Family PowellPalooza 2011!!

Finally I get this post up! Chandler and I bought plane tickets to go home for Labor Day weekend for my birthday! It was a quick trip but it was so worth it! Here is my sweet husband carrying our bags! The second we landed my Dad and Juanette picked us up in Vegas and we drove straight to Lake Powell. We spent 4 days on the lake and then drove straight back to Vegas and got on the plane! Its a good thing that the 5 hour flight is not that bad at all!

Here is the WHOLE family in front of our houseboat! My Dad and Juanette, Coby Sr. and Coby Jr. and his girlfriend, Ian and his girlfriend, Carol, Desi and Zeke and baby Janson, Antonio and his wife, Dennis and Kaylene, Chandler and I, Kimberly and her kids, Kevin and Lauren, Mom and Kenneth, and Sierra and Jaret and their kids! A big group but so awesome!My dad showing everybody how strong Janson is!! 6 months old and he can do pull ups! Most infants would let their arms be limp when held like this at their wrists and being lifted up but he is so strong so he holds himself up with bent elbows in pull up position! He has a 6 pack already and little defined muscles in his back! It is hilarious!
What a stinkin cutie!
LOVE the rolls!
LOVE his speedo- and he matched Zeke in his speedo!

We watched a movie at night on top deck the houseboat with a projector.

My mom looking for something in he lower compartment of boat

Chandler and Zeke getting ready to load the wave runners...

We did a lot of tubing and everyone got worked by our crazy boat driver, Carol!

Chandler, Jaret, and Zeke, They were a riot to watch. They came up with every possible strategy to stay on that tube! (I have the funniest videos I will try to upload)


Palooza group 2011 was our neighbors for the weekend! So basically a group of 200 single/and married Mormon people go to Lake Powell every year and take it to the extreme!
You Name it, This group had it! A huge bike ramp from the sand hill into the lake, A tube slide off the hill, volleyball tournaments, a 20 minute illegal firework show, a dance floor with a DJ, lights, and TWO foam machines, a BLOB! And much more. They were the nicest group of people!
They kept coming over and inviting us over to hang out so we would go over and interact with them or watch them do their crazy stunts, jumps, and throws off the blob!
My sister Sierra and I and my niece Dawn went over for the foam party! It was a blast!
Here is their dance floor and tent. It was legit!


My sister Sierra and Dawn dancing




Dancing under the foam!
Dont ask!
Here is one of their houseboats and they connected the blob to it and threw people into the air all day long! It was so entertaining to watch! I wanted to do it so bad but a lot of the girls were getting bruised, and hurt-so no thanks! But my step brother did it, Chandler did it, my niece Rhiannon did it, and a few other boys in our group did it!
Here are some of the girls I met while there! They were posing on the wake ramp.
It was my birthday while we were there on Sept 4th. We had a big Luau dinner and some great Hawaiian food that my dad and Juanette did!
Janson and I at the party
The Luau birthday party on top our houseboat!
Chandler and Brooklyn getting food!
Juanette made the best cake!
yes I blew out all 25 candles at once!

Later after dinner we had our own dance party with glow sticks! We open the sticks and throw the color everywhere! Its really cool!


After dancing with the glow sticks we as a family let lanterns go into the sky! Each couple got a lantern. They are these big white biodegradable lanterns and they take off of their own from your hands and you can watch them for up to two miles! It was a very special thing! It reminded me so much like the movie Tangled! I think everyone really enjoyed it!



We had such a wonderful time! I'm so happy we were able to go home for my birthday and be at Lake Powell with both our families! Oh how I making memories at Lake Powell!

Some random videos!
*Letting go Lanterns
*Janson dancing
* A few tubing
* Our Houseboat neighbors biking off the ramp
* Antonio and Ian and Kevin going off the blob (my camera died on Chans turn, Sierra recoreded it so I have to get it from her)

Abhasa and Khakara

Okay so Ill try to do this in as little of a nut shell as possible! So.. as most of you know I have gone back to school to pursue my bachelors degree, which I am LOVING so far but boy it can/has been stresssssful! It probably doesn't help that I have a full plate with taking 18 credits(never been to college B4), just got called to be the 1st counselor in the YW (yes a new calling already- I tell ya, our ward is needy so you literally go where they NEED you, also I gladly accepted it as it was to take over my friend Olya's calling due to her temporary return to Russia after the funeral), and I'm a girls camp leader, I'm working TWO jobs and trying to be a wife! Wheww! Yes! Talk about busy!

As some of you know, but I have never mentioned it on here, I quit working with the plastic surgeon... Basically I didn't care for him, his office, his ideas, his practice, his style etc (and that's me being nice) ha! Maybe I have been spoiled in the past and now have high expectations after working for Dr. Crofts and Dr. Patel in Utah. But, I was not about to get involved in a job and get walked over before it was too late to get out. I know that it was not for me and not where I needed to be at in my life. This is when I was strongly prompted to go back to school after many prayers and pondering. The idea on going back to school became so clear to me it was unreal. And the time was so right. Any who so being in school for a few weeks I started looking for a job that could be fun that would be for the evenings and that would fit my schedule, be a mindless job and still continue to bring home some mula. So long story short of the process I am "seriously so blessed" that I got "in" at Abhasa and Khakara Spa! Abhasa is a world known Resort Spa here at the Sheraton in Waikiki and Khakara is a world known Resort Spa in the famous Royal Hawaiian Hotel both which are located right next to each other on the beach front. They are both owned by the same company. So if you get hired at one you are employed at both! Which is so nice because being employed at two spas means I am constantly booked and I mean constantly! They are the two busiest spas in Waikiki because they have been around for YEARS and the marketing is out there known to the world with it being corporate. I'm a little sentimental about the Royal Hawaiian because my Grandpa used to take my Grandma there years and years ago to stay often at the"pink" hotel. (Gma 96 yrs old today)

Anybody who has been to Waikiki has seen the Royal Hawaiian!

So in The Royal Hawaiian is Abhasa

Here is our Sauna at Abhasa

Some of our treatment rooms are outdoors- I love giving facials in the cabanas!

Here is the pool side of the Sheraton! Wow! I work here! I love it, I live it, and I think I get a discount on rooms!

Here is Spa Khakara at the Sheraton
A relaxation room at Khakara
Our front lobby area

So far I love working in Waikiki. I love my guests the majority are Japanese which are of such a sweet culture. So easy to please and great to work with. My first day I had a 5 hr shift..4-9 so in 5 hours I had 5 facials. Each day has been no different. They keep me slammed and it will be like this all thru out the year. Thanks to the Japanese that have money! So it is so nice to be working hard and getting paid resort pay!!!

And I am SO SAD I have to say goodbye to my fun fun job! I will miss working at the mall. Many of your don't know that I have been working part time at White House|Black Market for almost a year now! It is not my choice to quit but I'm not making any money there. I can't burn the candle and both ends. I have to simplify my life. I guess that means simplifying my closet too. I love the girls there so much, working with tourist shoppers and helping spend their money on cute outfits, and (YES the clothes, Ill miss my clothes, that's why I am/was there). I hate having to quit but its for the better.

Bye WHBM!! Bye my cute clothes discount!

Girls Day Out

Just a picture of the ladies- We had a little girls day and went shopping at Ala Moana Mall and had lunch at CPK! Cassie (Chandler's Boss' wife), me, and then Cindy! We definitely need another girls day!

Much needed and about time!

I, of course do not have a good enough excuse, but Chandler and I have been dying to get back to the temple and we finally made it back last week! When we moved out here the temple was closed for a year or more for renovations. Then we finally got our temple recommends renewed from expiring in May. WoW! It has been way too long since we've been, but we are back on track now! We had a wonderful time and it was definitely needed!

Such a beautiful day! The temple grounds are always so peaceful with blooming Hawaiian Flowers. Being inside with the new renovations was so nice! Always a great experience!

With everything that has been going on in our lives between losing a friend, work, school, and being busy it was a wonderful experience-words can't describe.

;) Just hanging out waiting!

Have a great Saturday everyone!

My heart aches so bad it hurts...

Two amazing souls and one lonely soul left behind....

What an interesting last few days it has been... I am pretty much speechless... but I would like to try to share some things that are on my mind at this time. Chandler and I just got home from a funeral of a dear friend of ours here in the McCully ward. We are too young to be attending any funeral of a friend that is about our age. Two years ago when we moved into the ward one of the first couples that we met, Heber and Olya were the cutest and sweetest couple to be so warm and friendly to us. This past Sat. the 3rd Heber past away. He and Olya have been married for 7 years. They met here in Hawaii at BYUH. Heber served his mission in Russia and Olya is from Russia, but met here in Hawaii after Heber's Mission. Heber received his BA, Masters, and PhD and has been working at University of Hawaii as a researcher. Olya too, is soon to graduate with her PhD from UH and teaches at UH currently in Economics. Both, truly brilliant individuals. They lived a life together full of adventures- They were constantly on the go with exploring new beaches, hikes, other walks of lifes, and the other islands. They have literally traveled the world together(Russia, Mexico, Paris, Asia, Belgium, and much more). They were the couple that truly cared about EVERYONE. I have never met two people that are as humble, and as Christlike as they. They reached out to so many people old and young. Every time I saw them together I had the biggest smile on my face because I can just tell that they are madly in love with one another. Serving in the ward and community to the fullest and so selfless. Chandler and I have spent many beach days with them, have had them over to our house for dinner, over for dessert and a game of cards, over to help Chandler with Economics HW, went camping together, over to their house as well, and many church activities spent together. They became one of the couples that we grew close with as there are few young couples in our ward. Heber loved the outdoors, he loved fishing, spear fishing, snorkeling, free-diving, kayaking, and anything else that had to do with the water. Just a few days ago we were at the beach together and I look up above to one of the trees that lines the beach, about 20-30 feet up there Heber was climbing a tree with all fours wrapped around the trunk. He always had to be doing something that kept him entertained to the extreme. Heber would go free-diving sometimes in the early mornings on the wknd and then meet up with Olya and the rest of the group later that afternoon at the beach. Last Sat. he did not show up at the beach with the group when he said he would be there at 2pm. He went free-diving alone at 7am and experienced what you call "shallow water blackout" most likely on his first dive down. Oyla went to go find his car at about 430 as she began to worry...she found his car. Heber and his dive flag was found by a charter boat shortly after 5 of the west coast of Oahu.

The funeral was a wonderful service today, it was full of tears as well as some great stories to bring laughter. It was pleasant to listen to the speakers, and we felt the spirit in unbelievable amounts- so strong as the violin was being played, "If you could Hie to Kolob". I am so grateful for the Gospel in our lives, I am so grateful to be a part of the LDS faith and to know the things that I know and to BELIEVE. I am grateful for Eternal marriage and to know that I am married to my eternal companion. I have a great understanding of our Plan of Salvation. I understand the process that needs to be taken and in which order. I know that Heber was welcomed into the presents of our Savior and understand he is in a better place. I know that it is selfish to still want him here on this crazy earth life... but I can't stop thinking of Olya. She is left behind. Her future with him and her expectations of life with Heber are gone. After the funeral I was able to see her for the first time since the tragedy. I held her face in my hands, I held her little body in my arms... I held her so tight and didn't want to let go...we cried and we cried some more... we laid each others heads on each of our shoulders. I understand that this is a part of life but in the moment I can't comprehend it, I can't believe it. My heart literally aches for her. It's not Heber that I worry much of, it's the pain that I feel for Olya who is left behind to carry on alone in this life for the time being. She is the one suffering now. I held her again, she cried again, I sobbed again, this time on Chandler's chest as he held us both... I wish so bad that I could take some of her pain away. No one deserves to be left behind from their companion this early. I can't believe it, I don't want to believe it, it's not real, and when you ask her its really not real and its not happening right now to her. I just wish I could be with her 24-7. I wish I could hold her, hug her, cry with her... and I know I will get to do that for her off and on through out this mourning time. We always think it won't happen to us or to someone close to us. Life really is so short. As I write this the tears are rolling down my face, I feel so helpless and I care about her so much. I haven't ever felt so much pain for a friend before. I want to do so much for her but don't know what-I know its because she has had such a huge impact on my life by the example she is. This is why I am hurt and so affected by her sorrow. She is next to perfect. I want to be like Olya-seriously. Again, I am grateful for My Heavenly Father and My Savior and all the blessings that have been given to me. I am so fortunate.

Here is the link to the News clip on Heber the day it happened.

Friends Mourn Heber Moulton - Video - KITV Honolulu

And I came across this video link of a Speech Olya gave at BYUH graduation 5 years ago. She is an outstanding individual and my love and prayers sincerely go out to her sweet soul....

http://devotional.byuh.edu/video051217bogach

I love you Olya- you are a special spirit, and a courageous daughter of God

KP Heart Walk

We woke up early one morning and joined 100s of people to participate in the heart walk that Kaiser sponsors! It felt so good to get up early (we all kno Im not a morning person) and go for a walk/run!

Relaxing in the park afterwards

finish line! Chandler has purely enjoyed being with Kaiser- they have so many great events, activities, and of course health care to offer!

Hawaiian Ohana's finally!

After living here for a few years and not being close to our families it can obviously get tough at times. Ever since Chandler has been working for Kaiser he has met some great people with children. This local Waimanalo family invites us along a lot of times! Here were are a beach birthday party! Great Local food!

Good times for sure- we enjoy meeting new families and are privileged that we get to come join in on the parties!

blabbering on

I feel like I have been hiding out or something... I kind of am I guess-hope to be back to complete normalcy in a couple weeks ;). Not a whole lot has been happening. Unfortunately I don't have anything exciting to blog about. Our lives lately have been pretty chill. We didn't buy a house or move to another apartment for that matter, we aren't buying a new car, we aren't going on vacation, I don't have a wonderful exciting birthing story to tell or even near pregnant for that matter either, I have no family reunions or family parties to share about- although we did miss two family reunions this last weekend on the mainland that I am sad about, no family(Chan and I) photos to share, no crafty thing to tell of that I've recently made, no beach parties or festivals, and no funny stories, any who you get the point.

For any of you who are/were familiar with reading seriouslysoblessed.blogspot.com I am guilty of exactly the kind of "Mormon" she pokes fun at! (all in good humor and done respectfully). I loved reading her blog- she was a riot (so sad she is done writing/having to keep her identity hidden). She nailed every little thing right on the head every time of how girls, women, mothers, married couples are in our culture! So every time I go to blog or read blogs I cant help to think of the things she talked about and get a giggle. A lot of times it keeps me from blogging because I always want to share what I'm happy about and grateful for but don't most of the time, haha! We all know I'm not a super ooshie mooshie girl on my blog. Personally, I choose to keep a lot of soul, sincere, emotions of blessings private and not open to the world of blog readers probably for the same reason of reading Seriouslysoblessed. There is nothing wrong with how people chose to blog- its just funny to me. But behind my pride- and naturally being like any other Mormon girl with her blog- I want to share that I am Seriously so blessed! And in all reality I really am grateful for my:"perfect husband" "perfect life" "perfect relationship" "living in paradise" "challenges that bring us bigger blessings" etc.

So I did just want to mention that Chandler and I have been through some great experiences recently and presently. One: we have been thru a lot spiritually. Simply Amazing. Words can't explain. We are in a wonderful spot right now. Our ward is great, our Bishop is wonderful, and literally a saint- he deals with SO much. He said to us that our ward is one of the most challenging and needy in the country (due to poverty). We have new callings- Chandler is in the young mens. When he stood up in sacrament to be sustained all the local boys had smiles ear to ear and thru up shockers with each other- lets just say they are stoked to have him as a leader. I got called to be the nursery leader/helper- eek! But so great! Two, Chandler's job is just clicking along. He is still loving it and keeping up with the challenges it brings but so rewarding! Of course, any one who knows Chandler knows he is successful at everything he does so yes he is the #1 sales rep on his team with Kaiser Permanente! He gets to work from home too- so I see him lots! What a huge advantage right there! Its fun! One thing that feels AMAZING is we have full health care insurance. With me NEVER having health care coverage in my life, it feels awesome to go to the doctor whenever I want. SO I do. I went to the Gyno just because I wanted too the other day and didn't pay a dime and never will- not even a co-pay. And I love my Dr. She's wonderful! To be where we are in our lives right now, we are so fortunate to have health care. (dental, eye, etc). Next is my family doctor check up for shots! FUN! Getting shots leads me to another blessing and opportunity I've been given- the decision I've made to go back to school full time at Chaminade. I've sadly never been to college. I became an Esthetician right after HS and have been working in the industry that I love so much for 6 years. But with no kids in the near future, and Chandler's job it just makes sense for me to use this time wisely and get as much education as I can at this point. I start in two weeks and I'm stressing out about it already, the unknown, the papers, and projects required. I have a schedule full of classes. We will see how it goes. I'm excited for the change and willing to take it on. I'm grateful to have Chandler who supports me and who is willing to help me along the way. He truly is so understanding, so loving, so sensitive to whats going on with me, still in the honeymoon stage with how he treats me, so fun, always happy, hard hard working, and glad he is a smartie pants so he can help me in school ;)!

Chandler has been invited to play and be on the golf team at Chaminade again. His assistant Bball coach is now the Golf coach at Chaminade so he wants Chan! His work is cool with him playing on the team so that will be fun for him to be apart of that and play this year! It will pay for some of his classes as he will be starting his MBA in Oct in the evenings.

Its amazing how things have really fallen into place for us. We realize everyday how the Lord's hands are a huge asset in our lives. We could not be happier- life is good.

My Little Buddie

I had the opportunity to be with this stinkin cutie pie for too short of a time. I stepped in an helped out with him a few weeks ago. I had so much fun getting to know him, getting into a routine, getting to play, run, eat, nap etc allll day long everyday. He kept me BUSY. It was was obviously my responsibility to care for his needs. Gave me a good taste of what my future holds and how challenging it can be but so rewarding. I've been around many friends babies, cousins, and sisters babies and always have had a decent idea of how hard it can be at times, and joyful but this was a great reminder! Yes- I still want kids! No it was not Birth Control for me, it actually makes me want one even more and want one right NOW! Ha! But I have to wait ;) Ill just enjoy others!

Eating fruit snacks
stand up, sit down, stand up, sit down, stand up, sit down! Kept him occupied and made himself laugh!

Happy eater!
The poor thing was sweating just running and playing at home! His hair was all matted down. Got to love humidity. He just plopped himself down on his own hand next to me on the couch!

Messy hair! He was so cuddly, loveable, and I loved it! I have found myself a little favorite friend!

Guess what this post title is going to be?.... More visitors! Again..yes! We love it!

When I went home to Utah in June I flew back to Hawaii on the same plane with my Step Sister Kimberly and Niece Rhiannon. They have been planning to come visit Chandler and I and I timed it right now I could go home then come back to the Island with them. it was a BLAST to have them stay with us! Rhiannon is 11 and she is one amazing young lady! Chandler and I purely enjoyed our time with them. Rhiannon was so fun to play with, talk with, laugh with, and share all our fun activities with. She was fearless! I don't know who had more fun Rhiannon or Chandler. Chandler was so awesome to get involved with everything and be a kid! Here is the day we (they arrived) Chandler got them fresh lei's!We went snorkeling and it started pouring on us. But we just wait it out!
Lani Kai beach and we had lots of fun burying everybody into different things! Here is Kim as a Mermaid!


Went to the Dole Plantation
Pineapple Rhiannon
Went Stand Up Paddle boarding.

SUP is one of our loves! We gotta get boards! Kim and Rhiannon did great!

Stopped off at the temple and visitor center.

Went hiking to the pillboxes.

Beautiful hike! Great view! Great little workout!
We did a lot of fun things I didn't take many pictures and the ones I did take were on my stolen cell phone!