Time flies!

I can't believe it's been almost a month since I last posted. 
I always have pictures I save on my phone so I can post.....and then never get around to doing it.
This year has flown by and the last few weeks have flown by even faster. 
Christmas was just a couple days ago and now we're staring down at New Years Eve this week!  I don't know how I feel about time flying by so quickly.  I know I'm sad that Christmas is over and soon enough we'll have to put away our Christmas tree.  I love looking at our ornaments and the life we're building together.  That makes me so happy and I love reflecting back on special moments that are marked with such special ornaments. 
This year, I gave Levi a Kylo Ren (Star Wars: The Force Awakens) ornament on Christmas Eve. We had a wonderful time watching the film last week.  Since he was looking forward to it so much, we watched episodes 4-6 the weekend before to help me fully understand the greatness of episode 7.  We plan on watching episode 7 again, in 3D IMAX very soon.....as soon as I can kick this funky cold I've had for the last week. 
Ugh, this awful cold that just won't leave my system has not been fun! Luckily, I'm on the up and up so I see good health in my very near future.
Well, that's about it.  I'm just waiting for my FitBit Charge to finish setting up.  Yep, I bought one tonight since it was on sale at Target and used my $50 gift card.  Who doesn't love a sale & a gift card!? Awesomeness!  From $129.00 to only $56.00 out the door.  Love it!  Okey dokey, till next time...g'nite! 

And still sick....

This dang cold is kicking my trash. Work was pretty brutal today. I felt like every sneeze was going to blow down a cube wall. My coughing fits were the worst! They were the type of coughs that you'd usually want to do, at home, in bed. 

My sweet husband was kind enough to pick up more medicine for me. He's so tender at the right moments. He even picked up some necessities for next week, along with chocolates and other snacks I crave then. 

My heart wants to burst because he is  just sooooooooo good to me. I look forward to spending my Christmas alone with him....just some peace & quiet.

Silent Night.

Tonight, I am in love.

I love my husband more than ever before. I adore him for all he does for me and the many ways he shows his love for me. I'll never know how I got so dang lucky!

I love and miss my family. I'm thankful I got to share a good dinner with my parents and spent time catching up with my sister, nephew and niece. I look forward to seeing them again, next weekend.

I love my dear sweet friends that I don't get to see often....such as Mama & Papa McK who gave us the beautiful handmade wall hanging.

I love my home, my safe shelter from the worries of the world and the stresses of life.

I love my Savior, whose birth we celebrate at this time of year. He is my perfect friend, who has been through it all. I am thankful for His example and hope I can be a better person this next week.

Sick... With busy hands.

Ugh.... So I think I'm coming down with the same cold everyone in the office had/has.

Suuuuuck.

I hate getting sick.

I should have known since all I wanted to do today is sleep and relax. Especially since my nose would NOT stop running. Annoying!

Some little yellow paper roses. Lady night, I was practicing in case I wanted to make a red rosette wreath.

Mira...(look)

Isn't it delightful?

Since I'm also making our Christmas cards this year, we'll see how ambitious I am with all these crafts.

Until then, I hope this DayQuil that I just took, starts working and gets me feeling better real soon.

G'nite.

Glimpse.

In short, Christmas was good.

I'm so glad I got to see my family and spend it with my sweetheart. 

Man, I was ever so grateful for the taro, sweet potato, kalua pig and potato salad my Mom made.  It warmed my heart so much.

More on Christmas later...

\

Christmas Stockings!

I'm getting more and more excited for Christmas!! Today our Christmas stockings arrived!! Way stoked!

I think they are just so dang cute! My Levi wanted stockings that had Mr. & Mrs. Claus, since his parents had them when he was growing up. In my family, we had the traditional red ones, with our names in glittery cursive. I've gotta say, I really like our new stockings! They're a lot cuter than I was expecting! 

Speaking of stockings, we bought stocking stuffers for my family & Levi's niece. However, we really didn't have any stockings to put all their goodies in! Whoopsy daisy!  I don't know what lead me to Google, this morning.....but this was the finished product tonight: 

It gave me a reason to pull out my Christmas present! My new sewing machine: 

(Not sure if I ever mentioned that? More on that later)

I seriously think those paper bag stockings are super cute, creative & earth friendly! There is something to be said about handmade gifts, at Christmas time. I just love it! I think there's a deeper meaning and more thoughtfulness! I'm grateful for my creative mom who taught me the wonderful talent of sewing! I'll never be able to adequately thank her for that. 

Hope everyone is enjoying this Christmas season!!

The 12.22.13 Blog

*I can't believe that Christmas will be here in just 3 days!!  THREE DAYS!!!  Where has the time gone?!?! Where has this whole year flown off to??  I'm looking forward to Christmas, and then the days following it.  I can't believe it'll be the NEW YEAR next week!! Wow!!  

*I went to my ward today.  I've been avoiding it for the last several weeks, attending any other ward but that one.  It was nice to see some ol' familiar faces.  A couple weeks ago, the Bishop sent me an email to wish me well and see how I was doing.  I told him the reason why I've steered clear of the ward.  I was hurt from stuff a "friend" had said about me.  When the Bishop greeted me at church today, we had only a minute to talk and then he asked me "Have you forgiven that person?"  I wasn't expecting that.  I didn't know what to say!  It gave me a lot to think about on the way home.  I know we're always taught that we should forgive, but sometimes, I think we need to learn how to forgive. {more on that later....}

*So I got Christmas lumpia, today.  Super thoughtful!

*I'm stoked that my niece will be spending the week with us {my sister & I} in the office.  I miss seeing her & her brother (almost) everyday. 

*I watched the Chargers/Raiders game today.  It was a lil hard, but since it's something that Levi enjoys, I need to learn to enjoy it more.  Heaven knows how much he does for me, so it's the very least I could do for him.  Not like we need to do EVERYTHING together, but I sure do enjoy spending so much time with him.  GO BOLTS! {Man, this might be harder than I think.....I just don't like football.}

*Ok....it's gettin' late..... G'nite.

These boots were made for.....me!

Dear Santa,

I want these.

It's not a need, but they sure do look pretty.

Love, 

Ehu

I ducked into Payless on Saturday, and came across these lil beauties.  I jokingly told Levi that I wanted to wear cowboy boots to an upcoming wedding we're to attend, since it sounded like there's a theme.  I didn't think I'd actually come across a pair of boots in my size!!! Seriously, I think they're cute! and oh so random for a Poly girl to wear! 

They remind me a lot of the boots I had as a lil girl.  I remember how much I loved those boots, I wore them all the time.  They were such a hassle to put on and most especially to take off!  I remember when I was in first grade, I'd come home and my Mom would have my brother Wayne pull them off my feet.  I'd have to lay down on the floor, and he'd have to tug at them for a while til they finally came off my feet.  I don't think I enjoyed that part so much, but I do recall wearing those boots ALL the time.  

It's funny the lil memories that come flooding back, just by a pair of shoes......or cowboy boots

Sick Thursday.

*Dude, so I've got a cold.  I can't stand it.  I think I rather have cramps instead.  I just wish more people were conscious of cleaning their hands more, while they're sick.  It would help lessen germs around the workplace.  Dangit!  

*So I had a Dim Sum party with Levi last night.  That man is so much fun!  We thought we'd have a lil mid-week fun over Dim Sum & a Duck Dynasty Christmas marathon....such a great pairing, if you ask me!!  

*Man, I really don't like being sick.  I feel like I should just have a scarlet letter "S" on my chest, so people should be nice & stay away.  Stupid cold.

*I'm so glad to be done Christmas shopping!  Now to tackle Christmas cards..... 

*I'm wearing my "coat coat" inside the office. Yeaaaah, that's what I call my pea coat, from my mission. I'm glad I can still fit in mission clothes. That makes me happy.  Damn, I really hate being sick.

*Tea & soup are my best friends, at work today.

*I'm a baby when I get sick. Seriously, I think I was spoiled growing up.  

*I haven't mentioned much about this past week, at work.  Lemme just say it's been PURE BLISS!!! Seriously, it's been lovely having PEACE and QUIET, here in the office!!! There's a zen feeling, of calmness and a more thought-provoking work feeling.  (Sorry if that doesn't make sense, dang stuffy head)  It's been nice having MotorMouth out on vacation, this week.  I think I've spent more time in the office this week, just cause it's quieter and it feels less chaotic! I. LOVE. IT.!!!

*I don't really have much more to say....   

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

After spending a few hours shopping, Levi and I were able to finish all of our Christmas shopping for our families. I've gotta say that I'm so glad for online shopping! That also helped cut down on some time and money. 

We were able to also buy a tree and ornaments and had a nice time decorating the tree. I've gotta say it's rather beautiful! 

It's so nice spending the Christmas season with Levi, unlike last year, being away from each other for a month. 

Now that the tree's up, here comes my favorite part; listening to Christmas music , gazing at the decorated tree and imaging what Santa has in store for me. :)

Memories of Christmas past.

I've been thinking a lot about how joyous and wonderful last Christmas was.  It was heartwarming and full of love.  On Christmas morning, I had everyone I love the most, under one roof.  I truly loved it. 
I loved preparing our lil Christmas tree with handmade ornaments that my Mom & I came up with:

I remember the late nights staying up sewing ornaments together with my Mom.  Sometimes we'd sit in silence, concentrating on the task at hand, and other times we'd have on Hawaiian or Christmas music.  This Christmas, I miss that.  I miss late night sewing sessions with her.  

I miss sewing ornaments for a Christmas tree.  I don't know how to describe the beauty of homemade Christmas ornaments.  I see burlap Christmas ornaments and wish I could make them with her, but I think I'll just wait til next year when I have a sewing machine of my own.  
As I've been reflecting back to last Christmas, it made me miss having all my nephews & niece together.  I wondered how my oldest two nephews would spend their Christmas away from home, living on their own. 
It made me miss them more. 
Then I received the wonderful news that my oldest two nephews would be home for a visit.  That cheered my heart so much! I miss having them all under one roof.  I can't wait to see this again;

 These boys...I love them so much!! Them, along with their sister, are the joy strings of my heart.  
This is just what I need to make this Christmas so much better (than it already is, thanks to Santa Levi---more on that later)

Sometimes, apples are blue.

I'm not gonna lie, I'm pretty ecstatic for my new phone to arrive this week!!!

I've been needing a new phone for a while, but I'm glad Santa Levi got me this new lil gem.  It'll arrive at my work, on Wednesday.  Looking back at last week, when Levi was anxiously awaiting his Xbox One, his excitement and daily tracking of his gift makes total sense.  
I've been wanting an Apple for a while, not for any hipster reason, but only for the InstaBooth app. 
Yep, an app.
I go crazy every time I hang with Hermanita, cause all I ever want to do is take InstaBooth pics!! It's pretty odd, I know, but I just have a thing for photo booths!! So much fun and a throwback to my pre-teen years!  
Anyways....so just 2 more days and I'll have this lil beauty and in my hot lil' hands!

A lil love realization.

How I know that my sweetheart loves me more than words can express....

-He didn't mention how many creme wafers & chocolates I consumed this weekend. (Damn "Shark Week")

-Nor did he mention how much TP I went through, in one day. 

-He tolerates my dang weeping, because someone can be SO emotional during that one special week.

-He forgives me for the absent minded things I say without thinking first. 

-He'll still be surprised when his Christmas gift arrives.

Man, I am luckier than I ever dreamed possible.  

Christmas, with the fam!

My sweet, dear niece!

Oh how they love her so much!

Simi and some of his gifts.

Christmas was pretty fun with the kids.  I love spending Christmas with them, and it was particularly nice to also share it with Levi.  I'm glad the kids were happy with their gifts! I was completely happy with their gifts as well.  They were all SO perfect!  Christmas was a lil different this year, but I'm glad that love and togetherness still abound.  

Christmas gift.

For the last few weeks, Levi has been gushing about how AWESOME my Christmas present was going to be.  I begged for hints, secretly not wanting them but hoping for tiny hints....he didn't & wouldn't budge!  Every day, for two weeks, I would get a daily count down.  It was like throwing salt on a wound!  A couple days before Christmas, I started to get worried that my enthusiasm wouldn't match his enthusiasm. I didn't want him to think that I didn't appreciate his gift, but I was nervous over his excitement.  He gave me two gifts, one that I could open with my family, then one that I would open at his place.  With a box of chocolate turtles, I received a 32gb memory card.  I wasn't exactly sure what it could be for, so I kept an open mind.  
I was handed a small, yet heavy gift box, at his place.  I opened all of his family's gifts first, and kept his  last.  I was nervous. As I ripped the wrapping paper, I saw in bright red letters the word, "REBEL"...then I knew....

I immediately started crying.  How in the world could someone be this giving??  I just couldn't believe it!! I wasn't expecting anything like this, AT ALL!! Part of me was thinking it was going to be a tablet, but man, I was totally blown away.  I just (and still can't) believe it.  I've been wanting a new camera for a while and just haven't made it a priority.  
Later that night, we went to Coronado and I started to put my Rebel to use....

  

I couldn't be more grateful for Levi being so understanding of my love of photography.  Ever since our 2nd date, he's been totally supportive of me always bring along my camera to take photos of our dates and adventures.  My heart is so full love and adoration for this sincerely thoughtful gift.  I don't know if I could ever adequately express my appreciation for this gift.  I feel like I can explore my talent of photography again and I couldn't be more thankful.  

Thank you Levi for giving me the tools to express myself artistically again.  I love you so much.

As of late, in mid December...

*Mama McK is in town. Oh how I love this woman! I'm so excited to introduce her to my sweetheart!

*I need to finish my Christmas shopping this week. Man, oh man.... and then start my parents' Christmas shopping, too.  Oh man...

*I went to see The Hobbit yesterday.  Kinda interesting.  Something I wouldn't have seen on my own, but I'm glad I went to see it.  Kinda makes me want to watch Lord of the Ring now.

*My ward Christmas party was on Friday. It was nice to share it with Levi.  I'm thankful for this past year of being able to become better friends with those in my ward.  They are great people with kind hearts.  It was hard to see that at first, because I had (still have) such a great love for my friends back at CVYSA ward.  I'm grateful for the friends I have in PB!  I couldn't be happier!

*My heart hurts for those families affected by the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. How very sad and heart wrenching that they have lost a loved one, during this time of year.  What a selfish and evil act by this heartless individual!

*Today in church, a woman shared her experience as an occupational therapist for the military.  She shared the downside of her job, and all the horror stories she hears from soldiers who come back from war.  Tears flowed down her face as she expressed the hardship of hearing such terrible experiences.  It made my heart sad and grateful for those willing soldiers who leave the comfort of home, family & safety so that we can enjoy our freedom.  

*While singing in ward choir today, I became more grateful for my Savior, Jesus Christ.  Sometimes, I have to concentrate a lil harder on not crying while singing, because I just can't help but be touched by the lyrics.  

I have a great love for Jesus Christ.  I have come to know Him as my Savior and my dear friend.  When my grandmother passed away, while on my mission, and I was far from home, I didn't feel alone.  I knew that I had someone that knew exactly how I felt.  That was when I gained my testimony of the Atonement and Jesus Christ as my Savior. I'll always be grateful for that experience and the way I was able to grow at such a low moment in my life.  I'm truly thankful for this time of year that we, as a world, get to reflect on our Savior's birth.  Because He lived, we can all live again.  This I know to be true. 

The best part of coming home...

All I wanted for the entire week I was in Seattle, was to be home with Levi.  It was closing in on a month of being apart, and my heart couldn't stand it any longer!  I asked him to pick me up from the airport, and he was more than willing to do so.  He was the first person I wanted to see as soon as I landed in San Diego.
Never in my life had I ever wanted to be on a plane as badly as I did!  My flight didn't leave until 6pm this past Sunday and I wanted the time to fly by quickly!  My 2 hour and 40 minute flight was cut down to 2 hours and 9 minutes. My heart skipped a beat!! I was restless on the plane! I was so nervous, too!  It had been a month since we last saw each other and all the butterflies had built up.... "Would he still think I was cute?" "Did I look different since he last saw me?"  "Out of sight, out of mind?"  I have no idea why I had such crazy thoughts, the anticipation had built up so much!
Ideally, as soon as I got off the plane, I wanted to duck into a restroom to refresh myself.  However, as soon as I started to walk away from the gate, as badly as I need to use the restroom, I just wanted to see him!  My backpack was bulky and heavy and my purse seemed to be about the same.  As I passed security, I saw him leaning against the wall, at the end of the hallway.  I couldn't stop the huge smile from stretching across my face!! I was ecstatic to see him!  He looked cuter than ever!  My heart wanted to burst! I walked faster towards him and then threw my arms around him and hugged him ever so tightly!! Everything felt the same....and my heart felt complete once again!  We went to get my suitcase, then headed back to the restroom.  He was the perfect gentleman and carried my backpack, suitcase and peacoat.  We went to get a bite to eat, since I only ate breakfast that day, and then he dropped me off at my place.
I never, ever, EVER want to spend that much time away from Levi, ever again.  It was hard and at times, it seriously sucked.  I was blessed to spend the next evening with him & my family as we walked around Christmas Circle in Chula Vista and then bowling.  I always have the best of times with him.

I love him dearly.  I'm so glad that I could spend the evening with him and my sister's family.  I'm especially glad that I could finally be open with my parents about our relationship.  My parents can be a lil overprotective/crazy and I needed to time it just right.  I'm so grateful that Levi was understanding through it all.  My Dad just wanted to know that Levi loved me and treated me right.  As far as that goes, my Dad has nothing to worry about....I'm the luckiest girl in the world. 

A letter, to the North Pole!

Dear Santa,
My niece has been telling me that I need to put my Christmas wish list together.  I haven't done one of these lists since I was in the single digit ages.  It's not that I don't necessarily believe in you in anymore, it's just that I hardly get the Christmas gifts that I hope for.  In fact, unless I buy my own gift for myself, I'm usually disappointed.  In the last decade, I've stopped getting my hopes up for Christmas gifts, which has put a damper on my Christmas spirit.  I know that's not good, so I'm sorry Santa for not having the Christmas spirit as much as I should. 
So to comply with my niece's desire, here is my Christmas wish list for this year....

Isn't she pretty? Oh I would love to get my hands on a DSLR again!

I think this would totally help me enjoy baking more.

It doesn't necessarily have to be an Apple, but I sure love the camera option.

 I just love cardigans and I've been wanting a dark purple & mustard cardigans.

I've finally come to realize that Disneyland is the happiest place on earth! I can't help but grin, ear to ear! 

I just love the heart pendants from Tiffany, especially this one!

Well Santa, those are most of the items on my Christmas wish list.  I know some items are a bit much, but I'm pretty sure I've been a good girl, this year.  I won't be disappointed if I don't get anything on this list.  This past month, I've come to learn that gifts aren't necessarily something I choose, but something I accept as a token of love and consideration.  Santa, whatever I find under my Christmas tree this year, I'll be grateful, because I've already received the best Christmas present ever - Jesus Christ.

-Ehu.

Right now....

I'm eating some damn hot Filipino noodles...

while my mouth is on fire...

sitting around the table with my three nephews...

joking around like ol' times...

listenin' to U2 & Hilary Duff...

hoping that a lot of ward members come to FHE tonight...

and looking forward to Christmas & Levi coming home.

Now that I've lost all feeling in my mouth, I think I'll have some homemade banana bread.

Holidays!

Truth be told...

A huge reason why I haven't been the biggest fan of Christmas, or the holiday season was because it's not fun spending/enjoying it alone....

However, I highly doubt that I'll be feeling those feelings this year.  I couldn't be happier and my lil heart couldn't be more grateful!

Levi has a Halloween surprise for me and I REALLY, REALLY want to know what it is!!! It's eating away at me, because I'm not the most patient person with surprises, because I want to guess what it is, but at the same time, I LOOOOOOVE surprises--depending on who it's from.  Since it's from Levi, I trust that it's a good surprise!  
Aside from that,  I CANNOT wait for our costumes to get here!!  I've NEVER been this excited for Halloween before.  It's never been one of those holidays that I really looked forward to, it just wasn't my thing.  But this year, I CANNOT wait one more second to really celebrate it with Levi.  Spending time with him is AWESOME already, but getting to celebrate holidays with him is gonna be something spectacular! 

I. CANNOT. WAIT.!!!