A month?

I just realized it's been exactly a month since I last posted anything.  Well, a lot has happened in a month.  Ryan periodically has talked about wanting to go to college for a Bachelor's degree.  I've always told him that I would support him and the dream began to evolve.  Many of you know that we've been toying with the idea to move to Hawaii for about a year now, but nothing has seemed to pan out.  

Finally, we've gotten involved with a program through BYU-Hawaii called LDS Philanthropies where we (acting as mentor and financer of sorts) help students from struggling countries be able to return to their homeland and establish a successful business that makes their community stronger.  This has been very positive so far and through Ryan's associations with BYU-Hawaii he decided to apply to their undergrad program and see what happened.  He quietly went about getting his ecclesiastical endorsements, sending in transcripts, and essays.  On Monday, May 11, after FHE and kids were in bed, Ryan submitted his fees and received confirmation the next day that BYU had received everything.  Now it was time to sit back and wait- 4 to 6 weeks for an answer!

On Wednesday the 13th Ryan and I were chatting and I asked him how long we had to wait- that's when I found out it was 4-6 weeks.  This was hard for me b/c Ryan had asked me not to say anything to ANYONE!  (Including my family.)  This was going to be a rough few weeks for me.  Well, after our conversation Ryan felt like he ought to look on-line to see if there was any type of update.  When he did he read, "Congratulations!  You've been accepted to BYU-Hawaii for the winter 2010 semester!"  HOLY CRAP!  It's been less than 48 hours at this point- and we are moving to Hawaii!!!  

So CONGRATULATIONS Ryan for your acceptance into the International Business undergrad program which begins in January of 2010.  This is a 4 year program and Ryan is starting from square one.  We began telling friends and family, but I realize that it's still new and not all may know about it- or even know the story behind it which is why I wanted to blog about it!

Our house has already been on the market for two weeks.  We've found that it is cheaper to buy a house than the rent.  So that is the direction we're taking.  We have been busy keeping the house spotless (with 3 little ones it's a challenge.)  But we've found that it is possible!  And it's been nice b/c we're finally doing all of the little projects and cleaning out things that have needed it for so long.  We are beginning to "simplify [our] lives."  As our Stake President recently spoke to us about doing.  And next week we're having a garage sale!  Lots of exciting things happening!  

We don't exactly know where we're going to live yet.  We're hoping to get our house under contract and then Ryan and I can take a trip to Oahu to find a house.  BYU-H is in Laie which is also where the temple and the Polynesian Cultural Center are located.  We are hoping to find something in that general vicinity.  If you're out that way- look us up!

We're moving where?  Hawaii?  Sweet.