Kavika's Baby Blessing

I'm starting to catch up. June was a busy month for us. Sara and Kevin and kids were visiting from Hawaii and we had non-stop fun with them. Unfortunately I didn't get many pictures of all our fun. I've been really slacking with the camera this year.

We'll start with pictures of Kavika's baby blessing:

Never Give Up

I got this email from my mom the other day. I love her so much, she is so sweet and such a good example of never giving up. The email had a link to the video below and then she shared her own version of the video's story - I've added that under the video.

I really enjoyed this video's message of never giving up. Believe me, I know what it's like to have hope in the face of despair. I hope you enjoy it.



Now my mom's version:

"He could be telling a story about me and Russ. We had the same thing happen to us years ago only we had four children and were in Texas. The first time the radiator actually blew the cap off and sprayed boiling water all over Russ’s face. A farmer came along and towed us to a gas station and we bought a bag of ice and he kept the ice on his face until the mechanic fixed the hose and we got instructions to go to the hospital. They drugged him good and put salve on his face and a male nurse called and cancelled our reservation 100 miles down the road and got us a new one and drove in front of me to it so I wouldn’t get lost. We did have to replace the radiator after replacing the fan, fan belt, flushing it twice. And I know we were blessed because the mechanic was so patient with us when he saw us again and we replaced the radiator and made it to Mexico. Allison spent her 3rd birthday in a Holiday Inn in Amarillo, Texas with a hostess cupcake and a candle. Then at the end of our circle trip from Illinois to Mexico to Utah where our alternator went out and was replaced, we headed for Minnesota to find a house and the new alternator went out again, then back to Illinois. We moved from Illinois to Minnesota. We prayed and prayed our way on that trip and the Lord blessed us the whole way!"


The Lord does watch over us all, and he has a plan for each one of us.

Sheliah's Graduations

Our niece, Sheliah, graduated in May from Provo High School and Seminary. Can you believe we have a niece old enough to graduate high school? I feel old. But we are SO proud of her and her accomplishments.

Sheliah's season of graduation celebrations began with her Seminary Graduation. She graduated with all four years and we are super proud of her for that. She got to speak at graduation and it was nice to hear her testimony. It was a nice ceremony, the graduates sang two songs and they were beautiful. Here are a couple pictures from that graduation - afterward, of course.

Then she had her high school graduation. It was a nice ceremony too, except that it started at 7:00 PM and some of the speakers took too long. It was dark when we got out to take photos so they aren't the best, but here are some photos of her all weighed down by a million leis. She's so cute!

Then her parents threw her a huge party and all the Saluone family were in attendance. It was a great party with lots of entertainment. Don't worry, I've got all the video clips posted below!!!

 

  

We're SO proud of you, Sheliah! We hope you have fun in your future endeavours and wish you good luck starting college in the fall at UVU.

Five Years, Baby!

To my wonderful husband:

Six years ago we met while helping a friend move. I remember that day, I didn't feel particularly cute and I'm pretty sure I was sweating from all the moving. But I do remember thinking it was really sweet of you to help us when you had just gotten home from your mission.

Little did I know that about a week later you would call me to ask me out on a date. I was really excited to go out with you.

I remember opening the door and seeing you standing there in a yellow button down shirt and jeans, with your hair all curly. You looked SO hot! I remember thinking how lucky I was to be seen with you.

We went to the Pizza Factory for dinner - that was back when the food was good. We talked about our families, our likes and dislikes. Although I was trying very carefully to eat like a lady, I think I spilled a little sauce on my shirt. I was embarrased, but you put me at ease.

After dinner we went to the Nickelcade and played games. You won most of them, although I did kick your butt at air hockey. You were such a gentleman.

We continued to date and things just kept getting better. I remember our first kiss, and the butterflies it gave me. I remember how I would smile at the thought of you. Other people noticed how happy I was.

This was real love.

We began talking about marriage and it seemed so right. I prayed about marrying you and knew it was right.

We were married exactly one year from our first date. I was so nervous that day - not about marrying you, but about all the wedding things working out as planned. It didn't help that I forgot to bring the music to the church and you and your brother had to leave to go get it.

The ceremony was wonderful, I couldn't stop smiling and even got a little teary eyed. I was so happy.

We went on our honeymoon and that was fun. Just you and me in the car (most of the time), and in the cabin, and starting our life together.

We bought a house and you worked in your family's restaurant. Those days seem so far away sometimes.

Three years after our marriage we covenanted to be together for eternity. That day has been the most special day of my life so far. I will love spending eternity with you.

Now it's been five years and you have been the best husband. More than I could have imagined.

I admire so much your ability to recognize and follow the Spirit. I know I can trust your decisions - even if I am skeptical about some of them. But I know you will never let me down. You will always be there to protect me, to help me, to make me feel beautiful and loved. You can always make me laugh, even when I don't want to. You are my rock. I honestly don't know what I would do without you and I can't imagine not being with you forever.

I've loved our first five years together and look forward to the next five. Hopefully the next five will make parents out of us; but if not, I will love you just the same.

Lua's Graduation

Jonathan's brother, Lua, recently graduated with an Engineering degree from BYU. After 9 years they were really ready to celebrate. We had a lot of fun at his party, and we're so proud of his accomplishment. He's also luck because he has already started his new job as an engineer.

This is Lua and Michelle.

Michelle had a made a banner for everyone to sign, the kids really had fun coloring and writing messages to Lua - even if some of them weren't very nice (notice the big Utah "U" at the end).