29 December 2004 and all that has followed..

Journal 17 October 2004:

"The birth and discovery of eternal love is a union of hearts that proves indestructible through life and death. It is the joy of our existence- And I found that in Ben."

Journal 29 December 2004:

"Today was the greatest day of my life. At 6:25 am I was in the temple waiting to be married. I was sealed to Benjamin Keahi Kamalu at 7:40 am by Elder Dunn. Off to pictures, brunch, reception, and ....THEY LIVED HAPPILY EVER AFTER."

Journal 12 January 2004:

"When you posess true love and the responsibility of someone's heart, you have the highest joy afforded to mankind- Even if you are eating peanut butter sandwiches and praying for sunshine."

HaPPy AnNiverSAry BeN. I lOve You.

And Then We Said, "What Now?"

All we knew was that HE was DONE!

He did it! Benjamin Keahi Kamalu is done with his undergrad degree! Wherever you are, take a moment to stand and do a little cheer for this ECONOMICS-on-his-way-to-being-an-actuary college graduate. :)
I might add that he finished his WHOLE (except one test) Biology class in one WEEK. He was forced of course, but he did it all the same.
Anyway, today was a great day at our house with A LOT to celebrate. We aren't really sure what to do with ourselves. Any ideas?
Well, I think we will figure it out.

So, here is a quick recap-

In the four years and six months of his college degree:
- We got married
- Brooke graduated
- Scout born 2006
-Boston born 2007
- Moved three times
- Six different Jobs
-Three college major changes
- Two knee surgeries
- And more blessings, stress, happiness, worry, grattitude, mercy, fun, tears, laughter, learning, Prayer, books, late nights, family, friends, and wonderful life than can be bottled up right here.

Thank you to all of you who were supportive every minute. You celebrated our success, and minimized our stress.

At any rate, there was celebration indeed in our simple little world today.

The SiX Tag

Mary Jane,

I am taking to heart that you meant me when you tagged the sixes a while ago. :)
I have never answered a tag, but I love to read other people's answers.

Here I go:

6 TV shows that I watch:
1. I don't watch TV unless I am at someones house other than mine.
We don't have our TV hooked up, and we actually like it. I do have some
favorites though and my girls watch all the normal shows by video.
2. American Idol (I know I know...)
3. Word World (This is a favorite at our house too. The girls love it)
4. I watch the news on the internet every so often, but every time I do, I get outraged by most of what is going on.
5. Currently we are watching all the seasonal Christmas movies, and I LOVE it.
6. Nothing else...

6 Favorite Restaurants: (not in order)
1. Cafe Rio
2. Noodles and Company
3. Benihana
4. Good Wood
5. Cheesecake Factory
6. Olive Garden
7. California Pizza Kitchen (oops...I could just keep going)

6 Things that happened yesterday:
1. I wrapped Christmas presents.
2. I ran errands all by myself. The girls were napping and Ben was studying for finals. It was weird to go shopping alone. I kept wondering if my girls were okay and what they were wrecking in the stores, and then I would remind myself they weren't with me.
3. Read stories with my girls by the lighted Christmas tree. This is one of my favorite things to do with them. Scout has almost memorized How the Grinch Stole Christmas. She loves lines like, "Pooh Pooh to the Whos." AND "Every Who down in Whoville liked Christmas A LOT!"
4. Cleaned up at least 5 messes, and ended up with at least 8 more.
5. Listed and talked about my blessings in my journal, and with Ben.
6. Mailed Christmas cards.

6 Things I look forward to:
1. My husband being done with school. Only two more tests!!!
2. Christmas Eve and Christmas MORNING. It is so much fun with little ones.
3. Regular Sleep.
4. Seeing how happy my husband is that he doesn't have any homework.
5. Watching my children grow and learn new things. Just seeing who they are going to be and what their talents and interests are.
6. Seeing my Grandma who is on a mission in Nauvoo right now. She will be home in January!!

6 Things on my wish list:
1. No more child abuse in the world.
2. A full and well-used library in my house.
3. More patience.
4. Knowledge.
5. A good dog. (Someday)
6. To cook something that my husband doesn't need to add sauce to.