Who Could Ask for Anything More?

Let me tell you a Story.... A Love Story.

Once there was a nineteen year old girl...

Who met a boy...

Shortly after coming home from his faithful mission to Japan, Derek took a trip to the local Institute where he found on the wall, pictures of all the young single adults who attended that Institute.  After a thorough examination of all the pictures, he saw the picture of Naomi and said to himself, "That one.  I want that one."  Well, we know the Lord hears the prayers of our heart and so in answer to his prayer, Derek and Naomi met a week later.  Too nervous to ask her out on a date however; Derek spoke of Japan and how surprised he was to come home and find wider roads and (needless to say), wider people.  Yes, this was our first conversation in the Institute kitchen.  

Long story short, it took four months before their first date.

It was a good one however, they went to Magic Mountain and yes, Magic happened.  An unbreakable bond began that day that would be the beginning of  forever.  (Ahhh, mush).  The next day they went to see Napoleon Dynamite.  Two days later they took a trip out to Little Tokyo.  A stop on their way to the Airport to drop Derek off to go to his good friend's wedding  in Canada.   

Derek and Naomi in Little Tokyo.

When Derek came home it was not long before he proposed.  In fact it was only two weeks after their very first date.   Naomi said yes, and has thanked the Lord everyday since for this incredible man that He so graciously blessed her with.

At Sams Club waiting for their engagement photos to be printed:)

At the Las Vegas Temple, four days before they were married.

Three months later the two were married.  One month after that blessed event, another blessed event occured.  They were pregnant with their first son, Ryosuke (Ryo means  smart and tender hearted. Suke means heart of a Samurai; determined).  He's also been known to go by Ethan, Buki, Captain Cutie Patootie, you get the idea.  He's a kid of many names.

And yes, it happened that quickly.  Before they knew it these two were parents and they had no idea of what they had to look forward to; and though Buki looks cute, boy that kid could scream... and he did:)  Don't worry Buks, we love you tons!  He loves the Dojo, Transformers, and of course his family.  He is a fireball of fun and sweetness.   

Well, moving on to baby number two.  Eight months after Ryosuke came along they were blessed to receive another visit from the stork.  Luckily their sweet little Tai Tai was kinder to them in the audio department.  He was a more patient soul and the poor little dear had to be.  His name means "To Endure" and that is what he has had to do.  From being a sickly baby, to lactose intolerant this sweet little guy has faced his trials head on, (and I do mean that literally).  He is Derek's mini me.  He loves the Dojo and skateboarding just like his daddy!

 

Again, we move on to blessing number three.  They were very excited to find that this little bundle of joy was not made of snails and puppy dog tails but of sugar and spice and everything nice!  Little Evey was born two years after Tai Tai.  Her middle name is Kiyoko which means "Happy Generation Child".  And she is.

  

And so now we move on to baby number... Just kidding.  That part of the story hasn't happened yet.  But we all know it will and we'll let you know when it does.  

    But....

 

Hey!

 Wasn't this supposed to be a mushy love story?

  

It is.

 Derek and Naomi have been happily married for almost five years now.  Some would say they moved too quickly but they don't believe so.  When you know, you know.   And though it's been crazy, and has had it's ups and downs, (and a whole mess of diapers), they wouldn't have their lives any different.  The Lord has truly been good to them and they really have and will continue to live Happily Ever After!!  Because really, who could ask for anything more?