Employment

I haven't updated the blog world about my employment status yet.

Huston is still a resident advisor for housing. and it is STILL the biggest blessing we have received here. (Free Rent)

and I had an amazing job at Turtle Bay as a receptionist/reservationist in the Golf Shop right? I was getting paid $10 and hour and I worked about 24 hours a week. It was ideal....and I had the job for almost 2 years.

I don't really know what happened, but after a recent stake conference talk about keeping the sabbath day holy I couldn't handle this position anymore. I realized I had been working the sabbath day for almost two years and even though most of the time I was still able to attend church, It just was not a "sabbath" day to me. I felt sick about it, and mentioned the idea to my husband about leaving Turtle Bay because after the semester they couldn't really work with my school schedule anymore anyways. It just made sense to quit. and it felt right. I had made my mind up.

Huston thought that I should just finish out the job until Christmas break and quit when we get back, due the lack of hours and weekend time it would have been, however I knew that if i didn't quit soon, i probably never would have quit. It was definitely a prompting from the spirit, and god testing my faith. I needed to pursue a student position although it was a big pay cut, and hours cut, It just needed to happen so that I wouldn't have to work the sabbath anymore.

so... I quit. I was unprofessional, and didn't put in a two weeks, but just felt so right about it. After a few weeks of being unemployed, I was starting to regret my decision. I interviewed for 4 positions and I felt really good about the interviews. Unfortunately I didn't receive the positions. They were positions I really wanted too. Right before our trip to Arizona, I was offered another interview with the Service Center in the Student Leadership office. I went to the interview, excited and ready, but a little discouraged after my previous failed attempts.

The interview was awkward and weird and I didn't feel good about it at all. However, a short day later... I was offered the position. What a blessing. Not only does it fit my personality perfectly to work in the Service Center and plan projects for the university, but my pay grade was immediately raised to level 2 where I would be making $8.50 instead of minimum wage which is only $7.25.

Wow, Blessing much?? All I have to say about that, is that the Lord does bless his children because of their faithfulness.

So currently, I don't work weekends, and I truly enjoy what I do. I am required to be a little more assertive than I am, but its a good challenge. I work with students, have a good boss(unlike some of the ones I had at  T-bay) and I'm truly enjoying the change. I only work 19 hours, so its not too stressful with school and its perfect.

Thank You Heavenly Father for this marvelous blessing.

Elder Jenson Mikel Rainey

Today.... My little brother reported to the MTC (Missionary Training Center) for the Church of Jesus Christ of Ladder Day Saints.

I can't believe it. He is really there. I can't believe my little brother..little being the key word, is old enough to serve a mission.

This is such a special day for me. I remember my first day of Seminary freshman year of high school. I cried and cried and cried some more because my teacher had asked the class what the best part of their summers were, and few students stood to say " We took my OLDER brother to the MTC." I remember feeling sad because that summer, my family would have done the same thing for my big brother Braiden. And I remember wandering what that feeling was like, to be excited and proud of your brother for choosing to serve a mission.

Now I know what its like!!

I have written him a couple letters already so that he has them when he arrives. Im the best sister ever! haha.

No but really I am :)

Anyways, Jenson is going to be the BEST missionary. and here is why:
(im partial because he is my brother)

.. Jenson is the most... THE most .. obedient person ever. He was born with this gift. His church leaders call him the "40 year old" teenager because he is the early to bed early to rise kind of guy without anyone telling him he needs to be. He wouldn't even ditch school on "Senior Ditch Day"

I can remember many instances he has called myself to repentance, and luckily he is my brother and I love him or I might have smacked him.

One time, my mom and my aunt were digging flowers from the side of the road to plant at our house, and Jenson probably only 6 years old, was crying to take him home because he did not want any part in this kind of "dishonesty" even though it wasn't dishonest. He made sure to tell my mom and my aunt what they were doing wrong.

He even never got a ticket or in trouble with the law until 2 days before he left to Utah for the mission. Ha, sorry about that one bro.

There was never a time where I didn't find him in his room at night reading his scriptures, or listening to church music. literally.

He wouldn't ditch class (college classes) to come visit us in Hawaii for a week. Now that is true dedication

He is hard working.

He has never kissed a girl. (as far as I know) and he acts scared of holding girls hands. STILL

as my dad said when he bore his testimony at Jenson's setting apart, "I am afraid I will have to send Jenson 50 new shirts, because he will GIVE anyone the shirt off his back if they need it. " He is giving and ready to serve.

Are you getting my drift? He is just a very obedient and dedicated child. He will now put forth his best qualities into service and serving the Lord. That is how I know he will be a great missionary, because he always has had these qualities of greatness and I know that as he utilizes them he will achieve more than we can possibly imagine.

Watch out Dominican Republic, I hope you are ready to hear the gospel, because you are going to get it ready or not.

Jan. 1

We got up at 4:00am because we needed to drive home from New Mexico to be at my little brothers farewell.

The farewell was awesome. A lot of extended family members were there plus people that know my brother. He was shown a lot of support and I know he is grateful for that.

It was the perfect way to spend New Years Day. Jenson spoke about the atonement and it was really tender and made me re-think and re-evaluate myself and my goals for the upcoming year. I bawled like a baby through the whole thing and my husband laughed at me. But what can i say, I am the big sister and really really proud of my brother.

I can't believe this time has come in his life already. He will be set apart as a missionary next sunday and we are just grateful we get to be here for everything. We love you buddy. Go Get Em.

Happy New Year

This year we rang in the new year with the Farnsworth's in New Mexico.
I have grown to really love our little trips up there. We got to visit Grandma and Grandpa Farnsie, and Todd, which is one of Huston's best friend cousins.

We loved seeing him again, and enjoying each other. Huston got to Snowboard with his uncle for the first time and I spent the day with my mother in law. We had a big feast, made italian soda's and enjoyed each other as we played games, and watched movies until the clock hit 12pm.

We are excited for 2012. It is going to bring a lot of joy and a lot of change to our little family. In December we graduate college and we could not be more thrilled. It is our last year on the island, which is weird but definitely exciting.

With this new year we both have some grate goals, we just haven't started pursuing them yet because we are on vacation. But for reals... when we get back to Hawaii... The "new years resolution" follow through is starting.

Happy New Year All! Wishing you the best in this new year!!!!

Merry Christmas

Aloha.

Christmas came and went bye bye so fast this year. Good thing I got a good week or two of fully celebrating by indulging in decoration, music, and movies while we were still in Hawaii. 

We flew home on the 20th at midnight to Arizona(mainland) aka HOME. 

Christmas was wonderful this year. We spent the "eve" at the big annual Farnsworth party where we indulge in good food and have a white elephant exchange.
...and we were able to leave early enough to spend the eve with my family as well and we went to the temple lights and got hot chocolate, watched the story of Luke 2 from the Bible, and then we opened up our Christmas pajamas. One of my favorite Christmas traditions

Christmas morning was wonderful. We got up at about 7am, opened presents, and then enjoyed a lovely christmas program with my home ward.

We then got to speak to James on Skype for almost 5 hours. He is serving his mission in the Philippines.

Christmas is an amazing time of year. We are so grateful we were able to be home and get to spend it with our families. This time next year we will be home for good!!!!!

The things only a sister would do....

Right off the batt, after being home for 2 days my little sister and I had a little bonding moment.

We went to the dermatologist together. The doctor told me to put a gown on so he could see my back but he said to keep my bra on.

Ya well.. i was not wearing a bra. I was only wearing an undershirt and a sweatshirt.

As soon as the doc left I ask my 13 year old sister, to give me her bra. She almost cried she started laughing so hard. We both were. Lucky for me she had a sports bra that barely fit, and I wore it for a few harmless minutes while the doctor looked at my back while she sat awkwardly in the chair next to me covering her chest because its cold in doctors offices.

As soon as the doctor walked out...I started to get dressed and was stopped dead in my tracks by my sister who says.. "Umm Hello, my bra!?? GIVE it back!"

Oh good times. I miss my little sister and I'm really sad to say that unfortunately I do fit into her bra's. A little snug, but it still fit.

"Haole Rott"

Alright people.....

the locals made up this thing called "Haole rott." Haole means white people, haha. It is basically a skin fungus that grows. and it happens to white people. It is completely normal it basically just looks like the skin condition eczema, and it itches when you sweat and it turns red sometimes and gets raised. You know how i know that?

I HAVE IT.

The first time i heard of this stuff, I was like that gay. there is no such thing. My skin is just dry from the sun, but after being home for 4 days having my mother in law, mother, and a dermatologist look at it... Its confirmed.

Skin fungus. I have "Haole Rott"

My doctor says its completely normal for people who live in humid climates to have it because the yeasty fungus actually grows on everyones head and causes dandruff, but in more humid climates it just makes it way down to the rest of my body.

Lucky for me.. it heals. and I have cream.