adam + katie

It's a...

2011-12-12T23:16:00.000-08:00

Girl!

grateful

2011-11-28T14:54:00.000-08:00

This is late, but even if Thanksgiving has come and gone, it's never the wrong time to be thankful. List format; no particular order (except the order they decide to come in my thoughts):

1- A very loving, merciful, generous, and attentive Father in Heaven
2- The best helpmeet I could ever have dreamed of, who also happens to be my best friend and soulmate.

3- My darling, hilarious, wonderful J.

4- My family members by blood and by law. Every single one.
5- Those that I have called (and most that I still call) friend.
6- My membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and how it has changed the way I live my life.
7- To be pregnant (no matter what the outcome is), to even have the chance of adding another member to our family is enough. (Yes friends, I am pregnant, 17 weeks at this point. I had planned to announce it on this blog in an oh so clever way but I'm too worn out).
8- The many experiences I have had, am having, and will have in the future that make me a better, more empathetic, and understanding person. The experiences that help me figure out who I really am, what makes me me, and what my purpose on this earth is.
9- This beautiful, ever-changing, painful, inspiring world. It is in sum a beautiful world. I am grateful to be here.
10- Hope, through the one and only savior, Jesus Christ.

The list could go on but for the sake of your time and mine, we'll end it there today.

halloween knight

2011-10-31T22:04:00.000-07:00

Thought I'd better post something before October ended... A lot has been happening in our lives lately but before we address all that (if we ever address it), I thought a nice relaxing post of pictures would be just right, and let's face it that's what YOU want too!

Due to some very understandable procrastination on my part I had to throw together a costume for J in a day... luckily it wasn't difficult and probably didn't take more than 2 hours total (including all the trips to Goodwill, Savers, and Joann's).

J wore said costume at a Stake Trunk-or-Treat and tonight when we joined some very awesome friends for dinner and trick-or-treating. Luckily we didn't go with our original costume idea of Hermes because the night air was more than nippy. All our love to you dear friends and family and our hope that you have/had a happy Halloween.

color game

2011-09-16T17:06:00.000-07:00

So we often play a color game with J. when we go for walks around the neighborhood. The game is pointing out a car and asking J. what color it is (yeah, really original right? ;) ). He's gotten really good at it, he often mixes up silver and white, but that's an easy mistake.
There is a car that is always parked in our neighborhood and it's a bit tricky so I was hesitant to point it out but one day I did and I got a surprisingly insightful answer. This is the car:

And the answer was without any hesitation: cheese! You might not be able to tell from the photo but that orange color on the top looks A LOT like the color of a nice sharp cheddar. Nice job little guy. Now whenever we pass it J points out the cheese car.

Another update, J. loves Wallace & Gromit. First time he's ever sat still for an entire 30 minutes (excluding time eating of course), eyes glued to the screen. He has good taste.

Salem---Seoul

2011-08-27T22:00:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Adam took a half day and we drove all the way down to Salem, Oregon and back, for a two hour open house. Four hours there, four hours back was a little much. But, it was really wonderful to hear Adam reminisce about his childhood, teenager, and young adult life. It was also really great to see some of the people I had met only briefly at our own open house, meet a few new people, and see the lovely bride and groom.

While there I witnessed J. being bullied by three older kids. I'm going to be honest, I got pretty sassy with those three little boys. A truth, of which I'm not very proud. I let my emotions as a mother get the better of me (don't imagine the worst, I only told them that NO it is not ok to do a judo throw-down on a two year old boy, nor is it ok to be rude to him.) I probably could have scolded them in a more productive way, and I totally forgot to get them to apologize but enough said on that subject.

To end, my Adam is on a plane this very minute half-way across the Pacific on his way to Seoul. I already miss him and it's only been about seven hours. He'll be gone until next Sunday.

Happy Birthday!

2011-08-11T14:39:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's already been two years. Where did the time go? It seems like only yesterday that you made your full entrance into our family. How did you grow so much so quickly? We love you little Tweed. We love your fake laughs, your tantrums, your dancing, your hugs. We love it when you "read" the scriptures, sing, and play trains and cars. We love everything you were then and now! I know we both pray that your life will be full, beautiful, and long. Thank you for being ours. Happy birthday little guy.

Off

2011-08-08T15:05:00.000-07:00

I don't know quite how to put into words what I've been feeling lately. Melancholy? A little blue, lack luster, off kilter maybe? I can't say.

The sun is out today. The leaves outside the window next to me are moving with every little breeze. They cast shadows that flicker and change here on the couch, then, there on the wall. Every twenty minutes the number 5 bus rumbles past. The cars are more constant. Sometimes their sound is soothing like the lapping of water. They move past quietly, then loud, then quietly again. Repeat.

J is asleep. I am awake. Waiting.

A Poor Example

2011-08-01T09:23:00.000-07:00

J Quotes

2011-07-21T16:31:00.000-07:00

J- "mama, mama, guess what?"

K- "what?"

... (silence)

I guess he hasn't figured out that you're supposed to continue speaking after you've gotten someone's attention.

J- "go in clouds to see Hannah."

He asks to see Hannah (or Maggie as he sometimes calls her) just about every day.

J- "you drive me crazy."

K- "don't repeat that to anyone!"

Perhaps I have used that phrase in front of him one to many times... gulp.

K- "be patient J.! be quiet J.! shhh!"

J- "no patient! no quiet! no shhh!"

We have been really amazed lately at J's growth in the vocabulary/sentence making department. He's a hoot. He's also quite the little singer. Stay tuned for a video in the near future.

Pictures: Sunday morning stroll on the beach: Golden Gardens, Seattle WA 6/26/2011

Desiderata- Max Erhmann

2011-07-13T17:14:00.000-07:00

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.

This poem was first introduced to me many years ago by an art teacher. A crazy, bearded, high-school pottery teacher. He, I think, was frustrated with our class, which was full of rowdy juniors and seniors (mind you I was a junior and far from rowdy, just in case you thought otherwise). Out of the blue he started quoting this at a rapid pace. The class became quiet and listened. After his lecture I asked him what it was. He told me and gave me a copy which I have to this day. Once in awhile I read it. Now you my friends can read it also (if you haven't already that is). I think of this teacher quite often but only when I use watercolors. My watercolor bowl was a bowl he gave me in exchange for one of my prints. So, sometimes when I'm painting I think of Desiderata and highschool...

utah 2011

2011-07-11T13:37:00.000-07:00

Some pictures for ya'll. I may or may not post about my recent trip so enjoy the pictures they might be all you get.

Love

2011-07-11T12:57:00.000-07:00

I've been experiencing a strange phenomena lately. Now you might wonder what this phenomena could be... or perhaps the title of this post gave you a clue. That's right folks it is love. Not romantic love, or familial love (well perhaps a little), but the more platonic variety. Brotherly love. For me this is a phenomena. Phenomena being described in this instance as an extraordinary event.

I am not a bad person. I have often felt that I might even be a good person but I have not often felt true un-adulterated brotherly love.

For some unexplained reason (or at least unexplained by logic or science) when I have been surrounded by large crowds of strangers (i.e. Disneyland, Lagoon, or visiting a sister-in-law's ward), I have felt this warmth and love for said strangers. A love that makes me feel bound to them. A love that makes me feel they are truly part of me, and I of them, that we are in literal fact, part of one enormous, incomprehensibly large, family. A family with a Father who knows us individually and loves us individually. Who does not see our race, or wealth, or status but loves us regardless of them. Regardless of any of our man-made categories. I hope that with time I can make this phenomena more ordinary. It would be amazing to feel that love for everyone I meet instead of these strange flashes that only occur broadly for a crowd.

Just something I have been thinking about. Ignore this post please and thank you.

with platonic love,

By Request...The Weight Room

2011-06-01T11:52:00.000-07:00

Adam and I walked down the stairs and entered the dreaded "weight room." There were several men there working out. Not a surprise as it was a Saturday morning. I told Adam that I didn't want to bulk up I just wanted to be strong and toned. My main concerns being arm strength and abdominal strength...especially abs strength as I currently have next to none. He proceeded to take me around the room introducing me to the machines. "This one will work your upper arms and pecks, and when you use it be sure to engage your abs, and release slowly..." well, anyway, you get the picture. We then went over to a machine that has a long bar on which there are several handles for different styles of pull ups. Adam tested it out... though I think he really just wanted to show me his muscles and man strength, he might have also been showing off his height because I required the top step of the stool nearby to reach them. So, I think many girls out there know my plight when facing a pull-up, it's nearly an impossible task (for me it is currently IMPOSSIBLE). While I hung there embarrassing myself a strong looking, well versed in the weight room, black man walked over and said "You shouldn't use that one, go over there and use the chin-up machine." Adam agreed and we went over to it. It looks kind of like this:

Essentially this machine somehow through physics (weights and pulleys I think) makes it easier to do a chin-up (pull-up) or a dip-down. Adam helped me adjust the weights so that the machine would be taking off 85 lbs from my weight while doing pull-ups. I climbed up the steps, carefully stepped onto the foot rests, and began the easiest pull-ups of my life. While the machine made up the difference for the lack of strength in my arms I had a profound thought (to me anyway) that THIS was the atonement. The atonement is the machine that makes it possible for us weak and imperfect humans to rise. While the pull-ups I did were easier with the assistance they were still challenging. But possible. Where before, with out that machine they were not, and would not have been possible for a long, long time, and only after a lot of work. That is the beauty of the atonement in a nutshell. Making something impossible (or nearly so) possible. It was beautiful, there in the weight room, the sweaty, stinky, intimidating weight room. I'm grateful for Adam my husband/weight room instructor and the black man for helping me have such a beautiful moment.

But my deepest and most sincere gratitude is for my savior, Jesus Christ, the only one that can truly make up the difference.

The Y

2011-05-23T12:19:00.000-07:00

So, remember a while back when I said I was going to join a gym? Well I did. The YMCA to be precise. When A. and I were considering what gym I should join we were hesitant to chose the Y because it seemed like a very expensive option. We came to the conclusion that for a membership that includes childcare and as many classes as I care to participate in (with no added charge) it was the best deal.

It is now my third month with a membership. I have to say that I am in love (who knew that an hour to myself, for myself, could make such a difference). I was nervous to leave J. for an hour with people I don't know well, and have to trust that he would be okay...thankfully they screen their childcare workers and they are all trained, otherwise this trust thing would have been an impossibility. The days that I go to the Y are marked by a better mood. It's trackable. A. will come home from work now and if I'm a grump his first question is "did you go to the gym today?" Ninety percent of the time the answer will be "rude...but no, I didn't" (there are those days that even an hour at the gym can't compensate for). It is unnecessary to say that A. is very encouraging of my Y excursions, but there, I've said it anyway. The other day A. even came with me and gave me a tour of the weight room... but that is another story for another time.

Some people I love came to visit us. I'm very grateful that they took time away from their various schedules to come for a visit and to babysit! Thank you <3

My Loves

2011-05-03T21:10:00.000-07:00

A post from this old piece-o-poo is in my opinion, long overdue. I sit here by my lonesome after a long long day of work while my sweetie is out with a friend, and think to myself how very blessed I am...

My Bride

Katie, I love you. The last four years have blown by in what seems to have been an extended honeymoon. Ironic though, because within this honeymoon of sorts, we have managed to graduate college together whilst living at five different addresses, having a baby, and buy a house, all while having fun and growing along the way. I appreciate you so much and am more amazed by you everyday. I hope I can do right by you sweetie.

So much I could say, but all I can manage in this moment is, you are the reason I wake up in the morning, and the air I breathe.

You have bewitched me body and soul, and I love, I love, I love you...

-J-

What can I say, you are my son and I love you as well. Not like I love mommy, but I love you nonetheless. You are a wonderful son and you amaze me with how much you are learning. I love when you are sweet to mommy and I, but you can sometimes be very naughty. I am amazed that your mama can not only watch over you all day long, but can also manage to do four loads of laundry, read, and draw, all within a day... you drive me crazy after 40 minutes. It seems as though every single day you grow bigger in mind and body, and though sometimes I wish it go faster, time itself will no doubt seem to have slipped through your mother and I's fingers in no time at all. I love you buddy.

April 28, 2007

2011-04-28T09:46:00.000-07:00

Four years ago today we held hands and took the greatest leap. I trust you, Adam, and I love you.

2011-04-20T11:43:00.001-07:00

Yes, it is a children's book. Yes, I am turning 25 next month, your point? If it's a good book it's a good book no matter what the target audience. I thoroughly enjoyed "The Miraculous Journey of Edward Toulane" (by: Kate DeCamillo) and heartily recommend it for all ages. It harks back to the childhood favorite "The Velveteen Rabbit" but in my humble opinion it elevates the story by quite a bit. So, it was not a surprise for the story to begin with a rabbit, but not a velvet rabbit, a rabbit made of china (a far more rigid and breakable substance) whose name is Edward.

Edward's journey takes him many places but the truly miraculous part of the journey is the change that occurs in Edward's heart. I felt a kinship with Edward's attitudes towards love. I believe I have felt, most, if not all of the emotions he experiences on his journey. I think it would be safe to assume that most people will have felt at least a few of them. Truly great books will do that, they will have something that can be related to, which helps the reader connect to the characters, to the story, and ultimately to whatever gem of truth (or truths) found therein. Like Edward I finished the book with the feeling that love is something I will always hope for. Really, who couldn't use more love in their heart? Read it. I do not think it will disappoint.

Disappointed

2011-04-07T13:53:00.000-07:00

So my next post was going to be about a watercolor workshop I signed up for.

I just got my new watercolor pad last night! Saturday couldn't come quickly enough.

To my very great disappointment I just received an email...

Watercolor Workshop CANCELLED.

At least I get my money back.

Sigh.

Ignorance may be blissful but...

2011-04-07T10:34:00.000-07:00

I have not had access to a bathroom scale for quite some time now... Some of you already know what happened to me the last time I was without one but I feel like telling the story again so skim it if you've heard it enough for your liking.

I was sent to Italy in late spring of 2005. I turned 19 while I was there. I left alone and was there for two weeks with my zia Nella. I had very little to do. The family wouldn't let me go out on my own, I couldn't speak Italian, and the family was busy most of the day so I sat at home in the room I'd taken over from my cousin Nicola. When I wasn't in that room reading or working on an assignment from my dad I was in the kitchen with zia. She fed me a great deal of delicious food for those two weeks (a GREAT deal). Two weeks passed and I was joined by my dad and we went touring around but the damage had been done. A month and half later I returned home to our bathroom scale that wasn't in metrics but far too familiar pounds, and discovered that I had gained 12 pounds. Yes, 12 pounds in a month and a half.

It is true that while ignorant one can remain blissful but once the ignorance is gone I think most people wish that either they had remained ignorant forever or had never been allowed that ignorance in the first place.

So we welcomed to our family a lovely dinosaur of a scale that won my heart at first glance. And here she is.

Yes, I may have to reset the scale to zero after use but she appears to work very well. And was cheaper than a new one! Ignorance be gone!!

Up and up

2011-03-16T17:44:00.000-07:00

I was perusing my older sister's family blog the other day. Her latest post was on the mischief her youngest gets into facilitated by his awesome climbing skills. I clearly thought to myself "man, I'm so glad J. hasn't figured out that he can climb onto things like that." Literally the next day what should I see when I came into our living room but this.....

and a little later, this...

I am going to be careful about what I think from now on!

On another note J. has started nursery at church (which believe me has been wonderful! I forgot how much I like church). He really loves it. He's the life of the nursery. He runs into the nursery room (on most occasions) yelling a victory yell. So far we have only had him brought to us once and it was five minutes before church ended anyway. A week or so ago when I went down one of the nursery workers, Ben, told us that during singing time they had been singing a song about ducks. He said that during the chorus all of the little ones were supposed to say "quack, quack, quack" (one of J's first words) but J would say "stuck, stuck, stuck." Ben said that everyone laughed so when he kept doing it they thought J was just trying to be funny (which would not be surprising at all). In fact they later looked down after the chorus and noticed that J's foot was stuck between the legs of two chairs. He was in fact "stuck, stuck, stuck." My boy's no dummy. Well, that's all my lovely readers. For this evening at least. Tune in next time for... hmm... more J. adventures? Most likely.

2011-03-12T09:44:00.000-08:00

Sonnet: Ozymandias

I MET a traveller from an antique land

Who said: Two vast and trunkless legs of stone

Stand in the desert. Near them, on the sand,

Half sunk, a shattered visage lies, whose frown

And wrinkled lip, and sneer of cold command.

Tell that its sculptor well those passions read

Which yet survive, stamped on these lifeless things

The hand that mocked them and the heart that fed;

And on the pedestal these words appear:

"My name is Ozymandias, king of kings:

Look on my works, ye mighty and despair!"

Nothing beside remains. Round the decay

Of that colossal wreck, boundless and bare,

The lone and level sands stretch far away.

- Percy Bysshe Shelley

I love this sonnet. I heard it not long ago at a poetry reading/musical performance. I love the images that float so clearly across the mind. It also reminded me of the Epic of Gilgamesh for some strange reason. I read more of Shelley's work but this remains one of my favorites. I thought you might enjoy it too.

2011-02-14T18:21:00.000-08:00

to: family + friends

happy valentine's day!

naughty

2011-02-04T15:32:00.000-08:00

I'm learning not to leave ANY door open for ANY amount of time... I don't know how he can make so much mess in so little time! My only consolation at this point is that he hasn't figured out how to open those doors, but I know it's only a matter of time.

Perhaps a second round of baby-proofing is in order. I love catching him in the act he always tries to leave the scene as fast as possible, or look at me with his elfish mischief-making smile (I'll try to capture it, it's pretty amazing), or another tactic we love is the classic "I'm so cute how can you be mad." He accomplishes this by saying "hug?" several times with arms wide open and waiting. I'm sighing right now. He makes me crazy but I sure love him.

2011-02-02T16:55:00.000-08:00

I made two online purchases from the big Es.... Etsy and Ebay. Firsts for both (gasp! where have you been katie?? I know).

My first ever E-bay purchase... and I'm in love. The Etsy purchase is equally lovely... I'll a post a picture when it has found a permanent place... i.e. a wall or counter or some other place.

a few pictures

2011-02-02T16:20:00.001-08:00

2011-01-24T11:11:00.001-08:00

an apology, a story, a letter.

2011-01-12T16:34:00.000-08:00

So, obviously I missed the deadline for holiday greetings. I apologize! Please forgive us. On that note let me say that I sincerely hope everyone had a nice time with their respective family and friends, and that it was all you hoped it would be.

Now time for a story...

J. and I took a trip downtown to finish up our Christmas shopping as well as have lunch with Adam and our friend Phil who was moving back to California over the holidays. Lunch was great fun. Shopping not quite as fun but we survived. The trip home was another story entirely. Being quite tired, and cold, I was not paying as much attention as I ought to have been and when our bus arrived I got on, with some difficulty, as I'm sure you can imagine when carrying a 25 lb boy, a folded stroller, and several shopping bags. To make matters worse the bus was packed, literally packed, I had several seconds of panic as I thought of how I would manage if we had to stand for 15 minutes or more on the ride home. I was extremely grateful when a middle-aged black man offered me his seat. After that the ride was not too horrible, we were sitting next to a nice older woman who spent the ride entertaining Jonathan. While I was attempting to keep J. from kicking said lady next to us, I happened to look out the window, and much to my dismay realized we were on the wrong bus. (Luckily it was going in the right direction and on Aurora Ave. which I am somewhat familiar with). An angel (I'm sure it was an angel, because no one but me got off) had requested the next stop. I'll admit I was panicking a little. The bus came to a stop and I gathered our things together (J. under an arm bags in one hand stroller in the other, yes, J. was pretty squished) a woman asked if I needed help, I shook my head, but she insisted and said "this woman needs help, will one of you help her?" a young man volunteered and carried the stroller off the bus and made sure I had everything under control before getting back on. I was moved. Their concern and help really touched my heart. Even though I had a long walk, uphill, and in the rain, I couldn't help but feel gratitude that I had gotten on the wrong bus.

To the Strangers,

To you who helped me when I was in need (and too proud to ask) thank you for insisting that I take your seat, helping me entertain my little one, and forcing me to accept your help off the bus. If we ever meet again I probably won't know it's you but know that I will remember your acts of kindness all my days. I will return the favor whenever I can.

yours truly,

Katie

winter white

2010-12-13T17:01:00.000-08:00

So, have you noticed that it is December?? And,not just the beginning mind you, but almost the middle! It's strange because this time of year usually features a lot of white outside (at least where I am from), but here there is still a lot of green (and gray).I decided that a little snowstorm was in order.

The snowstorm also became necessary because I couldn't (nor did I feel inclined to) find our Christmas decorations in our storage unit. So I found some paper and a cutting implement and went to work. I've always found making paper snowflakes to be a little bit magical... and this bout did not disappoint. It's amazing to me that a little folding and a few snips here and there can become something so beautiful.

The next post will hopefully include a Christmas greeting from us as we didn't plan early enough to do a card.

This one's for my sisters!

2010-11-27T10:57:00.000-08:00

So a few days ago I was cleaning the house and a specific cleaning song came to mind... I started humming it and was surprised by how much faster my cleaning went. Here's a picture to stir up your cleaning song memories.

2010-11-13T11:17:00.001-08:00

For Veteran's day J and I went to the Lake Union Park which used to be owned by the Navy. It was fun to walk around the newly-renovated park and check out the docks. There was a really fun variety of boats including a boat that they had a farmer's market on it! And also the Arthur Foss which is an old wooden tug boat which featured a story-time that we participated in... the subject of the stories was... drumroll... tugboats! We found a spot for some Navy-themed pictures. It made me think of my grandpa and all of the stories he's told us over the years about his time in the Navy. He served through the Korean "Conflict" and the Vietnam War. I'm grateful for him. He's a very inspiring person, as I'm sure many who know him will agree.

Crayons

2010-10-15T16:35:00.000-07:00

A few months ago while wandering through Office Depot searching for a mouse pad, I was strongly compelled to the school supplies aisle. Once there I picked up a pack of Crayola crayons and carried them with me debating with myself that buying them wasn't a silly idea. The childish side won the debate with the assurance that the crayons weren't for me at all but rather for my little J. (who is 1 year and 2 months old). All the while knowing that he probably wasn't ready for coloring sessions.

Yesterday was a somewhat gloomy and rainy day. To brighten things up, and because I needed some form of creative exercise, I decide J. and I were going to color. We grabbed some fresh white sheets of printer paper, my...uh... I mean J's pack of crayons, and settled on the floor in J's room. I gave J a sheet of paper and he dumped out the crayons for us. I put a crayon in J's hand and guided him a little to show him what they could do. When I thought that was under control I took a sheet and let go. I decided not to stress about whether I was creating something "good" or not and was having a lovely time of it. My focus was broken by a strange sound. Crunch, crunch. I looked over at J. Crunch, there went another one. He was biting off the tips of as many crayons as he could. I'm grateful Crayola made them non-toxic. I look forward to the day when "coloring" won't mean eating the colors.

Play date

2010-10-14T10:29:00.000-07:00

Last week J. and I had our very first play date with a very nice lady from our ward and her two little girls. It was fun. Our children did not play together much, but that wasn't really the point I suppose... I got to know April a little better while J. got to run around and play at the park. Snacks were shared, swings were swung on, and bouncing occurred on see-saws. Needless to say it was nice to have some company for these activities.

July, August, September...

2010-09-28T15:10:00.000-07:00

July, August, and September. Each month we had visitors. Which is a blast but I'm looking forward to being the visitor in October. I'm visiting the home state and family from the 26th to the 6th of November. Yay!

In July my lovely mother and my silly brother Michael came to see us. We were living in corporate housing (a ritzy place called "Harbor Steps") at that time so they got the "downtown experience." We walked around the town, visited the EMP/SFM, went swimming several times at the pool, shopped until Michael dropped, and then shopped some more. We were able to show them the outside of the Richmond which is where we live now but that's all they saw.

In August my two little sisters came for a visit. They had to sleep on the floor in our nearly unfurnished apartment but I dare say they still had a good time. We walked around Green Lake , went to the zoo, ate lots of good food, went to the Pacific Science center, walked Pike's, the pier, and the International district (i.e. china town). We also took them to the troll, J's favorite park, had a lovely picnic, participated in the Friday art walk/block party, and I forget what else.

September brought the in-laws, Mom and Dad Christensen. They didn't have to sleep directly on the floor, but rather on a very comfortable floor mattress. Which, I understand was still somewhat of a trial. With them we visited Leveanworth, Cashmere for the Aplets & Cotlets factory, and the Ballard Locks. We also went to Bellingham for a visit and dinner with the delightful aunt Cheri. J got really sick with an ear infection (and then an allergic reaction to his prescription) during their visit so the later half wasn't as busy nor as fun, sadly.

3 pictures from the locks.

cute grandparents

cool old lady selling at Pike's

beautiful mom

so handsome

J. at the park

J loves bath-time

K. loves A. and J.

2010-07-02T11:59:00.000-07:00

So... it's been two months!? How did that happen? Oops. Well, we've been living in Seattle now for 1 month and 5 days. So instead of recapping I'll just throw a bunch of pictures at you. Sound good? "Yes, Katie that sounds great!"

Jonathan loves to make noise (imagine a yell here)

he also loves to kick back and relax

he's so durn cute!

caught in the act of making a mess (a daily task)

he cleans up nicely

Adam's hair is getting pretty long

one must always retain one's modesty

right when we arrived in the emerald city

a random state park we stopped at (yes, that's blue sky people)

Pike's Market flowers (p.s. loving my new camera! thanks darling hubby)

Mae Phim Thai our favorite place to eat so far

checking out the sites

lights at the market

more flowers

very blue view from our corp. housing.

thanks for looking!

washing machine world

2010-04-26T11:21:00.000-07:00

Is the world spinning faster for everyone? Or is it just me? J. is growing up like a little weed and learning how to make more mischief every day. A. is moving us again. This time out of state. Yes, you read correctly. We're moving again after 6 months but this time it's far from all family and friends. Hurrah for change. Just as I was beginning to like it here too. It's laughable really.

Sometimes it's exciting but most of the time it's just terribly stressful. For all of us. We have a little more than a month before we go. Goodbye Bountiful, hello Seattle.

Here's a few videos for the visually minded.

J. only growled for a little over a week... so sad we loved it.

LDS.org - Ensign Article - Patience

2010-04-24T18:51:00.000-07:00

Our bishop advised us to read this talk by Neal A. Maxwell. I loved it so much I thought it would be nice to share it with all of you. I know we could all use a little more patience in our lives.

love,

Katie

LDS.org - Ensign Article - Patience

march madness

2010-03-19T08:18:00.000-07:00

In a moment of boredom (and madness) I took out the scissors and... that's right you guessed it, snip. I cut my own hair. I've always wanted to cut my own hair and yesterday I did. I was brave. Brave and stupid. Let's just say my career as a hairstylist was very brief. I must now go to have a haircut to fix my haircut. I won't post any pictures until it's more presentable.

Not to worry friends and family, not even one tear was shed during this experience (well maybe one by Adam), after I'd finished butchering my beautiful locks I looked at myself and laughed.

2010-03-17T08:28:00.001-07:00

A few more things to add to the list.

4- A fabulous Rec Center just 2 blocks away

5- the hot-rod beetle (it makes it's appearance everyday around 8:30 am and every evening around 6. I have a self-given mission to capture a picture of it and post it here. It makes me smile every time it drives past.)

6- TONS of flowers we didn't have to plant

7- neighborhood walks with J. and A. Looking for peoples crazy additions to their houses (people don't build new here very often, if they want more space just build it onto your existing house. I will take a few pictures of the most wild and crazy of this category. Stay tuned.)

We've been trying to keep busy. I'm working on the last bird for little J.'s mobile then it just needs to be assembled. I also made a cake stand (yes, a cake stand). I don't remember where I heard about this craft but I love it. We went to DI found a .50 cent ice cream sundae dish, a .50 cent plate, and some glass glue from Home Depot, put all the pieces together and there you have it.

We also took some pictures of J. when we were down in Provo a few weeks ago. Here is a few of our favorites.

I had to add the first one for laughs. Well that's all I've got this time. I love you all my dear family and friends.
(P.S. Carolyn if you happen to see these pictures, know that I tried to send you an email but it didn't work. Did you change your address?)

2010-03-06T14:43:00.000-08:00

So, we're making an attempt at having J. fall asleep on his own. Yesterday I put him down for his nap fully awake, I put on some music in the kitchen, and went about my business. J cried and cried but then all was quiet and I went to see what had happened. This is what I found. The poor dear.

(click on 'found' to see the video)

to new things.

2010-03-04T09:58:00.000-08:00

I've been needle felting some birds for a mobile for J. They're coming along nicely I've made about 7 of them so far but I only really like 3 of them enough to use... here they are.

A bird in progress. They have been a nice distraction during the long hours that A. is at work.

I have been on the look out for things to like about B-town. I decided that it's time to stop comparing everything here to everything back in dear Provo. I realized that I'll never like where I am in the present if I'm continually thinking about the past. Yes, it is true that Provo will always feel like my home town. Yes, I miss my family in Provo, I miss going to the grocery store and seeing people I know. I miss Utah county's beautiful mountains and Timpview drive. I miss BYU and so many other things but it's time for me to move on (especially since I can go and see those things when I'm of a mind to). Who was it that said "it's hard to move forward with a foot in the past" ? Somebody said it I'm sure.

So, the humble beginnings of (hopefully) a long list:

1- One library card for all of the libraries in Davis county

2- Community classes held at all of the high schools with classes ranging from mandarin chinese to yoga. Oh yes, I will be taking some.

3- Being 12 minutes away from Salt Lake City.

2010-02-19T16:57:00.000-08:00

I decided to make it easy on myself by just adding some pictures instead of actually writing something. These are:

1- Jonathan sitting up happy with himself for being able to get in his toy box.

2- A very charming view from above.

3- Jonathan getting into mischief. He's a pro at the army crawl.

4 & 5- Jonathan being Jonathan

6- A. reading to J. a little confused because I usually do the reading.

7- some more reading. Cutest boys ever.

Hope you enjoyed it.

Stinky

2010-01-29T10:20:00.000-08:00

So Jonathan is... how do you put it? Stinky. There is no other way to describe it. He has been having gas problems. Well, I guess you could say he isn't having gas "problems," his gut is working all to well. Just ask anyone unfortunate enough to be around when he lets one pass. It surprises me every time, that someone so little can sound and smell like a grown man. I hope it is just a phase. Or will Jonathan always have stinky gas? Regardless, I will always love my little skunk!

Beta Beard

2010-01-27T22:20:00.000-08:00

Hello all, Adam here. I thought that seeing as how I check this blog everyday for new posts from my sweet wife, I might as well add one myself for her to look back on and read.

My first instinct would be to write about happenings in my life as of late, and when I think back upon such happenings, the only new and exciting thing to write about would be my beta beard. What is a "beta beard" you ask?... well "beta" refers to a time period in the last stages of the development of a video game, in this case it lasts from the first week of January, till the last week of March, whereupon our current game reaches completion and a burden is lifted off the shoulders of the team and the execs at Disney. So its been just over three weeks now that I have had this beard and Katie reports that she, "likes to look at it, but not touch it." I suppose this would be suitable if ones face was a look but dont touch item, but seeing as how I am madly in-love with my Katie, the thought of her not touching my face with hand, nor cheek, makes me shiver in sad loneliness. Therefore I cannot say with complete confidence that this beard will make it through to the bitter end... but it will try.

The Beta Beard

See it, love it

Along with growing the beard, I am also letting the hair grow out a bit, mainly out of curiosity to see what it will be like in March. I suppose I will like it if I can achieve one of two worthy goals. End up with hair that looks like my good buddy Paul when he came to our wedding (long and luscious like Ive never seen on Paul before), or hair that looks like a Korean pop star. A Korean pop star may seem strange to those who dont know me well, especially since my hair is usually so short and conservative in its asthetic. But be thou not confused, for I too have had the joy of watching Korean dramas with my lovely Katie lately and as a tribute to the dramas and the fun we have watching them I went ahead and posted my face on a dear friend of Katie and I's... Ji Hoo Sunbae.

Me as a Korean, give it a chance to sink in... then love it.

Ji Hoo is from a drama we just finished called Boys over Flowers, it was superb.

Love you all. -Adam

why I love korean dramas

2010-01-25T12:39:00.000-08:00

I can't stand "soap-operas." I think they are an abomination. The acting is terrible, the plots are improbable and base, and they just ooze "waste of time." While I can't lie and say that Korean dramas aren't a waste of time, they are a lot more fun than the American equivalent. Korean dramas are funny, romantic, generally more conservative, better acted, better written, and all-in-all a better waste of time. Imagine a 16-24+ hour romantic comedy or drama with the added bonus of a peek into Korean culture (and I can get Adam to watch them with me!) Fabulous.

Watched so far: You're Beautiful, Couple or Trouble, and Boys Over Flowers

2010-01-15T11:46:00.000-08:00

Somedays it would be nice to have a soundproof room, where I could scream, rant, and rave to my hearts content without any witnesses. Sometimes I would like to write out my feelings and problems on this here blog, but fear that the "wrong" or "right" person might read it always stops me... you might suggest the answer would be a more private sort of thing like a journal but even those are not witness proof. As I should know being an avid reader of other people's diaries and journals... sorry dear sisters (and more recently Adam) for my invasion of your private thoughts and writings. Haha I will be punished no doubt (oh, and lest you think I'm a terrible person I've only read snippets of their journals on very rare occasions). Thus the conclusion is the soundproof, witness free room. No record, no problems... kind of like cash. A place to deposit all your problems (get them off your chest so to speak) without any repercussions. Pretty good idea, eh?

A Recap

2009-12-28T16:31:00.000-08:00

So, down to business, it's been almost two months now since I posted last. Shameful, I know. But in my defense it's been a very busy two months. Adam and I had a bout of the crazies and bought a house in Bountiful. But we're recovering, and the house isn't so bad. We actually like it a bit. The first few weeks were pretty awful... when taking into account that we had no furniture, no internet, no TV, and didn't know a soul. We still don't have TV. Which is a blessing as it can no longer waste our time. We decided TV is over-rated when you can find most shows on the internet anyway.
Everyone says owning a home is wonderful. Well it is, and it isn't. It's wonderful to be able to hang up pictures where we want, to paint if we want, to decorate the way we want, to shower as late as we want, and to make as much noise as we can, but mortgages are painful.
Jonathan is growing like a little weed... or not so little. He's almost 18 lbs now and over 27 inches. He's babbling, blowing bubbles, and generally making noise all the time. He's discovered his feet and enjoys playing with them. He also had a taste of cereal for the first time (as pictured). He loves to play with, sleep with, and suck on his goat doll. It stinks now. We love him. Everybody who meets him loves him. And it isn't hard to see why.

2009-11-01T12:28:00.000-08:00

Sadly it's already been more than a month since I last posted. Shame on me. A lot has happened since September we've all been learning and growing a ton. Especially Jonathan! Watch this...

2009-09-29T16:28:00.000-07:00

So, Jonathan has been smiling for weeks but we haven't been able to prove it until now. For your viewing pleasure...

Baby Blues and Navy Blues

2009-08-27T21:16:00.000-07:00

The baby blues... most people get them, but Adam and I were unprepared for their arrival. Our first day home from the hospital was fine but the night arrived and Jonathan was hungry but nursing seemed to be something he couldn't figure out. We got at most 45 minutes of sleep and we both felt that we were in over our heads and that maybe Heavenly Father had made a mistake, we weren't ready to be parents. Unfortunately, graduation was the next day and Adam had to say the closing prayer. I couldn't stand the thought of going out in public after such an awful night so I missed my own and my husbands graduation. Adam went and though he slept through most of it he made the walk, gave a short but sweet prayer, and celebrated with a nice brunch. Meanwhile I slept. So we are both graduates. It all seemed somewhat anticlimactic after having Jonathan... I still hope to go out to lunch sometime in celebration. I was able to take some pictures a few weeks later. Oh, and never fear, Adam and I adjusted, got rid of the blues, and LOVE being mommy and daddy.

Labor

2009-08-16T17:44:00.000-07:00

"He's posterior" Jessica whispered to Cheryl... whispered but still heard (even though I was in the middle of a contraction). It had been a hard day waiting to hear when we'd be able to come into the hospital for our induction as a lot of women decided to begin labor naturally (8 to be precise). Adam did his best to distract me from dwelling on the fact that stripping my membranes had done nothing and that we might not make it in on our scheduled day. Finally around 7:00 pm they called and asked if we could come in as soon as possible. We left in five minutes and were there faster than I wanted. We checked in, in a flash (much to my dismay as I realized what was coming), and were in our delivery room ready to go. Jessica (the on call nurse midwife) came in and asked why we were being induced on my due date, why weren't we waiting a little longer. We told her that it would be nice if I could walk in graduation and were hoping it might be possible, not to mention the fact that we'd been on pins and needles waiting for the little guy to get going for a full month. She finally agreed (reluctantly) that we'd break my water. She checked me and it was funny to watch her surprise as she found I'd already dilated to a 7 without pain.

The water was broken around 8 PM. I got to a 10 in roughly four hours, pushed for an hour before the pain became extremely intense. That's when I heard them whisper. I'd read up before hand and knew that posterior births are noted as being more painful and long. I think my brain gave up at that point and I started begging for an easier way. I received an epideral and was allowed to rest for an hour. We pushed for a few more hours with no success so they called Dr. Young to come in. He came and told us he would try to turn the baby with a vacuum extractor and if that didn’t work we’d need a c-section. Well, after a few tries with the vacuum, the good Dr. “made a little more room” as he phrased it, and Jonathan was born at 5:09 AM, looking like a little gorilla. Once he pinked up we found him rather charming. I think we were all glad to be done with the labor. The hospital stay went very quickly and our little family was on its way home.

My two cents

2009-06-21T21:28:00.000-07:00

We had dinner at mom and pops' tonight as we always do on sunday evenings. It was fun, however upon leaving, as Kates and I were walking home it dawned on me for the second time today that tomorrow is the first day of Summer classes. Even though I only have one class, I dread this term because in order to attend the class I have to drive myself up to work and I abhor the drive to Salt Lake, I much more prefer the bus because I just get to sit and play tetris. I hope the six weeks fly by and i can graduate and be done with school. Im sure it will fly by because Katie and I will be wrapped up in gross anticipation of the upcoming arrival of our little guy. That event also in and of itself is a stress all its own that I am both excited for and nervous at the same time. Are we ready? Do we have what we need? Will insurance cover what we need it to? Will he be healthy? Will Katie be fine with no ill effects? Do I freaking have swine flu?? I suppose answers to all of these questions are right around the corner... but do I have what it takes to handle them?

For Maggie

2009-06-02T18:06:00.000-07:00

eight things i am looking forward to

1. finishing my online classes

2. sleeping on my stomach or back once the baby is out

3. my last day of work

4. someday fitting into my normal clothes again

5. seeing my baby face to face

6. graduating

7. adam coming home (i look forward to that every day)

8. going to the cabin in the mountains

eight things i did yesterday

1. went on a walk in the morning

2. went to work

3. made adam's favorite dinner

4. went to the mall bus stop twice to drop off and get adam

5. tried to read my art history reading and fell asleep

6. watched the film "marty"

7. laundry

8. had a fhe lesson from the ensign

eight things i wish i could do

1. be with adam all day long

2. get over my intimidation of other people

3. read fast enough to finish a book everyday

4. paint everyday (i could, but i don't have the discipline to do it)

5. buy a house free and clear

6. write a book or two

7. run to my bed and flop on my stomach

8. sleep through the night

eight magazines i like

1. martha stewart living

2. cottage living

3. real simple

4. the ensign

5. national geographic

6. fine cooking

7. everyday food

8. can't think of another one

eight things on my wishlist

1. a healthy baby

2. a crib and other baby related items

3. a beach cruiser

4. a longboard

5. $20,000 in the bank

6. a house of my own

7. furniture that i love

8. a new look

eight bloggers i am tagging

1. mom

2. beth

3. adam

4. anyone who wants to fill out lists.

2009-05-23T11:21:00.001-07:00

We had our second ultrasound yesterday to check on baby's kidneys. They're still slightly dilated but the midwives said it wasn't anything to worry about as he seems to be functioning just fine and that it will probably resolve after birth (or in these last 12 weeks). He was uncooperative as far as getting a good shot of his face, we had to be satisfied with a close up of his nose and lips.

When we got home we went to my mom's and got out all the newborn pictures of me and all my siblings and one of Adam at 6 months and compared the ultrasound shots of his nose and lips to the photos. Looks like he got my nose. The lips are a mystery. I suppose we'll just have to wait until the little guy decides to come out to really get a good look at him.

After dinner Adam said he was going to take me somewhere as a surprise. I tried to guess but was unsuccessful, and after awhile Adam told me to stop guessing because a surprise is supposed to be a surprise. The surprise turned out to be a trip to YoZone. We both got our cups of frozen yogurt, ate in the car, and drove back home. It was a fun little date. We talked about how dating after marriage is always a little more ambiguous as it's harder to discern what counts as a date... we decided YoZone counted.

April

2009-05-15T09:32:00.000-07:00

As I look back on the month of April I am not at all surprised by how quickly it came and went. The end of school was busy for Adam and me, and then we had a trip to prepare for. Before I knew it, it was April 25th and we were on a plane bound for Italy. The two weeks we spent there were long, tiring, but amazing. I loved watching Adam's admiration of the sculptures, watching him meet my aunts, uncles, and cousins, and watching his love for Italy develop. It was fun to be with my parents and I'm grateful to them for giving us such a wonderful opportunity. It was a great time to go in regards to the pregnancy (much better than traveling in the first trimester!) and in general as a tourist. The tourist season only just beginning, the weather not too hot (we experienced quite a bit more rain then anticipated), and less worry for mom leaving the kids at home all day without school to occupy most of their time.
I do have a few regrets in regards to the trip, marvelous as it was, firstly, I don't think we ate enough gelato. Secondly, we didn't eat enough pizza. And thirdly, and most importantly we didn't really get a chance to celebrate our 2nd year anniversary on April 28th. This last may not seem possible, as I imagine some would say "but you were in Italy! Isn’t that celebration enough?" Well, in answer to that, no, it wasn't enough, we were so tired and moving about so rapidly in order to see as much as possible, and that the day came and went without much thought to what the day signified. I am not saying we didn't wish each other a "happy anniversary," because we did, all I am bemoaning is that I felt that I wasn't able to express to my darling Adam how much he means to me, and how acutely I have loved being his wife for the past two years.
So, hoping he will read this sometime in the near future...Adam you are the best husband a woman could ever ask for. You have made the past two years so wonderful, and I can't imagine life without you. Thank you for choosing me. I love you.
I apologize for those of you who abhor sappiness, but there you have it. On another note, my baby boy is getting bigger everyday it seems, I feel like I have doubled in size the past 3 weeks. What a joy. I wonder if perhaps I'm growing at an abnormal rate...it feels that way. Some days it feels like the skin on my stomach will burst open from the stress and that will be the end, other days it isn't so bad. I do love the little thing though. I love to feel him kick and punch around and generally cause mischief. The other day we put a flashlight on my stomach and were tickled pink to have him respond to it by repeated kicks that would case the flashlight to bounce up and down. One of his best tricks is kicking an area best left unmentioned and causing me to gasp at the shock of it. I can't wait to see him but at the same time I dread it! What if he looks like a little troll? Will I still love him? "Of course" is the answer most people give but I wonder anyway. Every now and then it all seems surreal, like I'll wake up and my waist will be back instead of the melon that is there now...and then there are those rare moments were it hits me "oh goodness, I'm going to be a mom, there is a living creature in my stomach, and one day he will come out, and be out for good." I love those moments. I'm excited and nervous for all the change...I have a feeling that these next 3 months are going to be long.
I'm going to try and post more than once a month just for kicks.
Arrivederci miei amici.

March

2009-04-01T17:44:00.000-07:00

I'm the worst blogger ever. March was a busy month, far too cold for my taste, and it seemed to drag on forever (partly due to the weather and partly due to the fact that I was counting down the days the entire month until the 26th!). But March is now over and the 26th come and gone leaving us to contemplate the fact that we are having a boy! I'd suspected as much but hadn't told Adam because he wanted a girl. He's getting used to the idea of a boy now and I know he'll make a great father.

So today being April Fool's Day I played a small prank on my Adam. I called him and told him I'd taken $2,000 from savings and put it towards the car on a whim, he was silent for a few minutes and then nervously asked if I was serious! Hehe. I had a good laugh. I have high hopes of April passing in a blur but hopefully a slightly warmer blur then March.

November and December

2009-01-02T12:18:00.001-08:00

Well November and December have come and gone without a posting from yours truly. I have the perfect excuse of being extremely busy just as I'm sure most people are during those particular months.
I have another excuse...I'm expecting. Unplanned. According to some not an "accident" either. I suppose it's good timing as I am quickly nearing the end of my college experience. I have been sick most of December so there you have the second excuse.
Beth, Rich, and Jimmy have been in town which has been just lovely. Rich left for home this morning and Beth and Jimmy will follow this Tuesday much to everyone's dismay. It's been good to spend time with them. Well, I'm off to work again so perhaps January will glean a better post...perhaps.
love
Kate

September (thus far)

2008-09-12T10:53:00.000-07:00

The last week of August was my much deserved and needed vacation time. A full week of no BYU in any shape or form. Adam and I took a trip to Disneyland. It was very marvelous. It felt like I was going for the first time...mainly because I was so young the last time that all I remembered was Mickey Mouse pancakes, the Dumbo Ride, and leaving behind a full bag of mother-of-pearl shells that I had found on the beach (very traumatic). Well I may now say that I have been to Disneyland and remember more than Dumbo. It was a very intense trip...not relaxing, but a lot of fun! My favorite ride was Tower of Terror. I highly recomend it if you like that stomach floating feeling.
September began far sooner than I had hoped. I am currently back in school working diligently to graduate by April. It might not happen, but by June (end of spring semester) undoubtably. It already feels like fall. It's dark in the mornings with a cool crisp smell. Strange that I miss the heat of the summer when while it was hot all I wanted was cold. We're never satisfied are we. I've been enjoying Gramps and Grandma's garden the past few weeks. It's very fullfilling to walk outside and pick whatever I want from stem and ground. Fresh carrots, corn, tomatoes, peppers, green beans, berries, basil, cucumbers, and the list goes on. I wish it would last through the winter. It would be nice not having to buy produce all the time.
I miss my sister Beth. I miss Rich and Jimmy a lot too. They've been gone a few months now. It took me awhile to realize they weren't still around (only because I was so busy this summer that I only saw them once a week anyway), but now I truly miss them. I hate knowing I can't see them whenever I want.

August

2008-08-13T14:42:00.000-07:00

I have been very hesitant to start this blog. I have a younger sister who has such a dry sense of humor and such a way with words that I feel quite incompetent because I don't have a lot to say and little of it will be charming or witty...but I want my family that is elsewhere to have an idea of what's been happening in my lovely little sphere.

It is finals week. I just finished my lithography project which sadly took a lot longer than it should have with not completely satisfactory results. Oh well. On a happier note I have been able to get the ink off of my hands and fingernails.