That Takes Courage

Last week was a busy week for all of us. Dave went to Missouri and Texas for quilt market which left me home alone with the kids. That same week Rose had picture day, her first ever class trip to a pumpkin farm, Halloween Day at school, and we all had a Halloween Trunk or Treat Party at the church. Oh and the best part, Rose won the courage award at her school's character assembly!! I went to the school to watch her receive her award. Her teacher said "at first she wouldn't say much to me and got upset a few times but now she's brave and talks and answers questions. That takes courage!" It was so adorable watching her go up and get her certificate.

At the Halloween party everyone loved mine and Michael's costume. Too bad they didn't give out awards because everyone said we would have won. Rose was too scared of some of the other costumes (I don't blame her) and she cried on my Mom's lap until she fell asleep. Joseph wasn't really into the whole Halloween thing. He wore a Tigger costume, but never wanted to wear the headpiece. Any way.... here's some pictures from last week...Me Ka Aloha
- Elisabeth

Coming Soon..... Rosie's Birthday!

My baby is turning 4 soon and you know what that means.... PARTY TIME! Of course I've been planning her birthday for a year now and I already have her loot-bag stuff and guest list figured out. Rosie likes to plan ahead too. She's had her wish list all figured out since the summer. Here it is...
1. Pink or purple yoga mat
2. Jasmine Barbie
3. Pocahontas Barbie
4. John Smith (Barbie?)
5. Warm slippers that look like ballet slippers
6. Barbie car
7. New Clothes
8. Mega Crayola crayon pack (the one with like 100 colors)

I'm sure there's a few more things, but I can't remember right now. I'm sure she'll remind me as the time gets closer. I can't wait to post pictures of her big day :)

Me Ka Aloha (with love)
- Elisabeth

ABCD

To me, the perfect dream house has a separate room dedicated to sewing and crafting (maybe someday). I wish I had all the time in the world to make beautiful things. For now, I have to settle on small projects every now and then... like this shirt I made Joseph. I used fabric scraps, wonderunder, a $3 shirt from Once Upon a Child, and a sewing machine. Here's the results...

Me Ka Aloha
- Elisabeth

Joseph and I Agree on TV

Last night Joseph was awake way past his bedtime (what else is new). Any way, I let him come downstairs and watch some TV with me. I was watching Friends and Joseph found this scene hilarious. He was chuckling and he kept on saying "that's so funny!"




Gotta love him!

Me Ka Aloha
- Elisabeth

One More Year Until 30

Today is Dave's 29th birthday! I still feel like we're both 24 and recent college grads, but that's just not the case any more. It's crazy how time flies when you're having fun (or when you have three kids). To celebrate Dave's birthday we got together friends and family and enjoyed dinner, brownies and ice cream.

I normally wouldn't do this, but today I want to brag about the amazing things my husband has accomplished in his 29 years.

1. Straight A student in high school
2. Involved in many school committees and clubs including head prefect (I still don't know what that is, but apparently that is impressive)
3. Queen Venture Award (Canada's equivalent to Eagle Scout)
4. Biked a few times to Belleville area (about 20 hours on a bike at once!)
5. Served an honorable mission in Ukraine for 2 years
6. Fluent in English, French, Russian, and Ukrainian
7. Served as Assistant to the Mission President
8. Won the Garfield Weston Merritt National Scholarship
9. Graduated College with a 4.0 and runner up to the Silver Medal Award
10. Passed his CFP exam after the first attempt (most people fail once or twice)
11. Started his own company that has gone from zero to over a million dollar company in 2 years
12. Also started his own wealth management company that is growing rapidly
13. Teaches early morning seminary each day and the students love him
14. Does all these things while being an amazing husband and father of three very young children

I love you Dave!! Thank you for being one of the main sources of happiness in my life! Happy Birthday :)

Me Ka Aloha
- Elisabeth

Gratitude!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Here's a list of just some of the things I'm grateful for.

1. My children. They are cute, adorable, full of energy, precious little gifts from God. Each of them are so different in personality and even how they look. Watching them grow and learn each day is such a joy. Seeing their smile every day makes me so happy. I love them all so much!

2. My husband. I couldn't ask for a better companion and father to my children. He is such a hard worker and ambitious person. I love spending quality time with Dave and love watching him spend time with the children. I look forward to an eternity with him.

3. My family. We're so lucky to live near both our parents, siblings, grandparents, cousins, and other extended family. They're so much fun and I'm so glad we all get along. There isn't any family politics or fighting. I feel so blessed to have so many loving people in our lives. Also particularly thankful at this time to have Jane, Autumn, and Iris visiting from Hawaii. They're a lot of fun to hang out with.

4. Friends. We have a lot of great friends in our lives. I'm actually particularly grateful to be meeting up with Linda from Sweden (whom I haven't seen in four years) this week!!

5. My health. I often take my health for granted, but when I get sick or have an injury, I realize how valuable my health is. I'm so glad to be free of any major health issues and to feel great the majority of the time.

6. Fitness. I'm thankful that I have been physically able to run 5 km non-stop. I'm also thankful to have lost almost 20 pounds and that I can fit into my pre-pregnant jeans and fit into my wedding rings.

7. My house. Yes we're growing out of this house and yes there are a lot of things I'd want to change, but our house is great in so many ways. It's a cute house that a lot of people compliment whenever they come in. I get a lot of people saying "wow, nice house" when they walk in the door. I also love how it's seconds away from Rosie's school, and minutes away from church.

8. My car. It's comfortable, safe, and nice looking. It's just great.

9. Warm, fresh, running water. I love that whenever I want some clean, fresh water, all I need to do is turn on the tap. It's like magic every time. I'm thankful that I can drink the water, and bathe in the warm water and that it's so readily available.

10. My bed. It's the best bed I've ever owned.

11. The city, province, and country I live in. It's beautiful here! There's beautiful parks, waterfalls, lakes, and trails in this area that constantly remind me how lucky I am to live here. I live in a country with great opportunities, freedoms, and social benefits. Canada has always been in the top 3 places in the world to live!

12. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It's such of source of strength in my life. I learn so much from church and love the spiritual boost I get from attending church every Sunday. I love knowing that Heavenly Father loves me and is watching over me. I love knowing that I can pray to Him whenever I want and He will listen.

There's a lot more to be thankful for, but I'd be writing for a REALLY long time if I were to write it all out.

Thank you God for blessing me with such a beautiful life!!

Me Ka Aloha
- Elisabeth

Brotherly Love

I haven't yet blogged about how much Joseph LOVES Michael. He's always hugging and kissing him and bringing him toys (and food, yikes!). The other day we were at Costco and Joseph was sitting in the seat of the cart, and Michael was in his car seat in the back of the cart. The entire time, Joseph reached behind and held Michael's hand. As a matter of fact, Joseph is obsessed with holing Michael's hand and sometimes I have to tell Joseph to leave Michael alone. It's so cute to watch how excited Joseph gets when Michael is around. I can't wait until the day that they can actually play together. It's going to be awesome. Here's a picture that shows how much Joseph loves Michael. You'd think that he's reaching for my hand, but in fact, he's reaching for Michael.

Me Ka Aloha
- Elisabeth