Job Miracle

Haans has been looking for a job since we moved here in August and finally at the end of October, through a fellow student in his program he was able to start a temp job on campus. We felt very blessed because it would help bring in at least a small amount of income for our family. Due to some paper mess ups and just timing of when he was hired, he didn't get paid for 6 weeks, so things got a little tight for us. On top of that we found out that they weren't going to need his temp position as of December 14th, which is also when campus closes for Christmas break. He was being let go, a whole month earlier than they originally told him. (Insert more stress and tears from me!)

He had interviewed for a full time position on campus, but sadly didn't get it. He was able to land another interview for a different full time position on campus and interviewed with them on December 5th. He called me after the morning interview and said he felt it went better than the last one. Later that afternoon, unlike "Hawaiian time" they offered him the job! When he called me, I happened to be in the grocery store trying hard not to spend too much of our last $200 (remember he hadn't gotten paid in 6 weeks) and upon telling me the GREAT news, I burst into tears! The Lord truly blessed us in our time of need, like He has always promised those that are righteous and keep His commandments. I couldn't help but cry at such news! (I know, nice place to run into a crying women)! I was so excited to share the great news with Curly since she had been praying for weeks too, for daddy to find a job. I loved sharing my testimony of how the Lord does answer our prayers. 

Haans did finally get paid on December 6th for his temp work, so we were able to pay rent! He started his new job on the 10th and worked one week before campus closed down for Christmas break. Haans' new job is the manager over Commuter services and is salary. Because of that, and because they graciously hired him so quickly, he was able to get 2 weeks of PAID vacation since campus is closed for the holidays. Not only was that amazing news, but we later found out that because he is a full-time campus employee, they will pay for most of his tuition. Our cup "runneth over!" 

My testimony of tithing was truly strengthened. In Malachi it says, "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it!" I have seen this promise fulfilled! 

With Haans' time off, we have been enjoying seeing more of him and exploring the island with him, since he is a very busy daddy during the semester!

We went to the blowhole....not too impressive! But beautiful view!

 Can you tell it was super windy!

 This is Curly's new facial expression when I bring out the camera! Classic!

 Explored a new beach near Waimanalo. Great sand, but has a shore break, so probably not too kid friendly.

 We took Haans to the Waikiki Aquarium

 We have been seeing a lot of these, since it is Hawaii's rainy season!

 Went up to the North Shore to visit the temple on Dec 21st. We figured IF the world was really going to end, at least we'd be in a GREAT place!! Oh wait, the world didn't end like the Mayan's calendar said it would??? :-)

 Waiting for daddy! Do you see him coming out?

 Went window shopping! The girls refuse to both look and smile at the same time, I have learned to accept this! Now daddy just needs to learn it too! :-)

 Window shopping at Costco!

 Watching movies with daddy is always fun! By the way, Curly told me her bowl was like Aladdin's hat, and Lou Who is a great copy cat!

 Of course watching whatever football we can over the internet is a must!

 Hanging out at our favorite beach!

 Helping daddy fix the bookshelf! The girls REALLY wanted to understand about hammer technique!

And enjoying some quiet time! Which is Mommy's favorite time!

The Lord has truly blessed us and I am grateful to add my testimony to many others that He truly loves us and is involved in the "details of our lives!" He does want us to grow and stretch and it is through faith this is accomplished. I also know that many of our prayers are answered through other people as my last post mentioned! I am trying hard to listen to the Spirit and be the answer to someone else's pleas!

This is the Season....

We started off December with our ward Christmas party and had a great time. Here is Lou Who trying out the the chocolate that was suppose to be part of the centerpieces!

 This is the North Pole where they got to meet Santa! Curly was especially excited to meet him

 Oh wait.... who is that jolly man that is not impressing Curly and is making Lou Who scream hysterically??? Poor Curly was a bit disappointed to learn it was daddy. We had to do some serious explaining about why daddy was acting like Santa - it's because Santa has helpers! I was still sad she figured it out so quickly and was disappointed, but she got over it and understands that the REAL Santa comes later.

 It was still pretty cute to see Haans play such a fun character and he got a lot of compliments later, on how great he was. I have some better pictures I'll have to scan in that were given to me today! When he first got asked to play Santa, he got off the phone and gloomy said, "But I'm only 32!" To which I replied, "It's cause Santa is JOLLY old St Nicolas, and you are really jolly!" And it is so true!

We have had a lot of miracles happen this month, mainly monetary miracles and we have had some wonderfully kind help that made us be able to make it through the month AND to also have a festive and merry Christmas! We had planned on not getting a Christmas tree and sadly I was really disappointed about this idea because I LOVE Christmas trees. They make me so happy to see them all lit up in my home and the smell of pine brings such joy, I guess cause it only happens once a year. I know Christmas tress and presents aren't the real reason for Christmas and I am always grateful for the reminders of why we truly celebrate Christmas, but not having anything festive is kind of depressing. So thank you to all that have helped us financially this month! You truly have been answers to prayers.

 So we did get a Christmas tree and although we didn't get to cut it down like I am use to (yeah I don't think Hawaii has any Christmas tree farms, imagine that) we still had a lot of fun picking one!

 We got a small one for our small living space and it was just perfect! Curly loved decorating it with me and was such a good helper. 

 We also got another small miracle in the mail weeks before Christmas! Since we moved to Hawaii and didn't bring anything to decorate for the holidays, we were really excited to open this early present from my parents!

 The miracle here is that I had wanted a children's nativity set so the girls and I could talk more about the true meaning of Christmas, especially since Curly is older and understands a lot more. Thank you mom and dad for knowing I wanted one before I even told you! It has been well played with and leads to lots of great discussion! (and some fights!) :-)

 Here is Lou Who making off with the Angel!

 Curly even got up early the next day, just to play with it! She didn't even come to say hi to me like she usually does (can you see it's still dark outside), she went straight to playing!

 And here is our beautiful Christmas tree that still makes me smile! Even as I sit here tonight and smell it's beautiful aroma! Yeah I think we will keep it as long as possible! Not only because I LOVE Christmas tress, but because it reminds me of the help we received from people who were in tune with the Spirit and were answers to our prayers!

Daddy's little helper

I needed Haans to put child proof locks on some cabinets. The swim goggles were to help keep the saw dust out of his eyes! Hey we are creative, frugal college students!

So Lou Who decided to come help since the locks were for her after all.