HoltFamilyVlog 08.23.2014: Special Visitors from Hawai'i!!

We were very blessed to be able to have breakfast with my Uncle Byron and cousin Bubba yesterday morning.  We had breakfast at Shari's Restaurant (it really reminds me and Thomas of Anna Miller's back home in Hawai'i).  There's nothing better than having a delicious breakfast accompanied with great company and conversation.  Thanks for breakfast, Uncle!  We hope you and Bubba have a safe trip home! ♥

Simply Real: 75 Days into Our Great HI to WA Journey

As if I needed more proof of how fast time is flying by... We've been living in Washington for 75 days now!  Everything has fallen into place so nicely.  Our belongings and car arrived here in WA about a week after Thomas got back from Hawai'i.  The car was ready for pick up the day before we were scheduled to return our rental!  I had been meaning to extend the rental but it kept slipping my mind.  Perfect timing... Thomas and I are pretty comfortable with how our home is set up and we've got a pretty good routine so the last puzzle piece that needs to fall into place is a job for Thomas.  But that, too, will happen at the right time.

Here's a photo dump of what we've been up to these past 75 days!

We juuuuust made it onto our flight! (Like no joke... we were the last one's on the plane, and we were in such a hurry I forgot our hydroflasks under Chloe's stroller.  So, they paged the owner of "a black britax stroller to please come back to the front".  Hehe... so Thomas went back up and they gave him our flasks. Go Hawaiian Airlines!  They were really nice about it.)

We've visited Bruce Lee's grave twice.  Bruce Lee is a very big inspiration to Thomas.

We've done our share of exploring.  We've driven as far North as Bellingham, WA (we eventually want to check out Canada), and we've gone to Oregon three times (twice to visit a friend in Bend, OR)

Tacoma Narrows Bridge

Along Mt. Hood Highway, OR

Tumalo Falls, OR

Tumalo Falls

We've been enjoying a lot of yummy food (mosty homecooked!).

We've been trying to save money by totally eliminating the number of times we eat out.  This forces us to be creative so we can use up all the food that we have in the fridge.  Check out the hashtag #HoltFoods on Instagram to track our culinary journey!

Most of all... we've really been enjoying time as a family.  Thomas and I decided that I will stay home with Chloe while he goes to work.  Although we had a taste of how it will be with Thomas working and me staying home, we haven't necessarily experienced it with all the stresses of being totally independent and away from our families.  I'm not gonna lie... Every time I look back at my pictures (and trust me... I take a lot) a knot builds up in my throat and I begin to miss all the familiar faces.  Thomas and I have had a true taste of freedom and independence... And we know that we'll be okay... Just like everything else that has happened... It will all fall into place at the perfect time.  Until then, we're going to enjoy this beautiful PNW weather together as a family. ♥

Words can't explain how grateful I am for all the blessings God has given me... Especially in the last year and a half.

Simply Real: It's A New Year!!! {For me at least...}

Hellooooo!  I'm alive!  I'm sooo sorry that I've been MIA.  This pregnancy is really taking a toll on me (mostly morning sickness [all day long...] with the occasional migraine...).  But we're truckin' along... It'll all be worth it in the end.

Anyway... Today's my birthday!  As I was falling asleep last night I found myself reflecting back upon the past year.  So much has happened and changed!  It's been almost an entire year since Thomas and I both lost our jobs... just two months before my due date.  Even though my 23rd year may not have started off on the best of terms... The circumstances really gave Thomas and I the time to develop our faith and our marriage.  We were blessed to have such an amazing support system of friends and family who really helped us when Chloe was born.

Little Chloe-Ann... Probably the best thing that happened during my 23rd year.  Time really does speed up once you have a baby.  She's the most amazing blessing that Thomas and I have ever received and she honestly amazes us every single day.  In fact... Her birthday present to me was that she finally gained the confidence to stand without holding on to anything (I think she also likes the fact that Thomas and I cheer her on every time she stands with no hands). ^_^

The next biggest blessing had to have been the opportunity for my family and I to move to Washington.  We absolutely love it here and God has been setting everything up for us at the perfect times.  We can't wait to see what else the world has to offer us!

I have found that lately I've been setting more and more goals for myself... I don't know if it's because we're really on our own now and it's what's keeping me on track... or I'm just getting older and that's what grown ups do?  Anyway... I started thinking about things in my life that I could improve and make even better than it already is.

*Clears throat*

Here's my list of goals that I want to accomplish in the next year.

01 - Continue to build my relationship with God. 

Over the past year and a half I have truly found my faith and I am beginning to really feel happy and comfortable with what I believe in.  I now see how God plays a role in every aspect of my life... And that he constantly wants to shower us all with his love and blessings, while also teaching us very important life lessons.  I feel like I've learned a lot about patience and gratitude over the past year.  After losing our jobs I found myself truly putting my faith in God... that even when it seemed like we were about to stumble He would come through for us.  My relationship with God has really blossomed over this past year... And I look forward to continuing my beautiful spiritual and religious journey.

02 - Keep up with my blog!

I know... I didn't keep up with my New Year's resolution of putting up one post every week.  But I think I got pretty far for my first true shot at blogging... especially given the circumstances.  You know: moving over 2,000 miles away from all our family and friends, having a tough pregnancy thus far... I know... these are excuses.  But that's why I'm renewing my resolution for my New Year ;)

03 - Thomas.

Thomas and I have grown so much over the past year... not only as individuals, but also as a couple and as parents.  No relationship is ever perfect... and Thomas and I are constantly pushing each other to be the best that we can be.  I will admit that at times it can be a bit overwhelming to think that in six short months we will be welcoming Peanut into our family, but knowing that I have a strong and supportive husband quickly helps to calm my restless mind.  I look forward to everything this upcoming year has to offer Thomas and me. ♥

04 - Follow my heart.  Speak up.  Megan first.

What starts a lot of stuff between Thomas and I is the fact that I constantly put aside what I want to do just because I know it would make things easier for him or because I know it's what he would want.  I always joke with Thomas that couples sometimes fight about one person only thinking of themselves... Not because they're thinking of everyone but themselves.  I do see his point though... The more I try to do what only pleases others... the less I'm feeding my own happiness.  And your soul needs happiness.  Thomas keeps trying to explain to me that those who truly love and care about me will ultimately care about my well-being and happiness... If something doesn't truly make me happy then in the end those who matter most will understand.  I really want this next year to really be about finding myself as a mother, a wife, and a woman.


Well!  I guess this is a pretty beefy post... but I feel it was necessary.  I've honestly missed writing here!  Thank you so much to everyone who took the time to wish me a happy birthday, whether it was on Facebook, Instagram, or phone call, or text.  It truly meant a lot to me!  Thanks for sticking around through this journey with me!

The perfect song for this time in my life:

Photo Dump:

Exciting things are in store for our family!

More chances for Thomas to mess with me (he may stress me out but I always end up laughing).

More road trips and adventures!  This was to Bend, OR to visit an old friend of mine.  Hawai'i certainly is beautiful... but it's just a tiny drop in a lake when you think about what the rest of the world has to offer!

We got a kick out of this sign...

On the days that I'm feeling up to it... Thomas and I have been putting our food skills to the test!

Here's to more adventures and yummy eats!

Simply Real: Happy Memorial Day!

So... It's official.  Our little family is staying.  We absolutely LOVE it here... especially in Tacoma.  Now now... before anyone goes smack talking Tacoma and throwing around the phrase "Tacompton"... I've heard the stories and honestly, what place on the mainland doesn't have their bad parts.  Luckily for us, God put us right where we needed to be.  We're [I kid you not] 30 seconds away from the Tacoma mall (which by the way... Thomas was told it was the most [excuse the term] ghetto mall... But when we walked in we were like "Woooooow!" [said like a kid in a candy store]).  Our favorite store, Target, is 5 minutes away.  Our bank... 10 minutes away.  My doctor's... 15 minutes away.  TONS of eating places... minutes away.  You get my point...

We're ones to look and count our blessings, we're just so thankful for the opportunity to give our dreams a shot.

Anyway... Our first 11 days went by super fast (hey... that happens when you're having fun right!).  But that meant that it was time for Thomas to return to Hawai'i... to bring a final close to the previous chapter in our lives.  If you're a new reader... Thomas and I have been together since middle school.  We started living together about four years ago (I honestly can't believe it's really been that long already).  That meant that the night before our wedding was the first time in three years that we spent apart.  I was an emotional wreck that day (but give me a break! I was pregnant at the time too... I cried watching The Last Holiday as well okay?!).  I thought that was hard... hard was saying good bye to Thomas and feeling like I was leaving a part of me behind at the airport as I drove away.  *cue the tears again...* I'm such a baby...

But I would really want to take this time to dedicate this post to all of our service men and women... Past. Present. And future.  It was hard for me to say good-bye knowing that Thomas will be back in eleven days.  But families are forced to say good-bye to their loved ones all the time as they leave on deployments and for training.  Luckily for my family and I, our family members who served made it home safely... but my heart truly goes out to those of you who's loved ones made the biggest sacrifice.  I hope everyone takes the time to truly enjoy the blessings we all have in our lives... and take the time to appreciate the ones you love the most.

Until next time!

One of our favorite things to do as a family back home was go for walks.  It's so beautiful here in Washington!

One day out of no where, I noticed Chloe making this face to herself in the mirror.  Then she just started doing it all the time! She's so cute...

Here's a video of her making the faces at us during dinner the other night.  Her personality really has blossomed over the past few weeks.

We found a farmer's market!  Chloe had a blast looking at everything and waving at everyone.  (Yes... that's a lollipop...)

FaceTime with daddy!!!

Simply Real: We Made It!

I'm sorry!  I know that I'm very late on this post... But Thomas, Chloe, and I made our big move to Washington this past Monday!!  Monday was quite hectic.  I spent the morning running around making sure I didn't forget anything.  By the time we got to the airport and through security, we booked it towards our gate.  We were about three gates away when we heard the final boarding call for our flight.  Thomas had all of our carry-on bags, while I was pushing Chloe in the stroller... I sprinted to the gate and we made it just. in.  time.

Phew!  Thomas and I were sweating by the time we were in our seats!

Chloe was soooo good during the flight!  This was her first time on an airplane and she behaved so well!  She fell asleep about an hour into the flight, and again right before we landed.  As you can see she had no trouble getting comfortable.

We were able to catch the sunset just as we were flying in.  The pictures really don't do it any justice.  Just as the sun was hitting the horizon it was this intense fiery color... it was so beautiful!

The past few days have been quite a whirlwind filled with so many mixed emotions for me.  I'm so excited to start this new adventure with my little family but at the same time... I was sad to leave my family and home.  So far... we're absolutely loving Washington!  We happened to come during the most perfect weather!  Ever since we arrived it has been sunny and not too cold.  In fact, it feels like Hawai'i on a nice breezy day!  At night, it is definitely colder but nothing too unbearable... yet. =]

Chloe's first pinecone!  At first, she didn't want to touch it... and then she ended up carrying this one all over the mall with her. =]

I noticed these pretty flowers outside our dining room window when we first got to our apartment.

Then the next morning when I looked outside... they had bloomed into these beautiful blossoms!  I sent a picture to my sisters and Mom.  Shannon said it's a sign of a beautiful new beginning <3 

We've been spending the past few days getting used to the area that we live in and making sure that we get all the essentials squared away.  Tuesday happened to be Thomas' birthday and we spent it exploring the areas around our apartment and shopping.

We felt a bit more comfortable with driving around on Wednesday so we decided to venture into Seattle to pay our respects to Thomas' idol, Bruce Lee.  I had no idea that Bruce Lee was buried in Seattle!  As soon as we finalized our move, Thomas told me that when we got here we had to go see him... and I agreed! My grandfather helped found one of the Chinese Lion Dance clubs down in Chinatown back at home, and my dad also has a love for Kung Fu movies.  Who doesn't love Bruce Lee?!  This was a very moving trip for Thomas... Martial Arts has become a large part of Thomas' life and I cannot begin to explain to you how much he looks up to Bruce Lee!

Here are a few pictures from our visit to Lakeview Cemetery in Seattle, Washington:

Your inspiration continues to guide us toward our personal liberation.

Those eyyyyyyes. 0.0

Anywho... I'm quite tired.  This week has been pretty crazy... and Chloe is still stuck on Hawai'i time which means she's been going to bed around 11/11:30 >.<  Good night!

Simply Real: The Date Has Been Set!

That date has been set... to what? You may ask...

Our big 2,660 miles journey from Aiea, HI to Tacoma, WA!!

Now... this may be a bit of a shock for some... but I promise! We've thought this thing through... and it isn't a new idea to us.  In fact, it's a seedling that has been germinating for a few years already.  I go over a few reasons as to why we're making this move in a previous blog post which you can read here.

Today was the first sunny day in quite a while (I joke with Thomas that God is preparing us for the WA weather since it's been so consistently drizzly these past few weeks)... so I took advantage of it and went for a walk with Chloe.  I honestly don't remember when we went on our last neighborhood walk.  I don't know how to explain it... but I have never felt so at peace with everything in my life before.  And I'm taking that as a good omen...

Thomas and I were planning on moving towards the end of the summer... but we happened to secure a place sooner!

Ever since Thomas and I lost our jobs last year (2 months before Chloe was born) our faith in God has grown stronger.  And I'm not going to lie... we definitely had our share of bad luck (in fact ask Thomas about what happened today... you'll probably be confused and asking yourself "how can she be so happy and at peace with everything after that happened?!").  But no matter what!  We stayed positive... and things always fell into place.  Everything is falling into place (a bit sooner than expected) but when does God ever go according to your schedule.

I can't explain how excited we are for this next chapter... It's almost like these last few weeks are going by so fast!  But at the same time... it's not going by fast enough... I really truly appreciate all the positive thoughts and encouraging words from everyone!  It adds to the excitement ^_^

Anyway... Have a great week everyone!!

enjoy a few pictures from this past week <3

We had a garage sale [that was a total fail sale wise... but was a great family bonding opportunity] and Chloe experienced bubbles for the first time!

A few pictures I snapped while on our walk today!

Poor thing... her first tooth completely broke through about a week or so ago... and now the second bottom tooth PLUS the top two are all coming in at the same time =[

She loves this window... and she can stand there without anyone's help now =[

Random Things We're Into 02.27.2014

These goats know how to have fun! Look at em!

With recent events (see this past Sunday's blog post here) this song sums up a lot of my feelings right now.

Simply Real: Life Changes

This past week Thomas and I began sharing some very big news with our families...

We're moving.

Out of the state.

To Washington.

2,675 miles away (don't believe me? I googled it. =P).

Within the next year or so.

Thomas and I had first started talking about moving to the mainland about two years ago but it never really became serious until last year after Thomas' sister returned from an absolutely AWESOME trip to New York and Italy with her husband.  Eventually we got to discussing about how the mainland (heck the world!) has so many opportunities and possibilities.  Up until this point Thomas and I had only entertained the idea of possibly moving our family to the mainland but we had never seriously discussed a timeline for when we wanted to do it.  In the past year there were several [life] events that pushed us to finally take the leap.

1.  Thomas and I were newly weds.  Even though Thomas and I had been dating each other since middle school, we both felt a difference in our relationship when we got married.  The night of our wedding, just before we were going to sleep, we were reflecting back upon the events of that day.  I remember closing my eyes and quietly telling Thomas, "... it really is us against the world now."  Even though it had always been "us against the world" there was a new sense of... us.  The fact that we were now legally tied to each other... officially married after talking about it for how many years... after all we had been through... I had never felt closer to Thomas.  And believe it or not... I feel like I get even closer to him as each day passes.

2.  I was pregnant and we had our daughter.  Something flips in your mind when you become a parent.  All Thomas and I think about is Chloe.  Just like any parent, we want to provide the absolute best that we can for her.  From the toys and books she plays with, to the places she goes, and the food she eats.  Thomas and I were both born and raised here in Hawai'i and even though we absolutely loved our childhoods it's hard to ignore the fact that our beloved Hawai'i is changing.

3.  I'm growing.  I am a 23 year old first time mommy, new wife, casual blogger who is eager to explore the world beyond my little rock in the middle of the ocean.  A few hard lessons had to be learned these past few years... and in the end I've learned that I will never be happy if I don't start doing what makes me happy and what feels right for me.

And at this moment in time... what feels right is moving.

Thomas and I are at a point in our lives where we have this hunger to spread our wings and fly.  We have been blessed to have had such great role models in our lives and now we feel like it's time for us to take everything we've learned thus far... and start venturing out on our own.  The values and lessons that our families have taught us have helped to shape us into the people we are today and has built the foundation that we will build our own family upon.  Don't get me wrong... this next chapter in my life is a big one and it scares me!  I've cried to Thomas several times... but in the end what keeps me going is that drive to live... that hunger to learn and take in as much of this beautiful world as I can because...

"Only when we are no longer afraid do we begin to live."

-Dorothy Thompson