Can we please fast forward to Monday?

Alright, I am so STOKED for Monday. That is very rare of me to say, but this one is oh so special. That's right, its time for the new season of The Bachelor!!! Which also means girls night EVERY MONDAY!!! Wahoo! Thanks to Caity for making it happen of course. This Bachelor is very special to me. haha that sounds cheesy. Well, its the guy that I desperately wanted to win Deanna's heart and she threw him to the sharks instead.

And I know I'm lame, cause well I pretty much LOVE T.V but The Biggest Looser, One Tree Hill, and Gossip Girls all start on that night as well.Oh and Momma's Boy's is a new one that is on, on Mondays. I dont know how I am going to manage watching them all but I can't wait. AHHH!! if you can't get a hold of me on Monday's you now know why!

P.S HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! I hope this year is fantastic for you all!!

Ronald McDonald House

We had the opportunity today to serve people in need. We went with my sister and her family and my Mom to the Ronald McDonald House downtown.
The Ronald McDonald House is a home for forty-five families each night. . .a place where they can break away from the hospital, yet be available at a moment’s notice. . .or a place where children being treated as out-patients can live with their parents, brothers and sisters. Just as important, it is a place where parents can meet and talk with other families who are experiencing some of the same fears and concerns, and establish a mutual support system so critically needed at this time. Whey family has to travel far for medical reasons, this is a place where they can stay for free to stay close to their loved one in the hospital. Because it's free for them, it helps to take a little stress off their shoulders.

There are a lot of volunteer opportunites there,but what my family chose to do was make dinner for the families that were staying there. This consisted of us bringing our own food items to prepare the meal, then preparing it there for them. We made spaghetti and meatballs with salad and french bread. It was really neat to see the differnt families there and see how greatful they were to us for the warm meal we had prepared. Here are a few pictues of us making the dinner.









"Regardless of other circumstances, you have spiritual freedom. Use it to choose your attitude. Use it to reach out and serve others in love." unknown

I am so greatful for the chance I have to serve others. I was having a horrible day and was actually contemplating cancelling this and not going. I am so glad I Chose not to do that, that I realized how important this was for the people who were counting on us tonight. It certainly took my mind off my problems when I saw all he familes there. I knew it wasn't where they wanted to be and I knew that there are so many other people out there going through much more than I am. I'm thankful for the challenges in my life and that I can choose my attitude and learn from my trials.

Hello out there!

Hello? It's me! Yeah, Katy. I know, its been a long time. So caution as this post will have a lot of info in it they may or may not be boring to you all.

Alright, so I never posted about the activities Steve planned for our 2 year anniversary. We woke up that morning and while I was making Stuffed French Toast for us, Steve left somewhere. He came back with BEAUTIFUL roses!
I am one lucky lady.
We then got ready for the day and headed out to Gateway where we saw Twighlight.
I really liked it. I mean, it was pretty cheesy but it was a lot better than I thought it was going to be, and Steve seemed to enjoy it too. After the movie, Steve surprised me and we went to Build-a-Bear. We made a cute little dog that looks like our dog Tucker. Steve recorded a cute saying for it for me to keep forever. So adorable. After we drove to Syracuse and ate at our FAVORITE chinesse restaurant Dragon Hill and headed off to see Voicemale in concert in Ogden. It was such a fun day. I couldnt have imagined anything better.


So, the first REAL big snow storm of the winter was I think lets see...maybe 3 saturdays ago and me and Steve got the idea of making a Snowman. We got all suited up and tried and tried and failed. The snow just wouldnt stay packed together. This is the best we could do.

It's Frosty the Mini Snowman. Not our proudest moment. We are determined though to make one this year. So I hope we get more snow. Wow, did I just say that? I hate snow.. Lets just say I hope we get enough just to make a snowman then it can all stop and go away. Here are a few more picture of us playing in the snow.



Monday night we had some good friends/neighbors over for dinner and to make gingerbread houses. It was a lot of fun. Emily and Devan are a great couple and I think professional at this gingerbread making thing. If we had known maybe we would have at least practiced. Ours looked like a 3 year old made it. It was so much fun though.

Emily and Devan making their house


And their finished product


Me and Steve


And our finished product


We bought the gingerbread house kits from Costco. I definetly recomended that. It saved us money and had everything in the kit for s all for 10$. I think I will do that every year from now on.

Well, it's almost Christmas. I can't believe how quickly
it came and that it goes by just as quickly. Im excited for next year and the fun and new adventures it brings us. May you all have a fabulous Christmas!! I hope you are all blessed to get to spend it with your family, as I am.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Memories

On this day especially, I am so greatful for memories!

One of my favorite memories I have about my brother is "Pooper Man" haha it make's me laugh just thinking about it. So, if any of you knew my brother, you know he had a great imagination. One thing he LOVED to imagine was being a super hero. Any kind really. Well, one day he found some brown fabric in our garage and decided to make that a cape. Being the boy that he is, he then decided his name would be "Pooper Man." He would stand at the top of the stairs and pretend to fly down them while shouting "I am Pooper Man." Everytime I see brown fabric I think of him. Thanks for being my super hero Spencer!!

My brother and I were 2 years apart. So when I was a Sophmore in high school, he was a senior. Growing up we were never really that close. We argued all the time, like typical brothers and sisters. I remember the day that it all changed. I was half way through my first year of high school. There was a boy who really liked me, and was trying ANYTHING to get me to date him. I really just was not interested in him and I had a boyfriend already. Well, this boy decided that because he couldn't have his way he would do what he could to make my life miserable. He happend to have seminary the same time and teacher as my brother, but this boy didn't realize that my brother was in his class. He started spreading horrible rumors about me and my brother overheard amd cmpletely stuck up for me. I don't know what was said by my brother but I do know that, that boy left me alone from then on. I was so greatful that I had a big brother to watch out for me! From then on, I tried my best to become better friends with him and have a better realtionship with him.

My brother was the funniest man I ever met! Seriously! He was hillarious! I remember taking a trip to yellowstone with my family one year. I think I was around 11 years old. We stayed in a litle cabin with no T.V and us kids got pretty bored, very easily with no T.V. Well, lucky us that we have a brother/son that could memorize and ENTIRE movie, word for word after watching it just once. He perfromed Ace Ventura when Nature Calls our first night in that cabin. We laughed hysterically all night and he did it perfectly. Probably better than actually watching the movie.

Spencer had a fantastic voice. He was in every honor choir throughout school, including madrigals. I remember I think it was his Junior year, he had to sing a solo at their annual Christmas Concert. He sang "I'm gettin' nothing for Christmas." he sounded great, but he did mess up. I remember watching him as he messed up and he tried so hard not to be embaressed and just carry on. I know he was feeling very bad though. He got through the end of the song and the entire congregation gave him a standing ovation. I was so proud of him!

I remember right before he left on his mission I was never closer to him. I considered him one of my best friends. I loved spending time with him, and just talking to him about my "boy" problems and other high school drama. I knew he would understand. Watching him leave on his mission was an incredibly hard thing to do, but I was so proud that he made the choice to sereve the Lord. Even if I had known that he wasn't going to be returning back to us when his 2 years was finished I still would have supported him in going on his mission. At least I know that he passed away while serving the Lord. It is so great to know that he is in the Celestial Kingdom. Waiting there... rooting for the rest of us to make it back there. I love knowing that I have my very own guardian angel watching over me and my family daily! We love and miss you so much Spencer! I can't wait to see you again, luckily Families are Forever!! Happy Heaven day!!

2 Years

Today we celebrate our 2 year wedding anniversary. This has been the best two years of my life. I am so blessed to be able to share it with an amazing husband and best friend. We have been through some good times and some bad yet he continues to stand by my side through it all. I was sitting with my Mom at lunch a week ago and we were talking about my upcoming anniversary. She asked me if I was still happy with the decision I made to get married. I started crying of course, tears of joy. "I couldn't be happier" was my response. I have the most patient, thoughtful, self-less husband in the world. How could I not be happy. I find myself falling more and more in love with him every single day and I know my love will just continue to grow for the rest of our lives and eternity. Steve is a fantastic husband and I know he will make a great father someday as well! I could go on and on about Steve but I think you all get what Im trying to say, which is..... I love you Steve! Thank you for taking care of me and for standing by me throughout of marriage. I can't wait to see what the next years to come have in store for us!!!

Here are some Highlights from the past 2 years

1. The number one thing we are proud to say we accomplished is gettng out of debt (except for the neccesary car and now student loan) and purchasing our first home. We love it here in North Salt Lake. I don't ever want to leave. We worked so hard to get to where we are today, especially Steve. Without him this house would not be possible.

2. Getting our puppy Tucker. Although at first I was hesitant and it was hard for the 1st year I cant imagine my life now without him. I guess you could say I kinda treat him like a child. He is my "cute cuddly boy" and Im so glad he is there to keep me company on the nights Steve is at school.. so every night :)

3. So third would have to be getting our second puppy Lacey. I was very hesitant on this one. More than Tucker. Just because of how hard Tucker was as a puppy I didnt think I could handle 2 dogs. What a blessing she was. She is the sweetest dog. So cute! She immediately calmed Tucker down and I am so thankful for that and now Tucker has a best friend to play with every day while we are at work.

4. Purchasing a new car, It was so nice that we were in the position that we needed a new car and were able to get one. It was going to cost so much money just to fix my old one.. we (when I say we, I mean our great friend Dirk) had already put a lot of work and money into it, we just didn't see how we could continue to do that. So purchasing this new car was a huge blessing. So far no problems!! Thanks for running strong for us "Maggie the Malbu"

5. Having both our families live close to us is a huge highlight. Many people don't get that opportunity and we are so glad we do. I am so greatful for all they have done for us. Steve's Mom and Dad being there for us during his surgery.. helping us out. Alyways calling to check on me wheneve I am sick.. which is often if you know me at all. All his sisters are so cute as well...They never fail at making you feel loved and welcome. I couldnt ask for a better family to be married into.
My family has been an amazing support as well. There isn't a single time that my Mom hasn't been there for me when I am going through a hard time physcially or emotionally. She has her own things to deal with but always puts me first. what an amazing Mom. And my sisters...especially you Shannon. You are my Rock! You have raised such an cute, righteous family. You are such an amazing example to me. Thank you for being my shoulder to cry on as well. All of our highlights couldn't of happened without the support of our families.

I am so very excited for this next year and the years to come. I can't wait to see what is in store for us.

Just a few Christmas ideas

Just when you thought you had it all!!

Tagged..Christmas Style

I've been Tagged - Christmas style

"On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love gave to me..."

1. embarrassing moment:I don't get embaressed very easily, I can't think of anything right now.. although Im sure a few of you would be able to think of a few for me.

2. best friends: Steve and Mom

3. things you buy regularly: Milk, Gas and Eggs

4. places you want to go (and might actually REALLY go): New York, Cruise, Seattle WA and St. George

5. goals for the upcoming year (that you might actually do): Loose weight, Scrapbook more, learn a new hobby, paint our bedroom and learn to drive a stick shift ( I couldnt think of anything else)

6. things most people don't know about you: 1.I love to cook and try new things 2. Most of the new people in my life don't know how much I LOVE to sing!! 3. I HATE doing laundry more than anything else. 4. I can play the piano... have been playing since I was about 8 or so. 5. I can't stand the sound of wood pencils writing and styro foam, it gives me a lot of anxiety to hear those two things. 6. My big toes are permanatly broken.. its a Hereditary thing.

7. things you would never say: 1. "No, you can't do my Laundry for me!" 2. "I don't like cake" 3. "Please don't deposit One Million dollars into my checking accout"
4. "NO, I dont need you to pay off our student loans" 5."I hate laughing" 6. "Steve is way too short" 7."Im unhappy with where my life has taken me"

8. things you love about the Christmas season: 1. Gingerbread houses 2. Temple Square lights 3. Our Christmas tree 4.Christmas Caroling 5. Hot Chocolate and Gingerbread cookies 6.Family get-togethers 7.Christmas Concerts 8. Steve gets 2 weeks off from school.

9. things you say to your kids: Well, I don't have any yet but If I did I might say
1."Because I said so" I love that saying 2. "I have the most adorable kids ever"
3. "Toilet paper is the only thing you should be putting in the toilet" 4. "Read my lips, I LOVE YOU" 5. "Don't grow up" 6. "Always say your prayers" 7. "Don't forget to laugh everyday" 8. "Never say Never" 9. I can't should not be a word in your vocabulary"

10. things you do a lot: 1. Talk 2. Watch TV 3.make up my own recipes 4. Sing 5. Laugh 6.work 7. Clean 8.chew gum 9. bite my nails 10. pray

11. things you would rather not live without: 1.Steve 2. Mom and family 3. Cake
4. Flip FLops 5. water 6. My car 7.Steve...again 8.Gum 9.all my adorable Nieces and Nephews 10. music 11. The Gospel

12. people to tag: Oh boy, well lets just say everyone on my friends list that wants to do it :)

Our Tree

I think my favorite part of Christmas is the Christmas Tree. I HATE puting it up every year, but I love seeing the end result. Luckily this is the 3rd year where I didn't have to put it up myself Steve did it, and he did a fabulous job I must say. Its too bad that its not acceptable to keep the tree up all year round. I say that for 2 reasons. 1 because its so pretty and 2 because its a pain in the but to put up and take down. Maybe one day society will see it necessary to keep it all year round.

Notice the presents under the tree? Yep, that's me being some what organized this year. And to think, I didnt have to go to one store for those presents. I bought them all from the comfort of my home. Yay for the internet!! We only have a few more gifts to buy and that is exciting news!!

As I decorate my house I keep thinking back on this time last year. We were living at my Mom's house waiting anxiously for our house to get finished, thinking about how fun our first Christmas would be here. It has been so much fun creating memories and new traditions and I can't wait for the years to come.