Jimmy + Katie

19 Weeks

2012-01-03T07:57:00.000-08:00

Thought I'd give you the last 3 months in pictures. At the time the picture were taken on various nights, it was 8pm, and I was trying to walk from the couch to my bed. I told her to "stop" in between vomits, but she said, "Show these to Jimmy when he wants to get cozy..."

This is what happens when you move...

This has been my spot for...months. Lovely complexion

This picture tells it like it is. It makes me cry.

This is too hard...

To change the mood:

Another HG sufferer sent me this jewel to make me laugh (and cry). I just had to share it. If you've had HG or have had to take care of me, you're are also laughing and crying.

You know you've had Hyperemesis Gravidarum if:

- IV's full of fluid dripping into your arm are a cause of joy and celebration

- for the first time in your life you actually WANT to gain weight

- you've nicknamed the toilet

- putting on only a shirt and brushing your teeth constitutes the bulk of your grooming on a GOOD day

- your leg hair is so long that its not scratchy anymore

- you choose foods based not on how they taste going down, but how they taste coming back up

- you feel an intense desire and longing to strangle whomever next tells you to eat a cracker (or other equally impossible thing)

- Puking under 10 times/day is a BIG accomplishment

- The pharmacist knows you by name and is also counting down your pregnancy.

- your neighbors are not surprised to see you puking/spitting in the bushes anymore after every car trip

- your husband strips his clothes off before coming in the door because you can smell him a mile away

- your sink is overflowing with "spit cups"

- thanks to zofran you can have one tiny little rabbit poo every 2weeks-and that is an accomplishment-and the reward comes with a tube of preparation H!

- There is a pillow and a blanket in your bathroom

- Your husband is no longer allowed to poop in "your" toilet

- You know you have HG when you can MULTITASK ! Magically you puke, pee, snot, and cry all at the same time ! Add this one to my resume.

The worst part about the above, is they aren't exaggerated. Mom and I both cried after laughing.

The bottom of my vomit bowl

Big news

2011-11-17T16:10:00.001-08:00

I can’t keep it a secret any longer. I’m pregnant. 10 weeks.

We didn’t want to tell anyone until 12 weeks however, due to the fact that I’ve had dozens of amazing women over at my house, bringing me meals, scrubbing my toilet, emptying my vomit bowl, and taking me to doctor’s appointment ever since 5 weeks, I figured it was already out in the open.

Wondering what’s going on? Well…

I’ve involuntarily joined a club. It’s a club my mom, gma, aunt, and great gma are all a part of. It’s a club I’ve tried to get out of but it doesn’t seem like there are any solutions. In fact, since I’ve joined, I’ve met a few others who are also a part of this club and survived it. It’s the severe hyperemesis gravidarum club. And all of them say the same thing, “I know you pray to just die…but I promise…the gift is so worth it.”

So since then, I’ve had a few dental wives come over and wave their children in front of me to show me how worth it it is. And my mom posted baby pictures all over the family room (yeah she came out and saved me for 2 weeks) and hung up baby clothes to remind me that I’m even pregnant and not just on my death bed.

What’s so awful, you ask?

Well it’s not even the vomiting every hour that kills ya…it’s the FEELING of ALWAYS having to vomit and never being able to escape it. I’m not talking about feeling nauseous; I’m talking about the feeling of having the vomit all the way up to your throat and the only reason you’re not throwing up is because there are no more blood vessels to pop on your face and it’s just too far a walk to the toilet so you’ll just hold it there for an hour. If you belong to this hyperemesis club—you know exactly how I feel and are probably smiling at this poor sucker right now.

It’s really exhausting—a true mental game. Thinking of surviving for 20-22 weeks like this just brought tears to my eyes. Serious. Dang—and now I’ll throw up because holding back tears takes so much effort which also seems to make me throw up.

So: I’m on bed rest. Yes, Katie Robison, who has every second of her day planned out, has created a permanent body mark on the couch and has watched every Disney movie, cartoon, and romantic comedy in the past 2 years (they make my dreams happy). What happens when I move you ask? I throw up. What happens when I throw up too much? I have to go to the ER for dehydration (which I’ve already frequented a few times).

Anyway—I’m sorry to all you good friends who I didn’t call and alert and those of you who text me and don’t receive anything back. Based on the advice of other club members, in order to survive, I just have to focus on surviving until tomorrow—and it takes focus.

Bit of good news: Due to the fact that I have no belly fat right now (don’t you dare message me that it’s this is a great weight loss program), I CAN FEEL THE BABY so much! Especially when I’m lying on my right side. (Here come the tears again…and the vomits). It’s been the most amazing feeling to just know that I actually have a baby inside me and that based on what everyone tells me, it’s so worth it. Although I’m not sure I can ever do this again—I’m SO EXCITED to be a mommy.

So, unless I don’t make it through this, you’ll probably hear from me again at 22 weeks when I’m getting dressed, walking, and brushing my teeth again.

This is how I pictured myself pregnant:

This is what I got but I’m usually laying on the floor after a vomit session:

Trivia: If you can guess how many times I threw up during this post, I’ll send you a package of all the food that makes me throw up...

Stage 2: Moving in...

2011-09-30T09:17:00.000-07:00

Moving in was insane. I guess those last few days are always nail-biting-days just hoping that everything you've planned goes through. We had SO MUCH HELP from dental students, old friends, and new ward members. Hint: if you're ever trying to get help with a move--just offer food. It seemed to work!

I was lucky to have my dad fly out for a business trip the weekend right after we moved in. Since Jimmy was away studying-my poor dad was assigned tasks such as hanging everything up, building things, making trash runs, moving the heavy items for me, cleaning, and yes, even putting down shelf paper to which he yelled from upstairs "I'm not good at this stuff-is there anything I can put together?" Best dad award!
Ok I had to include a picture of our new washer/dryer. This is our first time EVER having our own washer/dryer. I just got goosebumps writing that! We had to stand in line on Labor Day Weekend to get the door-buster price, but golly it was worth it! (oh and the cute kid in the top left--that's our friend's little guy Taggart and he is ADORABLE!)

We bought a Home

2011-09-29T16:01:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Katie!

Yes--on my birthday, we moved into our first home. This is her--and we love her and can't believe we moved from a dumpy apartment in California to a beautiful home in Las Vegas. Come inside...

This is the downstairs bedroom with a bathroom (double sink). But all I am seeing is my nice tan. Can't believe it's already gone.

Our iddy-bitty 1 car garage with a floor so clean you could eat off it.

One of the downstairs bathrooms

Master bedroom with double sinks? What? You mean I don't have to brush my teeth while Jimmy is shaving? SWEET! Roxy likes it too.

As you can see--this is Jimmy's favorite part

A view from the loft of the downstairs. I love the fan and other fixtures.

Dining and living room

Loft and master bedroom upstairs. Jimmy wants to put a ping pong table up there. I want to put a craft table. Hopefully it'll end up being a kids playroom (wink)

Kitchen with a desk.

Our realtor Linda--a true gem!

Front of the house tucked away at the end of a court

Vegas has brought many changes--and I promise to start updating this blog....hmmmmm...at least 2 times a month. Next pictures will be the move-in and what it looks like furnished (I just have to clean the house). Thanks for the prayers and love and help and advice purchasing a home. Who knew it could be so difficult!

1st Day of School

2011-09-06T10:41:00.000-07:00

You're never too old for a "first day of school" picture. Good luck sweetie.

(P.S. It's 6:45 am in this shot)

Lake Shasta

2011-08-22T14:22:00.000-07:00

We went with Jimmy's side of the family to Lake Shasta up in Redding California. The water was super warm, clear, and the days were sunny. Here are the highlights in photos.

Dear Summer--come back!

Scuba Diving--Cabo San Lucas

2011-07-29T23:16:00.000-07:00

There are a few things we learned when we went scuba diving in Mexico.
1- You can buy anything in Mexico for cheaper than in the US.
2- When your Dive master says he can catch fish with his bare hands--believe him.
3- In Mexico, even though we are haven't dove in 3 years, we can still dive down 60 ft.
4- A $15 disposable camera without a flash still takes decent pictures from 60 ft down.
5- You can't smile or look cute with a regulator in your mouth
6- After diving in warm, clear water with friendly fish--we are HOOKED!

Jimmy with a puffer fish our divemaster caught

Me with a blowfish
Even though we look dreadful--we're really happy!

Puffer!

Sting ray in our face

Jimmy holding a blowfish

Jimmy actually ran out of air down below and somehow remembered how to buddy breathe. If you haven't tried this yet...I definately recommend it. It's such a rush.

Surfing-Capitola

2011-07-29T22:56:00.000-07:00

There is a little hidden jewel in a small town outside of Santa Cruz. It's a cove where you can surf some small waves, be away from the crowded lineups, and learn new moves while trying to improve surfing skills without stealing anyone's wave. The vive is great. Capitola--we will miss you! Surfing one last time before moving--here are the pictures:

Here's me

Here's Jimmy
Jimmy again

Jimmy, Nikki, and Me. We will miss you Nikki!

I love this picture because the janitor here (the guy with the paddle board who looks like a janitor when he catches waves) dropped in on Jimmy (yellow board) and you can see me (blue board) dropping in on him (and him yelling at me). Oh the courtesy...

Sweet shot of me and Jimmy--can't believe we caught this baby wave

Gonna miss this!

Jimmy lookin' good

Jimmy and I agree; of all the watersports we enjoy, nothing beats the feeling of catching a wave and taking it for a ride as long as you can.

Mexican Riviera Cruise

2011-07-14T10:38:00.001-07:00

We've been talking about going on a cruise for the past 3 years and finally did it. All I can say is I can't believe it took us so long. It was incredible--especially for the cost. The food, entertainment, ship's amenities, and people were fantastic. Of course Mexico was a blast and reminded us of the DR. It was relaxing, adventurous, new, and fantastic (I keep saying fantastic mocking the cruise director becuase he said "fantastic" every 5 seconds!)

Dinner! We tried duck, lamb, lobster, escargot and a dozen desserts. Amazing!
We went scuba diving for our first time since getting certified. It was one of the most amazing things I've ever done in my life. The water was crystal clear and our divemaster caught puffer and blowfish for us to hold and touch. We pet different sting rays, saw eels and all sorts of tropical fish. Jimmy ran out of air underwater and remembered his training from 3 years ago and continued his dive, buddy breathing with the dive master. I can't wait to go again!

In Cabo we also did the Zip line excursion. There were 8 zip lines and the longest was over a half a mile long across a huge cliff. It went 50 mph.

We were super sweaty! It was so hot! Jimmy also got to meet Pete Rose who chickened out at the last minute from going on the zip lines.

Jimmy tearing it up at Karaoke

The casino. Nope--didn't spend a dime.

If you've served a foreign mission you know that Coke in another country is so much better! Why? Because they use real sugar and there is nothing like that cold, glass bottle against your lips on a hot day. Jimmy LOVED this moment!

I loved this mural! And I matched!

Puerto Vallarta city

If I could capture the smell here I would. It made us very nostalgic for the DR. It's humidity + sweat + diesel fuel. Sounds weird but we loved every minute of it!

Sunset in Puerto Vallarta

I thought this sign was funny: Do not introduce the fingers

Meet Natalie. We hung out with her and Jen at this pool a lot. She and Jen stuck alcohol onto the ship in a listerine mouthwash bottle and this contact saline solution bottle. I had to snap a shot of her in action.

Pina Coladas in our room

Eating escargot for the first time--not too bad

One of the formal nights

They would fold our towels every day into some cool creature. This was my favorite--the lobster.

Playing mini golf

This was the group we ate dinner with every night and hung out with a lot. So fun!

Our first 10 minutes on the cruise ship in Longbeach--ready to go!

Trip 2: Ohio and CT

2011-07-14T10:23:00.001-07:00

We went to the Edwards family reunion and Jimmy got to meet that side of the family for the 1st time since we've been married. We went and toured the Kirtland sites, hung out, went boating, and to the amusement park for a week. It was SO FUN and grandma rented the best house on this peninsula on Lake Erie. It was called "the glass house" and we had a gorgeous view of the lake from the front to the back.

My dad scored some VIP tickets from his friend at work and for Jimmy's bday we went to a Yankees game.

So in the Dominican Republic, everyone is OBSESSED with baseball. It's the one way that they can escape poverty. To compare it to something that American's obsess over, it would be like comparing it to--hmmm--I can't even think of something we're so passionate about. So when Jimmy goes to baseball games, he brings our dominican flag, signs with dominican spanish on them, and shouts dominican slang to the dominican players. So far he's gotten a ball thrown to him from Melky Cabrera, Neyosi, Jeter (although we dropped it and another guy got it--and Jeter isn't dominican para que sepas), and Robison Cano. This is a picture of one happy boy below holding his dominican flag. He just got a ball thrown to him from Cano and signed by Neyosi. Benefits of serving a mission...

These were our seats. Yeah--it was really nice. We had unlimited drinks, buffet, and our own waiter who doted on us the whole time. We didn't even know people actually ate steak, lobster, sushi, and shrimp at baseball games. We feasted!

Here is one of the signs that in Dominican means "Neosi is my homie." When Neosi came up and gave Jimmy a ball in front of like 30 kids who were begging for one, everyone was like "what in the world does your sign say?" and "how did you do that?"

We got to see my family off to Hill Cumorah Pageant which they are currently castmembers in. And just hang out and have fun. Good trip back east!

Trip 1: Vegas

2011-07-14T10:16:00.000-07:00

As of June 1st, I had quit my job and we were off to have ourselves a last "hoorah" before we have kids and begin the life where school owns us again.

So we moved all our stuff to Vegas and are waiting to close on this house! Isn't she gorgeous!? Turns out, in Vegas, a mortgage is cheaper than rent! Go figure. We can't believe that we're going from a 700 sq. ft. apartment in Sacramento to a house in Vegas for hundreds of dollars less a month. So glad we got into UNLV. We're just hoping to close on this baby asap!

This is my favorite part of the house--a granite counter-top kitchen that isn't galley style!

We move ourselves out there in August sometime so Jimmy can attend orientation. I was able to transfer to the BBB in Vegas so things are looking good. And if you're in Vegas, we can't wait to come play!

Utah Trip

2011-06-01T16:53:00.000-07:00

So this is the only picture I found from our Utah trip. So much happened on the trip too (I got to see my whole family and tons of friends, see Daniel graduate, we heard we go into UNLV, ate out at some amazing restaurants, etc). YET--this is the picture that sums up the trip...

Too much fun! And now--we're much closer!

Graduation 2011

2011-06-01T08:01:00.001-07:00

Jimmy has graduated! I thought this day would never come! Well I did—but it just seemed so far. Now we’re on to the next stage and 4 years from now—another graduation. Thanks to all our loved ones who supported us!

The Robison boys

Mary, Jeanne, me, Jimmy, Greg, Pam, John, Amanda

High Fives

2011-05-17T10:22:00.000-07:00

Last week Jimmy and I were running along the river trail.
When you run on a bike trail, you run on the opposite side of the road, facing oncoming traffic.
As a bike approached, the man gave us both high-fives.
It made me smile.
So the following day, when I was running alone, I tried it to an oncoming biker.
He high-fived me.
I think it made him smile.
Try it.
Spread the smiles...

Viva Las Vegas

2011-04-25T12:52:00.000-07:00

I know I've been MIA and my only excuse is that I feel I'm always playing "catch-up" and can't get ahead. However, we have some important news to announce. (No still not pregnant. Stop already.) We have selected a dental school to attend and this is where we'll be for the next 4 years of our life. If you are in Vegas, please email/facebook me. I've got about 1,000 questions for you. Thanks for all your support and prayers. We are so blessed!

Someday I'll update you on why we chose UNLV over NYU and UOP...

Final Chapter

2011-03-04T16:51:00.000-08:00

So, back to the story. We got home from the temple, and as I followed Jimmy into our home we realized we had been robbed. Someone had kicked our door in (busted through the door frame) and ransacked our home.

Was it a sign that we had not felt peace in the temple? Was it karma? Was it a “Job” (from the Bible) moment where we were being tested to our limits? Those were my thoughts as I sat on the grass crying.

The stress of these dental school decisions and periods of just waiting have been hard on my body—especially for those of you who know I get anxiety attacks. This experience was awful. (And I may or may not have called my dad and told him that I wish I could just die so that I could be a missionary in the spirit world for hundreds of years.) HA!

Luckily I have a husband that steps it up in emergency situations. He called our security company, the police, and maintenance to fix our door. He gave me Roxy who was barking like crazy in her crate. And he called our friend over to give me a blessing. And then we just waited for the police to arrive so they could take fingerprints, pictures and collect evidence.

Sigh. It was one of those awful “blah” moments where you just sit there and go “man—let’s move to Costa Rice—this just stinks (I was going to write sucks but my mom would have yelled at me”).

Burglar man, if you are reading this here is a letter for you:

Dear Burglar,
Thank you for not hurting my doggie Roxy. Thank you for not taking my wedding album, our journals, or our mission pictures. Thank you for not desecrating our property however, you tracked mud all over my apartment and left a nasty hair where our wii use to be. How come you only took our wii, 1 game, and 2 controllers and left the rest of our wii system? That was weird. And that curly, coarse, black hair was from your head right?

You took my laptop that had all of my husband’s school work on it. Now he has to spend hours making it up. Also, you could steal our identity with the information that is on the computer but please just pawn it to a shop so they’ll erase the information. It’s too stressful having your identity stolen (plus I don’t think you were smart enough).

That cash that you stole was the money we earn from doing side jobs. I was kinda ticked you took that because we had to sweat to earn that money. You probably have never had a job so you don’t know what it’s like, but shame on you.

I wish you wouldn’t have taken my husband’s new backpack because my mom spent a lot of money on it. However, I am very grateful you dumped out the notebooks and books. We’ll call it even.

Lastly, I really didn’t like how you went through all our drawers and touched our underwear. I think of you as a dirty thing, and now a dirty thing touched my stuff... How do I wash you out of my apartment? Also, didn’t your mom teach you to turn the lights off when you leave? Why did you turn all the lights on in our house?

I felt violated that you entered our home, especially between 4:30-9pm. Were you watching us? Did you know our schedule? We had lights on and our dog was barking. Do we know you? You know that there is a place reserved for those who do bad things to people while they are in the temple, right? I think you are going to the same place where that man will be who robbed us on my mission.

Also, you know that someone saw you right? Unfortunately it was a single, scared girl so you got away. I hope karma gets you run over by a bus (oops—should I be nicer?). Last question? Do you know Antione Dodson?

Please don’t come back.

Signed,

Probably one of your many victims

Part 2: Decision

2011-03-01T14:15:00.000-08:00

I’m terrible. The only reason I’ve turned this into saga is because I ran out of time to finish my first post and now, I’ve seemed to stream along some followers (surprisingly there ARE people that read my blog).

Anyway—back to the post.

So the night before we had to make the decision we went to the temple one last time. I was praying for a miracle. Actually—I was just praying that the answer we got from Heavenly Father would be combined and then all of it given to Jimmy. I’d just follow with whatever he chose. SO—we did have a moment where we talked and expressed the feelings we felt. Very special moment; especially when your feelings are confirmed by your best friend. We decided to take the Army scholarship, and say good-bye to UOP. Sniffle.

All it really means is that Jimmy will be commissioned an officer in the US Army, we’ll have no debt, and after he graduates, we’re off to whatever base they assign us (of course we designated Hawaii, Puerto Rico and Southern California as our top choices). HA!

So everything was hunky-dory UNTIL we got home from the temple and Jimmy walked up to our apartment. When he got to the door, I heard a huge gasp and an “Oh my gosh.” I ran up to the door and when I looked in, I ran out, sat on the grass, and just sobbed.

Wait—there is more (whenever I have time to write it). (*sounds* “duhn duhn duhn”). Part 3 coming soon.

He looks like a G.I. Joe!

2nd Lieutenant: US Army

My brothers want to know when we get a granade launcher...

Big news!

2011-02-25T14:58:00.000-08:00

So we have some big news...(I love that about 20 of you readers are hoping to read here that I'm pregnant--yeah--GOTCHA)...

Ok our big news isn't that we're pregnant (hopefully we'll have that news this year sometime); but we do have some big news.

Let me start from 2 weeks ago:
We were placed between a rock and a hard place for the past 2 weeks and the decision was most difficult because we had to choose between good and better. Jimmy got offered the U.S. Army scholarship that would pay for dental school, insurance, fees, books, housing, (plus a hundred other benefits) and in exchange, after he finishes dental school, he'd have to give 4 years to the Army as a dentist. Our predicament? The Army would not pay for dental school at UOP in San Francisco. SIGH. UOP was our number 1 school. So we had to choose between $500k in debt, OR go to our number 1 dental school. You may think this is a no-brainer--but it wasn't for us.

So we prayed, fasted, templed (is that a verb), and were given 2 weeks to make the decision. As you can see from the way I'm writing, I was leaning toward taking the scholarship. Jimmy was leaning more toward going to UOP. Well--let me tell you what happened the night before we had to make the decision.

Stay tuned...

Snowboarding

2011-02-25T14:37:00.000-08:00

Over President's Day weekend we got to spend a lot of time with the family up at Lake Tahoe. We heard there would be fresh powder due to the 7 days of constant snow, but we didn't know how deep that powder would be. I took us 7 hours to get from Sacramento to Tahoe (a 2 hour drive normally). At one point on I-80, we were throwing the football around over the big rigs, just hanging out with the other folks who were stranded for hours on the road with us. The funniest part was watching people trying to scramble and find a spot to go to the bathroom.

Tyler, Zach, Emily, Daniel and Me (Jimmy was studying--as usual)
We're missing a brother here...sniffle.

Daniel and Emily

Me and Jimmy. We had FRESH, sweet, deep, powder both days we snowboarded.

Love my board. Yes we did name our dog Roxy after the brand.

We missed you Travy!

Valentine's Day Ideas

2011-02-09T11:26:00.001-08:00

Do you need sweet, tender, romantic ideas this Valentine's Day for your lovey?

Go to my mom's blog for ideas!

San Francisco...our new home?

2011-01-31T16:16:00.000-08:00

Me and Jimmy went to San Francisco this weekend to see UOP and some potential apartments. What I learned? I love that city. I love that dental school. I love California. I love the people there. JUST LOVE IT! It's such an active city. Everyone was running, playing outside, walking their dogs, and enjoying the outdoors. The downside? I DON'T love how expensive or how liberal it is.

Here is the view from UOP's roof. I don't know why Jim always closes his eyes--the sun was barely out! The other dental students told us their wives will meet up with them once a week for lunch and sometimes eat up there with that quiet view. LOVE IT!
This is the view from one of the places we'd possibly live. It's where all the other mormon students live at. And yes--check out the doggie purse!

Me, Jimmy, and our girl Nikki also went to a MMA fight. You ever been to one? INTENSE! Luckily Nikki and Jimmy explained to me how the scoring worked.

You can almost hear the music and smell the pot from this picture!

Oh and of course we had to go to the beach. We met up with a friend from CT--Natalie Larsen Kershaw and her little pup Jack.

Roxy LOVED being chased by Jack as you can see.

She did not, however, like getting too close to the water.

Capitola CA in January

2011-01-28T16:23:00.000-08:00

My CT friends always asked me what I loved so much about living in California.
Well folks, here were are in January. Enough said.

It was kinda annoying fighting for waves with this crowd. No one was up for the "party wave."
Here's Jimmy

Yeah--we did NOT surf those big waves.

But we did TRY to catch some of these above

Surfing in the morning--just walking back to the beach house. Thanks Natasha!

Santa Cruz

Jimmy with our new cousin in law to be Allen.

We had to leave her behind...but I just had to include a picture of her in here.

Here's Jimmy surfing. I'm bummed no one got one of me. These waves were pretty big for us so we caught the smaller ones after all the really good people let those go by. Man I love CA!

2010 Goal Complete

2011-01-20T08:50:00.000-08:00

Goal: Last year I wanted to read 52 GOOD books. For me, reading a good book is the same as Daniel and Travis playing the guitar. It's Jimmy going to the gym. It's my mom creating something on the potter's wheel. I just feel "right" and soothed when reading a good book.

I decided to list the full list of books I read last year, and I "**starred**" the ones that I LOVED. Most of these books I liked. Some I hated and read only 30 to 100 pages and then left behind (they aren't on the list).

The ones I loved, were books that I thought about during the day; books that made me want to do another 20 minutes on the stair master just so I could read more; books worthy of sleep deprivation that were usually finished within a few days.

Many of the recommendations came from you--and most of you got my genre right on. Please don't be offended if I didn't star your book. I liked it, but I just didn't LOVE it.

Here is my list:
Time Traveler’s Wife, Jodi Picoult, 1/4
Safron Kitchen, Yasmin Crowther, 1/7
The Lucky One, Nicholas Sparks, 1/12
Picture Perfect, Jodi Picoult 1/16
**19 Minutes, “ “ 1 /20
*The Guardian, Nicholas Sparks 1/24
Vanishing Acts, Jodi Picoult 2/2
The 10th Circle, “ “ 2/5
A Change of Heart, “ “ 2/10
The Shack, WM Paul Young, 2/12
The Gurnsey Literary Potato Peel Society, Mary Ann Shaffer, 2/19
Princess Academy, Shanon Hall, 2/24
**Sarah’s Key, Tatiana de Rosnay, 2/28
The Ladies Auxillary, Tove Mirvis, 3/2
The Wednesday Letters, Jason Wright 3/3
Worst Case, James Patterson, 3/3
**Ender’s Game, Orson Scott Card, 3/11
The 5 People You meet in Heaven, Mitch Albom, 3/11
The Summons, John Grisham 3/19
The Brethren, “ “ 3/22
The Undaunted, Gerald Lund, 3/27
Train To Potevka, ?? 4/5
The Client, John Grisham, 4/19
**The Firm, “ “ 4/26
The Partner, “ “ 4/27
Second Glance, Jodi Picoult, 5/2
At 1st Sight, Nicholas Sparks, 5/4
*The Memory Keeper’s Daughter, Kim Edwards, 5/11
**Till The Boys Come Home, Jerry Borrowman, 5/14
Two From Galilee, Marjorie Holmes, 5/20
3 Cups of Tea, Greg Mortenson, 6/9
The Wedding, Nicholas Sparks, 6/15
Blue Smoke, Nora Roberts, 6/21
Pretend You Don’t See Her, Mary Higgins Clark, 6/26
Inner Harbor, Nora Roberts, 7/5
**The Hiding Place, Corrie Ten Boom, 7/9
The Conspiracy Club, Jonathon Kellerman, 7/6
Summer Harbor, Susan Wilson, 7/13
The Innocent Man, John Grisham, 7/15
The Sight of the Stars, Belva Plain, 7/25
Fieldwork, Mischa Berlinski, 7/21
Bodies Left Behind, Jeffrey Deaver, 7/30
*Man’s Search For Meaning, Viktor Frankl, 7/26
Black Notice, Patricia Cornwell, 8/10
*Shadow Dance, Julie Garwood, 8/15
*The Sleeping Doll, Jeffrey Deaver, 8/20
*On the street where you live, Mary Higgins Clark, 8/25
Summer Light, Luanne Rice, 8/26
Echo Burning, Lee Child, 8/27
Enchantment, Orson Scott Card, 8/27
*The Two Minute Rule, Robert Crais, 8/31
*Coast Road, Barbara Delinsky, 9/13
The eleventh commandment, Jeffrey archer, 9/17
One Soldier’s Story, Bob Dole, 9/8
**Sunday at Tiffany’s, James Patterson 9/20
Lady Killer, Lisa Scottoline, 9/15
The Christmas Promise, Donna Van Liere, 9/21
*Mockingjay, Suzanne Collins, 10/20
Water for Elephants, Sara Gruen, 11/2
The Poisonwood Bible, 11/15
Cyanide Wells, 11/5
All Quiet on the Western Front, Erich Maria Remarque, 11/29
**Charloette Gray, Sebastian Faulks, 12/10
Handle With Care, Jodi Picoult, 12/15
The Book Thief, Markus Zusak, 12/30

You'll notice that I read a lot of Grisham books. I've never read any of his books and they probably all deserve stars. I love this author. I love Jodi Picoult too. Thank you whoever recommended her. She writes about difficult and controversial-ish topics like a high school shooting, date rape, suing for malpractice, etc and makes you think about both sides. I love a good mystery/thriller which is why I read James Patterson, Jeffrey Deaver, and Mary Higgins Clark. And of course, I love world war 2 historical fiction. Oh, and a good love triangle always gets me hooked so thank you Nicolas Sparks.

Did anyone read "The Shack"? I'm VERY interested what you thought about it! Or how about book 3 from the Hunger Games series (one of the best series I've ever read) Mockingjay? What were your thoughts? I was sorely dissatisfied with the laziness of the author after reading her first 2 detail-licious books.

Anyway, I don't actually know how many books I read last year. It looks like more than 52. I just kept checking out books from the library that you all recommended, and so here again, is my plea.

What were your favorite books of 2010, or ever, for that matter? I need some suggestions for 2011.

Merry Christmas From the Boys

2011-01-05T11:22:00.000-08:00

This picture deserved it's own post!

Christmas With Roxy

2011-01-05T11:16:00.001-08:00

C'mon now...tell me these pictures don't make you want to buy a little Roxy doggie!

Roxy in her cute pink coat. Yeah--I need a baby!

Christmas in Pictures

2011-01-05T11:02:00.000-08:00

Here are a few more pictures I just had to post:

Me opening my stocking

Tyler opening his stocking

Zach attack

Daniel got the boys autographed BYU gear!

Yes this football star also plays the violin

Skyping with Travis

Elder Edwards becomes a trainer and district leader!

The cute newlyweds

This present is from Jimmy...you can see I LOVED IT!

It's a picture of us sketched

Looks like we wore this girlie out!

So Daniel got my dad the greatest gift ever. Here he is in stage one: opening it

Stage 2: Taking it outside with the boys testing it out...

Stage 3: Satisfied that his potato gun can shoot a tennis ball over 200 yards! It could. I saw it!

More fun at "Camp Edwards" to come...

Christmas in Connecticut

2011-01-05T10:51:00.001-08:00

Christmas was the best ever this year. I haven't been home for over 1.5 years and it just felt GREAT! This is how our Christmas morning goes:

- 5 am, the boys wake up and get all giddy talking about Christmas presents
- 8 am, the boys wake everyone else up and we go downstairs
- Christmas music is turned on, along with mom's "christmas soup" which is just smelly-good stuff over the stove, fire is build and toasty, "the Christmas Story" movie is playing in the background
- We all open our stockings (except for mom, she saves it till the end at 8pm) and gush over what we've all gotten
- We have sweatrolls for breakfast and fruit and then sit down for round 1
Basically, Christmas lasts all day at our house. We don't open presents at the same time and rush through it. We all take turns and gush over what everyone gets, taking breaks throughout the day to play with our gifts. We open our last presents late at night.
This Christmas, one of our "breaks" was talking to Elder Travy via skype who is serving in Oregon. It was the best part of the day by far!

I love how you can see the tree and Christmas Story on TV here!

Me and Jimmy waiting to open our stockings
You can't see this picture very well but it's snowy outside and we're all cuddled around the fire talking

Christmas in action!

Christmas night (I wonder what I was digging in our pile for)

It was SO FUN to get to know Daniel's wife Emily better and spend more time with her. And of course, being with the brothers is the best! Ping-pong tournaments, dominos, cards, puzzles, charades and board games...we never get tired when we're together.

I've only been back a few hours and I'm missing everyone already!

The 25 days of Christmas

2010-12-10T09:14:00.000-08:00

Many of you know that my mom is a believer. She loves magic, fantasy, make-believe, color, dreaming, wishing, singing and of course: fairy dust.

Well year after year she has put together her "happys" as she calls them. They are fun things to do with your kids every day of December leading up to Christmas. Most include a scripture, hymn, a story about something you didn't know about Christmas, and creative idea to help your kids think of Christmas and have fun spending time with the family.

I know many of you moms are so crafty yourselves, but if you need some new ideas, go to my mom's blog

Happy December 10th of Christmas.

Dental School

2010-11-08T10:39:00.001-08:00

Many friends and family have been asking about the status of Jimmy going to dental school--so I thought I'd post on here once and for all. First though--I have some thoughts:

Applying to dental school is an accomplishment in itself. To even apply, you must have at least a 3.5 GPA (in those difficult classes like micro bio, bio chem, anatomy, organic chem, and more yucky classes), over 100 hours experience shadowing multiple dentists for free, 5 volunteer experiences, multiple jobs during college, be a member and in leadership positions in different clubs, 10 extra curricular activities, scored well on the Dental Admission Test, have 3 letters of rec, a 1 page essay, fill out a 50 page application along with supplemental applications from each school, fork out thousands of dollars, travel the country interviewing at your own expense--and oh--you have to do all this WHILE you're still in school.

So for those who think we've been MIA since February--now you know why. It's been the most stressful experience of my life, and I'm not even the one applying (although I did help with ehhhem--most of the above). It's also been the most rewarding, testimony building, and progressive experience.

You all know how it is after you've given everything for something you want so bad, and then you start seeing results. Yeah, that's how it is.

So far we've heard back from 3 dental schools--all of which are in our top 5. University of Pacific-UOP (in San Francisco), NYU, and UNLV.

The earliest we can even find out if we've been accepted to any of the dental schools is December, but we probably won't decide until March 2011.

Oh and most importantly, I'm happy to report that after all the stress this year has brought, we are still happily married.

Thanks to all those who have prayed and supported us. We love you and we'll keep you posted.

Dog Obsessed

2010-10-27T08:50:00.001-07:00

Dog Obsessed. That's what I've become. Could it be some part of me yearning for a baby and I've simply appeased it by loving a dog like a human? Maybe. Ok--probably yes. Growing up, we never had a dog. In fact, my mom and I counted that we've owned about 30 cats (we won't tell you what happened to them all). But I married a man loves dogs, grew up with dogs, and begged me for 2 years to buy a dog. So, I had some rules.

It had to be small. It couldn't shed. It couldn't smell. It couldn't bark a lot.

Which is why our Silky-Yorkie is perfect. She's 6 lbs full grown, doesn't bark, has been so easy to train to do tricks, is submissive (but a little head strong), and perfect. Plus--there is nothing like coming home and having her act like you just saved the world. Now I understand why dogs are man's best friend.

This is what Roxy would look like if we had a convertible!

Here is me and Roxy at the gas station. She is actually sitting in her "car seat" (told you I'm obsessed). We hook that onto the front seat and she can sit in it and stick her head out the window.

Roxy at the beach. HA! She looks like an old grandpa when it's windy.

She didn't like the water

Us at natural bridges. We love taking her with us on all our adventures.

This is cooper. He outweighs her by about 5 pounds but she's about 3 times as fast as him so it makes up for it. He lives in our apartment complex too. If I say, "Let's go get Cooper" I can let her off the leash and she takes me directly to his front door 3 buildings away.

If you were like me--and didn't understand why people loved their dogs so much--you should try it.

Part of the Job

2010-09-27T15:29:00.000-07:00

So as part of my job, I routinely do interviews on network affiliates here in Sacramento on major scams, general advice to the public, launch investigation results, or answer brief questions from local media. I haven't posted any on here yet so thought I'd show you one (from Univision--can you pick up on that Dominican accent?). Thanks Allison for going into your archives and finding this one from Friday. Thanks Jimmy for the cute scarf you gave me for my bday last week. And thanks mom for the cute shirt. Good thing I looked nice on Friday ;0) I come on at about 30 seconds.

Dominoe Table

2010-09-27T15:01:00.000-07:00

As most of you know, Jimmy and I both served our missions in the Dominican Republic. One of the major extracurricular activities--I might even go as far to call it a sport-- is playing dominoes.

Yes--there is actually a way to play dominoes other than just stacking them up and then knocking them down.

No it's not Mexican Train--nor is it the kind where you play your dominoes and then count the dots to get individual points. It's played on a team, 4 players at a time, and believe it or not, requires concentration, strategy, being able to count to 6, and a lot of swearing in Spanish.

"Veinte cinco--cincuenta--capi cua--no voy--'ta tranka'o'--conchole"

This is the real thing that we passed by on every corner. I'm not joking when I say EVERY CORNER. Usualy there were 15 people swarming around the table and lots of beer. I love how they are all covering their dominoes. I saw a machete fight once over this game. They take it very, VERY seriously!
We use to play with some people in our ward every Friday night (girls vs. boys) until both of our marriages practically ended in divorce. Ok, joking--kinda. We're all pretty competitive.

Oh and did I mention that my sweetie made it for me? They cost over $250 to get one shipped from Puerto Rico so my lovey made me one (and Uncle Kevin may have taught us a few things...ok--he can pretty much design these things for a living!). So--if anyone knows how to play some dominoes--our place--Friday night.

Take It Easy

2010-09-22T16:50:00.001-07:00

Since we've gotten married, Jimmy has throw his back out 3 times...all wakeboarding (well one was due to moving someone from our ward). SO, after hundreds of dollars in chiropractic bills--I told Jimmy to "take it easy" when we went out on the river with some friends a few weekends ago. This is "takin' it easy" for Jimmy (no flips).

It was a good day (other than the fact that the boat broke down and we had to get towed back in before I could get a chance).

Family Pictures

2010-09-17T09:32:00.000-07:00

I don't remember ever posting these pictures that Daniel took at Lake Tahoe. Here is the whole family (minus 1--we need to photoshop Emily in these).

The brothers

Candid shot of mom and dad, me and Jimmy
Tyer is a STUD

The missionary man--Trav

Bet he misses that hair

Zach-attack

He's so photogenic

"Peace"

The Whole Family

At the cabin

Backyard

Sure makes me wish they all lived closer...

Capitola

2010-09-02T10:16:00.001-07:00

Last weekend we got to wake up early and do this all day (Katie-left, Jimmy-right)

...we also went to natural bridges and the tide pools...
...and of course lived off of Pizza My Heart. Thanks Aunt Pam and Uncle Kevin!

Divorce Agreement

2010-08-30T08:56:00.000-07:00

I've realized that I've never been so involved in politics as I have been in the past few years. It could be due to the fact that I've graduated and taken a real liking to economics which can be used to solve so many of the world's problems (maybe I should recommend a class to our president). It also could be due to the fact that I live about 5 minutes from my state's capital and am constantly surrounded by elections (not to even mention the whole prop 8 campaign). Or, it could be because I have a grandma, some cousins, and a husband who just can't stand it when there are parasites to our society. Furthermore--I was forwarded this email which leads me to say, I'D ALSO--LIKE A DIVORCE.

DIVORCE AGREEMENT
Dear American liberals, leftists, social progressives, socialists, Marxists and Obama supporters, et al:

We have stuck together since the late 1950's for the sake of the kids, but the whole of this latest election process has made me realize that I want a divorce. I know we tolerated each other for many years for the sake of future generations, but sadly, this relationship has clearly
run its course.

Our two ideological sides of America cannot and will not ever agree on what is right for us all, so let's just end it on friendly terms. We can smile and chalk it up to irreconcilable differences and go our own way.

Here is a model separation agreement:
Our two groups can equitably divide up the country by landmass each taking a similar portion. That will be the difficult part, but I am sure our two sides can come to a friendly agreement. After that, it should be relatively easy! Our respective representatives can effortlessly divide other assets since both sides have such distinct and disparate tastes.

We don't like redistributive taxes so you can keep them. You are welcome to the liberal judges and the ACLU. Since you hate guns and war, we'll take our firearms, the cops, the NRA and the military. We'll take the nasty, smelly oil industry and you can go with wind, solar and biodiesel. You can keep Oprah, Michael Moore and Rosie O'Donnell. You are, however, responsible for finding a bio-diesel vehicle big enough to move all three of them.

We'll keep capitalism, greedy corporations, pharmaceutical companies, Wal-Mart and Wall Street. You can have your beloved lifelong welfare dwellers, food stamps, homeless, homeboys, hippies, druggies and illegal aliens. We'll keep the hot Alaskan hockey moms, greedy
CEO's and rednecks. We'll keep the Bibles and give you NBC and Hollywood .

You can make nice with Iran and Palestine and we'll retain the right to invade and hammer places that threaten us. You can have the peaceniks and war protesters. When our allies or our way of life are under assault, we'll help provide them security.

We'll keep our Judeo-Christian values. You are welcome to Islam, Scientology, Humanism, political correctness and Shirley McClain. You can also have the U.N. but we will no longer be paying the bill.

We'll keep the SUV's, pickup trucks and oversized luxury cars. You can take every Subaru station wagon you can find.

You can give everyone healthcare if you can find any practicing doctors. We'll continue to believe healthcare is a luxury and not a right. We'll keep "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" and "The National Anthem." I'm sure you'll be happy to substitute "Imagine", "I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing", "Kum Ba Ya" or "We Are the World".

We'll practice trickledown economics and you can continue to give trickle up poverty your best shot. Since it often so offends you, we'll keep our history, our name and our flag.

Would you agree to this? If so, please pass it along to other like-minded liberal and conservative patriots and if you do not agree, just hit delete. In the spirit of friendly parting, I'll bet you answer which one of us will need whose help in 15 years.

Sincerely,
John J. Wall
Law Student and an American

P.. S. Also, please take Ted Turner, Sean Penn, Martin Sheen, Barbara Streisand, & Jane Fonda with you.

Southern California

2010-08-24T11:56:00.000-07:00

Last weekend Jimmy and I went down to Southern California for Jimmy's best friend's wedding--Jon Barker and Kim. As I write this post I keep thinking that at this time yesterday my feet were tucked into the warm sand as I smelled the ocean spray and watched dolphins from the beach. Sigh--I want to go back!

In our 4 days in So Cal we spent most of our time in Orange County. We went to Disneyland (I haven't been back since I moved 12 years ago--it was SOOOO DIFFERENT!), Manhattan Beach, Hunington Beach, Newport Beach, out to dinner with a bunch of old friends and then to a Karaoke Bar (SO FUN! We ended up singing a song by Journey that goes "Don't Stop--Believing").

We got to see the Newport temple for our first time--totally gorgeous! We also got to set up the honeymoon suite for our buddy and his new bride with strawberries and whipped cream, candles, and many more goodies ;0)

That night we had the reception and then I got to catch up with one of my old roommates who just got back from a mission a week ago.

We're glad to say that we returned from So Cal 2 shades darker with sand still all over the car, our cell phones, and in our ears. We're gonna live there someday. Yup--we're sure of it!

USA Education

2010-08-11T12:03:00.001-07:00

And we wonder what's wrong with our country's education (I just saw this on Yahoo news today: http://news.yahoo.com/s/yblog_upshot/20100811/od_yblog_upshot/behold-americas-educational-system-captured-in-a-single-photograph

The beach

2010-08-03T16:35:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we went to the beach with our friend Nikki and our 3 dogs. We surfed in the morning and hung out until the waves got better that night. Of course we ate at "Pizza My Heart" and hung out with my mom.

Me and Jimmy before we went hit the waves

Me and Jimmy getting all packed up to go
Me sleeping with Roxy

Jimmy taking a nap

Roxy taking a nap in the car

Jimmy riding a wave

Katie riding a wave

After we're all clean and showered off. The whole gang.

Us at the Redwood Big Trees

Me and our good friend Nikki about to hit the waves

We loved it so much that this weekend we're going back. Too bad we have to wear these wetsuits.

Summer Fun

2010-07-30T09:25:00.000-07:00

We feel like summer has truly begun now that we have so much more time together. In Sacramento there are hundreds of miles of bike trail along rivers and lakes. Last night after work while we were waiting for my mom and brothers to arrive, we decided to go for a ride!

Oh and this picture, well this is how my mom (left), Zach (middle) and Tyler (right) looked as I left for work this morning. Guess we wore them out! (I love how Zach has the JetBlue eye patch things on!) If you look closely, can you spot Roxy?
This weekend we're off to the beach! I love CA!

Celebration

2010-07-27T14:58:00.000-07:00

Many of you know that these past 7 months for us have been filled with anxiety attacks, stress, frustration, and lack of sleep. Getting into dental school has been the hardest thing I've ever done (and it's not even me applying!). You don't just have to have perfect grades, a great score on the DAT, and a clean background; but you have to have years of volunteer experience and shadow dentists for hundreds of hours and work while attending school to build your resume and have great relationships with your teachers so they write you amazing letters of rec., and visit the schools and stay in contact with them as much as possible before you even apply. Oh and then there’s the thousands of dollars you spend JUST to apply.

Well, at the beginning when we decided on dentistry, we made a deal with Heavenly Father that both of us made during our missions as well. We’d work like it all depended on us, and we’d pray like it all depended on Him. Then, if in the end, we still didn’t get into dental school, we’d know: 1-that we tried our hardest and gave our best which is all that is required of us, and 2-that it wasn’t His will.

After a lot of fasting, saving, working, sleepless nights, months without hardly seeing each other, and studying, we finally had the burden lifted from us…

….NO we’re not into dental school YET, but Jimmy did amazing on the DAT (dental admission test) and all that uncertainty is gone. Now we just wait until December to find out where we go.

I literally feel like I’ve lost 100 lbs, haven’t had an anxiety attack in months, and best of all, I have my husband back to myself!

Life is good.

Here is us celebrating at Olive Garden after we found out Jimmy’s DAT scores. I’d be lying if I said there weren’t a bunch of tears shed that night. (and the wine is sparkling cider!)

4th of July

2010-07-26T14:01:00.001-07:00

For 4th of July this year we hung around Sacramento and went to the Folsom rodeo with our friends Jake and Krista--and by the looks of these pictures you can tell it was over 100 degrees out!

Me and Jimmy in our best cowboy garb
Just what are these boys intently looking at?...

... This guy! He jumped out of an airplane with a flag attached. It was SO COOL! He landed right into the arena.

And of course I had to add this picture because this is who was at home waiting for us.

Dental School Bound

2010-07-01T09:10:00.000-07:00

Yeah, I think he looks the part.

6 more months of waiting...

Top 10 in the past month

2010-06-28T14:34:00.000-07:00

10- Roxy now knows how to sit, stay, lay down, roll over, stand up on hind legs, spin in circles, Happy Dance (hind legs jumping around), speak, high five, crate, and can finally go for walks!

9- Jimmy got a bike to ride to school, popped a tire the first week, and asked me if he could get spandex the 2nd week. I thought his calves couldn’t get any bigger. Oh and p.s. I love Craigslist.

8- We won our championship softball game and started up Summer League (co-ed division). It’s so fun to play together. I play outfield or 2nd base and Jimmy plays short-stop or pitcher.

7- We got a Char-Broil BBQ for free. She has become the “other woman” as it’s become a love affair for Jimmy. Gosh he knows how to BBQ!

6- We finished making our Dominican domino table (thanks uncle Kevin)

5- We've spent a lot of time with both sides of the family (sleepover with Molly and Lindsay)!

4- Studying for the Dental Admission Test (DAT) consumes all Jimmy’s time. (Takes it in 2 weeks—prayers please)

3- Daniel got married to Emily, I got my first sister, and we got filet mignon 2 days in a row.

2- Travis left for his mission. The best 2 years! (To see more pictures go to www.ElderTravy.blogspot.com)

1- Jimmy applied to dental school. We’ll hear back after December 1st where our next adventure will begin. Thanks for your prayers!

Roxy's Tricks with Katie

2010-06-18T16:01:00.000-07:00

Here is me trying to flim Roxy doing some tricks (sorry so dark)

Softball

2010-06-07T15:41:00.000-07:00

So we brought Roxy to our championship softball game on Friday night and everyone LOVED HER! This is Julie holding her in her mitt. My friend Nikki took this picture from her iphone--not bad quality! By the way--did I mention we won the championship? WOO HOO!

Coll-agraphy

2010-05-27T09:37:00.000-07:00

Check out these 2 Collages Daniel did. I think I may blow them up and put them on our wall at home. They look really cool!

Tonight

2010-05-27T09:31:00.000-07:00

Tonight, all these people are going to be together:

I can't wait! I also can't believe Trav is taking his endowments out and Daniel is getting married!

Eating Habits

2010-05-18T15:57:00.000-07:00

Has anyone ever noticed the way you eat specific foods is different than the rest of the world?

Lately I've been noticing that I have a particular way to eat bananas, gushers, peppermint patties, Life cereal, ice cream with sugar cones, etc.

For example, there is no other way to eat a gusher than biting the tip off and then smashing the fruit snack between your fingers so the gush of juice comes out. Then you lick that off the gusher. When it's gone, put the fruit snack in your mouth, insert tongue into that hole where the juice use to be, and just let it dissolve. Anyone do this too?

Peppermint Patties. Thanks to an old roommate Marie, every time I eat a peppermint patty I take it out of the wrapper, and then I break it in half right next to my ear. Never tried it? TRY IT! The noise it makes is so satisfying. I love the contrasting colors of the black:white of the peppermint patty. So--I proceed to take the smallest bites possible, staring at the white exterior covered in chocolate. (I love the contrasting colors of Ding Dongs too--although I haven't had one of those since I was 11).

I won't even go into details about eating a banana, the ice cream with the sugar cone, Life cereal or the other foods I seem to savor (or just eat weird).

Regardless of it all--I love food ;0)

I miss these people...

2010-05-17T11:01:00.001-07:00

And think about them everyday

What We've Been Doing

2010-05-04T14:49:00.000-07:00

Well our free time seems to revolve around our puppy Roxy. She is 12 weeks old, has almost had all her shots (so we can finally take her outside on the grass) and is SO ADORABLE!

So my Aunt Meg LOVES animals and sent me this dress. Roxy hated it, Jimmy has yet to find out that I actually put it on her, and I LOVED it! Meg also sent us the cutest life jacket for her so we can take her on the boat this summer.
Here she is again when she wasn't biting to get it off.

Jimmy likes this t-shirt someone gave us a little better.

Here is Roxy before she pounced on the camera. Like my polka dot PJs?

She's so little! And has grown a lot more hair! Man she's so fun!

She is also really cuddly. She loves cuddling with Jimmy (as do I).

She is full of fun and character. AND she hasn't had a potty accident in 3 weeks! We've yet to meet someone who doesn't want to just grab her and take her home!

Happy Anniversary

2010-04-26T08:36:00.000-07:00

Happy 2 Year Anniversary Jimmy! 10 things I love about Jimmy you may not know about:

1- Did you know Jimmy LOVES baseball? We've played on co-ed teams since we've been married and he plays in all-men's leagues and tournaments. Wondering about the pants? He won't play with out 'em. Oh and his favorite team: The Yankees. C'mon--could it get any better marrying a girl from Yankee-ville?

2. I love that I have only cleaned the bathroom 3 times since we've been married. Wondering if we have a dirty bathroom? Nope! Jimmy cleans it (including mopping and scrubbing the tub and shower curtain) every week. Love him!

3. He loves to talk. In fact, one of our favorite things to do is grocery shop together and take long car rides because we both love to talk and laugh and share stories.

4. You may not know this but Jimmy was invited to "go pro" in wakeboarding before his mission. So glad he chose the mission instead. He can do the most amazing tricks and is a very good teacher.

5. I love that he'll do things that I like to do even though he doesn't like it. Like dancing. We went salsa dancing every week for the first 10 months of our marriage. Here us at our DR reception.

6. Jimmy loves to cook! Especially BBQ. Any BBQ skills I have I've learned from him. He also doesn't like to cook simple dishes that involve simple clean-up.

7. He loves to workout (I chose this picture because you could see his muscles.) Going to the gym for Jimmy is like reading a book for me. It's his escape. When I'm there--I'm counting down the minutes until I've reached an hour. I'm grateful that he gets me there 4-5x a week! Something you may not know: random people on the street or at the gym will come up to him and ask him how he got his calves so toned. Answer? Genetics. (Also--this is the classic Jimmy squint. He has SUPER sensitive eyes).

8. Jimmy loves Chemistry. You may be wondering why I'd find that so attractive--but I guess it's nice to know he actually has some passion for the stuff he is studying. He loves anatomy, biology, accounting, economics, and just learning in general. In fact--Jimmy is a fact lover. If you ask him anything about US history, science, church history, etc--he'll give you names, dates, and more info than you wanted to know. It's great having a smarty pants husband! He even remembers all the dates of the first time we met, first kiss, first date, first I love you, engagement, etc.

9. One of our common loves is the water. Here he is the night that Daniel proposed. While I was setting everything up, he was out boarding.

10. Lastly--He loves animals, kids, my family, going on date-night, traveling with me, the outdoors, our adventures, my friends, California, cuddling, socializing, playing games, our Dominicans, and serves me every day. Love you babe!

Trav's mission call

2010-04-20T09:50:00.001-07:00

Travis got his mission call! I am so stoked that we'll all know spanish! To find out where he is going and watch the video of him opening his call, go to www.ElderTravy.blogspot.com

Roxy

2010-04-08T14:16:00.000-07:00

So we changed her name to Roxy. And no this isn't an April Fool's joke. (However it was a funny coincidence that I posted originally on April 1!)

She really likes electronics--she was trying to sniff my camera
She loves Jimmy!

Look at her smile!

Do I need a little baby or what?

Puppy

2010-04-01T12:37:00.000-07:00

Yup--We got a puppy! Ahhhh! For those of you reading this that REALLY know me, you are saying "Wait--I thought Katie hated dogs." My reply -said in a really high pitched, girly, eye-lashes fluttering tone-- "But I love this dog." C'mon, how cute is she?

So Jimmy and I felt like we've been living this monotonous, scheduled, day-2-day lifestyle for a while now. We wanted something to make a small change and add some zip. Many suggested we have a baby. This is our pre-cursor to the baby thing. (stop rolling your eyes).

Bella is the 3rd from the left.

She's the tiniest of the litter (3rd from the left)

Her mom is 5lbs and her dad is 3.5 lbs, so she's looking to be about 4lbs. I am a little nervous that I'm going to turn into that dog lady. You know the one I'm talking about. The one who brings her dog in the car and into the store with her. The one who takes it to activities and treats it like a baby. I have to admit, I already bought her a pink collar, 2 bows, and a bright pink leash that Jimmy just loves (he never reads the blog so he'll have no comment on that).

Anyway--for all you who had no hope for me, please welcome me into your new doggie lover club.

Yosemite

2010-03-29T12:16:00.000-07:00

Fact: I don't like to camp. This statement usually surprises everyone I tell since I love the outdoors, nature, and being active. So, is it that brisk air you smell in the morning while you're cuddled in your sleeping bag that I hate? No. Is it the chatter around the campfire? No. What it is really is that I don't like to be dirty (under my finger nails, in the tent, in my hair), I don't like the effort camp-cooking requires just to get a meal that doesn't even taste that good, and I don't really know how to do it. So--given these attributes, taking a trip to Yosemite seemed daunting.

I've wanted to take a trip to Yosemite ever since we moved here. Given the above information I only semi-looked forward to it. Well this weekend was the perfect Yosemite day trip. 1-a couple in the ward who knows the area and the best hikes invited us. 2- we got to eat normal food like pizza and burgers. 3- We didn't have to camp. In the words of Michael Scott this is a "Win-Win-Win".

Look at that view. Breathtaking!

Jimmy and I at one of the waterfalls
Our last stop before going home

Mirror Lake (hence the amazing reflection)

I threw this picture in here because I was mid-sneeze and you can see Jimmy slightly grimacing.

The whole gang

Half Dome. We didn't climb it and I actually don't have the desire to. But I've heard it's intense and totally amazing!

One of the falls

We saw tons of deer just 15 feet away from us. They definitely weren't scared around humans.

The first water fall we stopped at (I can't remember the name).

This is one of our most fun day trips we've been on. Yosemite is SOOOO GORGEOUS! The air is fresh, the sun was out, it wasn't dirty (the trails were paved for the most part!), and there was wildlife everywhere.

Another Blog

2010-03-29T08:46:00.000-07:00

Yes folks...I am managing another blog for my brother who is going on a mission! Can you believe it? So if you know Travis, feel free to visit the blog and leave a guess for where you think he's headed to on the mission!

http://eldertravy.blogspot.com/

Few more pics

2010-03-17T10:45:00.000-07:00

I couldn't resist--Daniel just sent me some more of these pictures he took of us and I just had to post them. If these pictures don't convince you to take a trip to Lake Tahoe--I don't know what will.

Pictures

2010-02-24T15:43:00.000-08:00

Here are some of the fun pictures Daniel took of us with his new camera he got for Christmas. He was really good! I'm not sure which editing program he used...but if you need pics taken in Utah--let me know and I'll give him your number!

footsies

Look at that view!
Keeping me warm

J + K

Reminds me of taking engagement pictures

There was icy water beneath us so this was our most fun picture to take by far.

I love Lake Tahoe! If this picture doesn't make you want to go there, I don't know what will! It was very tricky to get to the rocks we're standing on.

The whole Family!

Us in Switzerland. Ok not really, but it sure looks like it!

Family Visit: Lake Tahoe, CA

2010-02-16T14:57:00.000-08:00

Me trying a box for the first time since before my mission (I look like I'm going 1 mph) Zach attack getting some air kicking his skis out

Tyler doing a grab

Tyler riding the box

Jimmy trying his first box! Nailed it!

The Best Part:

The best part of snowboarding is these guys! The best part about the cold lift ride is cuddling with your lover. The best part about snowboarding with 6 boys is they make me try things I wouldn't normally do.

The best part about snowboarding with your husband is the foot-massage afterward!

The best part of the Olympics is cramming on one bed all over each other!

I love how gma is waving for the picture but still won't take her eyes off the Olympics! So gma!

Yumm! I can still smell Tahoe!

Free Disneyland Tickets

2010-02-05T14:03:00.001-08:00

Did you know that you can get a FREE ticket to Disneyland just for donating 6 hours to the community?!?!? If you did, SHAME ON YOU FOR NOT SHARING! Check out this website and head on over!

www.GiveADayGetADisneyDay.com

Daniel's New GF

2010-01-27T10:04:00.000-08:00

Daniel's been dating this cutie for a while--and they FINALLY sent me some adorable pictures that I just HAD to post on here. P.S. Her last name is Edwards and she's from CA. Hopefully we're not cousins ;0)

Both of them are really into photography--photo shoot anyone?
This is the first girl Daniel has ever been giddy about. The kinda giddy that when I say her name his eyes glaze over and he smiles and I notice that his mind is up in the clouds probably remembering a goodnight kiss or the first time he held her hand. Cute? Definitely. I've only gotten to meet her once for a few hours but she won over my heart when a Taylor Swift song came on in the car and immediately all four of us (Jimmy and Daniel included) started belting it. She earned some gold stars later when she proved she was crafty and creative, loved volleyball, snowboarding and photography, and of course the fact that she made my brother completely melt.

As the eldest child, the favorite daughter, only sister, the queen, the bully, the princess, and one of Daniel's best friends, of course my opinion matters when it comes to the girls he dates. So to Daniel I say: well done! She fits right in!

Feel free to post all dating advice in the comments section. I'm sure he'd love to be bombarded with it.

Baby Hungry

2010-01-11T15:05:00.000-08:00

I texted the following picture to Jimmy with the text, "What I want for Christmas."...

...He wrote back, "What? A new couch?"

C'mon--don't you think we look like cute parents?

Thanks Emily for letting us play with your cute baby Jaxon!

Happy New Year

2010-01-07T11:02:00.001-08:00

Happy 2010!
In 2009:
- We Cancelled Cable
- Jimmy learned to Snowboard
- We caught a ball from Yankee player Melky Cabrera (Dominican)
- Learned to play tennis
- Became addicted to Biggest Loser, 24, Bachelor (just Katie), The Office, and Lost (kinda difficult after cancelling cable)
- We cooked real, balanced meals 5 nights a week.
In 2010 we want to:
- Get into dental school
- Go to So. Cal, Yosemite, Dominican Republic, a broadway play in NY, Nor. Cal Redwoods, & the beach
- pick up a new hobby

New Year's Kiss in Reno (check out the new skinny jeans! My first pair. Jimmy got them for me for Christmas and I LOVE them!)

Loved this tree by the skating rink!
Jimmy and I snowboarding. I love Homewood because you get a view of the Lake on every run!

New Year's was a blast! Reno was hoppin'. We played games at Circus Circus (I didn't win a single stuffed animal--luckily I had Jimmy), went to the buffet, watched a few shows, and everything else you'd do in a casino ;0)

One of my favorite things to do when it's not cold out!

I love this new picture editing program that is FREE at www.picnik.com because I don't think I could figure out Photoshop. This at least allows me to change my photos up a bit. I played around with each one of these. Check it out.

New Year's Resolutions

2010-01-05T10:12:00.000-08:00

One of my New Year's Resolutions is to read a GOOD book every week this year. BUT, I need some suggestions. PLEASE HELP. I'm talking your best and most favorite books you've ever read! Here are some examples of what I like:

- Church historical fiction (Work & the Glory, Children of the Promise, Rebekah)
- Love triangles/conflicts (Twilight, Dear John, The Notebook, etc.)
- Suspense novels (but nothing too gory) -- (James Patterson Books, Mary Higgings Clark)
- Historical Fiction (Kite Runner, A Thousand Splendid Suns)
- Anything that you found to be good.

Thanks for the tips. Hopefully I can find 52 GOOD BOOKS to read this year!

Handsome Santa

2009-12-23T10:27:00.001-08:00

So what did Jimmy do on his first day of break this Christmas? Play video games? Do all my errands? Sleep all day long? NOPE. He played Santa at this local Assisted Living Center where he volunteers. He brought Christmas cheer and presents to all these cute oldies.

She was so happy!
Ho Ho Ho (no I'm not talking about the women)

This lady told Jimmy "if you're gonna take a picture, you better not try to kiss me!" He said, "uhh--ok I promise!"

The only man there other than Jimmy I think!

My hubby is so cute and a pretty handsome Santa.

Christmas!

2009-12-23T09:24:00.000-08:00

Due to our misfortune of last year's adventure getting a Christmas Tree, we decided not to get one this year (also--there was no room). But we decorated like we've never decorated before. Over Thanksgiving, my aunt Pam and uncle Kevin came up with all these cool crafts for us to do. My mom also took me shopping to Home Goods (who loves that store?) and we ended up finding tons of cute treasures including 7 stockings for Jimmy and I and our 5 future children. YUP! Here are a few of the crafts we made and treasures we found!

I love these "Believe" blocks that we made. Thanks Aunt Pam and Uncle Kevin!

Jimmy with all our stockings, presents, and decorations.

This is our bar that we treated like a fireplace and shoved all our presents under.
Here are some of the decorations we made (Santas and Ho Ho Ho's)

Our Dominican Nativity Scene (I love how Jesus is black)

Our Hawaiian Nativity Scene in a coconut

The Santas on wood planks. Love decopauge

One of my favorite things we made. My uncle Kevin put these wires together and we just arranged these pieces of glass on the wires and painted the base and star. It's about 9 inches tall. He made those candy canes out of glass!

Giving Light

2009-12-21T10:25:00.000-08:00

In the Dominican Republic where I served my mission the electricity would leave and come back sporadically. Sometimes there would be no electricity for hours, days, and sometimes weeks. The Dominicans referred to the electricity as “light.” In fact no one knew the word for electricity. When the “light” would leave, the streets and alleys were pitch black! Everyone operated by candle-light at night. The missionaries taught and studied by candle-light. There was always a sense of discouragement when the “light” was gone. But when the “light” would come back, no matter what time it was, there would always be whooping and cheering heard through the little neighborhoods. Kids would shout and jump around, adults would look to the heavens in thanks. They would say “Vino la luz” meaning “the light has come!”

Symbolic? One more thing.

In Spanish they don’t say “when is your baby due?” or “did she have her baby?” They say (directly translated) “did she give light?” or “when will she give light?” The birth of a baby is referred to as “giving light.”

The Latinos must have had it right because Mary, in a humble stable, “gave light” that crisp, cool night. The LIGHT OF THE WORLD was born and just as the Dominicans do when light comes after so much darkness, there was celebrating and whooping and cheering heard throughout all the heavens and the earth because the light had come.

Tag--I'm it

2009-12-17T10:10:00.000-08:00

So I saw this on a friend's blog and loved it! Tag--you're it!
4 Joys:
* When someone from the Dominican Republic calls/writes me.
* Being held by my husband.
* Finding out my mom is cancer free!
* Giving Daniel dating advice.
4 Fears:
* Shark Attack
* Rape
* The Dark
* Safety of my family
4 Goals:
* Get into dental school (my hubby)
* Travel to another country (hopefully a cruise)
* Have our first baby (no I'm not pregnant...yet)
* Start my own business (someday)
(yes, in that order)
4 Current Obsessions/Collections:
* The show 24
* Purses and shoes (always and forever)
* Keeping in touch
* Saturday mornings with Jimmy
4 Random Surprising Facts About Yourself:
* I love trying new things (foods, adventures, crafts, talents, etc).
* I read about 2 books/week.
* I throw up at least once a week and don't know why. And p.s. I hate it!
* I think about my mission everyday and try to dream about it at night.

Quote

2009-12-14T10:00:00.000-08:00

"And forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair." --Kahlil Gibran Kurt Vonnegut From his book "Timequake"

Simplify

2009-12-11T08:46:00.001-08:00

Amazing!

2009-12-08T11:13:00.000-08:00

Smells Like Christmas

2009-12-02T10:58:00.000-08:00

Quick and cheap way to make your house smell like Christmas! (Thanks mom! It feels like home)

In a small sauce pan put:
- Nutmeg
- Cinnamon (you can even go buy those big sticks of it)
- Cloves (these are key!)
- Orange peels
- Water

Turn it on low and allow the aroma to smell up your home. Make sure you keep filling it up with water and adding these ingredients all December long! (It turns a nasty brown color but the smell is worth it!)

Going to So Cal

2009-11-23T15:42:00.000-08:00

So I think we'll be going to Southern CA for New Year's (since that was the reason I put off my jury duty...) but I haven't lived there in over 12 years and my hubby's only been there once--so WHAT SHOULD WE DO? Our cousins (thanks Adam and Emma) are gonna let us stay at their place but we need some ideas. It's only 4 days and remember, it's over New Year's so it's gonna be crowded.

Here's what I've thought about:
- Disneyland
- Rose Parade
- Hollywood
- Perhaps a drive through of my old hometown Simi Valley
- Huntington beach
- Newport temple
- WHAT ELSE?

To Do List

2009-11-20T10:42:00.001-08:00

I just made my "to-do" list for the weekend. Last on the list is: Go thru boxes in closets; organize and label.

Since I'm already going to be digging through decorations, books, and who knows what else--do you think it's too early to decorate for Christmas? It is my absolute favorite holiday ever with the smells and lights and decorations and presents and family and time off from work and yummy goodies and Santa and elves and door-bell ditching and parties...

What if I only do it inside so no one really knows? I've already started with the Christmas music...

Double-Beeper

2009-11-16T09:33:00.000-08:00

I admit it. I am a double-beeper. When I get out of my car I automatically and subconsciously beep the car. Then when I’ve finally managed to put my phone in my purse, hang it over my shoulder, look both ways, and walk toward the store, I look back and beep again. Why do I double beep? I know the first one worked. Do I want to alert everyone that the car is locked? Do I want to check the range I can get using the beeper? Did I think I forgot? I never forget. I don’t know why I double beep—but can’t give it up. OCD?

Our Engagement

2009-11-03T15:04:00.001-08:00

So low and behold, Jimmy and I have another blog. Our good buddy Jon made it for us. LaFamiliaRobison.blogspot.com. I'm pretty sure he wrote everything on there too because I had no idea what a blog was at that time. lol

Well I can't figure out how to merge the two so I'm copying and pasting the information so that I have it all in one spot. This is the only picture we have from our engagement.

(note: written by Jon?) This was taken right after Katie said "yes." Look at that rock and those decorations. Jimmy, Jon, Daniel, and Cory had cut out hundreds of hearts and placed rose petals all over the house. Christmas lights were strung, lights were dimmed, candles were glowing and dinner smelled great. Katie slowly walked up the stairs as she read Jimmy's favorite sappy love songs written on hearts going up the stairs. She heard music playing in the background and when she reached the top there was a beautifully set table for 2 with Martinellis, candles and 2 dozen roses. She found secret notes written in balloons that led her to her porch where Jimmy was walking up. As she went to hug him, he got down on one knee, said some amazing things that none of them can remember exactly, and a few minutes later they were hugging so tightly while Jon, Cory, and Daniel were secretly taking pictures from across the street. He placed the ring on her finger (which brought a huge smile to her face) and the rest of the night was theirs...we slow danced and ate a little (even though our tummy's were too excited to eat) and savored the night. Jimmy explained how he had planned the whole event days before and days after we are still on cloud 9 as we replay Tuesday night in our heads over and over again.

Jimmy took me out for my bday to Macaroni grill and this was the first time he told me he loved me.

Us in temple square in 2007

These pics were taken right before we got engaged

Pumpkins

2009-11-03T13:44:00.000-08:00

Halloween was so fun this year. We decorated pumpkins, went to a few Halloween parties, dressed up, won the Yankee game (as you can tell from Jimmy's shirt, he's a die-hard fan. How convenient that he married someone from back East), made pumpkin seeds, watched scary movies with friends, played games, and ate ate ate ate ate! Why is candy so good?

Jimmy with his alien pumpkin
Mine was an island with palm trees since you can't really tell...haha

Such a MANLY MAN. I love that Jimmy knows how to fix EVERYTHING!

And yes, mom, he is in shorts and barefoot in November! Doesn't THAT make you miss California! Come visit please!

Dwight & Angela

2009-10-30T09:45:00.000-07:00

During my mission everyone always wrote me about this new show "The Office." When I got home I was addicted and introduced it to Jimmy when he got home from his mission. Although The Office hasn't been as funny lately, we've remained loyalists through yet, another season.

And for Halloween, per the request of so many, we went as....drumroll....DWIGHT AND ANGELA.

Thanks for the fun party Frangels!

It's hard to be angry all the time

The real Dwight and Angela

Vegas

2009-10-20T12:01:00.000-07:00

Hands down--I love Vegas. I think I could live there (and actually UNLV is in our top 5 for dental school so maybe we will be living there!). We went to Vegas and met up with a bunch of our friends from Utah (Allison, Rod, Jon, Karen,), some friends in Vegas (Natalie and Sean) and my brothers Daniel and Travis. BYU slaughtered UNLV (and we all won $$$$ on the game).

Here's the gang at the BYU v UNLV game

Daniel's face is perfect here!

So we got the gambling bug. This casino gave us all $10 FREE to gamble and Travis and Daniel ended up winning $35 playing poker. Wait isn't Travis only 18...hahaha

Me with my boys

Travis, Daniel, and Jimmy in front of the pirate ship

My favorite--the Bellagio fountains (Daniel, Travis and Jimmy had never been here before)

Eiffel Tower (Rod, Allison and us)

It took us like 5 tries to get this picture because of lighting

New York New York hotel

The sign in the back says it all...

Me and Allie---yes that pumpkin is real! 890 lbs!

Gotta Love Those Boys!

2009-10-19T09:01:00.000-07:00

Oh how I love boys!

Saturday Night Live Skit

2009-10-06T11:19:00.001-07:00

Maybe I don't need to worry so much after all...

Please Vote on our Halloween Costume

2009-09-28T15:11:00.000-07:00

What should Jimmy and I be for Halloween?

1- Beyonce and a Karate Guy (yes my hair will look like that)

2- Suzzane Somers and Richard Simmons (anyone have a thigh master I can borrow?)

3- Dwight and Angela (from the Office)

4. Jim and Pam (from the Office)

Please vote in the comments section. Thank you for your advice!

Amen Amen Amen

2009-09-24T08:47:00.000-07:00

You've probably heard the story of the ant and the grasshopper, now this!!

MODERN VERSION:
The ant works hard in the withering heat all summer long, building his house and laying up supplies for the winter.
The grasshopper thinks the ant is a fool and laughs and dances and plays the summer away.
Come winter, the shivering grasshopper calls a press conference and demands to know why the ant should be allowed to be warm and well fed while others are cold and starving.

CBS, NBC, PBS, CNN, and ABC show up to provide pictures of the shivering grasshopper next to a video of the ant in his comfortable home with a table filled with food. America is stunned by the sharp contrast.
How can this be, that in a country of such wealth, this poor grasshopper is allowed to suffer so?

Kermit the Frog appears on Oprah with the grasshopper and everybody cries when they sing, 'It's Not Easy Being Green.'
Acorn stages a demonstration in front of the ant's house where the news stations film the group singing, 'We shall overcome.'
Rev. Jeremiah Wright then has the group curse God for the grasshopper's sake.
Nancy Pelosi & Harry Reid exclaim in an interview with Larry King that the ant has gotten rich off the back of the grasshopper, and both call for an immediate tax hike on the ant to make him pay his fair share.

Finally, the EEOC drafts the Economic Equity & Anti-Grasshopper Act retroactive to the beginning of the summer. The ant is fined for failing to hire a proportionate number of green bugs and, having nothing left to pay his retroactive taxes, his home is confiscated by the Government Green Czar.

The story ends as we see the grasshopper finishing up the last bits of the ants food while the government house he is in, which just happens to be the ant's old house, crumbles around him because he doesn't maintain it.
The ant has disappeared in the snow.
The grasshopper is found dead in a drug related incident and the house, now abandoned, is taken over by a gang of spiders who terrorize the once peaceful neighborhood.

MORAL OF THE STORY: Be careful how you vote...

In Light of Terribleness

2009-09-14T12:41:00.001-07:00

In light of all the terrible things our country is going through (the lack of leaders, Obama debt that our grandchildren will have to pay, the turn to socialism, health care bill, natural disasters, etc) here is what President Harold B. Lee said on America:

"Men may fail in this country, earthquakes may come, seas may heave beyond their bounds, there may be great drought, disaster, and hardship, but this nation, founded on principles laid down by men whom God raised up, will never fail. This is the cradle of humanity, where life on this earth began in the Garden of Eden . This is the place of the new Jerusalem . This is the place that the Lord said is favored above all other nations in all the world. This is the place where the Savior will come to His temple. This is the favored land in all the world. Yes, I repeat, men may fail, but this nation won't fail. I have faith in America; you and I must have faith in America, if we understand the teachings of the gospel of Jesus Christ . We are living in a day when we must pay heed to these challenges. I plead with you not to preach pessimism. Preach that this is the greatest country in all the world. This is the favored land. This is the land of our forefathers. It is the nation that will stand despite whatever trials or crises it may yet have to pass through.
(Ye Are the Light of the World , 350-51)

Onward we go as optimistically as we can!

The Bush Man

2009-09-11T11:59:00.000-07:00

It was hard to select which video to place for the Bush man. He was the best entertainment we had and I think we watched him scare people for half an hour. Highlights from this video: When he tells the Asian guy "Welcome to America" and when he scares the woman in the end. You can hear me and Jimmy laughing in the background. So great!

San Francisco Labor Day Weekend

2009-09-11T10:48:00.000-07:00

Top 10 things you have to do in San Francisco:

Hang outside of the cable car and take pics

Find the "bush man" (see post w/ video)

See the seals (and plug your nose) at Pier 39

And just hang out at pier 39, watch the street performers, and eat yummy food.

China Town: My favorite quote from Jimmy "Every one of these stores is the same! We're only going to 1 more store!"

Baseball game. We saw Griffey play!

Alcatraz! The coolest tour ever!

Plus you get great views of the bridge and the city!

Golden Gate Bridge

San Fran

Riding the Trolley is like a mild roller coaster

And in Union Square there is this GREAT DUELING PIANO bar. So fun, hilarious, and time flies when you're in there! Plus you've got to go to Ghiradelli square, Fisherman's Wharf, ride bart, run from all the crazy people, give a piece of pizza to one of the hundred homeless beggers, and see a show (which we weren't able to do this time). I HEART SAN FRAN!

Wakesurfing on Utah Lake

2009-08-25T14:17:00.000-07:00

Thanks for the new board-shorts Jimmy!

Luvin' the Lake

2009-08-25T14:00:00.000-07:00

Clearly it's our passion: Wakeboarding for Jimmy, Wakesurfing for me. Nothing like laying out on the boat all day under the sun, jumping in when it's too hot, the smell of sun tan lotion, music blaring, yummy munchies, kicking it with friends...what's not to love?

Daniel getting some AIR!

Jimmy and our niece

Me and friend Adrienne

Jimmy getting some air

Ruthie! First time!

ME Wakesurfing

He loves his big muscles

katie doing a grab

Jimmy throwing a tantrum

Daniel wake-surfing

White Trash Softball

2009-08-14T10:46:00.000-07:00

This summer has been our first experience playing softball in what I call the "white trash leagues" instead of the BYU intramurals. And it was A BLAST! The highlights were men taking their smoke breaks in between innings, asking for oxygen after running with their big beer guts from 1st to 2nd, the crazy amount of swearing at the refs and then going to get a beer with them after the game...oh and of course...Jimmy's OUT OF THE PARK HOMERUN last night under the lights.

Yeah--softball is great! Here is my man in action.

I'm pretty sure this is Jimmy and my favorite picture of him because it just says "MAN" doesn't it? The dirt on the shirt, big muscles, sweaty arms, dragging of the feet, crooked grin...

...gotta love those manly men.

MANIs & PEDIs

2009-08-11T16:35:00.000-07:00

Because we looked like this we....

...went and did this!

Boys-don't knock it till you try it! Nothing better than a massage, manicure, and pedicure after being in the dirt and grime for 4 days!

Handcart TREK

2009-08-11T12:20:00.000-07:00

So dirty. So cold (it hailed). So long (25 miles). So sore. So dirty. So many meetings. So dirty. So much work. So many blisters. So so so so dirty. BUT...

SO WORTH IT.

Jimmy and I were a Ma and Pa for TREK. To be honest, we were almost burnt out by the time the actual TREK came because of the number of meetings, activities, parties, phone calls, fliers, texts, etc that we had to do. (we got the calling 7 months ago!). But in the end, it was worth it. Such a spiritual experience and I was in such awe watching my husband take over as the Pa of our 10 kids and make it work. He is so incredible!

Push Jimmy!

It was really really dusty!

Our family crossing the river

Pa and Blair

During the ho-down the first night

It was always dusty so we pretty much lived for 4 days with our hankys like this

Can you see the dust above?

We look so clean! This is us before we left on the trek waiting for our kids to arrive.

Sushi

2009-07-31T09:19:00.000-07:00

1 year ago our brother and sister in law invited us to sushi with them at a really fancy restaurant. I've been eating sushi ever since I lived in So. Cal when my dad worked at a Japanese bank. Jimmy, however, had never tried it before and although quite reluctant, we joined them. That was the beginning of our sushi obsession. There is something about that raw fish, slimy pink stuff that you can't recognize, and seaweed taste that is irresistible. This is our 2nd restaurant we've tried in the past week with a bunch of our friends from the ward. 50% off! Woo hoo!

Jimmy, Katie, Melissa, Steve, Jack, Jenny, Nicki, Adon

A question to all the Mormons out there: so Nicki visit teaches me, I visit teach Melissa, and Melissa visit teaches Nicki. Wouldn't you say that this counts as visiting teaching for the month?

Please--Tell me you've researched it

2009-07-30T08:43:00.000-07:00

So I finally hunkered down and read about the new Obamacare plan. Why did I wait so long you ask? Because I knew it would just get my blood boiling and make me again google "places to live where socialism doesn't exist."

I'm so scared to raise children here. Does anyone else care that our country has NEVER been in so much debt? In fact, if you added up ALL THE DEBT that all the other presidents have accumulated, it STILL wouldn't equal that of our oh so great dictator. And who's gonna pay for it? Not us--but our children and grandchildren. SAD! Anyone hear of "planning for the future?" I thought we worked hard so that our children were better off? Isn't that what makes us America? I guess this is the "eat drink and be merry for tomorrow we die" presidency.

So I've actually never been seriously political and have found myself either too bored or unknowledgable about issues to be adamant about certain legislation. And then--this election started, I took an intense economics class, and now everyday after watching the news I just sigh and say, "signs of the times."

This is an article from Fortune Magazine about the health care plan: http://finance.yahoo.com/insurance/article/107408/5-freedoms-you-would-lose-in-health-care-reform.html?mod=insurance-health

Ignorance sure is bliss and I understand why lots of people would rather just ignore the issues going on in our country (heck--isn't that how our president got elected anyway?) and won't click the link above. But in case you wanna know what this 2,000 page Obamacare legislation entails (because it's actually really going to affect you), take a peek!

Sigh--that felt good. Nothing like a venting session at 8:30 in the morning. ;0)

One more for today

2009-07-27T11:19:00.000-07:00

I had to post one more thing today that I haven't stopped laughing about since I first saw it. YES it is TOTALLY HILARIOUS and no you shouldn't get mad at me if you voted for Obama--just laugh along with it ok! Check this out!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=woBC5b3Ti0M&feature=related

p.s. this post is dedicated to my husband, brother Daniel, the Galbraiths, my gma edwards, and cousin in law Mike (Amber--make sure he checks this out!) haha

Finally Pictures from Tahoe

2009-07-27T11:02:00.001-07:00

So two weekends ago G and G called us up and said we should head up to Tahoe to spend their last few days up there with them. We decided to drive up late Friday night and spend all day Saturday with them. We spent the night and drove back in the am to make it to church (I had to teach R.S.). G and G took us to the best Italian restaurant Lanzas (I've never eaten out up at Lake Tahoe before) and we spent time playing games, talking, and on the beach. Tahoe can heal everything!

Kisses! So romantic!
Gennie and Sergio! Sand Harbor

Jimmy giving me the look to stop taking pictures of him (at the pier)

Rubbing Rock Beach

Games at the cabin (Jimmy, Spencer, Aunt Terri, Uncle Randy)

Grandma giving away presents to all the kids (me with my afro)

Saying good-bye to Tahoe for a little while (at the pier)

Me and Jimmy at King's Beach with Gma

Gma and Jimmy telling stories

Us at Sand Harbor

My Trip Home

2009-07-20T12:02:00.001-07:00

I finally got the pictures from when I went home a few months ago. It was SO FUN! I love playing games non-stop with the brothers and all the good food we make and talking with mom and laughing with dad. My gma Calvert flew out with me which made girl time even more fun (since we are highly out numbered). Here are some pics from the trip:

Mom and gma in front of one of the trees she MADE. This one is inside of a friend's house andwas made into a playground. I don't know how she did it!!
The boys had no idea I was even taking this picture. It must have been the Laker game because even grandma is getting into it. Mom is snitching a chip in the background...

Trav and his cute girlfriend Fran. And his buddy Nate and his date at prom.

Gma loves taking blurry pics! It's ok--this is another one of the trees my mom made for an elementary school.

GIRL TIME! While the boys were watching their game, we decided to watch a movie upstairs. Perfect scenario because my gma tickled my arm while my mom tickled my back!

Never enough food

Tyler with my favorite Mc Donalds shirt on (not!) Going on a hiking trip with dad.

Tyler and gma after his game. He made all-stars and even hit one out of the park.

He is a little man-child!

Here's us cheering for Tyler.

Tyler is one of the biggest kids on the team--actually--in the league.

Running the bases.

Here is gma with all the boys. They are all so big!

To see more pictures visit www.RubbingRock.blogspot.com

Free Rice

2009-07-14T09:55:00.000-07:00

Does anyone get bored during the day? Anyone ever want to be anxiously involved in a good cause? Anyone enjoy multi-tasking? Well--I've found the answer! http://www.freerice.com/.
Check it out. I'm serious. The non-profit group will donate 10 grains of rice for every question you answer right. You can quiz yourself on languages, art, math, geography, etc all the while earning rice that gets sent to countries around the world with starving people. It's a win-win (and if you watch the office it's a Win-Win-Win).

There is my plug for the day--hope you enjoy (so far in the past year I've donated 250,700 grains of rice...beat that ;0)

4th of July

2009-07-10T15:53:00.000-07:00

Did I really not take any pictures? Oh man! For 4th of July we went up to...LAKE TAHOE. For those who don't know--In the past 10 years the only time I haven't been to Lake Tahoe during the 4th of July was the years I was on my mission. It was great to share so many traditions with Jimmy like the 4th of July parade we walk in (of course we decorate ourselves, skateboards, bikes, and the cars all up), the BBQ at the pool, followed by gifts from grandma, and then fireworks at night.

Ever since I was young I always dreamed what it'd be like to be at the fireworks on the beach over looking the lake with my husband...sound cheesy? Well I'm for real! And just so you know, it was better than expected.

We got tan at Kings Beach, jumped off the rocks and snorkeled at Sand Harbor, and skipped rocks at Rubbing Rock beach; ate amazing food, played card games well into the night, slept wherever there was room, and came back wishing we could live up there! Thanks G and G for that great cabin! Happy 4th (pics to come when my cousin sends me them).

Here is where we usually unpack our stuff, and the rocks to the right are where we jump off. (the water level is MUCH lower though--in fact--that big rock just chilling right in the middle left is where the water starts)

Floating the River

2009-06-19T14:33:00.001-07:00

I love living in CA. There is so much to do! Last weekend we floated down the American River with some of Jimmy's buddies from school. I learned that the following conditions are required to have fun floating down a river:

1- It must be over 80 degrees out. I was freezing.
2- You must be able to endure 6 hours of doing nothing but floating (much nicer when it's hot!)
3- You must be able to drink beer. We-do not- and therefore were left cold, for 6 hours, and had to be the designated drivers, the sober paddlers, and conscious boat steer-ers.
4- You need a nice tube or raft. My bum and ankles were freezing by the end of the trip. AND of course the Beer had the nicest raft of us all.

But other than that--IT WAS A BLAST! hehe. Maybe next week when it's 98 degrees we'll give it a 2nd try, with a sober crowd of course.

This is how the river was advertised...

And this is how it really was...