The Death March.

Tuesday....is a day I want to forget.

But at the same time, it was one of those humbling days. The ones Heavenly Father decides to give you a message that you are nothing close to perfect.

Tuesday started out to be a great day, no lie. I woke up giddy that I was jumping on my bed. I knew it would be a good day. I love my job, I love my husband and I love my family (both sides).

I have the job of many jobs. I am office manager/education specialist/anything anyone wants me to do job. 

Today I was working on the Education Specialist part of my job, by going to school with the girls. I decided to go with the school where the girls fight with each other. 

It is pretty easy to sit in the back of the class keeping busy while the girls actually learn something.

I was happy all was well. I even remembered to take my sack lunch this time to lunch.

I got to play dodge ball at the last class. Where I tweaked my knee somehow. But didn't notice. I was having way to much fun! My team rocked! 

Well I should mention the part about school where you drive 16 passenger vans to school, shoot me!

I hate them, they are huge and in charge.

Well leaving school dealing with a little snot in the back seat. Trying to weave my way through all the impatient teachers, parents & students making their way home. I got between two cars, for a car to cut me off. Making me stuck and and the truck to the side of me stuck. I tried to get through, but unsuccessfully. I ended up hitting it, I've never hit a car in my WHOLE driving life. I was scared. I didn't show this to the other girls. I got out confronted not a happy man about the car situation. I don't think he was expecting me, a girl age of 22 that looks like she could be a student there at the jr. High, with my badge with where I worked on it. 

I apologized millions of times, I know the man was sick of the apology.

" I am so sorry, I've never hit a car before. Do you want my information? Are you sure?"

We had a talk that felt like FOREVER.

He made a comment how I should learn how to drive a 16 passenger van.

I know how, but its easy to forget how large and in charge it truly is sometimes.

He didn't want my information, he only had 2 scratches that were in the shape of small circles. 

I am glad it was a truck not a mini van. I am sure that huge nasty green 16 passenger van would knock another car right over.

I was great on the way home. I knew my body was intense. I had one goal in mind, that once I get back to the program I was going to tell the bosses (aka my in-laws) right away.

I wanted them to hear it from me, not some other staff or girl in the program.

When I got out of the car the scratch wasn't...that bad. It really wasn't. 

I went to the office one goal in mind. Thankful that it was just Terie (my mother-in-law) and told her.

She asked, "what" and that is when it happened.

The tears, where did these come from?

You know when you are going to tell your mom something and its like your perfectly fine. But when you start telling her the tears roll down, she's got that motherly connection and cares about you that you just can't stop it.

Well that's what happened to me. I feel that connection with Terie, she is so awesome. Always giving me advice. Helping me out. I know she truly cares about me and that's why I think the tears started. I think if I told someone else in the program (besides Paul, because he is a father figure to me) I would be just fine. 

Terie was so nice, gave me hugs and told me to sit down and just relax. 

I started feeling fine, making jokes, until... Paul asked me how work was.

The tears came up again.

When I was fine I made my way back over to the girls house (Paul and Terie are located in the boy's house)

Many of the girls asked me questions, "Did Paul and Terie get mad?" "Am I going to get in trouble for chasing that girl down the hall?" "I need an appointment?" "This girl swore at me." "Are you going to tell so-and-so how they are suppose to do their chores?"

I then saw Micah(as I was walking with another girl)... oh great I thought, I don't want the tears to come again. 

I then looked down, (I was wearing my cute gel shoes that I got in Japan. 

It's a swirly pattern that doesn't cover your foot) there was goat poo on my shoes, and on my toes.

My knee started feeling all this pain from when I tweaked it earlier.

I was just thinking to myself, I hate this day. When will it be over.

I went in, I told Micah about the car accident. He asked millions of questions 

 "When did it happen, why?, what was your situation?"
He then realized that I was emotional about the situation, and told me I didn't have to answer.

Tears rolled down the cheeks one more time, to have our new program director come out and ask how I was. 

The tears really ended after that. I worked on a project that I am doing for my apartment.

Which helped me a lot.

Went home and iced my knee. 

What a day it was, that I had no energy.

But, as I sat there I realized one thing, Heavenly Father was sending me a message.

I was getting to comfortable in my pattern that he decided to spice it up and tell me, fun things won't happen to you.

And I am learning from it. 

I am grateful for everyone who comforted me about the situation. Meant a lot to me.

LABOR DAY WEEKEND! *Katheryn's Point of View*

WARNING YOU MAY DIE OF LAUGHER

Okay, not to brag but my weekend was awesome.

Micah and I were invited to Steamboat Colorado by his parents and family friends.

We headed up Friday with Marissa (Micah's younger sister) and Kayla (family friends daughter).

We had a fun ride, it was long and I was happy to arrive to our point and see everyone.

But we did have one eventful ride. We started off with a prayer. It was a great prayer too.

We were protected by a log flying at our car. At first we thought it was something lighter. It was flying through the air like it was light, bouncing up and down higher than the truck. We realized as it kept getting closer and closer that it was a log coming right at us. We hurried and speed off to miss it, but the crazy thing is it never made it to our side of the road. It hit the line and went back towards the truck it fell from. We were all feeling blessed by our prayer at this point. Feeling more confident about our road trip. 

Well as we continued on, Micah was caught speeding. The cop was so nice, he told us, "If your parents were here what do you think they would tell you? I'm sure they want you to arrive safely so they'd tell you to slow it down." He let us off with a warning. Micah handled himself well. But being in our new car I was so worried that we hadn't put in the registration. Micah had put me in charge of the job a few days before and I know it didn't make it by me. I was surprised when he pulled it off. I've been blessed with a husband who knows I'm a little airheaded these days, forgetting what I need to do. 

We made it to the cabin and it was just beautiful. We had so much fun. 

On Saturday we went fishing. I've only been fishing once in my life....seriously, and I was like 6.

I went fishing. And I did find it fun, It was quiet at times and while I held my fishing line in the water I got to thinking a lot. Now I'm not saying fishing is my favorite. I didn't have that much fun. Maybe I would of if I caught a fish? But I think I would of screamed if I did....?

Well on our way to fishing we were all speeding. The three cars that we took to get our large group to the lake. Micah was in the middle of Mark Peterson and Paul Wiederhold (father-in-law). We were all speeding that's for sure.

 And there it was the lights...of a cop car. We all pulled to the side of the road, thinking Mark who was the speeder of the group would get the ticket. They pulled up to the side of Paul's car and told him to go on. We were the one's getting the ticket. We were all making jokes in the car when the cop was slowly coming to the car window, and yes he had one of those police mustache's in the movies.

 "WE WERE PULLED OVER YESTERDAY, WHY US?" 

The cop then informed us, "I wanted the guy in front of you but I couldn't get him on my radar gun, but I got you guys. You are all speeding." He then asked for the registration all that fun jazz. But this time I knew that it was in the car and could pass it to him. I was proud of that. He then asked where we were from. "Provo Utah" Micah replied. 

He makes a comment about how he wants to make sure we are not on America's 'Most Wanted'. He takes the license with Micah's face on it and heads back to the car. All 5 of us in the car make up all these funny stories; what is going to happen, who should of gotten the ticket, and how the cop was so nice. 

The cop made it back to our window he says, "I'll let you off with a warning. But I would never give a ticket to someone from Provo."

We said our million thank yous a miracle being pulled over 2 days in a row and NO TICKET, that we were blessed.

Later when we got back from our fishing, of only catching 3 fish. See don't know if that is a good thing or bad. I'm don't know anything about fishing. I had a huge headache that I took a little rest and relaxed while everyone started watching the BYU game. Later we went to eat at a delicious pizza place (pizza is my favorite), and did a little shopping.

Now the next day we attended an LDS church close to the cabin. After the meeting the man sitting behind Micah started talking to him. I found this weird and seeing I wasn't feeling so outgoing I walked out of the meeting area to meet up with the others. Later Micah came up to us in shock. He then proceeded, "that guy that sat behind me, he is the cop that pulled me over yesterday." We all were just laughing. "What a great story it makes.", said several of the people.

After we went on walks in gardens and waterfall areas. It was beautiful and a great way to spend our day. Then it was games the rest of the night. Toy Story 3 UNO was a big hit!

You should play it!

On our way home on Monday Micah was good to go 4 over the speed limit. But I was glad to see my bed that night. I was so tired.

Thank you Mindy and Mark for letting us join in on your adventure at Steamboat this year!

What Work Has Done For ME!

Some things work has helped me appreciate more!

- MY HUSBAND!

- MY PARENTS!

- MY TESTIMONY!

- MY SIBLINGS!

- THE GOSPEL!

- MY CHOICES!

What it has strengthened/realized

- My love.

- My testimony.

- Appreciating others

- Appreciating my health

- My parents taught me well.

I have been blessed!

Our New Addition

Dori, and she is great!

 Saves us gas money and gives us nice rides.

That DEATHLY Smell

The past few days our apartment has had this VERY distinctive smell.

We would get rid of the smell and than it would come back.

We had our bishopric coming yesterday and Micah and I had NO idea what the horrible smell was. We were taking showers. We are good at cleaning our house. Making sure the food is not expired. We were lost. We sprayed our house with one of those odor sprays that you use to make your house smell of good odor. So we are hoping it smelled divine when the Bishopric made their way into our apartment. We had a great conversation and headed over to watch the results of SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE, at Micah's parent's house. (Was anyone surprised Ricky is still in the competition?) 

We got back to our apartment with the odor much more stonger. It was like our spraying made it upset so it made sure to come back stronger. 

Once again Micah and I were on the search, using our noses. We took the garbage out..again. We cleaned out the fridge ... again. We even started flipping over the couch. (we have 3 sections of the couch) 

That is when it hit us. He made a comment about how it maybe could be a flood. The memory of the smell came back to me from all the times my parents basement flooded. Sure enough that is what it was. All along the wall. We went back over to Micah's Parent's house to borrow a fan and more of that Odor spray. It smells much better today. Thank goodness. I still feel very worried about when the Bishopric came. I hope they weren't dying sitting right on top of the flood area on a couch. I hope they don't have the idea we are very stinky smelling people, cause we really do smell nice. 

Girls Camp: I Survived!

I survived! 

I think that deserves much of attention as anything. Just kidding. I had so much fun. It was great to be there with my old 6th ward buddies, and the stake leaders. And of course getting to know my 5th ward. My in-laws were there; My mother-in-law is the Stake Young Women's President, my father-in-law was there for half the week, as a High Council, Brea and Serena (my sister-in-laws) were there as participants. It was fun. I met a lot of new friends and had fun. 

I was sure glad to be home though with my husband. And I don't miss any of those mosquito's. 

Birthday/Niece

This past week has been exciting! When I refer to this past week I mean like starting last week.

Micah and I had the opportunity to kind of watch over his sisters. Which included in attending a fair with them and his older sister and family. There were rides and food and entertainment. Fun, fun, fun! I went on this ride with his sisters where it spins you like crazy. I believe it's called "Starship" I couldn't stop laughing in the ride. 

The next day it was write write write our talks for Sunday. Yes we were given the assignments 3 weeks before and yes we still procrastinated. Paul and Terie took us out to eat that night to thank us for watching their kids... they were not hard at all. We have fun hanging out with Micah's family. They are always having fun. They are my "So You Think You Can Dance" friends.

The next day was the talks. Micah and I SOOOO nervous. I was more nervous giving an adult talk to a bunch of people OLDER than me. I survived. I think it went well. Everyone laughed when I wanted them to. 

JUNE 13 is my BIRTHDAY! So I celebrated, starting with sleeping in and a long shower. Micah took me out to lunch at Taco Bell, YUM! Cheap lunch, and the most delicious! Micah decorated the BEST DELICIOUS LOOKING CAKE EVER! Than we went to color me Mine! We had so much fun. It was Micah's first time going and totally enjoyed himself. After we went to my brother and sister-in-laws to have a party all about mauh! THANK YOU ALL FOR THE PRESENTS!

my Birthday cake Micah worked so hard on!

me with the cake

Me trying to blow out the trick candles

June 16th: welcome to my new niece Nora! :)

What a fun week!!

Life!

Life is great.

We bought a fish.

We named it Pascal like the chameleon from tangled.

He changes colors.

I have a picture.

I am just too lazy to attach pictures.

We finally bombed our apartment so we can be free of spiders.

I hate spiders and I've seen so many.

I've started scrapbooking...

I love summer!

I Dyed My Hair

                    Before!                                  After!

I know I look glamorous...not. Don't judge.

You might not to be able to tell in the pictures. My hair is a lot darker.

I love it.

(you can't really tell in person, unless you see me everyday. maybe.)

That's Embarrassing...

Yesterday, Micah and I had a long day at work. Which included a runner who really hadn't even been in the program for more than a full 2 days. 

When we got home last night we were so tired, you get that way at the end of the week when you work Monday - Friday. So I climbed in bed not thinking I would fall asleep I was just cold. Micah joined, and soon we were snoozing off dreaming of life.

One hour later is when I woke up. I tried to find my phone to see the time. I couldn't find it. I shot up telling Micah "It's 7:30 we are late for work, we had to be there at 6:30". Micah started to ask questions like, "how did we sleep in so late?" I than proceeded with, "Micah we need to get up. They are leaving for school now. What are we going to do?". It hit Micah as he replied with something along the words as, "Katheryn it is still the same day". I was embarrassed. I don't know where I got the time. I had no phone. The first thing I saw when I woke up was the light coming through the window. That's when I knew I was late for work. I am hoping I don't have another experience like this one. I was so embarrassed.

Nook!

What is a Nook you are asking?

A Nook is an ereader. And can I just tell you I love mine.

One day when we went to Trafalga (we go a lot with our season passes) they had a game to win high priced items. Micah won the NOOK and I use it. He is not much of a reader and I am. I downloaded the book I was reading on there and its great. I can take it everywhere and its much lighter than a book in my purse. Because yes I would do that. :) I got it a few days ago and just finished the first book I read on it. "The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie" Which I should mention THE BEST BOOK!!! Just wanted to share with you my love for NOOK. Thanks. Bye.

The Trip You Never Wish You Have to Make

Thursday February 17th, 2011: We made a trip to the ER.

Micah was cutting an avocado with one of the ceramic knifes we got for our Wedding.

He cut his left thumb pretty bad. I went straight over to help him, and if you know me you know I am not good with blood at ALL. I grabbed the last paper towel off the roll and handed it to him.

Micah kept telling me, "I'm going to faint!" I tried to hurry him to the couch, before we got there he fainted. I didn't think he did. I thought he just fell. He looked at me and asked if he had fainted. I thought at first maybe he was joking but than the look in his eyes I knew.

He than went to the bathroom because he felt he was going to throw up. I called his parents to make sure if I should take him to the ER His dad said I should. Poor Micah laying on the floor telling me all sorts of ways we can fix it. He did not want to go to the ER. He was so pale and I knew I needed to get him there. The blood was pouring out. I grabbed a rag, figured it would be better than the little paper towel covering his thumb. I finally got him out the door. And let me tell you. I was doing everything possible not to freak out. I hate blood, hate ERs, and worse I hate seeing my husband in so much pain.

We went to his parents house where his dad gave us the medical card. His dad ended up coming with us, which I am very grateful for. I think Heavenly Father knew I couldn't do it by myself. He was good to distract Micah as we went into the hospital and when he was waiting for the stitches and when he was getting the stitches. He made it, got four stitches and they wrapped him all up in about 30 min. Probably the quickest ER visit out of 3 I've been to. Micah couldn't look at the stitches until today. Use to make him lightheaded. I know he can't wait for it all to end.

Hair

I cut my hair about 2 weeks ago and I think I am finally liking the cut.

Its an easy hair-do, and easy to manage at 5:30 in the morning when I am getting ready for work. :)

(this blog is mainly for my mother to see my hair)

Once Upon a Time

We Owned a Bunny
So we had a bunny.... for a few months. We named her toothless in honor of "How to Train Your Dragon." We were asked to get rid of her with our location. Which made us very sad. We ended up selling it to Micah's mother who gave it to Serena for Christmas. We are happy we can still see this cute bunny. Thought we would share some of our fun pictures.

One Busy Week!!

What a week, but what a fun week.

Work.

Micah's first week back in school.

Birthdays.

Shopping.

and a party.

Who knew January was a busy month for birthdays. Its only the 9th today and we've already celebrated 3 birthdays and more to come this month.

5th: Serena & Josie

8th: Brea

11th: Whitney

18th: Lindsay

Work as been great. I like going to work and being busy and feeling that I conquered the world today feel...but than again, who doesn't? I work with amazing people, I've gained some great friends, and working with those teens have taught me so much.

Micah starting school has been weird and exciting for him. He is going into Business Management and Mechatronics. We'll see what the semester brings him. I am glad he is enjoying his classes so far.

Micah's grandparents threw a little family party. We had dinner, played some games, and watched while the birthday champs decorated a cake. We had a blast.

Now for the shopping.... if you know me you know I HATE SHOPPING! We went out to Ikea to get some plates and other things we needed for our apartment. It was actually fun, and Ikea is now Micah's new favorite store. It was his first time there and when he saw all the organization they sell and display he was just in heaven. I told him he should go with my niece Molly they would have a blast together. We had other shoppings to and they were not as fun. But our apartment is coming together. Its an awesome feeling.

Life as it Comes..

Fall time is coming, fall is my favorite season. I think its the fact its not burning hot and its not cold. You can start layering your clothes and wearing sweaters. The Leaves fall off the trees and many more events happening. Example:

*A sister getting her mission call

and

*A car breaking down on the freeway

All of the guesses before Sister Whitney Rebecca Baird opened her call.

Where is she going???

KOBE, JAPAN!!

How exciting!! She will be one awesome missionary serving the Lord! I can't wait to hear her stories of growing as a person from her successes and her failures. She is strong and will be amazing!
The next day...
On the freeway...
Involving a tire...

Micah's tire didn't like the freeway it decided to die. We pulled off to the side to fix it, okay for Micah to fix it. He wouldn't let me help. So what did I do?

Waited, oh so patiently :)

HE DID IT!! It only took him from 4:04-4:39, but that's because he didn't think he had a tool when he did. It probably only took him 10 min.

...

But that's whats been happening this week with fall in the air, soon to come. I can't wait for; the leaves to fall, for the trick or treaters and the costumes, and all the exciting wedding plans.
...
If you'd like an invite please email your address. Thank you!

"Party in the U.S.A"

You all probably know the song "Party in the U.S.A" by Miley Cyrus. You know the ones with the lyrics that read "This is all so crazy, Everybody seems so famous. My tummy's turnin' and I'm feelin' kind of homesick. Too much pressure and I'm getting nervous.That's when the Taxi Man turned on the radio. and the Jay-z song came on, the Jay-z song came one, and the Jay-Z song came on. So I put my hands up, They're playing my song. The butterflies fly away. I'm noddin' my head like yeah! Movin' my hips like yeah!"

...

I think this is my theme song at the moment. I took a 3 hour train ride, about a 12 hour plane ride and a drive to a house that doesn't feel like home... yet. I know I will get there.

...

Now lets talk about why this song applies to me, now when I put it that way I sound selfish. Excuse me I am not trying to be selfish. I just want to write what I am feeling. Change has surrounded me. My parents are gone, Utah has changed so much just the 2 months I was gone, or maybe the change is just everything I am apart of. I feel I am not certain what is happening in my life. I guess it was because in Japan I kind of got to escape my life for 2 months to see what a mission life was. I shouldn't of assumed everything would be and feel the same when I got home. Today while I was at work (my first day back since I've been home) my brother called me to tell me horrible news. My computer might be dead FOREVER! Okay, my computer has been an awesome computer. At least I thought until it crashed on me the day I got back from Japan, and I've only had it a year. Don't know where all my warranty papers are. Why you ask? They are with everything else in my parents basement. If you've seen the basement you would understand I have a little to nothing luck finding it. On my way home I just felt so overwhelmed. I can't tell if its because I have incredibly bad jet lag and only have had 13 hours of sleep the past 4 days, including an hour nap I took. Change is so overwhelming to me, especially when its every aspect in life. As I was driving home all I could think of was the negative things of change. I made a little pit stop at my parents house, as I drove away from my parents house (went to the basement to get something from Cydne) I saw the kids that lived upstairs with a few of our neighbors, trying to open the garage with the code. Its weird to see that, that is my parents house with different people I don't know living in it. I then started my negative list as I drove away, strong voice came to me and said, "Stop what you are doing?" I sat there thinking what am I doing. I then noticed I was pointing out all the bad of the change and bad things in my life. I then changed my thoughts to the positive and instantly I felt a little better. I'm not feeling a hundred percent better like some do after doing that. But I know that by the Savior and the Holy Ghost they were able for me to feel better and not like Nemo in Finding Nemo who is lost. I hope that I remember to point out the positive in my life besides the negative.

I'll finish my postings on Japan another day, that is if my computer makes it and isn't dead. I have a bunch of fun photos I haven't published to the eye yet. Getting close to Monkeys and going to the Ninja Village. Also thought I'd mention, if you hear me say something you can't pronounce that is my Japanese. I still use it! Now lets see If I can get more sleep!

Facts, Meaning, Feelings, & Actions...

Since I can remember my dad has always taught me these 4 steps; Facts, Meaning, Feelings and Actions. Well here are some right now....

...

FACTS:

*I leave for Japan NEXT Monday 2:30ish pm (obviously I am not sure)

*I get to see my family and friends again

*Leave all my new friends

*Saying good-bye to my parents...again

*No more Cats Cafe or any other fun restaurant

*Back to School & Work

...

MEANING:

*More change is to come.

I just had a bunch of change...

I guess there is never too much?

...

FEELINGS:

*ALL (minus a few)

...

ACTIONS:

*Bring it on!

*I'll write my friends in Japan

*Attend classes, meetings etc.

*Be happy

*And save money for another trip to Japan!! ?? :)

...

Well there you have it pretty much whats on my mind at this very minute about life. Crazy how fast it goes and how important it is to live it! So glad I am a part of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and know its the true church! The Gospel is True, wherever you are!

Good-Bye 2009! Hello 2010!

Today is the day of a new year, crazy how time goes by so fast. I thought I would share with you some of the things I did in 2009. Remember all the things. right?

* I brought in 2009 watching The OC
* Met New Friends
* Ghetto died :(
* Saw Wicked for the Second Time this Year.
* My FHE Group Won Best Movie
* Attended the Hola Fest
* Cydne Returned Home from Her Mission
* Saw Taylor Swift Perform
* Went to Lake Powell with the Family
* I turned 20 this year
* Attended the Manti Pageant with my Ward
* Won 500 Dollars!
* Saw the 6th Harry Potter
* Went to the Zoo to Celebrate my 24 Year Old Friends Birthday
* Gave Two Talks in Two Different Wards.
* Tandem Biking with the Relief Society
* Went to St. George With; Lindsay, Whitney, Molly and Stella
* Joined a Bunch of People and Played Glow in the Dark Frisbee On Tuesdays
* Moved Back Home
* Have Been in Two Wards
* Got 2 New Callings; Chorister and in Enrichment Committee
* Celebrated My Sisters Wedding
* Saw Miley Cyrus Perform
* Spent the day in the Land of Disney
* Got to go to Sea World for the First time
* My wisdom was removed from my mouth...yikes aka wisdom teeth
* Mother Pranked me with a Tarantula...rude
* Saw the big Saga: New Moon
* Got A Beach Cruiser :)
* Got to Celebrate My Cousins Wedding

Things I am looking forward to in 2010
* My Mission Prep Class with Valerie
* If I Decided to Serve A Mission I can Turn Papers in March
* Turn 21
* My Missionary Gets Home in August.


You are all probably wondering how I brought in this new year? Maybe not but you will laugh. I brought in the new year by my phone dropping in the toilet. :(


HAPPY NEW YEAR! I hope you all have a wonderful New Year!!

Cookies

A few days ago I had the opportunity to make cookies with some of my favorite ladies in my home ward. Kalo, Sister Shelly Whitney, and Sister Cinda Morgan. What an adventure it was. We all got to catch up and just talk it was way fun. Shelly and Cinda both have boys my age that are serving a mission and it was fun to hear how they were doing.

Life has been so fun moving back home. I love catching up with the ward members and being with my old buds. I am so lucky to have such wonderful parents and great neighbors. It was hard for me to say good bye to all my friends at the Villa. But I truly believe I made the right choice of moving home. No one at the Villa can get sick of seeing me now. Poor family of mine. I love being close to them all. Whit and I get to chill a lot more now and its fun. We fight a little more with me being home. Luckily we don't hold grudges and laughing together 5 min. later.

I love my life. I am so lucky to have the people I have in my life! Thanks you family and friends. You are all so wonderful!