Life Lessons from Laie

Our vacation to Hawaii was wonderful. I am making a Shutterfly book of our memories so we can cherish them always, and I can post the finished product on my blog. But before I forget, my husband encouraged me to blog about one of the greatest lessons the people of Laie, Hawaii taught me.

 

And that is, there is so much joy in living simply.

My intent is not to rip on Utah culture when I say the truth of the matter: the people in Salt Lake County generally live a much more materialistic life than those in Oahu. It's simply the truth. Huge, new, nice homes being built everywhere. Perfect pinterest projects to improve a home that is already extremely comfortable. I know I am not alone in having moments of discouragement: I am not a good enough decorator, housekeeper, or crafter. I am incapable of remodeling my own bathroom or kitchen on my own, blah blah blah.

There is a home next door to me that qualified to be in the Parade of Homes this year.
That is fine if having a glamorous home is a passion or an outlet for creativity, but what really truly matters?

Does having such a living space matter so much that it makes us feel bad if we don't measure up to a certain standard? Who set that standard anyway?

The people of Laie Hawaii live simply. They spend most of their lives outdoors, on the beach, or in the kitchen preparing food for masses of people, for their brothers and sisters. The more who come to share a meal, the merrier.



Charity. I am still learning it. The Polynesian culture is an excellent example to me of this virtue.
Perspective. I hope to remember this lifestyle as I raise my family in the beautiful state of Utah. There are good saints everywhere, and I choose to blossom where I am planted.

I want to focus my energy on being with my children, reading good books that engage my mind, keeping my body and spirit healthy, enjoying the outdoors, fixing good meals for my family and friends, and keeping a clean home that reminds me of the temple.

 

To me, that is what really matters.

 

 

 We miss you, Hawaii.

 



Pioneer Day 10K

I sort of have this new obsession with running. I think it has to do with my new running route in South Jordan and how therapeutic it is to journey through the streets of my childhood. Passing through the streets to good old Bingham High or even further to South Jordan Middle School brings back a plethora of memories. And the endorphins and the runner's high that I get from going just 4 or 5 miles is becoming addicting. My cute friend Whitney had to sell her bib for the 24th of July 10K, because HELLO she is almost 8 months pregnant and she decided to follow doctor's orders. (I could only run comfortably up to 6 months of my pregnancy and then the Braxton Hicks started getting too intense, I am impressed she's been running at all!)

So I jumped on the chance to run in Whit's place, with a dear friend of mine who I met in 8th grade.

 

 

Being close friends with Mary all through high school and my college career really changed my life.

Her fitness and nutrition lifestyle greatly impacted me, and I am forever grateful.

Woke up at 4:15 am to feed the babe and leave for SLC by 5.   6:00am races are early!

 It's sort of funny how she still influences me, I am so grateful for this girl and her lifelong friendship. Mare is one of my bestest friends and I just adore her and her quirky sense of humor.

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 There is never a dull moment with this girl

 Mary got me cruisin down the parade route for our 10K. I averaged an 8:20 mile and finished the race in 51:46, which is pretty fast for me these days. It was nice of Mare to slow down and stay with me (the Crazy normally averages a 7-minute something mile)! Finally for the last mile, I told her to speed up if she wanted to because I'd be sticking at that pace until the end. It sure felt a lot longer than my last 10K, but I beat my time by 6 minutes!

 

 

Trying to find a good place for our pic because we're self-obsessed and love social media, etc. ;)

 

We were both anxious to get back to our favorite little people after the race, and Mary's mom brought them to us in Salt Lake! We ate breakfast at the incredible Grand America Hotel (yes I was totally overdressed in my running gear at such a fancy venue...whoops)

 

And then we watched about 15 minutes of the Days of 47 Parade before we got too hot.

 Mary is currently living in Manhattan with her man (right outside Central Park!) and she totally converted me to her Beco carrier. Amberly doesn't love carriers, but she sure loved this one. It was super comfortable and she didn't even mind being too hot in it! See, that Mary still influences me. Now I'll probably have to buy a Beco.

 

 

It's been so refreshing having Mary in town this week. We love seeing Cora and Amberly together.

Future roommates. They better love each other!

 

 

 

Sure love ya Mare Bear. Jon and I are seriously considering an NYC 2015 trip.



Remembering Lydia

Amberly has a cousin on her Daddy's side of the family.

She would have turned two years old last Saturday.

And we have not forgotten.

Families are Forever

As if she knew exactly why we were there,

Amberly pointed to that phrase completely on her own.

 

Life is full of heartache and sorrow.

Pain unimaginable.

 

But because of the gospel of Jesus Christ,

I believe in

hope,

healing

and the promise of light dawning in the morning.

 

I believe in miracles,

and I pray for them every day.

 

We love you Lydia, and we have not forgotten how special you are.