Happy Valentine's Day

I'm in no way a Valentine's kinda girl. I feel like it's too commercialized and too mandatory. But I totally get it. Any reason to celebrate LOVE is fine by me and I love what the day represents.


I'm not into pink and red gifts or anything over the top. But I do love thoughtfulness. I asked Uela not to get me any gifts or over-sized balloons stuffed with a teddy bear inside that reads "Be Mine." As a teen I wanted the heart shaped chocolate and red roses proclaiming love, but today I'm happy just being together. In fact, a simple dinner for two would be perfect...normal, yet perfect.


This morning, I woke up to a handful of kisses and a handwritten note. While quite simple, it's simply perfect. 

I hope you have an amazing Valentine's Day and you surround yourself with love!

February: Fall in love with...myself

I've lost confidence in myself more times than I care to admit, and to say it's been difficult for me would be the greatest understatement I could make. After the wedding bells and baby in a baby carriage, I just let myself go. My weight, body, hair...everything. And along with all that went my confidence. 


So as part of my Happiness Project 2012 I have realized, I need to make some changes. For the month of February--the month of love--I will focus on loving myself. Fitting. Problem is, as I sat and thought about the focus for February, I questioned...How do I love myself? Thinking about it seems as difficult as seeing the back of my head. As elusive as it is, I know it is necessary.  


In truth, I know that loving myself is a prerequisite to loving others and self-confidence will grow as a by-product of self-love. Honoring myself is in fact the only lasting way to release a truly selfless kindness to others. So, the real and lasting focus for the month of February is to remove what obstructs me so I can be who I am, holding nothing back.   

You Satisfy My Heart

Over six years ago, I was the luckiest girl in the world because that was the day I was able to call you mine. All mine. And when I think back to that day, I realize I married an incredible man.

I knew he was the one when he would send a card with beautiful handwritten love notes. I knew he was the one when he would let me talk for hours over the phone. I knew he was the one the moment he made me laugh, like a crinkled-nose-and-squinted-eyes kind of laugh. I knew he was the one when I learned he does laundry. I knew he was the one when I began to dress up and smile more. I knew he was the one when one fateful night, I finally realized he satisfies my heart and made room for only him.

I knew when I met Uela, that was it. It being my ability to function without him. My heart is at peace knowing I'm walking through life with a partner who knows and accepts everything. Wholeheartedly. Not too long ago we celebrated six years of love. We promised to accept and love each other. Forever. And right then I knew life was nothing short of perfection.

Six years later, still,...you completely satisfy my heart and soul. Thank you for loving me in ways I can't possibly understand.

I seriously need updated pictures. Hopefully this holiday season!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MY LOVE

I remember, it was the first Sunday in April 2002. I was sitting in sacrament and it was testimony meeting. My mind started to drift as the sound of people sharing their life stories slowly became faint mumbles. Then in the corner of my eye, I saw a tall, dark, handsome young man approach the pulpit and all my senses were awakened. It was Elder Young Yen. I remember thinking, He's back already? Wow that was a quick two years. I totally forgot about him. As he bore his testimony, I can hear the girls swoon. Elder Young Yen was indeed the greatest eye candy. It is true that Uela has a pleasing and dignified appearance, but I suddenly became very nervous. My hands began to sweat and this overwhelming fear came over me.

I knew Uela before his mission. His family had just moved here from Southern California. We really didn't have a relationship before. It was a hi-bye, if that at all. I know how cliche this sounds but the moment he stood in front of the congregation, (contrary to my mind) my heart knew he would be my partner in life. How could this be? I hardly even know him. I was currently in a long term relationship. This can't be right! During the rest of the Sunday meetings, I avoided him at all costs. I rushed home and even made a phone call to a friend and told her how nervous and scared I was because I think I just saw my future husband.

The whole thing seemed sooo silly. I was a bit annoyed because I didn't understand what was going on, but as much as I didn't want to acknowledge it, the feeling was undeniable. To make a long story short, I continued in denial for a bit but Uela was very persistent, which is one of a million things I love about him. After a couple of years of going back and forth and questioning what was soon to be destined--thanks to his persistence--I soon learned that there is far more to Uela than meets the eye.

Today is Uela's 30th birthday.


Uela, you are a man who looks positively at life regardless of the struggles and obstacles you endure. You have a terrific sense of humor and wit about you. You are always so calm and patient.

I love that you never complain when I pull you in a million directions, always sooo dependent on you.

It is true that I am slightly put off by your rawness like when you innocently say things to people without thinking if it will offend them but it is also your rawness that attracts me to you.

Thank you for being you and accepting me for who I am. Thank you for putting up with my crazy obsessions like how I NEED the bed made even right before we get in it.

Thank you for your unfailing support and love and for allowing me to be me. Thank you for the freedom you give me. You give me strength and happiness and my fears seem so insignificant when I am near you.

Thank you for being the amazing husband and father that Devyn adores. And for being the only one she wakes up in the middle of the night, everytime she wets the bed.

Thank you for your incredibly forgiving heart and always being the first and sometimes the only one to say, "I'm sorry!"

I know I drive you absolutely, positively nuts but there is nothing sweeter than knowing you love me. And I love you. There aren’t enough ILoveYou’s in a day, enough Yes,OfCourseYouCanHaveTheRemote’s in a day, enough WhatCanIDoForYou’s in a day to express my undying love for you. Thank you for sharing your life with me. You have been the most pleasant surprise. You’re my best friend, confidant, and soul mate. I don’t know where I’d be without you, nor would I ever dream of a life without you in it. Every year God gives you more time in your life, I know the world is better because of it. You’re nothing short of amazing, spectacular, fabulous, breathtaking, astounding, and— an undeniable great kisser! ;) I love you more than life.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MY LOVE!