The House of the Lord, Holiness to the Lord.

"I love to see the temple. I'm going there someday"

-Children's Songbook, #95

Today I went inside the Laie, HI temple.

Because I have not yet received my endowments, I have not been inside the temple aside from the times I have gone to perform Baptisms for the Dead. However, before the temple is re-dedicated, an open house is held inviting the general public to tour the temple. This is a very special and exciting opportunity. I was full of butterflies and jitters at the thought of catching a glimpse of what I will one day in the future be able to experience in its full sacredness.

Walking into the temple, I could immediately feel that this building was very special. The spirit filled my heart and I knew it was true.

My favorite rooms were the Celestial room and the Sealing room.

Walking into the Celestial room my breath was literally taken away. I was at awe at the beauty and brightness of the room that I did not want to move. It was so pure, and white. Light flooded the room from the windows. Words cannot describe the emotions I felt standing in that room. I don't think I have ever been in a more marvelous place.

The next room was the Sealing room. Similar to the Celestial room but with a different purpose. In the Sealing room a man and a woman or a family are sealed to each other for eternity. When I went in I could not help but feel such a love for my Savior for the opportunity to be eternally sealed to my family. I am so grateful for the atonement, for the chance to repent of my sins, for the chance to be with my family even after death.

I know the Gospel is true. I know Joseph Smith was a true prophet who received revelation and restored the church. I know my Heavenly Father lives and loves me. I know He hears my prayers and is there for my every need. I know my Savior loves me and gave His life for me. I know that President Monson is the true and living prophet and receives revelation from the Lord. I believe the words of the scriptures speak the truth and know that the Book of Mormon is another testament of Christ. I am so glad I am a member of this church!

It looks like you have found your phone.

this site is genius!

for all those memory-challenged, phone-losing people, you are saved!

if only i had found out about it earlier...

via

I'll catch the moon.

how clever are these photos.

my favorite thing about hawaii is how close the moon feels.

if i stand up on my tippy toes and reach really high i can almost touch it.

it's so very bright at times.

i can't help but stare and wonder how it is i am not going blind.

i could spend all night watching it.

dear moon.

i love you.

[via Marvelous Kiddo]

I like that about myself.

i may have watched this once or twice.

ok. maybe more than three times.

fine. i watched it a lot of times.

judge me if you will.

but it put quite the little giggle in my heart.

Interwined

Lately, I've been feeling somewhat deprived of the human touch.
This being far from anything romantic.
I miss my cuddle buddies and friends who didn't mind a little snuggling and spooning.
Sometimes you just need to hug or hold a hand.
Like right now.
Juan Mann. Someone on an a little island in the pacific could use you.

The Secret.

i have found that i often like to know

everything about everyone.

this knowledge being beyond gossip or rumors.

beyond basic or common knowledge.

but the inner being.

their essence.

who are they, really.

what are their hopes and dreams.

what were they like as children.

what do they love. loathe.

what do they believe in.

why are they the way they are.

when i can't know this,

or figure it out.

it bothers me.

almost to the point of obsession.

why is it that one would hide away from the world, so.

what is it that keeps one from revealing the truth.

i most likely inherited this curiosity from my father.

with everyone he meets, without fail,

the questions come out.

"what's your name"

"where are you from"

"what do you do"

"do you have children"

"do you live around here"

if i were a stranger,

i might find him a bit creepy.

i am sure many do.

but with his goofy smile,

i don't think i'd really mind.

i would consider myself a pretty open person.

it would be pretty hypocritical of me not to be.

but i have no secrets to hide.

or do i?

my sister once told me i had a strong personality.

i have yet to understand what she really meant by that.

but, like previously stated, i like to think myself as an open person.

maybe this comes as a shock to people from such a private society.

i will tell you my life story.

though, there will not be much to tell.

but if that is what it take for you to trust me

and tell me your secrets.

go ahead.

read me.

i am an open book.

the world is mine.

and i am the world's.

{photo by Justin Blanton}

Speak to me.

Dear Bike Thief.

as i lay in bed unable to fall asleep
i considered sneaking out
and going for a well-past-midnight bike ride.
but then i remembered.
you stole my bike.
you suck.

Dear Diary.

i want to love so much it hurts.

i want to feel pain and know that i am alive.

i want to scream my secrets at the top of a mountain.

i want to be known, understood.

i want to know, understand.

i want to run and never stop.

i want to dance and flow until eternity.

i want to fly and see all there is to see.

i want to explore, be on a constant adventure.

i want to laugh to the point i'm crying.

i want to be engulfed by all cultures.

i want to be amongst the stars and planets.

i want to wish.

hope.

dream.

do.

i want. i want. i want.

i want to live.

Baby Fever.

No, not Justin Bieber.

Actual babies.

It has been happening ALL summer.

They are EVERYWHERE.

babies.babies.babies.

On T.V. At the park. At parties. At the store. Still in the belly.

Even in my daily blogs.

Never in my life have I noticed just how many babies are really out there.

Let me tell you. A LOT.

And every time I see one. Hold one. Touch one. Smell one.

I get a little tug on my heart strings.

And something inside me really wants one. All to my own.

To cuddle. And smooch.

To watch and play with.

It is all very ridiculous.

But it is ohsovery true.

I cannot wait to be a mother.

But at the same time I can.

But at the same time I am very excited

for when it will one day be my turn.

Seester.

Please. Hurry up and get married.

So i can have sweet little nieces and nephews

to shnuggle and eat.

This post is ending now.

It is getting way too hormonal.

Frankenstein

Difficult run.

Only one of the top breathtaking parks on my list.

And now, also, the scene of an epic life adventure.

On Thursday i went running on the lovely trails with two deardear friends.

Afterwards we decided to take a dip in the river to cool off.

The water was perfect. The view magnificent.

We began climbing over to one of the waterfalls.

When.

I took a slip.

And had the luck of landing on a broken beer bottle.

And getting this.

What a beautiful gash.

Being stuck in the middle of the river we had to think fast on what to do.

Joan was kind enough to offer her sports bra in order to make a tourniquet.

We then proceded to clamber back up the rock to the trails

rush back to the cars

stop by a fire station to get the wound packed

and finally make it to an ER to get me stiched up

Now, it looks like this.

I've decided that stitches are one of life's biggest nuissance if youre ever lucky enough to get any.

No pool.

Awkward showering.

Awkward running.

Awkward biking.

Basically. I can't wait to get them removed.

Come Thou Fount.

I celebrated a beautiful Sunday by riding my bike to church.

I was blessed with peaceful trails

allowing me to reflect, meditate, and enjoy some Afterglow.

I have been watching this over and over.

I cannot help but feel such a love for my Savior

when I look at these photos.

I feel so blessed to have had someone love me so much,

He gave His life for me.

I know that my Heavenly Father loves me.

I am so grateful for the atonement and opportunity to live with Him once again.

I love Sundays.

Goodbye Hello.

today was not a best day.

i'm glad it's over.

good night moon.

good bye bad day.

will you be mine?

i think i am in love.

everyone told me i needed one

and should get one.

i thought so too.

so after tireless hours searching

i think i found

the one.

yes, bent basket.

i'm talking about you.

how i can picture us on lovely summer afternoons.

riding to the market and the park

you are so useful and would make my life way easier.

i believe we were meant to be.

i want you. i need you.

oh baby. oh baby.

{we'll pretend those are bottles of rootbeer}

BOOMBOOMBOOM.

i LOVE fireworks!
just sayin'.

Capitol Hill Fairytale

once upon a time, i interned for mccain.

one day, we took a prettypretty picture.

he got all dolled up for me.

a year later it's finally come in the mail.

wahoo!

happily ever after? i believe so.

GOOOAAAL.

we screamed.

we yelled.

we pulled our hairs.

and in those last four minutes,

our wishes came true.

i believe in miracles.

world cup. you make me a madwoman.

SUMMER

today is the first day of summer!

although not number one on my list,

i LOVE summer!

i celebrated by hanging out with two of my favorite little people, A&J.

we packed a yummy picnic of sandwiches, gummies, and fruits.

and then headed over to frying pan park.

we visited

horses, cows, pigs, goats, bunnies

chickens, ducks, peacocks, turkeys.

J was in love with the tractors

so we spent some time studying and climbing them.

we then ate our delicious lunch

headed over to the farm playground

spending a good chunk of time running across bridges.

after some time playing we visited the county store

and bought some hard candy. yum.

overall it was a wonderful beginning to the summer.

thoughts for the day:

i love berries. reaaallly love them.

i should invest in a camera. it would come in handy.

J said something really chistoso today... i can't remember it.

boo bad memory.

{photo by Peter Granser}

And Push.

World Cup. i love you.

you bring a unique excitement to my life

that no other sport can quite fulfill.

thank you for existing.

and inspiring wonderful songs.

that make me get up and dance

like a crazy person.

The Mind of an Elephant

i have come to the conclusion that

i have serious attachment issues.

i have many theories as to why this is.

some which i'd rather not share.

rather, keep in my head.

but. they are some that make sense.

i have also come to the realization that

i have many other issues.

also. which i'd like to keep to myself.

but. need to get out in the open.

in order to fully accept them as real.

it is funny.

coming to the realization

of something that has been part,

if not had major influence,

on a large chunk of my life.

oh, metacognition.

how you keep me entertained.

{photo by mamaserene}

Shooku Boom ba Boom.

i would go here.

just to dance.

intense.

Inspired by Iceland Video from Inspired By Iceland on Vimeo.

great.great.great.

I love you, Mr. Wind.

<3.

Trend discovery.

I cannot wait til I have kids.
Today I played with two sweetsweet little children.
We had oh somuch fun! Era tan divertido!

We:
Blew bubbles
and wished on the ones that flew highhigh into the sky.
Learned how to grass whistle.
Painted our nails.
Played at the park.
Flew high.high.high. like the birds in the sky.
Had a forest adventure.
Took turns sipping from a MahaloMango smoothie.
Ate dinner on the patio.
Played Little Girl and Boy kitty
and ate Little Girl and Boy kitty food.
{also known as salad…}
Watched the ending of swan princess
and ate pop.pop.pop.popcorn.
Enjoyed the summer afternoon.

Thanks for a fab day A&J. You are GREAT!

Highlights of the day:
EXERCISE HELPS OUR BIRTHDAY COME CLOSER!
YOUR FACE LOOKS JUST LIKE HERS!

lovelove.

little letters

dear beautiful day,
you are so nice. i enjoyed soaking you in on breanna's hammock.

dear sun,

thank you for staying out to play late into summer afternoons. you let me accomplish so much more like bike rides and park dates.

dear legs,
thank you for being willing to carry my ohso out of shape body on a run. i'll thank you by going on another one tomorrow. and if we can maybe skip the soreness that would be great. but if we don't, i won't mind... too much.

dear berries,
you are so yummy. you leave stains on my fingers and lips that make me smile cause i know it's summer.

dear little kids,
thank you for being so sweet and innocent. and especially for having smiles that melt my heart.

dear j&j,
thank you for being young enough for me to read you bed time stories. i thoroughly enjoyed "horton hears a who" and making up silly voices for each character.

dear popsicles,
you are soso delicious and refreshing. and maybe even somewhat healthy?

dear bike,
thank you for being so trusty and getting me to and from work and taking me on wonderful adventures.

dear floor,
you have become more comfortable than my bed. i have a feeling our relationship is not normal. but i won't tell if you don't.

Folk Fest!

deciding where to go.

irish folk stories.

soul music. reverb. so good.

oh. hey there!

the banjo workshop.

we are cute.

surprise!

The Festival Fever.

These past few days have been filled with wonderful festivals galore!

I lovelove the Herndon Festival it is one of my favorite {if not the favorite} event of the summer.

Seriously. It is better than Christmas.

It is full of fun. and rides. and people. and music. and good smells. and arts and crafts.

It is WONDERFUL.

I have not the words to express my love for this annual event.

On....

Thursday: HERNDON FESTIVAL. DAY 1.

-We went on rides. Or should I say ride. Street fighter to be

specific. I may or may not have been yelling bloody murder

the whole ride or had a death grip on Angela and Joan the whole

time and may have cut off some circulation...

-We listened to mighty fun country music. Which led to some

crazy dancing. In which Joan may or may not have knocked

someone's beer over. whoops. But the crazy dancing continued.

- Made a new friend while crazy dancing. Who later invited us

to the Washington Folk Festival. More festivals???

-FIREWORKS! FIREWORKS! FIREWORKS!

Friday: HERNDON FESTIVAL. DAY 3.

-MUSICMUSICMUSIC.

Watched an Eagle's cover band.

Which was REALLY good.

And played a MIGHTYFABULOUS rendition of Hotel California

-Some more crazy dancing.

Which was later continued at Sancho's house after being inspired

by the SUPERSNAZZY moves in FOOTLOOSE.

Saturday: FOLK FESTIVAL.

-Lucy got called in to work early so missed out on the last day of the Herndon Festival.

This made her really sad since Saturday day is her favorite part of the festival...

-BUT...

-Later went to the Washington Folk Festival.

Where she got to experience some

Old Irish folk stories.

Deep Soul Music.

Banjo extravaganza.

Overall these past few day have been absolutely FABULOUS!

Pictures to come?

Check.

So. That bike ride to D.C.

I can officially say that i did it.

Well. Kind of.

Originally I was set on doing the whole thing.

I had invited some friends along for the ride.

And i think they were eager.

However. at the mention of rain.

{by the unrealiable weather.com}

They shied away.

However. They agreed to go for a bike ride around town.

What was set to be maybe an hour bike ride.

continued.

and continued.

until before we knew it.

we were in arlington!

However we decided to pause and visit a friend.

where we rested our jelly legs.

while i reallyREALLYREALLY wanted to finish it through

we decided it might be best to drive in.

so off to D.C. we went.

we attempted {and failed} to fly a kite.

played lots of frisbee.

looked at future homes for Lucy.

watched the police stop quite a few cars.

other than the one that almost crashed into us.

and overall had a lovely time.

funfunfun.

cannot wait til the next adventure to D.C.!

also. while playing frisbee we spotted a young couple on their knees

searching for a lost item.

thay had been at this for a while and seem to have no luck.

so, i went over to inquire if my help could be used.

the woman had lost a pendant given to her by her sister.

they were near ready to give up.

moments later the pendant was found!

while i cannot take credit for finding the lost item

could it be that i am lucky?

i like to think so.

:).

i love you but.

this site made me haha real hard.

some faves:

go round and round.

have i mentioned before how much i love my bike?
i do.
i lovelove my bike so much.
sadly my plans to bike to church today were postponed til next week.
instead we were blessed with some lovely rain showers.


some bike loving:



i want this t-shirt....

and this one.

i want to live here.

What Kind.

today I rode my bike to the grocery store.

today is a lovely day.

todaytodaytoday.

summer goal #467: ride bike. almost everywhere.

i love b&w photos.

here are some my sister shot.

lava monster.

only the greatest game ever invented.
we would play this as kids during recess.
so much fun.
but now that we are... what is the term?
oh. that is right. grown up.
{psshh}
we play it. on a more intense level.
we play. in the dark.

tonight after failing at focusing on monopoly
and itching for something to do
we headed over to an old elementary school playground
and begun our epic game.

the rules are simple.
the lava monster {also refered to as "it"}
begins by being able to touch the ground
and anything blue and yellow.
everyone else
scrambles around.
obviously avoiding the monster
{or monsters, as was played today}
once someone is caught,
and mutated into a fellow monster,
the lava monsters are restricted
to the ground and anything yellow.
this makes out for lots of
climbing, splits, and acrobatic tricks.
also. if a non-monster is caught
touching the ground
a simple yell of "lava monster"
can also turn them into a fellow lava creature.

oh. how fun.
oh. how scary.
when you do not know what is lurking
in the shadows
or beneath you.

i gave maggie quite a fright.
enough to scream bloody murder.

but oh the thrill
our simple childhood games
still give us.

so.sweet.

a shot in the dark from Nathan Pickett on Vimeo.

The Fast-Food Cheeseburger.

Ever since i was i was little,

i've had this inexplicable fear

of fast-food burgers.

Bad experience as a child?

i don't remember.

Wendy's. MsDonalds. Burger King.

i just couldnt do it.

the thought. the look.

it all repulsed me.

However.

after following this blog for some time

and reading of all their adventures.

eating burgers. from McDonalds.

i'm taking a chance.

After a year of caf food,

could it really be that bad?

i think not.

i hope not.

Wish me Luck!

Follow up:

so.

it was not the experience i hoped for.

i tried.

really. i did.

but half way through.

i just couldn't do it.

maybe it's the fact that the pattie was paper-thin.

maybe it's the fact that it's fastfood

and has gone through who knows what.

maybe i've convinced myself sick of them.

maybe it really was gross. and i wasn't hallucinating.

maybe another 15 years will do the trick?

highly unlikely.

but maybe.

but who knows.

The young politician.

Currently reading: All's Fair: Love, War, and Running for President.

Mary Mataline is my hero.

James Carville is too.

They give me hope that I will one day succeed in my chosen major.

also.

I love their oh so very cute love story.

Last night, we spent hours helping my leetle brother, Ben, write a speech and draw and color campaign posters. You see he's running for school President. Our strategy had to be aggressive, full force. You see, when you have a bunch of 6-11 y.o. I don't think they much care for politics. That being, our posters had to pull their little kid curiosity in.

Cool Posters= Cool Candidate= More Votes= He wins.

Makes sense right?

Anyways. I must say, the posters turned out pretty fabulous. Mine was Bob Marley/ Hawaiian themes. "Do the Shaka" and everything. Emily's was Napolean Dynamite's "Vote for Pedro" themed. It was quite HIlarious. I must say we make quite the clever pair of sister's. Potential future campaign managers? Yesss. I don't think Emily would go for it though...

I'm so proud of you, Ben. GOOD LUCK!

Dance away with me.

can i be just like her when i am pregnant?

{Duet from Robin Cantrell on Vimeo.}

please?

Let's fly!

how fun!

i want one of these in my backyard.

reword that.

i WILL have one in my backyard.

i would jumpjumpjump all day long.

The Hunt.

I hate job hunting.
and job search engines.
they never work.

Never too late.

Running.

I have always loved it.

It used to be natural.

It was what I did for fun, for pleasure.

It was what I did to escape the world, and its troubles.

It was what I did to reflect and immerse myself in my thoughts.

My runs were one, if not, my favorite part of my day.

Sometimes it was with buddies.

Sometimes it was just me and the trail.

However.

College happened.

And Lucy lost her discipline.

Soon she was not running. At all.

This was a very sad time in Lucy's life.

She missed it. And would sometimes hit the gym.

But she missed her trails,

and was losing the confidence and the bond she once had with running.

Almost a 3/4 of a year later,

She is severely out of shape

and carrying some extra baggage

However.

This is changing.

I am back at home.

And back on the trails.

I don't want to blame it on the lack of trails in Hawaii

because there were some fabulous trails that we would hike and bike.

But East Coast trails are special.

Especially the W&OD and Sugarland trails.

They are my favorite.

Point is,

I am running.

I am happy.

HOMEBOUND!

IT'S FINALLY HERE!

I GO HOME!
TODAY!
ALOHA'OE HAWAII! UNTIL THE FALL!

Aloha Oe.

OK.

so maybe the end of a school year in Hawaii deserves more than three words.

maybe.

5 days. 3 hours of sleep. and 4 [i'm ashamed to say] energy drinks later.

{actually that is a lie. last night was my first night of sleep this past week. it was heavenly.}

i finished the last of my finals for my freshman year.

i finished my first year of college.

I DID IT.

wow. it is still sinking in. but it will. sooner or later.

here's to a year of:

living on an island

mornings being woken up by roosters

days starting at 4 in the a.m.

creeping in the hales

spelunking at the secret jungle

{almost} weekly walks to the temple

living AC-less

hiking and beach trips

midnight trips to chevron

sleeping with the ants

2 hour long bus rides to town

being mocked by geckos

sunday dinners at sam's

bipolar weather

rooftop star gazings

cafeteria food

late night runs to foodland for icecream

prank war's

As much as I complained and whined, I will dearly miss this place and, most of all, my deardear friends.

It was a GREAT RIDE!

Aloha Oe Hawaii. Until we meet again.

LET THE SUMMER BEGIN!

HALLELUJAH!

i am DONE!

FINALS.

Not only are they the end of the semester,

but maybe my life too?

i feel like this fish.

Lady Gaga has nothing on her.

oh CHER.
deardear CHER.
my sister and i used to rock out to her songs practically every day.
we had dance moves and everything.
we were just that COOL of kids.

These were our FAVES:

brilliant.

Meet Pantouf.

he's my new {future} friend.

i'm so excited for all the grand adventures we'll have.

playing at the park, eating ice cream, reading the news paper, cuddling.

to mention a few.

5 hours and nothing done...

Procrastination.
you are a mean and vile thing. that you are.
so sneaky and disguised.
you always seem like an ok idea.
until times like now,
where i have two weeks to get everything done.
and still after sitting in front of a computer
for hours upon hours
i have succeeded in completing absolutely nothing.
i loathe.loathe.loathe you.
please go away and never come back.

truth be told.

We LOVE each other.

yumyumyum.

we kind of love otter pops.

and may have eaten a gazillion of them.

{note our colorful tongues}

Beautiful lessons.

Today's lessons at church were beautiful. I woke up not feeling the best and was ready to stay home. I'm so happy I didn't. The lessons I am able to take away from the talks and teachings are truly wonderful. It amazes me the countless time I have found these directly pertaining to me, individually. I'm so excited for next week's General Conference

{photo by KallyRae}

My darling sister Emily sent me this video today.

I'm so very glad she did.

Happy Sunday!

Sunset at Sunset.

As my days dwindle here in Hawaii, I'm taking in as much as I can.

{22 days. and counting.}

Favorite things about Hawaii:

#14- Prince Kuhio Day.

A purely Hawaiian holiday that the rest of the U.S. doesn't have the fortunate opportunity to celebrate and, seeing as I currently live here, I do. In other words...

NO SCHOOL.

{happyhappyhappy}

#27- Sunset at Sunset. {beach that is}.

on our lovely day off, we decided to take a grand adventure down to sunset beach to catch the sunset. while everyone else took The Bus down, i began this little expedition with a 10 mi bike ride. now, while 10 mi is little to nothing biking, it's quite exhilarating when the whole ride is on a highway. once reaching sunset, i found darling kailey, sam, angela, and kailey's BFF from home, shelby. kallyrae, caralee, and ashley were yet to be found... {they had a little bus scheduling mix up...}.

thinking that the waves would be just a touch too rough to swim in, i left the bathing suit and was in just shorts and a t-shirt. however, sam and angela didn't care and threw me into the water.secret be told... i'm glad they did. :). soon the rest of the posse joined us and weplayplayedand splashedsplashed and took underwater picture that will later be posted as soon as i get my hands on them. after all our splishingandsplashing , we ran to ted's {a must if you're ever in hawaii} to pick up a pie {chocolate haupia... yum!} and then ran back just in time for the sunset. it was beautiful. i lack the words to describe such magnificence. so i will post pictures. even when they themselves cannot wholly captivate such a breath taking scene.

i am so grateful i live in hawaii and often forget what a wonderful pace i live in. thankfully, i have these little experiences for constant reminders. as much as i bash you my dear little island, i do, oh so very much, love you.

also. remember how i rode my bike down? yea. riding on the highway. at night. when there are no street lights for the first seven miles. not one of my most brilliant ideas. but still super fun.

{peek-a-boo sun}

{6:48:21}

{6:49:42}

{6:50:10}

{goodnight mr. sun}

More pictures to come!