk. 

^Look at all the missionaries Dennis has worked with + more not even here.^

And don't you love his footware? He couldn't wear his shoes so Andrew lent him sandals to wear. 

We had such a good weekend with Dennis and we found out that he is my 8th cousin twice removed.

So we're related which is pretty cool no matter how distant we are. 

He tried funeral potatoes for the first time and I don't think I've ever seen someone more excited to try a new food.

It was crazy busy all weekend long but we enjoyed it just the same. 

Sorry we broke your foot Dennis, but thanks for partying with us anyways!

Oh, and Dennis' book is coming out August 13 THIS YEAR! 

He is having a book launch party that day and anyone is welcome to come!

It's happening in Provo and the tickets are F R E E! 

Yep. Free.

If you would like to come tickets are being "sold" here. 

Come, enjoy, and celebrate! 

I've Lost 50+ lbs. in Less Than 6 Months!

On February 17, 2019, I reached 50 lbs. of total weight lost since August 21, 2018 - that's in less than 6 months! I never thought this was possible, but am 1000% thrilled with the results! I feel great and am more confident about the way I look. It's pretty tough to keep this blue suit (my wedding suit) on these days. I am in desperate need of getting it tailored and downsized so I can actually wear it again - it's literally falling off of me!

I have remained very conscious of my eating - controlling my portion sizes and drinking a lot of water before every meal. I am exercising 6 days each week and am trying to go for walks on Sundays now to move that day as well.

Sunday the 17th, I was at 50 lbs. lost, then just two days later on Tuesday, February 19, I lost yet ANOTHER 2 LBS. and am now at 52 lbs. lost! I NEVER thought that I would be on the brink of breaking into the 150's again. I was 150 in high school. I'm going for it - let's see if in the next couple of months I can get back to my high school weight and pass the 60 lb. mark!

MORE PICS BELOW:

Called to the Work

I can’t believe it’s been four years since I came home from my mission! ✈️  
The time has gone by so fast and a lot has happened but it feels only like last year... at the most! 
My mission was a life changing experience that I wouldn’t trade for anything. My mission brought me closer to my Savior. 
It allowed me to see thousands of people the way Christ sees them- even if only for a moment. It taught me about Christlike love. 
I loved sharing the of gospel with others. I loved seeing others change their lives as they became closer to Christ. 
My mission brought so much goodness to my life and I am grateful for it everyday (not exaggerating). 
I will forever love My California ❤

Life 4 Years Later

Enjoying: 

Our clean and organized apartment. 

We moved back in August and I'm constantly telling Andrew how much I

love it! We have more living and storage space and a washer and dryer!

Living:

Utah 

Looking Forward To: 

Starting a new eating plan next week! 

Reading:

Crossed (Matched series) 

Job: 

Part time school in Special Education at the USU Orem Campus. 

Also working as a Special Education para educator at an elementary school.

Working On:

 Making a recipe binder. 

Actually I already made it, it's just putting all the recipes inside! 

aaaannnnnd training for a half marathon. 

Current Church Calling:

Compassionate Service Leader

How My Testimony Has Grown:

I hate to admit it but my scripture study had really fallen off the band wagon. 
I knew of the power, peace, and revelation it has previously brought to my life, but I was still struggling to 
dedicate the time to study them- not just read. When I was on my mission one thing I was looking forward to 
about coming was was spending more time reading the scriptures. But real life kicked in and it became hard! 
Without reading my scriptures I noticed a huge change in my life. 
I was more ornery and unhappy. That is not what I wanted for my life. 
I started making a bigger priority of reading the scriptures on my own and with Andrew. The difference that has made! 
Our marriage became stronger, we share more spiritual things together, I was happier and less likely to 
rash out irrationally (name the movie). 

The scriptures are really powerful as the words come from God. I need God in my life and without reading His word, 
it makes it difficult to receive revelation. I know the scriptures have been written for us and I needed them more than I realized. 
When I set aside time to read the scriptures there is a feeling that comes to our lives that cannot be duplicated by the world. 
I gave gained revelation for my live and have gained a deeper understanding and appreciation of the gospel. 
And the new Come Follow Me program that we have been doing this past month has only enhanced my scripture study time. 
I love it. It has brought me so me so much peace, joy, comfort, revelation, growth, love for others and my Savior. 
The power of the scriptures are unreal. 

I also want to share about how much I love President Nelson and how I know that he is the prophet on the earth today.
Not for one minute have I felt unsure (like I did when President Monson became the prophet).
I have felt so much power from President Nelson and I know there have been some changes but it's amazing how
those changes have changed my life for better, even in such a short amount of time. I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior
and that He leads His church by giving us President Nelson to guide and help us grow.
I absolutely love this gospel. I love the growth it brings to my life and the fact that I can try again, over and over.
"Living after the manner of happiness," is the best way to grow closer to the Savior because
if there is no righteousness there is no happiness. 

Our Top 20{18}

I can't believe that 2018 is over and that we're halfway through January 2019!
Time goes by way too fast. I think it's a symptom of getting older. It boggles my mind. Seriously. 

I have loved looking back at our pictures this year and seeing the the memories
and moments that have been created. Some of them I didn't blog about, post on Instagram,
or write in my journal (because I'm so very far behind) and it's been fun reviewing the entire year. 

1. Andrew and I went to California! 

In our books California is always a good idea. This trip did not go as planned because I got the flu
and was miserable for a few days! But this made the top {18} because
#1 How can you not love CA? and
#2 We were walking through the Viet mall and Andrew reconnected with some people that he taught 10 years ago!
They moved away and Andrew never saw or heard from them again, but then there in the mall with
thousands of other people (99% of them Viet) they recognized each other and it was a happy reunion. 

2. Celebrated my mom's birthday

Random to be in my top {18} but this was one of the best times I've had celebrating a birthday.
It was all about my mom. We made her dinner, had her favorite drink, and her "cake"
was cinnamon roles because she could eat those every day.
I loved celebrating my mom and making her feel special and you could tell she
loved it and every surprise we gave her. 

3. Got airpods! 
Life changer!

Andrew surprised me with these on Easter and I don't know how lived before.

When I go to the gym I am doing weights, and burpees and a bunch of other stuff.

I would constantly need to take out my headphones to do the workout and my cord would constantly
tangle up and I would have to stop and fix it. 

My gym experience has changed and I love it! So grateful for these!
And for Andrew for surprising me!

4. Alyse got married

My freshman year roommate got married and I was able to be bridesmaid. 

She is a wonderful human being and I loved celebrating her day. 

5. Vegas with my parents

This is the most Vegas picture of all 4 of us I could find. We went to see WOW and the name says it all!
Totally recommend! We laughed a lot and partied hard on this trip!

6. Employee of the Year

I was awarded Employee of the Year in my school district and at the school I work at.

The 2017-2018 was a really hard school year. We started the school year with only 2 staff members in
the classroom (plus a signing aide, thank goodness or we would have died).
We needed two more people but we didn't have them till about October. Tears were definitely shed.
But we worked it out and ended with a great year! 

(and yes, that is my maiden name. still have not legally changed it...🙈)

7. Celebrated 2 years of marriage

8. Ryan got home from his mission in Germany!

He left shortly after Andrew and I were married and it was fun to welcome him home.

I also did his Homecoming video. It's by no means professional, but I enjoyed putting it together just the same. 

9. Bear Lake with Andrew's family
This was our first Earl vacation with all 7 of us being there!

10. I finished my 25 before 26 goal

I read 25 books before I turned 26. I kept going and it went to 26 for 26. 

I loved doing my personal challenge! 

11. Bought my American flag dress

I have wanted something that says, "America" for the 4th of July for THE LONGEST TIME! 

I found it and I love it. Random, but I've been looking this for years! 

12. Andrew got accepted into Grad school at UVU

13. We moved!
We are loving our new place! It's basically a dream. 

14. Dennis got endowed!

Our friend Dennis got baptized a year ago and Andrew was able to fly out to
Connecticut for his endowment.

We are so proud of Dennis and his example to us!
He has changed and the light he brings is contagious!

15. Went to Arches National Park

Beautiful. And we were in better shape from the last time we went.
The difference that makes.

16. Went to Denver to see friends + the Denver Temple
Our friends moved to Denver this year and we went to visit them and explore their new city.
Plus, we were able to visit the Denver Temple where my parents were married. ❤

17. Went to the Christmas Jazz Game

18. Really happy with our fitness goals and progress! 
Andrew lost 42 pounds this year! I didn't loose quite that much but I am really proud with the progress
I have been making and how much my body can do! It's been fun to to do this together!

2018 was quite the year! A lot of improvements have been made and we've had a lot of fun doing it all, along with a lot of hard work.
We have some fun things happening for 2019 and to say we are excited for some of them is an understatement!
2018, we loved you and we're excited for all the 2019 memories and experiences we're going to have!

Here's our Top 20{16}

and our Top 20{17}.