Where to, Lord?

Psalm 143: 8,10 

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.

Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.

(The other day we were just totally confused and frustrated at "not knowing". I read the bible later and came upon this verse, the Lord totally wanted us to see this. This is our verse, our prayer right now.)      

(Google Image)

Oahu with the Breakeys!!

Chris and I have this goal list. Things we want to make sure we do before we head back to the mainland. This whole list is almost checked off. One thing was "Go to Oahu one more time to North Shore, The Yard House (Restaurant) and do some shopping :) Our Friends Andy and Heather Breakey happened to be coming to Oahu for a wedding and welcomed our visit for two days! So there ya go! April 20? We got up WAY early and met them in Oahu. Ahh!! SO great to see them! We started chatting right away - they knew the things we kinda hoped to do and saved doing them for when we visited. So Kind! The weather was kinda crummy, so we decided to shop first and get it out of the way even though it kinda continued throughout the time there. SHOPPING! How we have MISSED you. hah. Totally materialistic, but it was really so nice to not pay an arm and a leg for things or shipping. We went to the North Shore after Chris got some pants and I got some things. Still crummy weather, but man, was it beautiful. The four of us collected shells and continued to catch up on every little thing. We had a lunch at a local "trailer" hah. The food was so yummy! Before heading back to town, we stopped at the Dole Plantation so Andy and Heather could have a looksie. It was fun to see the baby pineapples and have pineapple ice cream :) Back to change and walk the town, some more shopping, mostly looking and dinner at the Yard House. We all got along sooo well. It's a shame we don't live near each-other. There was so much laughter. It felt SO good. We were totally pooped after this day and headed to bed early to wake, once again, pretty early since it was our last day in town.

North Shore (Heather and Andy Breakey)

Friends! 

Shell Hunting! 

Silly Boys! 

Chris and I enjoyed some time together in the morning as we were waiting for them to pick us up. Just relaxing and enjoying the sunshine. We all went to Dennys for breakfast! Yum, haven't been there in soo long. I had Hot Cocoa! :) We all hopped in the car and headed to the West side to see if we could find a good beach for swimming/snorkeling. YAH! We found one - the only place on the island that had sunshine for like 4ish hours! Ah we waded, swam, body surfed, laid out and laughed and talked the entire time! I was in the water first and ended up swimming right next to a turtle! The water was Crystal clear. So pristine. After being burnt to a crisp we hoped back and the car and headed to town to clean up. Then it was a quick dinner at Chilies and more walking and looking and a lil shopping - and truffles :) They dropped us off at the airport - so sad to part with them. We had a wonderful time! Ah, just so wonderful. Check, Check and CHECK!

Buddies! Love this! 

Friends Since Childhood. The olden days! 

West Side. 

I like this one. :)

Last night together! Sad but we had a BLAST!!!

Do, or Don't?! That..., is the question!!!

Do......Get another younger female kitty for Tigger or not?!?
Hmmmm so many things that could go wrong, but soo many good things could come of this!! And yes, we are thinking everything through thoroughly. Now it's just - Do we? or Don't we? There are soo many feral cats you just want to take them all in. Two is probably the BEST we could do. We shall see!

Some of my favorite things....

So when I get the chance and feel quiet and clam, I like to journal. I like to write about the happenings in life, the feelings in my heart, random thoughts and ideas and prayers. My cousin Molly Anderson, probably my second most favorite female in the world, gave me the sweetest gift this last Christmas. She made me a journal. It has a picture of her and I, pictures of Hawaii, and one of my favorite images she took in Australia or New Zealand? (A trip we planned to go together since childhood and I backed out), an image of what looks like the Oregon or Washington Coast, a peacock, shells, and quotes; "And life is for Living" "Happiness" "Don't Fret""Time with God" "Journey" "Grace". Encouraging quotes soo relevant to my life, and images that are dear to my heart. I LOVE it. It is probably one of my most favorite things.

Another one of my favorite things is my Merry Kissmas mug Chris got me this Christmas. Our very first Christmas without anyone, on our own - such a big deal. I am a mug fanatic. They are just so fun, happy, comfy and homey, and anything thats ever in it is something thats supposed to make everything better. Red. Red is my most favorite color in the whole entire universe. He knows that. He is a great husband for it. When I got it, I got a kiss! What could be better?

Earl Grey is my favorite tea. It reminds me of the 356 south park home, when Mom and I were about to go downstairs and watch a movie, and I would set it on the coffee table and would lay on her lap and she would massage my aching back. Funny, but that situation normally was present with Earl Grey. It reminds me of the late nights at Wildhorse Canyon (I was Summer Staff at a Young Life Camp). We would have so many sweets that cocoa didn't quite cut it for me. So Many of us would get a hot beverage after dark and it was followed by wonderful fellowship, time of praise and worship and Fireworks!!! Plus it's really yummy! haha, oh the silliness of life. I just live for those moments though. Precious.

BRRRR.....Feels like Home Sweet Home!

AHHH I love the surprising April weather! As much as I say brrr it's cold, I REALLY really love it :) I secretly LOVE the chilliness, the cloudy sky and the rainfall. I love the stirred up ocean and the craaazy intimidating waves. I love seeing the locals wear North Face, scarves and tights. It's my home at home. It's the weather I hold near and dear to my heart and occasionally dream about. Crazy weather you are welcome in Lahaina Town any time, but you can keep the tsunamis and hurricanes to yourself! :)

Ariels Treasures...

We went to the beach the other day and the water was super clear, and there were shells washed on shore. It's totally chance when this happens that you are at the right beach, at the right time, with your snorkel gear. Super lucky that day. As I was combing the shore, Chris decided to test the water and see what he could see. He said you could hear all the shells move as they were being tossed back and forth by the waves. He thought it sounded like a million little pieces of glass. He dove for some specific finds and then came out. I saw his treasures and HAD to go hunting for myself. I went in and it was soo peaceful and clear. Diving for the shell you wanted was a trick because the waves were still ripping. But once I stopped to listen, It was the most beautiful sound. I thought It sounded like the finest wind chime. I found a few pieces of Gold myself and thought it was time to head in after my hands were full. Ariel was kind to share her gadgets and gismos with us that day. :) Here are our favorites. 

Chris' Find! The Winner!

Mines the broken one, and Chris' are the others.

Almost like a Plumeria.

My find :)

This guys white and purple and TINY! So cute. 

Hah, I found the Broken ones, but they are still neat.

Love this one I found.

2 Years of Blissful Marriage, Celebrated Once Again in Maui.

The moment we awoke the morning of the 12th, Chris and I exchanged gifts. He got me this exquisite diamond "Key" necklace!! I got him this Tommy Bahama Cigar Kit that he has wanted - with a lighter, cutter and cigar holders.

Signing forms for the new house at Bad Ass Coffee.

Ok, so the day before Chris called me up and said "I don't normally do this but there is a place in Mahinahina; one bed, one bath for $1195. Do you want to look at it or...?!?" "Sure" I said. "It will be fun." Neither of us were expecting anything to come of this. So we got ready to head out and meet Diane to see the home! It's a beautiful, spacious, airy, well lit home with a deck surrounding it. The cost is $1195 including electric. WOW. So great! It seemed kinda perfect so we decided to consider it. We went to Bad Ass Coffee (tacky name I know) to discuss pros and cons. Punched some numbers around and covered every aspect of this ordeal. We figured it would save us up to if not more than 500 a month. So we decided to give a call and see if the place was still available. Yay, we got it. So the next hour was spent meeting, signing forms, talking to the current landlord, finding documents, meeting, signing more forms and paying the down and deposit for Tigger. So done and done!!!

Dukes.

We went to Dukes for a late lunch.. It was raining off and on all day mostly on but during lunch it was nice.

We headed to Kaanapali after to check in for our boat-sunset-whale watching-cruise. YAY! Aboard the Teralani. Oh it was beautiful. And it literally stopped raining once we got on the boat. There were drinks and pupus(appetizers) and fun music. We just loved relaxing and enjoying Maui from the water and ah just being together. A few moms and calves joined us this evening. The mother was teaching the calve to wave-flap his fin, to dive, to roll over and to breach, so the calve was imitating all of this as the mama would do so. Soo sweet to watch. We had the mama so close to our rig at one point I was like the paparazzi. I will always be fascinated by the whales when I see them. They are Magnificent creatures. After that blissful trip we crashed a hot tub and called it a night. What a day. So memorable.

Mama and Baby.

Mama Tail.

Baby Breach.

Flashback.

Two years ago today, I exchanged vows with the finest man. I remember like it was yesterday. Fast pace heart beats, sore jaws from smiling, sweaty pits. There were no doubts, no reservations, complete faith and trust that yes, we are meant to be. Walking down that isle, ah, you should have seen him like I could. His eyes were filled with happiness. His hands anxious for mine. His look soo tender and sweet. He wanted me, he choose me, and I him. We wanted the world to know that we belong to each-other now and forever more. What a blessing it has been to be the wife of Mr. Chris Evans.
These past years have been quite an adventure.

• We have lived in 3 homes.
• We have lived in 2 states.
• We got a kitten. 
• I have had 6 jobs and Chris 2.
• We drove to six flags and back from WA.
• We had 4 camping trips (3 with family and friends.)  
• Owned 4 cars and sold 2. 
• Spent several occasions with friends and family. 
• I gained a BFF, Sarah Eschbach. 
• I learned to surf. 
• Chris overcame his fear of water. 
• We zip lined. 
• We went to 2 other Hawaiian Islands (Lanai and Oahu.)
• We went on a sub and saw a shark.
• Chris touched a turtle. 
• Swam with all kinds of fish, turtles, eagle rays and heard the whales sing under water. 
• Saw Dolphins. 
• Went to a polo tourney. 
• Chris went from associate to Manager in 7 months in a completely new line of work. 

We are learning to communicate, we found selfishness in not an option and loud tones accomplish nothing. We are continuing to be in awe of the Lords provisions. Learning and growing together daily. We are lovers and best friends. It hasn't always been easy but what an Awesome ride. To God be the Glory. 

My Best Friend is having a....BOY!!!!

AHHH!!! I was so anxious to get the call from Sarah to hear what the gender of their precious lil one is!! IT'S A BOY!!! Oh precious lil Calvin Jacob Eschbach, the most perfect little baby. She sent me the images from the appointment, oh wow, I have never been so included in such a thing. I am just in awe of the technology of today. I saw his sweet button nose, his perfect forehead, his little toes and his pot belly! Ah and his little pee-pee that defined him, that gave him a name, a title. Handsome little Calvin Jacob. I am soo anxious to meet my lets call him nephew!? hah. I'm Aunty Kat! I love it. I am soo full of joy for them, for Sarah and Jake. They are going to be the best parents, so full of love and care. Hip Hip Hooooray for the miracle of BABIES!!!

Allergic???

• I have trouble breating.
• Totally stuffy and plugged up almost all the time.
• Sneeze more than ever before.
• Sinus headaches.

I think I may be allergic to my baby....:( It makes sense. There is dander and hair all over the house but mainly I am always holding him, snuggling him, smothering him :) etc. My face is always by him. Arg. I will see if this is it after I wait for the costco coupon for Zyrtec to be valid.  Who knows, maybe it's a cold that never really comes through? Or vog? Ahh I don't think so but I HATE taking pills. I miss breathing.

The items I keep in my Non-Existant hope chest.

So I have been a busy bee working away at projects for my bestie Sarah Eschbach who is pregnant with Baby Calvin Jacob, and cousin Talia who is pregnant with baby number two! I am constantly on the lookout for cute baby gifts here in Maui. Chris suggests every now and then that I should keep this or that for our child one day. He is so sweet. So I listened to him. 

I made this beanie for Sarah, but when I found out it was a girl I decided I would keep it...I kinda always wanted to from the start :) I can always make more. 

Someone left this darling onsie at his work and did not return the next day for it so we decided to keep it for our chillin!! It is soo cute and normally 25+ dollars!! 

One of my most favorite finds. I was at salvation army and found these vintage looking booties in pristine condition for such a small price. Cant wait to fill them with chunky baby feet!!

Only the very very beginning of our collection, It's so fun to think they will be used by our own child someday! 

Easters Joyful Sadness.

Happy Easter!!!

Tigger Felt Left Out...:) 

My Favorite!

Chris' Favorite! 

So on January 12, 2009, the day we moved to Maui - I never envisioned us staying here much longer than six months...little did I know that God had an entirely different plan. Here we are a year and tree months later still residing in Hawaii. Being gone that long meant missing one year and three months of birthdays, of showers, of weddings and holidays with and about everyone I know and Love. I spent 22 years surrounded by everyone I hold dear. Always safe, always inside my box. I never went to college, or away to travel except for one month to Wildhorse Canyon in Antelope Oregon, where I was a Summer Staff Leader.  This technically means that I am into my Sophomore year in College away on the Island of Maui. This means I am sad when Holidays come around, when I have nothing but good memories of family traditions, and knowing how much love, fun and kindness is exchanged. This means I am sad when my siblings or parents have birthdays because the things I would traditionally do for them to make them feel special, I can't. Such as fill the fridge with photos of them, make them a disney poster-board with "Happy Birthday" and hang it in the Dining room, make Dad his rice pudding etc. Here in Maui, life is a little different. Holidays are just like any other day - so getting off work is difficult, especially for Chris being manager of a corporate business. So normally I am at home for a good chunk of every holiday to think about how much fun I COULD be having if I were home.

So Chris and I made the decision to move to Maui together. We have no regrets. We have learned soo much about each-other, about ourselves and about how good our God is. We are having an absolute blast, loving every second - every moment. We are happy. We are content. We are madly in love and just anxious to see what God has for us next, because honestly we don't know what that is supposed to be. We have an idea, but God now has to show us thats the path to take. So when I have statuses on Facebook how i miss so and so, or I wish I were at such and such, I'm not being a pathetic pessimistic girl that is totally bummed with her choice, I am a Sophomore in Collage and just trying to accept change, I am trying to let go and move on, I am trying to learn how to hold onto both worlds and figure things out. I didn't leave Bellingham cause I hated it, I left for an adventure. This has been nothing but a ride for me - I am a very emotional, sentimental, sensitive, lover of home therefore this is harder on me than maybe it would be for others. I am dealing and I am becoming stronger because of it, the Lord is my comfort.

So Sunday, Easter Sunday - is normally filled with several stops and activities for me. This year, It was me and my precious hubby. We woke up at 9, and I slipped into my Easter Sunday Dress. We headed to Lahaina Baptist - what a beautiful service, how anyone can doubt He is Savior I just pray they will open their eyes. So encouraged at church I headed to work with the most bubbly of attitudes. I wished all my customers a Happy Easter. When I got off I cleaned the house and prepared a nice meal for Chris and I to have when he got home from work, boiled the eggs and made cupcakes. I had time to bike to his work to visit for a tad and then headed back home to get the meat going. We had a wonderful meal and decorated eggs together. The one tradition that I must hold onto! I called all my siblings to wish them a Happy Easter, and talked to Mom and Aunt Vicki. This holiday I missed family, I was just a little less bummed. Every holiday it seems to get a little easier. So this Easter, April 4, 2010, My husband and I had a wonderful Easter together. I figure i can live without the egg hunts until we have a little one of our own, and then, it will be Priceless and soo worth the wait!!

Just a little piece from my heart.