Happily Ever After...

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

2011-12-24T18:53:00.000-08:00

May your holidays be MERRY and BRIGHT!!!

Let us always remember the true meaning of this season, the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ,

and be thankful for all that He has done for us.

We love you all!

James Kalen wearing his Daddy's baby clothes

2011-11-14T21:16:00.000-08:00

Nov 13,2011 (Sunday)

Here's our lil' boy in his daddy's baby clothes which was actually made by Jamie's mom.

He looks sooo cute in it and it was nice seeing him wear it to church.

-PACMAN vs. MARQUEZ-

2011-11-14T20:49:00.000-08:00

Jamie and I are not really into boxing but since it's PACMAN's fight we soo didn't want to miss it! We watched it at our friends house together with the whole pinoy gang...haha!

It was a very close fight between Pacquiao and Marquez but at the end..PACMAN won!!

I'm so proud of him...and I'm so proud to be FILIPINO!!!

haha..funny boy...

our lil' famiily..

Kalen loves climbing up the stairs and it scares me.

Our big boy BRUSHING his teeth!!!!

2011-11-14T20:08:00.000-08:00

pics taken: 11-10-2011 (Thursday)

-BYUH FOODFEST-

2011-11-09T14:35:00.000-08:00

Finally I get to visit LAIE!!! It's been months since I've been there and for me that was like FOREVER! The clubs did a great job. The food was sooo yummy and that we got to see our awesome friends. Can't help but miss my college dayz...times like these reminds me of so much memories.

FIRST FOOTBALL GAME

2011-11-09T10:55:00.000-08:00

Nov. 4,2011 (FRIDAY)

Finally, after 7 long years of being here I get to watch a FOOTBALL GAME!!! I've always seen it on TV and now I can say that nothing compares to watching it at the stadium!! I had so much fun besides the fact that I was kinda lost and confused at some parts of the game. HAHA!!! Need to learn more about it.

I came with Kalen, my friend Sheena and her family. Jamie had work so he didn't come. We watched a highschool Football game- KAHUKU vs. FARRINGTON-- and of course KAHUKU won!!! 0-23. There was so much people there and their support for their own teams was so overwhelming. It was a great game.

Can't wait to watch BYU-UH game on December. We really want to go see it and for sure that one's gonna be an exciting game..

My GROWING BABY

2011-11-01T13:38:00.000-07:00

The past week, Jamie and I sorted out Kalen's clothes. Jamie insisted on doing this not just because we need more space for baby's new clothes but also coz I kept dressing Kalen up with his onesies that are already too tight for him. HAHA!! He's growing up sooo fast and I just can't believe it.

He's a big boy now.. but for me he will always be my BABY!!!

HAPPY MOTHER's DAY!!!

2011-05-07T20:45:00.000-07:00

Mothers hold their children's hands for a short while, but their hearts forever.

~Author Unknown

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to our MOMs!!

WE LOVE YOU!!!

from jamie, ckaz and...

our lil' boy james

..for those of you who don't know..GRANDMA is LOLA in tagalog..there's a "w" in between the letters cuz we believe that's the way he's gonna say it when he grows up..LOL!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY WAYNE!!

2011-05-02T17:08:00.003-07:00

Wishing you all the best!

We love you Wayne!!

Kalen's new friend..kuya HYRUM..:)

2011-05-02T17:07:00.001-07:00

Today we feel so blessed to have some friends stay with us. Aissa and Hyrum were supposed to fly out to Idaho Thursday night..but the flight was cancelled..so..they decided to stay with us while waiting for their flight the next day. It was so nice being able to catch up on things since I haven't seen Aissa in months..and..this is our babies first time meeting each other. Our lil' James Kalen found a new friend..kuya Hyrum Ichiro. It was fun looking at them play..baby talk and all that. We love the Mittons and we're going to miss them.

HAPPY EASTER!!

2011-04-22T15:58:00.000-07:00

Let us always remember Jesus Christ and be thankful for what he has done for us.

enjoy the videos!

4-21-2011 @ Queens Hospital visiting Daddy during his lunch break

2011-04-22T15:53:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BABY !! :)

2011-04-21T20:53:00.000-07:00

Here's our HAPPY BABY!!

04-20-2011

04-19-2011 (Tuesday)

2011-04-21T20:40:00.000-07:00

First of all…we got some baby updates. We can now see James Kalen’s FIRST TOOTH. Yaay! We just hope he doesn’t get too fuzzy coz of the pain. He’s been doing great so far and he’s been more active and playful than ever. He’s been sitting down..crawling and he would also pull himself up the crib bars. So..yeah..he might be able to walk soon. (We’re supposed to be excited for that right??!! Lol) we’re just excited for every new thing that he’s gonna do. It's gonna be challenging for sure.. but we know it's gonna be a lot of fun as well. We’ve been learning a lot just these past months and we love it..we love being parents of this lil' boy!!

We were so lucky that we got to see the LAUGHING SAMOANS show @ CAC (BYUH). This is our first time so I was really waiting for this day to come. We had so much fun, had a good laugh..in other words..WE HAD A BLAST! FIJI also came to perform some of his popular songs. We had a really good time and it was worth the long drive to Laie. Thanks to my brother Wayne who got us the tickets!!!

4-20-2011-Kalen's first time eating Green Beans

2011-04-20T16:19:00.000-07:00

LAUGHING SAMOANS tonight!!!!

2011-04-19T15:13:00.000-07:00

I'm really excited to watch this tonight!! I can't wait!!

Elder Costales NEW Mission pics

2011-04-18T16:11:00.000-07:00

Here's some new pics of my brother serving in PHILIPPINES BUTUAN MISSION.

He's been there for 15 months now.

We're so proud of him!!

JAMES KALEN @ 4 months!!

2011-01-31T01:28:00.000-08:00

Shucks..it's really been a long time since I last posted in this thing. Oh well.

Anyways..everything has been doin' great for me..Jamie and our baby JAMES KALEN!! Kalen has truly been such a great blessing to our lives. We love him so much and are really grateful to have him. He's actually 4 months today..and recently he's been able to roll on his own..hold his bottle..enjoy our play times more...laugh out loud and fake cry. lol! Time goes by SUPER fast..that's why were trying to enjoy every moment with him!

We just love being parents!!

I will give you guys more updates..pics..etc when i get more time. Luv yah all!!

Prepared Childbirth Class---DONE!!!!

2010-09-02T21:23:00.000-07:00

Today we had the last class for our Child birth course from Kapiolani Children's Hospital. It was a series of 4 classes...10 -12 hours in total. It was fun and it really taught us a lot! just hopin' we don't forget it when the day comes. lol.

Jamie also wrote me this funny but sweet letter..(since the husbands were instructed by the teacher to do so)..which he gave at the end of class. I really feel blessed to have such a very supportive and loving husband. We're in this together!!

And here's some more pictures of me and my belly!! Getting big huh..34 weeks...6 more to go!!

It's crazy to think that we have less than 6 more weeks before our due date...but we're really excited to meet our little munchkin. Hope everything goes well. :)

HAPPY 8th BIRTHDAY COLLETTE!!

2010-07-31T03:27:00.003-07:00

WE LOVE YOU!!!

Preggy Me @ 26 weeks :)

2010-07-14T22:11:00.000-07:00

Mah belly is getting bigger and I'm almost in my 3rd trimester!!

Baby should weigh about a pound and two-thirds and measures 14 inches.

3rd trimester.....

My crazy 3 hr. Sugar test

2010-07-14T21:42:00.000-07:00

Last 07/07..my doctor called me and told me that I have to do the 3 hr. sugar test (coz I failed the first one-a 1 hr sugar test that I took last 7/3) to see if I have gestational diabetes. So I did it the next day . I had to do it while fasting and I stayed in the clinic for 3 hrs. after drinking a very sweet orange beverage..and where they took samples of my blood...like 4x(every hour)..it was crazy. I was hoping and praying that I pass this one and that the results will be negative. I just didn't want to harm the baby in any way. The next morning...my doctor gave me a call and told me the news I have been waiting for yet so nervous to hear about. Luckily..he told me that the results came out negative and that baby and I were fine. What a relief!! I'm so grateful!!! I guess this means more sweets for me....maybe not. I still have 3 months to go..baby and I better be in good health. :)

2 yrs down..ETERNITY to go!!

2010-06-26T13:10:00.000-07:00

HAPPY 2nd YR. ANNIVERSARY to us Jamie!!

2 years down..ETERNITY to go!

I'm looking forward to.. another year to create precious memories together... another year to discover new things to enjoy about each other..and another year to strengthen our marriage that defines FOREVER. I'm so blessed to have you in my life!

I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH JAMIE!!!:)

i luv my PINK toenails..thanks to my hubby JAMIE!!

2010-06-12T00:52:00.004-07:00

Since my tummy's getting bigger and painting my own toenails would be sooo hard..my hubby JAMIE volunteered to do it for me. He painted it PINK!! He did such a great job..haha..not really(he's still learning..LOL)... but I LOVE IT!! I promise..:)

Here's what it looks like...

ELDER CHRISTOPHER CALEB COSTALES

2010-05-13T01:42:00.001-07:00

Here are some recent pictures of my brother Elder Costales (CALEB) on his mission. He is currently serving in Philippines Butuan Mission and has been there for 4 months now.

We love him and are so proud of him!

-HAPPY MOTHER's DAY-

2010-05-09T16:12:00.001-07:00

To our moms and all the mommies in the world...HAPPY MOTHER's DAY!!
WE LOVE YOU!!

and for the mommy-to-be...

--I got a rose from our ward and yummy chocolates from Jamie..:) This is my first Mother's Day..not that official yet but it's been great. I'm so excited to be a mommy!!!!

**yup..jamie actually wrote dad instead of DAY..too excited for Father's Day...i guess. lol

then..we also visited Jamie's mom for dinner. :)

-fun Saturday-

2010-05-09T16:11:00.000-07:00

why??...cuz of the ff:

I got the chance to witness a Filipino Parade @Waikiki....It was kinda cool...and it really made me miss home...A LOT!!!

Then...we got some of our friends (the AUNAs and MITTONs) from Laie come to our apartment for dinner. It was a fun get-together, the food we had was really YUMMY.. and we got to talk about a LOT of stuff. These guys used to be our neighbors when we were still in TVA (BYUH Temple View Apartments). We missed them a lot most especially having dinner events like this (a common thing in TVA).

Manong Aaron with Hyrum

baby REYNA

baby HYRUM

so cute...

mommies with the mommy-to-be :)

preggy couple..

Jacob, Janice and Reyna Auna

Aissa, Maverick and Hyrum Mitton

What a fun day..:)

Sooo into READING???!!

2010-05-08T02:22:00.000-07:00

If you know me well, you'd know that I'm not really into books...but Jamie...is the total opposite. He loves reading (it's one of his hobbies) and has been trying to get me into doing such. He has given me a bunch of books..and most of them I haven't even finished yet (I'm really lazy). Recently he thought it would be a good idea to read a book together..So we did. We are currently reading these two books..

and..

the book where the movie "THE OTHER SIDE OF HEAVEN" was based.

To his surprise...and most especially to MY SURPRISE..IT WORKED. I've never really liked reading books like these but the stories of these ones really got my attention..I was so into it that I tried reading ahead of the part we read together. haha.

All I can say is that I love reading these books with Jamie and we can't wait to finish it!!!

Jamie's Chow Mein..:)

2010-05-07T01:38:00.000-07:00

yup..Jamie made Chow Mein for dinner and it was YUMMY!!!

I'm starting to think that he's a better cook than I am. haha!!

-Wayne's Day!-

2010-05-04T11:50:00.001-07:00

WAYNE is 22!!!

This past weekend we celebrated my brother Wayne's bday. He just turned 22 this past May 2. We are sooo getting old. Anyways..he told us that he just wanted to come to town and spend the weekend with Jamie and I. He prefers having it that way than having a party. So..we did what he requested. We planned a couple things we could do that Saturday and we all had fun.

First, we went to BISHOP MUSEUM..:) Jamie and I have been there before but this was Wayne's first time. The featured exhibit was about the CIRCUS so we were able to try some stunts, tricks and even play dress-up.

Then..we ate dinner @ MAX, a Filipino Restaurant. We had Crispy Pata, Kare-Kare and Bistek. It was really yummy!!!

Wayne talking to Mama and Papa.

The next day we took him to Stake Conference with us. Later that day drove him back to Laie..and his friends surprised him with a birthday dinner. :)

Hope you had fun WAYNE!!
WE LOVE YOU!!!

-yay..we got INTERNET!!!-

2010-05-04T11:05:00.000-07:00

Well...as some of you know..we just moved into our new apartment here in Honolulu. It's been a crazy month considering all the moving and adjusting we have done. We are now settled and FINALLY.. just yesterday..got our INTERNET connection..isn't that great :) Sometimes we don't realize how much these simple things matter till we experience not having them. So now..we can give you more updates on what's going on with us. It's just really nice to be back and get connected again.

CONGRATULATIONS ELDER COSTALES!!!!!!!

2009-11-13T18:45:00.001-08:00

ELDER CHRISTIAN CARLO COSTALES
WASHINGTON TACOMA MISSION
NOV 2007-NOV 2009

ELDER CHRISTIAN CARLO COSTALES (my brother) just finished his 2 yr Mission in Tacoma Washington last NOV 11, 2009. This was him 2 yrs ago.. in the MTC..

I just can't believe it's been two years. It went by so fast and just last night, Jamie and I were able to talk to him on the phone. He told us that he had a lot of stories to tell but since it was hard doin' all that on the phone..we would have to wait till we see him this coming December.

We are really proud of him. He surely is a better person now and this is because he has gained a stronger testimony of the Savior and his gospel. He has made the right choice to serve the Lord on a full time mission and I know that he will always treasure and remember this great experience. Like what they say..it's the BEST TWO YEARS.

to wayne..keep it up. never forget what you've learned from the field. You might not have your nametag anymore but you still can continue the work you have started. we are very proud of you. WE LOVE YOU WAYNE and welcome back!!

-Last week of October-

2009-11-04T00:44:00.000-08:00

HALLOWEEN WEEK

This week has been really busy for Jamie and I. Jamie is having his midterms and I feel like I'm working non-stop. It's because it's the last week for The Haunted Lagoon Ride in Polynesian Cultural Center so it's been really crowded like almost every night. Though we had a really busy week.. I could really say we had so much fun celebrating this Halloween Season.

Oct. 27, 2009 (Tuesday)

-Jamie and I were able to take the Sakaguchi's to the Haunted LAgoon. And since Mike and Becca couldn't bring the kids to the regular ride..Jamie and I took them to the Keiki (kids) Ride. It was fun.

and right after..I came to visit Joann in the dorms and I saw this really cool sign by the Hale lounge. only in BYUh!!! Great reminder!

Oct. 28,2009 (Wednesday)

Jamie's Dad and Rocio came to visit us in Laie..we had lunch and tried the Electric Back Massage chairs in Aloha Center. It's actually pretty good. They should've thought of getting this a long time..not just now when we're about to leave BYUH. haha.

wish it could be $1 for 25 minutes!!! lol.

Oct. 29,2009 (Thursday)
HALLOWEEN MOVIE NIGHT..that turned into a TAGALOG LOVE STORY MOVIE night!!!

yup..we invited some of our friends to watch a movie outside our TVA apartment. It was so much fun. Thanks to our friends Joseph who allowed us to borrow his projector and Jeremiah who brought the movie. We watched "THE ECHO" and "AND I LOVE YOU SO" (Tagalog Drama Movie)

POPCORN!!!

SAM MILBY!!!!

Oct 30, 2009 (Friday)

Work..work..work..and right after the busy night..my workmates and I decided to go to the Haunted Lagoon.

with Bro. Kaanga

after that fun ride...I went home and we called Papa..coz today is his bDay in the Philippines (OCT 31, 2009).

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAPA!!! WE LOVE YOU!!!

Oct. 31, 2009 (Saturday)

Decided that I wanted to be an Indian girl today..I didn't really have a costume but it all worked out well.

-picture taken by JamieThen..Ate Janette and I went to the TVA Halloween Party. We got to see some kids and families in costumes. Everyone was so creative and everyone looked great!

TYKEN as Astroboy!!

Mana as a Spartan Warrior

Harry Potter

Ling as Nemo

the cookies that we designed

After that..Jamie and I finally decided to carve our PUMPKIN...

.. it's looking better..:)

Then...I had to go to work. We had so much fun doing this Haunted Lagoon thing for the last time...we will surely miss it..

-IVy..Me..YeseNia..AmbrEe..CourtNey-

with the best lead ever..VALELI

I got home and saw this good looking Pumpkin..Jamie finished it...Great job Hun!!

WE HAD A BLAST!!!!

LOVE STORY!!!!!

2009-10-28T03:13:00.000-07:00

The song LOVE STORY by Taylor Swift is one of my favorites. I've been listening to it a couple times a day for the past months. And today, I found this Jon Schmidt piano and cello version of it from one of my friend's FB profile. I LOVE IT so much and can't stop playing it. Here it is...hope you all like it too.

...Romeo's Version

...Original Version

FINALLY!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-10-26T18:40:00.000-07:00

Finally..after 3 months.. I got the time to write on this blog. As usual..my busy life gets in the way and I really apologize for not keeping this updated. I got the chance to read your blogs and I'm glad that you're all doing great.

Anyways..Jamie and I are doin' good. I'm keeping myself busy with my job..actually..JOBS.. while he's working on finishing his Degree. He's graduating this December and soon...we'll be out of Laie and will be living in town before he starts going to Grad School. Also.. we'll be in the Philippines for a month in December to January so we're really looking forward to being with our family and friends there. We just can't wait. We're really excited for the new life ahead of us but sad at the same time. we have to move on..that's just how it's supposed to be.

Just wna let you all know that we miss all of you and we are so thrilled to read about everything that's been happening in your lives. WE LOVE YOU!! keep us updated!

much alohaz,

the ANDERSONs

-HAPPY FATHER's DAY!!!!!-

2009-06-21T04:11:00.000-07:00

"My father didn't tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it." -- Clarence Budington Kelland

To our dads: BUBOY (Papa)

and ROD(dad)....

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!! Thank you for the things that you have taught us ; for being so patient, loving and understanding. Your example has guided us and you have always been a source of strength. You have given us wonderful lives and for this we're truly grateful. Once again..THANK YOU..we appreciate all that you have done for us.

You're the greatest Dads ever!!!!

WE LOVE YOU!!

Collette..Collette..Collette!!!!

2009-06-18T03:13:00.000-07:00

I just got done talking with my mom on the phone and she told me a funny story about the youngest in our family..COLLETTE. So..here goes..my sister Collette is 7 yrs old and just finished Kindergarten. She graduated with honors and we very proud of her. She just started attending grade school and on her FIRST DAY ...since she wasn't used to staying in school till 5 PM and not having a nap time..she FELL ASLEEP in CLASS!!! hahaha. poor collette. I'm sure in time she'll get used to it. WE MISS HER A LOT!! we love you collette!!

June 2009 Graduation!!!!

2009-06-16T14:43:00.003-07:00

June 6, 2009 (saturday)

CONGRATULATIONS June 2009 graduates!! We're so proud you!!
We love you!

Kuya Dennis and ate Joanna

Sariah Deyro

w/ kuya Tom

Jasmine Canlas

Kuya Jeh and Ate Shiela

Jamie w/ Ren

Ate Iza Peralta

Carl Canlas

-NURSERY TIME-

2009-05-19T14:54:00.000-07:00

May 3, 2009(Sunday)

Jamie and I are Nursery Teachers in our ward and we look after 14 or more kids every Sunday. As most of you know.. kids in nursery are about 18 months-36 months(3 yrs) old. So yeah..there's a lot of kids crying, fighting over toys..etc. But believe it or not...WE DO LOVE IT!! We enjoy every moment spent with the kids. Some people say thisa calling is a good "BIRTH CONTROL" haha!! It does make sense..but for us..it makes us more excited for the little ckaz and little jamies to come..:) yey.

We have them play first...(this is Mana and Axle)

then..we have the LEsson and SInging Time..

Rin playing the piano..:)

SNAck Time..:)

and..Play time..again!!

We love being in nursery and we sure do learn a lot from the kids.

-Dinner for Mother's Day-

2009-05-11T04:18:00.000-07:00

Mother's day Celebration for Jamie's Mom and sister Becca

Jamie's mom brought some of the Halloween costumes that her kids wore when they were young to give to Taylor and Kyla. Jamie and I tried it on..and obviously the WATERMELON I'm wearing perfectly fits me.. haha

Taylor and Kyla

then..when we were about to go home..we saw these bins outside Stef's apartment..and look.. we once again.. acted like KIDS..It was a lot of fun though. I still can't believe Jamie was able to fit on that thing...i bet he almost broke it. lol.

we had a nice day!!!!!

HAPPY MOTHER's DAY to the greatest MOM's ever

2009-05-10T03:08:00.000-07:00

"A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine desert us; when trouble thickens around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts. ~Washington Irving"

We just got done talking to my mom on the phone. She's in the Philippines and I miss her so much most especially..her cooking...I mean.. during this special day.."MOTHER's DAY". I wish I could be there to hug, give her a kiss and let her know how much I love and appreciate all that she has done for our family. but..i really got no choice.

A lot of people say that I look like her.. and I normally just laugh at it. But, as come to think of it, I do want to look and be like her. She's an amazing person and I am so proud to have her as my mother. My mom is also my best friend (of course besides Jamie & Papa) and believe me I could tell her anything. She has always been there for me, always ready to listen, comfort and give me advises. I'm truly grateful for all the things that she has done for me and my family and for this I love her so much and I feel so blessed to have her as my Mom. For me..SHE's the BEST MOM ever!!

to MAMA:

You're the best mom!! You have always been there to guide and help us reach our goals and dreams. Thank you for all that you've taught us and for giving and helping us have such wonderful lives. It will never be the same without you. WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!!

from: all of us(Papa, Ckaz, Jamie, Wayne, Caleb and Collette)

here are some pictures of me and my mom..(w/ collette too)...

Jamie's mom...
Another supermom is Jamie's mom, Karen. We will visit her tonight and are so excited to be with her.

here are some pics of Jamie and his mom...

This song is dedicated to all the moms..:)
HAPPY MOTHER's DAY!!

and to our Moms THANK YOU for everything!! WE LOVE YOU!! :)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELDER COSTALES!!

2009-05-06T13:51:00.000-07:00

May 2, 2009 (Saturday)

HAPPY 21st Birthday Elder Costales!!!!

WE LOVE YOU!!!!

Snorkeling @ Sharks Cove..:)

2009-04-27T03:08:00.003-07:00

April 25,2009 (Saturday)

Believe it or not this is the first time Jamie took me snorkeling. He always wanted to take me but we were just so busy and never had the chance to get the stuff for it. But recently Jamie's sister offered to leave her diving stuff with us while they stay in the mainland for her husband's job. We were so excited that we decided we had to go snorkeling that week.

We went to Sharks Cove. The view was really pretty.

since this was my first time.. jamie took a pic of me in the gear..

we got to see a school of fish (which we thought was really cool), a trumpet fish and a if were not mistaken, a baby shark (coz we spotted the fins) hidden on a big rock which started worrying me.

..FYI: this are just random pics from the web.

it was a different but of course a cool experience for me. I was a little bit uncomfortable at first coz I'm not really use to swimming with all these sea creatures but the longer we stayed there, the more I got excited to see new things..which ended when jamie showed me the baby shark behind the big rock. We really had so much fun and for sure..this is something that we'll do again!!

...i'm grateful for JAMIE...

yup..the parking was packed!!!

and on our way home..we passed the temple which is being renovated. And as you can see it is Gray..can't wait to see it all done and open once again.

Waikiki w/ the DUNCOMBEs

2009-04-27T03:08:00.001-07:00

April 21,2009 (TUES)...we visited Erika, Mike and Sadie in town. They are staying in Waikiki for a couple of days before they leave for Utah on Thursday. Jamie and I are so glad that we got to spend time with this wonderful family..we will never forget them.;)

Waiting..waiting and waiting..

yey..food..
Sadie cravin' for some pizza..

yup..i got LOCO MOCO..it has always been one of my favorites...I wanted it so bad that night that I didn't want to try anything else. And..to note...i think Cheesecake Factory's Loco Moco's the best so far ..I like it a lot!!!:)

Having fun with a MAC!! :)

2009-04-27T02:16:00.000-07:00

last easter sunday..APRIL 12,2009..my dad, jamie and I had so much fun playin' w/ a MAC...we took a lot of weird and crazy photos..hope u like em'!!

The DUNCOMBE's...

2009-04-20T04:13:00.000-07:00

April 19,2009(SUN)...we had dinner w/ the Duncombe family and some of their closest friends here in BYUH. Erika, Mike and Sadie are leaving for Utah on Thursday this week and it was really nice of the Gancinia's to organize an event where we can all get together, enjoy each others company and celebrate our friendship with the Duncombe's. We will surely miss them.:) here are some pics..

Easter Thoughts on Christ...

2009-04-20T04:12:00.000-07:00

My Dad's Visit..:)

2009-04-20T04:04:00.000-07:00

April 11-14,2009
At last...the time for my dad's visit has come. Jamie and I are so excited to have my dad stay with us even just for a couple of days. He has visited us a couple of times in the past years but this is the first time that he'll be staying w/ us in our apartment. Here are some pictures..

DAY 1- Airport Pick-up..

Pali Look-out..

BYUH Pinoy Idol..

with the new BYUH Pinoy Idol...APRIL FERNANDO..:)

w/ Kuya Jonald(one of the missionaries that served in CDO during my dad's term as a Mission President)

Day 2..Easter SUnday..

Jamie making beef stroganoff..yum..

After church..:)

Dinner w/ Jamie's mom and sister..

Day 3-PCC..

BYUH..

w/ Kuya Jerryl and Bro. Meha

dinner w/ the PINOYZ..:)

Jamie washing the dishes..lol

Day 4- Last daY...:(

talking to my mom on the phone..

4 days went by so fast. We had so much fun w/ my dad..and hopefully, the next time..my whole family will be able to come. We will miss you papa!!

TVA K-building POTLUCK!! :)

2009-04-19T00:57:00.000-07:00

After watching the conference..we had a potluck with our neighbors in TVA (K Building). Here are some pictures...:)

yum..

Jamie and Josh..

Rin..

Rob and Jana..

Darlene & Asa..

Payton and Suki

Jamie..Joseph and baby Elia..

Josh & mom (Kat)

Us...

The food was great and we had so much fun with these wonderful people. Don't you just love TVA ?!! ;)

179th Annual General Conference

2009-04-06T19:21:00.000-07:00

The past weekend was such a great one for Jamie and I. We spent most of it watching the 179th Annual General Conference in our apartment. All the messages were so inspiring and we have felt the great presence of the spirit. One message that we really love was the one given by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve apostles (Sunday AM Session).This message has touched our hearts so much and we want to share it with you. Here it is...:)

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
None Were with Him

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Trumpeted from the summit of Calvary is the truth that we will never be left alone nor unaided, even if sometimes we may feel that we are.

Thank you, Sister Thompson, and thanks to the remarkable women of this Church. Brothers and sisters, my Easter-season message today is intended for everyone, but it is directed in a special way to those who are alone or feel alone or, worse yet, feel abandoned. These might include those longing to be married, those who have lost a spouse, and those who have lost—or have never been blessed with—children. Our empathy embraces wives forsaken by their husbands, husbands whose wives have walked away, and children bereft of one or the other of their parents—or both. This group can find within its broad circumference a soldier far from home, a missionary in those first weeks of homesickness, or a father out of work, afraid the fear in his eyes will be visible to his family. In short it can include all of us at various times in our lives.

To all such, I speak of the loneliest journey ever made and the unending blessings it brought to all in the human family. I speak of the Savior’s solitary task of shouldering alone the burden of our salvation. Rightly He would say: “I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people there was none with me. . . . I looked, and there was none to help; and I wondered that there was none to uphold [me].”1

As President Uchtdorf so beautifully noted earlier, we know from scripture that Jesus’s messianic arrival in Jerusalem on the Sunday preceding Passover, a day directly analogous to this very morning, was a great public moment. But eagerness to continue walking with Him would quickly begin to wane.

Soon enough He was arraigned before the Israelite leaders of the day—first Annas, the former high priest, then Caiaphas, the current high priest. In their rush to judgment these men and their councils declared their verdict quickly and angrily. “What further need have we of witnesses?” they cried. “He is [worthy] of death.”2

With that He was brought before the gentile rulers in the land. Herod Antipas, the tetrarch of Galilee, interrogated Him once, and Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor in Judea, did so twice, the second time declaring to the crowd, “I, having examined him before you, have found no fault in this man.”3 Then, in an act as unconscionable as it was illogical, Pilate “scourged Jesus, [and] delivered him to be crucified.”4 Pilate’s freshly washed hands could not have been more stained or more unclean.

Such ecclesiastical and political rejection became more personal when the citizenry in the street turned against Jesus as well. It is one of the ironies of history that sitting with Jesus in prison was a real blasphemer, a murderer and revolutionary known as Barabbas, a name or title in Aramaic meaning “son of the father.”5 Free to release one prisoner in the spirit of the Passover tradition, Pilate asked the people, “Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you?” They said, “Barabbas.”6 So one godless “son of the father” was set free while a truly divine Son of His Heavenly Father moved on to crucifixion.

This was also a telling time among those who knew Jesus more personally. The most difficult to understand in this group is Judas Iscariot. We know the divine plan required Jesus to be crucified, but it is wrenching to think that one of His special witnesses who sat at His feet, heard Him pray, watched Him heal, and felt His touch could betray Him and all that He was for 30 pieces of silver. Never in the history of this world has so little money purchased so much infamy. We are not the ones to judge Judas’s fate, but Jesus said of His betrayer, “Good [were it] for that man if he had not been born.”7

Of course others among the believers had their difficult moments as well. Following the Last Supper, Jesus left Peter, James, and John to wait while He ventured into the Garden of Gethsemane alone. Falling on His face in prayer, “sorrowful . . . unto death,”8 the record says, His sweat came as great drops of blood9 as He pled with the Father to let this crushing, brutal cup pass from Him. But, of course, it could not pass. Returning from such anguished prayer He found His three chief disciples asleep, prompting Him to ask, “Could ye not watch with me one hour?”10 So it happens two more times until on His third return He says compassionately, “Sleep on now, and take your rest,”11 though there would be no rest for Him.

Later, after Jesus’s arrest and appearance at trial, Peter, accused of knowing Jesus and being one of His confidants, denies that accusation not once but three times. We don’t know all that was going on here, nor do we know of protective counsel which the Savior may have given to His Apostles privately,12 but we do know Jesus was aware that even these precious ones would not stand with Him in the end, and He had warned Peter accordingly.13 Then, with the crowing of the cock, “the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord. . . . And [he] went out, and wept bitterly.”14

Thus, of divine necessity, the supporting circle around Jesus gets smaller and smaller and smaller, giving significance to Matthew’s words: “All the disciples [left] him, and fled.”15 Peter stayed near enough to be recognized and confronted. John stood at the foot of the cross with Jesus’s mother. Especially and always the blessed women in the Savior’s life stayed as close to Him as they could. But essentially His lonely journey back to His Father continued without comfort or companionship.

Now I speak very carefully, even reverently, of what may have been the most difficult moment in all of this solitary journey to Atonement. I speak of those final moments for which Jesus must have been prepared intellectually and physically but which He may not have fully anticipated emotionally and spiritually—that concluding descent into the paralyzing despair of divine withdrawal when He cries in ultimate loneliness, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?”16

The loss of mortal support He had anticipated, but apparently He had not comprehended this. Had He not said to His disciples, “Behold, the hour . . . is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me” and “The Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him”?17

With all the conviction of my soul I testify that He did please His Father perfectly and that a perfect Father did not forsake His Son in that hour. Indeed, it is my personal belief that in all of Christ’s mortal ministry the Father may never have been closer to His Son than in these agonizing final moments of suffering. Nevertheless, that the supreme sacrifice of His Son might be as complete as it was voluntary and solitary, the Father briefly withdrew from Jesus the comfort of His Spirit, the support of His personal presence. It was required; indeed it was central to the significance of the Atonement, that this perfect Son who had never spoken ill nor done wrong nor touched an unclean thing had to know how the rest of humankind—us, all of us—would feel when we did commit such sins. For His Atonement to be infinite and eternal, He had to feel what it was like to die not only physically but spiritually, to sense what it was like to have the divine Spirit withdraw, leaving one feeling totally, abjectly, hopelessly alone.

But Jesus held on. He pressed on. The goodness in Him allowed faith to triumph even in a state of complete anguish. The trust He lived by told Him in spite of His feelings that divine compassion is never absent, that God is always faithful, that He never flees nor fails us. When the uttermost farthing had then been paid, when Christ’s determination to be faithful was as obvious as it was utterly invincible, finally and mercifully, it was “finished.”18 Against all odds and with none to help or uphold Him, Jesus of Nazareth, the living Son of the living God, restored physical life where death had held sway and brought joyful, spiritual redemption out of sin, hellish darkness and despair. With faith in the God He knew was there, He could say in triumph, “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.”19

Brothers and sisters, one of the great consolations of this Easter season is that because Jesus walked such a long, lonely path utterly alone, we do not have to do so. His solitary journey brought great company for our little version of that path—the merciful care of our Father in Heaven, the unfailing companionship of this Beloved Son, the consummate gift of the Holy Ghost, angels in heaven, family members on both sides of the veil, prophets and apostles, teachers, leaders, friends. All of these and more have been given as companions for our mortal journey because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the Restoration of His gospel. Trumpeted from the summit of Calvary is the truth that we will never be left alone nor unaided, even if sometimes we may feel that we are. Truly the Redeemer of us all said, “I will not leave you comfortless. [My Father and] I will come to you [and abide with you].”20

My other plea at Easter time is that these scenes of Christ’s lonely sacrifice, laced with moments of denial and abandonment and, at least once, outright betrayal, must never be reenacted by us. He has walked alone once. Now, may I ask that never again will He have to confront sin without our aid and assistance, that never again will He find only unresponsive onlookers when He sees you and me along His Via Dolorosa in our present day. As we approach this holy week—Passover Thursday with its Paschal Lamb, atoning Friday with its cross, Resurrection Sunday with its empty tomb—may we declare ourselves to be more fully disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, not in word only and not only in the flush of comfortable times but in deed and in courage and in faith, including when the path is lonely and when our cross is difficult to bear. This Easter week and always, may we stand by Jesus Christ “at all times and in all things, and in all places that [we] may be in, even until death,”21 for surely that is how He stood by us when it was unto death and when He had to stand entirely and utterly alone. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Also..a new member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles was sustained...Elder Neil L. Andersen..:)

We have learned a lot from the conference and we will never forget the great feeling we had as we watched it. We have been spiritually fed and it feels so good. It was great to hear from the leaders of the church most especially from the Prophet, President Thomas S. Monson and we believe that they are truly called of God. We will forever be thankful for blessings like this.

JAMIE's hidden talents...:)

2009-04-06T02:32:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday (April 2, 2009) ..I worked for 10 hrs straight. It was crazy. After work I felt so hungry, tired and ready to sleep. Jamie picked me up from work and when we got home.. I smelt something really good...and he surprised me with this.....

yup..he made ROASTED PORK LOIN for dinner..:) It looked SO GOOD. He knew I had a busy and crazy day @ work that I deserve a treat. I gave him a big hug, a kiss and said "thank you". I really appreciate what he did for me. He truly knows how to make me feel good and happy.

We had some friends over to help us eat the food since it was too much for just the two of us. It tasted really good and everyone liked it. I'm so proud of my husband.

So yeah..there goes hidden Talent/Skill #1: COOKING. This is not the first time he cooked for me. He has done it a lot of times...and every time he did..the food always tastes great &... it makes me love him more. I agree to the saying "The way to a woman's heart is through her stomach"..lol..changed it a bit.

Hidden Talent/ Skill #2: Playing the VIOLA...:)

Not that much people know about this. He used to do it a lot most especially when he was younger but he stopped for a while since he had to leave for his mission. It wasn't till less than a year ago that he decided to join the BYUH Orchestra led by Bro. Bradshaw. I'm glad he decided to do it again.

Last Saturday (April 4, 2009) the BYUH Orchestra had their concert in the Mckay Auditorium.

They played pieces composed by Handel, Mozart, Sibelius and Akpabot. This was my first time watching my husband play in a concert like this. It was a neat experience.

with Bro. Daniel Bradshaw (Director)

w/ his sister Stef and mom ..

w/ the wifey..:)

There it is...some of Jamie's hidden talents. He is such a great guy and I am so lucky to have him as my husband. I am truly proud of him. I love you babe.:)

presenting....the COSTALES BLOG...yey

2009-04-05T02:05:00.000-07:00

Last thursday night(April 2,2009)...i got the chance to talk w/ my mom on the phone and she told me that we now have a family blog. so...I checked it out...and here it is...:) (not the actual arrangement..I fixed all pics to fit on one file/image)

I was just surprised that we have one. I've been telling my mom to make one for our family since she loves writing and stuff..but I really didn't get to give her instructions on how to do it. Then she told me it wasn't her who made the blog..it was my pops. My dad made it for us w/ the help of my cousin ATE LALLY. He is in Utah for the General Conference so he was able to visit my cousin Lally and her family.

So..I got so excited and asked for the address. After my mom told me the blog address.."COSTALESFEHECKWACACOL.blogspot.com" I realized that after our family name "COSTALES" were the first 2-3 letters or first syllable of each of our names..FEderico, HElen, CKaz, WAyne, CAleb and COLlette. WOW..it looks kinda weird but I also thought that it was so nice of my dad to do it that way. pretty cool eh.

Anyways..the blog currently has pictures of each member of the family and the Manila Philippines Temple where my parents were married and sealed for eternity. There is also a playlist which had my mom and dad's song..."KAHIT MAPUTI NA ANG BUHOK KO"..lol. I'm so proud of my dad who made it. I'm really excited for the stuff(stories etc.) that my parents would be posting in our family blog. :)

Elder Christian CArlo "WAYNE" dela Cruz Costales

2009-03-30T01:20:00.000-07:00

Every Sunday Jamie & I make it a goal to write full-time missionaries. One of them is my brother...Elder Christian Carlo "Wayne" Costales who is currently serving in Washington Tacoma Mission. He's been out for 1 yr and 4 months now and he's loving every moment of it. Time goes by so fast. I can still remember the time when he opened his mission call and how he got so excited for it. He is the first one from my family to go on a mission( I was gonna go on one too..but plans changed..lol..better decisions were made..i married Jamie:) ) Anyways..he's been writing us every week and for every letter..he shares some of his greatest experiences on the field. He sounds so different than before. He's all grown up now, so mature and his faith and testimony in the gospel is so strong. I can always feel the spirit whenever I read his letters. His love for the Savior and the gospel encourages him to do his best in everything. We all miss him so much but we know that the mission field is where he needs to be at this time. We're so proud of him!!

Pre-mission experiences

Fiji Village

PCC Nightshow..
HAwaii

Tahiti

His mission call..:)

Last Sunday @ BYUH

He's really good at playing the piano..

w/ some relatives..

Mission Pics..:)

For those of you who know my brother...here's his address:

Elder Christian Carlo Costales
4007-D Bridgeport Way West
University Place, WA 98466-4330
United States

write him whenever u guys have time...:) he will really appreciate it.

--Kuhio Day / 9th Monthsary (March 26,2009)--

2009-03-27T01:08:00.000-07:00

Yep...Jamie and I are celebrating our 9th monthsary!!:) Good thing today was a holiday.. and we got to spend more time w/ each other. We ddn't do anything out of the ordinary...but we had a lot of fun. We drove to Kaneohe...shopped (Jamie gets really tired when shopping w/ me)...ate SUSHI (w/c is one of our favorites) and jamie helped me practice driving...i still suck at it though and i feel so tense whenever i do it (I'm glad jamie's really patient w/ me..Lol). Anyways...like what i said...we had fun. I really appreciate these times when we get to hang out..eat what we love to...and just do whatever that would make us happy. I feel so blessed having Jamie as my husband...he might be the quiet type (which is the total opposite of my personality) but he always makes me happy. I've learned a lot from Jamie and I love him.

while driving to kaneohe...

@ Ninja Sushi...;)
jamie w/ his weird face..
YAY for us... and thanks to Prince Kuhio!!!:)

I'm back...gotta keep my blog UPDATED:)

2009-03-25T15:53:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted anything for a very long time. It's not because nothing great happened during the past months (actually a lot did) but I guess I'm just not good at keeping up w/ these kind of stuff. I've been really lazy and like what I always tell my friends as an excuse...I'm not a good writer. lol. but..yeah...I'm back..hope a lot of you are excited. I made a goal to keep this thing updated for our families and friends...hope you all can help me make this possible.:)

to ate lally..mommy shey..jv..sam..etc..salamat..kung d dhil sa mga blogs nyo..d ako mae-encourage ipagpa2loy ito..hehehe...:)

Luv yah all!!!

Working on our Thank You cards for the wedding..so late already!!

2008-10-14T14:21:00.000-07:00

Finally...after 4 months..we'll be able to send out our mahalos to the people who made our day a memorable one!!

Ckaz's 22nd Bday!!!

2008-10-14T14:20:00.002-07:00

Our HOME..

2008-10-14T14:20:00.001-07:00

Back to School...:)

2008-10-14T14:19:00.003-07:00

Big Island Trip

2008-10-14T14:19:00.001-07:00

Utah Trip

2008-10-14T14:18:00.004-07:00

Vegas Trip

2008-10-14T14:18:00.003-07:00

CaLi Trip

2008-10-14T14:18:00.001-07:00

HoNeymoOn...yey!!

2008-10-14T14:17:00.001-07:00

After our very special day, Jamie and I spent our first few days @ Turtle Bay Resort. We had so much fun relaxing and we really enjoyed the scenery of the place. We loved it!!

our room..:)

The Beginning of Eternity..Our Wedding Day

2008-10-14T14:15:00.000-07:00

Our family's visit in Hawaii

2008-10-14T14:14:00.001-07:00

Engagement pics..:)

2008-10-14T14:12:00.000-07:00

Where it all began...

2008-10-09T03:40:00.000-07:00