Farewell 2013!

What a year it has been.

When it started I was engaged, had 2 living grandparents, my dad was just my dad, and my word of the year was PATIENCE. 

I couldn't have picked a better year to exercise and understand my own patience. And in some ways learn how to be patient all together. When I returned home from Tonga right before the year started I knew 2 things, I was completely head over heels in love and I wanted to spend the rest of my life with this man. What I didn't know was when the next time id see him would be, when we would get married, where we would get married, or if I'd ever return to Tonga again.

My grandmother was sick and nearing the end of her life. I've never been more thankful for her than the last few months of her life when I got to know her the best. And what a blessing it was to be able to spend that time with her. I had some of our most tender and broken conversations I've ever remembered during that time. I got to see her, care for her, and learn to love her more and more in her last days. How thankful I am for that opportunity. When she passed away I was asked to sing at her funeral. I had no idea what to sing until someone found what she had written it down. The same song that was sung at grandpas funeral she wanted sung at hers. I got sick the week before her funeral so getting over a cold I bore the most pure and heartfelt testimony through song. The song she wanted. 

Shortly after grandma passed away Grandpa Tom got sick. My dads dad ended up in the hospital and eventually diagnosed with lung cancer. He had been living in a senior living facility but was mostly still mobile and independent. When this happened he became immobile and dependent on hospice. 

During this time was the most work for me trying to get my fiancé here for our WEDDING! This unfortunately caused me to not be able to visit grandpa much. Luckily during the last month or so of his life was Father's Day and his birthday and I got to see him on both occasions.

May 15 at almost 9 o'clock at night I get the email I'd been waiting over 5 months for. Nu'us visa had been APPROVED! When the excitement about the email was over I had to ask myself....wait, so what's next? I made a phone call and shortly after found out the rest of the process. The interview. That's it! That's all that was left. His interview was June 18, he passed. He arrived in the states on the evening of June 20. I entered the temple for the first time on June 22 and never ever felt the spirit more strong. I felt so blessed to be able to share that with him as well. It was absolutely amazing. So the next Wednesday, June 26, 2013 was my 21 birthday! What mattered to me that day was our engagement photo shoot, last minute things for the wedding, and my groom! We had lunch with the missionaries that day at BJ's. My favorite place of course! 

Dad called me when we were just getting dessert, he informed me solemnly that grandpa had just passed away. It was more unexpected than we suspected. I had no room for emotions until we left lunch and it really hit me what had happened. My last living grandparent was gone. Just 3 days before my wedding. On my 21st birthday. I didn't really know how to take it. But over the next few days I had little time to think about it. As there was a wedding coming and I was the bride! 

The wedding day came and I couldn't have pictured, dreamed, or demanded it to be any more PERFECT! I still, 6 months later, can't get over how perfect it was. From my groom to my wedding boots I couldn't have asked for anything to be more perfect. I loved absolutely every detail. Including not having my grandparents there physically. Why? Because I know for a fact they were all there, all 4 of my grandparents, in the temple with me, witnessing those sacred covenants made between my husband and I and The Lord. I really couldn't have asked for a better day. 

When the wedding was over we of course celebrated grandpas life by having a funeral where I sang again. One of my favorite songs ever. He hears me. It's still kinda weird that grandpas gone but we find humor in remembering him every time the family gets together. He was a character, that's for sure. 

Honeymooning in Hawaii was the best place to be. And as much as I know and love about Hawaii it was so refreshing and fun to explore a new island with my husband before meteor up with family! We were there for 3 weeks and spent most of the time with family in Maui. Priceless memories and the best of years in Hawaii this year! 

When the honeymoon/family vacay was over we thought we'd be returning to "real life". But over the next 6 months ish it's been far from "real life". I wish it hasn't. We moved in to a new house. Bought 2 new cars. Nu'u enrolled in chef school at Le Courdon Bleu to start in September. 

Nu'u found out by enrolling into Le Courdon Bleu that his diploma was not equivalent to that of an American diploma. So he's spent the last 4 months getting his GED. Which is harder than 4 years of college. By far. Especially after being out of school for 5 years. On the 28 of December he FINALLY passed his final test and finished it! He has his GED! 

In November my dad was called as bishop and I can already feel the tremendous blessings from all the prayers of support for him and his family. I told my dad when he got called "dang dad getting called as bishop right before tithing settlement is like being hired to coach the Super Bowl game!" Hahaha! But he has loved the fact that he got called for that because it's given him the opportunity to get to know all the families in his ward right away a little bit. He loves it!

So recap on the year...

I lost my last 2 living grandparents, got endowed and sealed in the temple to my best friend, dad got called as bishop and Nu'u got his GED. 

Our very vague plans for the new year?

SCHOOL! And not chef school :) 

I'm very excited to see what this new year has in store for us!