In 2004 at Clovis High I transferred into J's PE class. We became friends and began dating. I wrote love letters while J wrote me poems. We went to every school dance and attended college together. My Grandfather was born in Puna, Hawai'i and would sing and play ukulele when I was a little girl so I lovingly embraced J's Hawaiian heritage. We strive to perpetuate the spirit of Aloha by inspiring others to love one another. I did hula on our wedding day and now we hula together with our kids.

Our favorite memory was going to the Hawaiian islands. We took my Grandpa to his birthtown of Puna and he told us stories about his childhood. Our daughter spontaneously danced hula at a ceremony for Queen Lili'uokalani at Iolani palace. Our son conquered his fear of swimming, thriving in the gentle ocean waves. My husband and I took a nighttime beach stroll together taking in a galaxy of stars. Overall as a family, we were inspired to continue growing our love that started long before we met.

We would take Grandpa back home to visit his older sister (98 years young) on O'ahu and put a down payment on a house that we could all call home. As well as donations to Hālau Hula I Ka La and Bushido Kai Karate Do, who have helped us foster an encouraging community full of strength and growth for our kids and ohana. But the big one is getting Grandpa new teeth! He's lived with us for 9years now and that's one thing he's asked for. We would love to get that done sooner than later!