Friday, May 27, 2011

We Love Sunny Days!!

Val and Me met up and had a picnic at a park in Pleasant Grove. Its called the Discovery Park. Its a pretty sweet park! Nixon and Connly had a blast. They've missed each other!:)




When Paul got home that night we took Mckel's kids to the park and for ice cream while her and mike went to the temple and dinner. Its so nice to get out of the house and enjoy the good weather!! We had a great time!!











UNDER DOG!!! HEY HOWDY HEY!!!

Thats what Madix yells as he is swinging lol






























Monday, May 23, 2011

Connly's 16 MONTHS...

Connly REALLY has a hard time setting still and not making really loud noises during Sunday school so I've been taking him to Nursery and I stay in there with him since he's not supposed to be in there for 2 more months. They're really nice about it and don't seem to mind. He looks bigger than most of the kids in there lol. We usually leave and go to relief society but last Sunday they asked me to stay and help with the lesson and snack time. Connly loved it and he got to color his first picture of Jesus:) Seriously where has the time gone?:( My baby is growing up way too fast. I say that every time because he is! He is learning crazy new things every single day. He is fearless and scares his momma more and more every day doing crazy things! He thinks he's big and tries to do what the big kids are doing. He's in Heaven when he's with Av, Madix and Jayden. Talks to Daxton how I talk to him. Gets right in his face and makes me jump out of my skin when he tries to get in Daxtons car seat with him. He's saying more words every day.He Says Uh Oh when drops something or when he's done something naughty:) He's got about 6 new teeth this month. We're working on the animal sounds he thinks when Paul or me do them its pretty funny. He's still my little climber. He'll climb up in his high chair. We did not teach him this. Its scary. He did when I wasn't looking one day and fell backwards and hit his little head. He is hungry all day every day. If I let him eat all day he would. He'll come give ya his jacket or shoes when he's ready to go outside. He'll pull on the door nob when he's ready to go outside. He loves putting on our big shoes and walking around. He loves being outside. I'm glad its finally warming up so we can go outside!! He "talks" all day. He's not scared of anyone. Makes me a little nervous. He gives hugs. Its the cutest thing. If your laying on the floor he'll grab a book and have seat on ya where ever he lands even if its on your head. Loves Motorcycle's/Four wheelers and Trucks. He makes the noises when he plays with them. I think his most favorite thing right now is Grandpa and Grandma back yard. First thing when we get to their house. He's on the search for Grandpa Gary and usually takes his hand and wants to go outside. I'm sure I'm forgetting some things our little man has been up to but here is a little update! We love you Connly thanks for making life so fun!!

Saturday, May 21, 2011

BBQ with the Hogue's

We don't get to go with Paul's family much. Usually once a year with his Brothers and Sisters. They live out of state so that makes it a little tough. A lot of his cousins from Paul's dad's side live in Northern Utah so its going to be a fun summer getting to know them. Paul misses his family so I'm so glad his cousin Brad called him and said they were getting bunch of the cousins together and having a BBQ at Brad's house in Lehi. We had a great time! I met a lot of new faces. The Hogue side is HUGE I have lots more family to meet.


I've known Uncle Dennis and his family since we've been married and I might get in trouble for saying this but Dennis is my favorite. He's down to earth and so funny!!! In this picture Paul and Jess thought it was funny to let Connly pull Dennis hair...OUCH!



A bunch of the girls!

Ryan and Paul are exactly One year apart. Ryan just got back from Iraq. Paul and him have always been pretty close. They lived together in the same house growing up at one point. We're glad he's home and safe! Thanks for all you do Ryan to serve our Country!!


We left when Connly started to get tired and I decided to climb in the crib for some cuddling time. Its the only time he'll actually lay and cuddle with me!! I love this little boy!!

Friday, May 20, 2011

Jayden's busy day!!

Jayden Graduated Preschool On Friday afternoon. Connly and I were so excited to go watch him show us what he had learned. He was so cute singing the songs lol! While the kids were singing Connly was dancing in my arms. He wanted to be up there with Jayden. Miss Josalyn does an amazing job. Av went to two years of preschool with her and Jayden has one down and one more to go and both Mckel and Mandee have said how much they love her and how good she is with kids! Later that night we went to watch Jayden at his Dance Review. Oh man were those boys cute!! Jayden did a great job and danced all three dances. I know Mandee was praying he would dance and not stand there and HE DID! We all got a good laugh. Watching the little girls dance made me sad that I missed Av's dance review when we were in Hawaii!! I love being an Aunt!:) Pictures to come of Jayden at his Dance review

Just for fun...

These are fun for us to look back on and laugh...
What are your middle names?His: Matthew Mine: Don't have one
Do you have little pet names for each other? We call each other Babe but sometimes I call him P math (Mckel started that one haha) or Paul Matthew. He calls me Keish or Keisha Donna. If I'm in a crazy weird mood I'll call him things like Sweet cheeks, Cupcake, etc. just to hear him laugh and say "Oh my gosh":)
Who said I love you first?He did:)
Did you go to the same high school/college? No. Paul went to Dixie High School and I went to Juab High School:). He went to Dixie College and is now going to UVU and I went to Evans in Cedar.
Where is the furthest you have traveled together? Hawaii
How long have you been together?Been together 3 years in Oct. and Married for a little over 2 years.
How many children?One Wild Monkey:)
What about pets? Nope:( We both want a dog. Maybe when we have a house.
Which bill is the hardest on you as a couple? We hate bills all together:)
Who is the smartest? I would say Paul.
Who is the most sensitive?Me
Who does the cooking? Me. Paul wont eat most of the time if I'm not there to cook if he does its cereal, easy mac or he'll go get something;)
Who is more social?We're both pretty social. Sometimes I can come off a little shy. Just let me warm up and I'll talk your ear off;)
Who is the neat-freak? Haha Paul says he is. After having Connly its changed things. He takes the house apart about a billion times a day. Some days I give up and let him go at it and I'll pick it up after he goes to bed at night. Paul gets home and is in shock that our little angel has done it again lol ;)
Who is the most stubborn?I would say both:)
Who hogs the bed?Paul tells me every night that I do.... But he wakes up almost every night talking in his sleep(pointing saying that a wall is falling, going through papers(pillows) on the side of the bed, or talking and laughing about who knows what) So we're even;)
Who wakes up earlier?Paul
Where do you eat out at most as a couple? Probably Cafe Rio?
Where do you shop the most as a couple? Costco or Wal mart lol Paul doesn't like to shop so we don't shop much together other than the grocery store.

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

A grandfather is someone with silver in his hair and gold in his heart...

Grandpa's funeral was perfect. My Dad, Uncle Mike and Uncle Val did a great job talking about their Dad and all their memories. Grandpa was a funny guy:) He had a joke for everything. Every Sunday growing up we rode our bikes down to Grandma and Grandpa's to visit. Him and grandma didn't and still don't miss a thing! He didn't miss one thing from Dance recitals, Tball games, and Jr. jazz when we were little to Cheer, Drill team,Sports and Proms when we were in High school and everything after Weddings, Baby blessings, Birthdays and so much more. He's the best Grandpa we could ever ask for. I hope he knows how much we love and miss him!! It just wont be the same without him. We know he's in a better place and that's what helps us get through this sad time. He isn't hurting anymore and He is now with his family and our kids that are waiting to come to this earth. I'm sure he's telling them all sorts of stories about us!;)

A few things that I loved about my grandpa

-his wink

-his nicknames he had for us kids. Mckely Ellie, Mandee Mo, Keisha Maleisha, and Fourdoor.

-he was so quick to say something funny

(I forgot my camera so I'm waiting to get them from my mom)

WALKING WITH GRANDPA
I like to walk with Grandpa,His steps are short like mine.He doesn't say "Now Hurry Up,"He always takes his time.Most people have to hurry,They don't stop and see.I'm glad that God made Grandpa,Unrushed, and young like me.



We gave this quote to my Dad in a picture frame for Christmas and I think it Fits both my Dad and Grandpa Ted!

This quote was at the end of my Dad's talk...
“If ever there is tomorrow when we're not together.. there is something you must always remember. you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. but the most important thing is, even if we're apart.. I'll always be with you.”

Sunday, May 8, 2011

(((ALOHA HAWAII)))

It was like a dream. We thought the day to leave for Hawaii would never come. It did and the 8 days went by FAST. Paul wanted to stay there forever. I wanted to stay 3 or 4 months if Connly was there with us. WE LOVED EVERY SINGLE MINUTE. Are days were packed with FUN. We dropped Connly off to McKel in Nephi on Saturday. Paul said I took two years to say goodbye. I did. Before we were off to Vegas we stopped at the Hospital to see Grandpa Ted. I'm so glad we did. We were there for around an hour and its one I will never forget. He told us about when Grandma and him went to Hawaii. I told him I'd bring him home Chocolate covered macadamia nuts. Grandma said no there to expensive but Grandpa said "Ya bring me Macadamia Nuts!" I'm so glad that I kissed him and told him that I love him. We got a on the road. We stopped in St. George to see Judy. We went over to Katie and Kens and seriously they are probably the funniest people we know! It was so good to see all of them. So good to see Judy laugh and smile. She deserves nothing but happiness!! We flew out of Vegas around 2 am Vegas time. We slept almost the whole flight. When we landed we got our sweet rental car a Ferrari I mean Ford Focus. We checked in to Royal Grove Hotel(Jerry's brother owns it and got us a sweet deal). Changed are clothes and went to church(missing some pictures it wont let me add them?)When we walked in everyone was taking a double take and they were in shock to see Elder Hogue! It was Fast and Testimony meeting. Paul got up and bore his testimony. I've only seen Paul cry a couple times ever and this was one of the times. I guess I didn't realize how much he missed the people of Hawaii. He was telling everyone who I was and that Elder Jones was my little brother. Everyone busted up laughing. It was pretty funny. I loved how every one's Testimony started with a big ALOHA and everyone says it back. The Hawaii people are very laid back and very welcoming. This was just the beginning of a meeting a TON of amazing people. Some of the nicest people I've ever met. After church we couldn't wait to get to the beach!! Our Hotel was one block from the beach. HEAVEN.
We stayed at the beach and watched the sun go down. Once it got dark we walked around to a bunch of shops and just had fun people watching:)


On our walk back to our room we stopped at the La Cucharacha a YUMMY Mexican place that was outside. I remember going there last time I was in Hawaii and was happy that it was on the same block as our Hotel.
Monday we woke and headed to Olomana to meet up at Dina and Jerry's house. Paul taught and converted Dina. Seriously two of the nicest people ever. They took us to hike Mount Olomana. Lets just say its wasn't a hike most of the way up was rock climbing. Half way up I was thinking to myself what the heck am I doing? I was probably purple in the face and couldn't breath. Everyone kept asking if I was ok. Yup doing great!! HAHAHA Seriously wanted to fall over dead. You know what kept me going? Dina is around 55 and Gerry is 60...I'm TWENTY FOUR! How amazing are they!?! I'm a wimp! In my head I just kept saying Keisha you can't quit you can do this. I did it!Thank goodness I caught my second wind and didn't kill over.





The prettiest views made it all worth it!!







The breeze was so nice. I wasn't just telling stories my face was purple and I'm sweating like no other. BUT look at that view this picture does no justice to how pretty it really was up there.


We got to the last rock climb about 15 feet up and we watched Dina go then Jerry then these girls were on there way down so we let them make their way down cause it was probably going to take me 20 minutes to climb up there;) as the last girl is making her way down she slips and is hanging by the rope keep in mind the mountains in Hawaii are different and a little scary. 300 foot drop on each side of you. So here we are watching this girl. Jerry grabs her arm. Smashing his hand in between the rock and her hand. She about died right before our eyes. At the moment I decided I wasn't going up. So Paul went up and I waited at the bottom for them to come back down.


Paul had the camera and this was the two other peeks. The first one was good enough for us! Another fun fact about Mount Olomana Dina and Jerry were married at the very top!!


After our hick/rock climb we got some lunch and had a little picnic at Kailua Beach. I love that we got to go to all the beaches that only locals really know about.


Tuesday my legs were so sore I couldn't believe it. Paul had a good time laughing at me waddle around. We went to Keoni's about a block away. Birds would fly in and eat the left overs off the plates.


We met up with some kids that Paul taught. We went to Mokapu'u Beach


I was terrible with taking pictures while were down on the beach. Paul and the boys were body surfing and i was soaking up some rays! The water was so blue I loved it!


Kapili, Kapua, Paul and Ikaika. Paul had the time of his life! He loves these guys.After the beach we went to Uncle Marks farm. His wife and him have 8 CUTE kids. Seriously the cutest kids. Seeing their kids made me miss my little man! Uncle Mark showed us around his farm. Farms in Hawaii are SO much different from farms in Utah. It was really awesome to see what they grow and how they grow the things they do. This is Uncle Mark husking a coconut. Never knew this is how they do it.







Apple Banana's. Uncle Mark gave us a bag FULL of them. We had to give some away at the end of the week cause we weren't going to be able to eat them all. He also gave us a big bag of dried apple banana's. They were so good!







Can you see the Banana's?


Seriously so cute!Ikaika, Paul and Uncle Mark.




Later on Paul and me went back to Waikiki and walked down the beach to where I stayed when I went to Hawaii with my parents and watched the sun go down and enjoyed an amazing shaved ice!





Wednesday MAY 4Th I turned the big 24 in Hawaii!! We went to the Swap meet I forgot to take a picture but it was so fun. Then we went to Waimea Valley. It was SO pretty. You could pay to take the shuttle/golf cart up to the waterfall but we decided to walk. It looked like what I picture the garden of Eden to look like. So green and beautiful!


We got to the waterfall and we were able to swim in the little pond. It was so fun! One of my favorite things we did all week.


on our walk back down we got a picture of Paul by the Taro. Its really cultural and they use it in a lot their foods(thats what Elder Hogue told me)






On our way out we used the self timer and tried to get a picture of us with the sign lol it needs to be cropped so you can actually see the sign.


we then drove 3 minutes to Waimea Bay it was a little windy and right before we left it started to rain but the rain is warm so it didn't bother us!




Paul had a blast jumping off the rocks and body surfing and getting takin out by the huge waves!!











To end the night we went to Yogurtland on the beach and walked up and down the beach. Paul made my birthday so much fun! Its defantly one I will never foget!!!


Thursday we got up and went to Hanauma Bay to do some snorkling. I don't love snorkling but I did it because Paul was so excited to go. He promised not to scare me like my brother did when I went with him. lol Funny thing is I thought he knew I was right behind him and I gave him a little pinch on the butt and I scared him and he wasnt very happy LOL Oh shoot.Still makes me laugh thinking about it. Pauls still mad about it. After a couple hours we headed back to Waikiki beach to swim and soke up some more sun!


Later on our way to Tiffany and Jenson's house to have BBQ we stopped at house #4 that Paul lived at. They lived with the Gibsons and they're the people that own the famous hawaiian bulls that they use at the Ute stampede and I'm sure at alot of other rodeos around the world.





We also stopped at got a picture at house #5


The Panella's. Very nice people. Brother Panella just had surgery on his eyes thats why he had sunglasses on. When we were making plans to go to Hawaii they offered us their basement for us to stay in. Next time we're going to take them up on that offer!! Very nice people.


We made it to the BBQ. Oh man they know how to BBQ. Very good food. After we rosted marshmellows and had smores:) We had a blast. Top row: Jeson, Ikaika, Kapili,Ulana, Kapua, Chuck(the last three's dad)


Bottom row: Tiffany, Me and P Math;)








Friday we were planning to go to the beach with Hope and Robert and their family but it was a little rainy so kinda took our time getting over to Hau'ula to spend the day with them. On our way we stopped in Waipahu and took a picture of house #7


and stopped in Mililani to take a picture of house #1






We stopped at the Hukilau Cafe in Laie for some lunch. Yum.


We went to Laie Point it was a really pretty view. Windy but pretty!





Stopped to get a picture of house #7 in Laie. We then went to Hopes Auntie's house that was RIGHT on the beach she lives on the eighth floor so some days she sees whales and sharks and turtles. Paul spotted a turtle while we were there. It was an amazing view. I didnt get any pictures of us hanging out. Hopes Auntie made us a great dinner and we had a great time. We were also able to go to the distribution center to help Hope and Robert get their garments for their big day Saturday!


Saturday was a very special day. We were able to be at Robert and Hopes sealing. They had their 3 little kids sealed to them(one had passed away). It was awesome!!! I know Paul was beyond happy to be there for the special day and so was I. Paul and his companion Trevor reinactivated Hope and baptized Robert and got them civally married. They are very down to earth nice people!!Hope, Robert, Mana and SerenityAfter the temple we went and had the best Chinese food I've ever had with Hope and Roberts family. They wouldnt let us pay for our food. They're seriously the nicest people. Hopes grandma helped build the PCC and was able to get us and the Vantiendren's free passes. We just had to pay for our meal! How nice of them!!! The weather was awesome not too hot to be walking around but not cold. It was the perfect way spend our last full day in Hawaii.




























Sunday morning we woke up to some very very sad news. My grandpa passed away that morning. Never a phone call you want to get. We got ready and headed to church and I wasn't holding myself together very well so the people at the ward were probably wondering whats wrong with Elder Hogues wife? Before leaving our Hotel we got some pictures of the "Zilton" as my dad calls it. Not the Hilton but the Zilton:) We got a lot of funny memories from our stay at the Royal Grove. First thing when we got there I had to pee and I sat on the toilet and I really thought the toilet was going to come off the wall made the loudest noise so everytime after that I was really careful!! We laughed so hard I couldnt breathe. The hand made signs we're pretty sweet. The front desk worker was asleep a couple times we came back or left in the morning. The fridge just in the middle of the "kitchen". The 12" tv 15 ft from our bed. Seriously we got the best memories from staying there!! It was clean and that is all that matter to me!!




















We were very sad to leave I met the most amazing people. I've never met such GIVING people. I can't wait to go back!!!Leaving was bitter sweet So sad to leave but SO EXCITED TO SEE CONNLY. I couldnt wait to squeeze him and kiss his cheeks!!! McKel Thank You again for taking him for us for so many days!!! Love you!!












ALOHA OE HAWAII!!!






A HUI HO!