Kali and Krew

when you are born in Hawaii climbing coconut trees is second nature :)

the destroyer

Krew is 19 months now, and I guess that is the age that little boys go through the stage of SERIOUS destructiveness.  I can not let him out of my sight, because IF i do things like this happen:

There are a million other pictures I need to take of him destroying, 

but some of the things he does lately on a day to day basis, if I am not glued to his hip are:

using his cup in the bath tub to flood the bathroom floor

ANYTIME he eats when he is finished he throws his food on the floor, or just flips over his bowl or plate upside down, I am learning to have lighting fast reflects to grab his plate or food mid air to eliminate a huge mess.

As soon as he is done drinking his beverage whether it be milk, water or juice it gets turned upside down and goes splashing onto the floor. (I know I can do something about this one, he is now being demoted back to his sippy cup:)

In the same day he decided he is done sleeping in his crib and he learned out how to open our screen door so he can escape outside.

Because of his crib decision anytime I go in to get him from his nap the bedroom is completely torn apart.

Even though this little destroyer is keeping me on my toes and making so many messes he is still so much fun!  His laugh and smile always put me in a good mood.

 

500th POST!!

I have been pondering on what I should write for my 500th post!  And it came to me about a week ago as I was scrubbing my kitchen floor, I heard a talk that touched my soul, a talk that moved me to tears and continues to move me each time that I listen to it.  Aaron was playing it in the other room and it was at that moment I knew EXACTLY what I wanted to post for my 500th POST!

I want to echo Jeffery R. Holland's talk,

 "Safety for the Soul" 

from the 179th LDS General Conference.

"I want it absolutely clear when I stand before the judgment bar of God that I declared to the world, in the most straightforward language I could summon, that the Book of Mormon is true, that it came forth the way Joseph said it came forth and was given to bring happiness and hope to the faithful in the travail of the latter days."

This touched my soul, EVERYTHING he testified is true.  He put it all so poetically and perfect.

"Now, I did not sail with the brother of Jared in crossing an ocean, settling in a new world. 

I did not hear King Benjamin speak his angelically delivered sermon. 

I did not proselyte with Alma and Amulek nor witness the fiery death of innocent believers. 

I was not among the Nephite crowd who touched the wounds of the resurrected Lord, nor did I weep with Mormon and Moroni over the destruction of an entire civilization. 

But my testimony of this record and the peace it brings to the human heart is as binding and unequivocal as was theirs. Like them, “[I] give [my name] unto the world, to witness unto the world that which [I] have seen.” And like them, “[I] lie not, God bearing witness of it."

I too, want to stand before the judgement bar of God and know that I declared to the world that,

I know the Book of Mormon IS the word of God.  

I know that Joseph Smith translated every word with the help from our Heavenly Father and that it is PERFECT.  

I know that when I read the Book of Mormon, it inspires me, guides me and brings a peace to my heart that I do not feel when I neglect reading it.  I am so blessed to have this precious book in my life that I have turned to and received many answers and confirmations from.  

I know that my Heavenly Father loves me and cares about me and knows that I struggle and is mindful of me.  I am so blessed and so grateful to have the gospel in my life and to have the answer to life's questions that so many people in the world are still asking and wondering about.

I know God lives. 

I know Jesus died for us that we might live again,  

and that he has a body of flesh and blood just like we do. 

I know that Jesus atoned for our sins and that we can repent and be forgiven.

I know that when we truly repent, he does completely forgive and forget, so we are clean again.

I know that God the Eternal Father, his son Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost are three separate and distinct beings, being one in purpose.

I have always, and will ALWAYS have a testimony of the truthfulness of these things.

TVA Gap Models

So today I spent some time taking head shots of the kids for the Gap Casting Call.

Can you tell they are related? :)

It was a little bright for these girls and they couldn't keep their eyes open, so they thought this would help :)

 that's better

so much love.

It was amazing how much LOVE I felt today when listening to General Conference.  

It reminded me to love more.  To love my family, friends, neighbors, people I know and those whom I do not.  We are ALL spirit brothers and sisters and we should treat each other as such.  I loved the feeling of wanting to become a better mother and wife, to not be so quick to anger.  Patience.  Remembering that my Heavenly Father loves me and that no matter what sins we commit on this earth there is always a road of repentance back to him.  

Never give up!  Never think it is not possible or that it is to hard, so why try.

I loved the message of parenting as the Savior has taught, understanding his Love and his Law.

It helped me realize my parents are very in tune when it comes to their parenting style :)

I am so grateful that we have this opportunity every six months to listens to the prophet and apostles.  That we have direct guidance from our Heavenly Father for what is most important for us in these last days.

I can't wait for more learning and inspiration tomorrow!!!

beach clean up

A few Saturdays ago our ward had a beach clean up service project and Kali was so excited!  

She is so good at spotting rubbish where ever we go.  

She has learned that it is important to keep this earth clean, and not to litter, "that makes Heavenly Father happy," is what Kali would say.

It was pretty cute as we were walking out the door Lili heard us and came running out.  She said, "Kali, we will be there in a little bit, please leave some garbage for me to pick up."

It is amazing how much garbage there was, there was plenty to go around.

We found this cool swing.  Good place for a photo op.

Then it was back to picking up more garbage

than more little friends showed up.

picture time

Afterwards we had a bbq, Krew stood and pounded the chips, I never give them to him at home so he was in heaven

Kali and Lili duck diving and playing in the waves

Mason enjoying the water

Howard boys

cute.