Kitchen Aid

South Fork Hardware has generously agreed to give away a brand spankin’ new Artisan Series Kitchen Aid Stand mixer! My life would be so much easier if I had one of these! I hope I win!

January 2010

"Here's to the bright New Year, and a fond farewell to the old; here's to the things that are yet to come, and to the memories that we hold."

Throughout this past month I have thought about this quote. I glad to have 2009 behind me and I am so excited for the things that will happen in the year of 2010. I am ready for the things to come and for the memories that I am going to make. But at the same time I can wait for the wonderful things that are going to happen this year. I have learned a lesson this past month and that is that I need to enjoy the journey and not wait for something big and miraculous to happen. My life is great! I love exactly where I am in my life. I love living in Orlando with my sister, brother in law and my nephew. They make me laugh everyday and bring so much joy into my life and I am going to continue to enjoy the time that I share with them. I am in love with an amazing boy named Griffin Allen and we are getting married in May! I may have the opportunity to start a Dental Hygiene program sometime this year and get one step closer to my dream job. Life is looking up for me and I am grateful for the people I have in my life and for helping me recognize the joy in the journey.

Here are some of the wonderful things that happened in January:

• I found a reception venue for me and Griffin's wedding! It is exactly what I imagined for my wedding with flowers everywhere, a courtyard, a dance floor, and a secluded place surrounded by trees. My sister Cami checked out and said it was beautiful and I trust her judgement immensely and so I am excited that she liked it! We are soon going sign a contract so it will be ours for sure!
• I found me and Griffin's engagement outfits in one day thanks to the help of the lovely Talana. That day was a great day in general full of laughs, junk food, clothing stores, malls, a great movie and downtown Disney. I couldn't have asked for a better day or for a better friend.
• Wedding plans in general are coming together very nicely. It has been fun to make my dreams a reality and find out exactly what I want for my special day.
• My co-workers and managers at work called me "irreplaceable" and that they don't want me to leave. It was a nice compliment and made me feel appreciated and loved, even at work!
• Jack and I have "snuggle" time in my bed almost everyday. It lasts about 10 seconds and then he starts jumping around the bed but that 10 seconds is enough for me. I love that kid. Jack also been going potty in potty lately which makes Whitney happy which then makes me happy to see her so happy!
• My applications for a Dental Hygiene school have been received and are being reviewed. I have heard from one school already and now just waiting for word from the other school.
• I received great advice from my mother concerning future things. I don't know what I would do without her support and words of wisdom. I hope I can become more like her.

Things are looking up for February as well! Griffin is coming February 12th and it will be so good to be with him again. While he is in town we are going to take our engagement pictures, lunch with my grandparents, go to Wicked, have an enagement party open house, and just enjoy being in the same room with each other! He will also be here for Valentines Day which will be great not to be alone this Valentines Day!

I'll keep you all updated on the crazy life of Kate. Until then, enjoy the journey, laugh, celebrate, and create memories today!

December 2009

December of 2009 was full of many celebrations and life changing events.

On December 2nd, I celebrated my 21st birthday and what a birthday it was! The morning of my birthday was filled with class and a lab practical which reminded me that I was getting older and the responsibilities that come with being an adult. That night was when the real party began. My parents took off work early to celebrate my birthday and what a celebration it was! My parents, Whitney, and Jack all went to the Makahiki Luau Dinner and Show at Sea world. The dinner and show was amazing, great food and great entertainment full of fire and luau dancers. There was a point of the night when I looked around the table and got teary-eyed thinking that all those special people were there to celebrate my birth and I couldn’t have been happier. After the show we went back to the apartment, had cake, was sung to by my mom, and opened presents. It was a birthday that I will forever remember.

On December 14th I flew to Salt Lake City to be with Griffin, for Alexia’s wedding and to be with friends.

Alexia’s wedding was beautiful and she made a beautiful bride. It was surreal moment to see one of my best friends get married. It was great to see her dreams come true as I remembered all the nights we stayed up late talking about what we wanted in a husband and in a wedding. It was a beautiful day.

December 17th, was a particular day that I will never forget. Griffin and I spent the morning together and then headed to Salt Lake City to have dinner and then go see the lights on Temple Square. It was a very cold night but I was kept warm next to Griffin as we walked around Temple Square and looked at the beautiful lights. All throughout the walk Griffin kept saying, “Wow, there are a lot of people here!” and I was like “Well, it is Christmas and it is Temple Square, what did you expect?” We stopped at a couple of places to take pictures when I soon realized that Griffin was looking around a lot and not sure whether we should keep walking or stay still, I then realized that he had to be up something. As we were walking next to the Salt Lake Temple, Griffin softly pushed me to the side of the Temple. He started saying that he wanted to do this for a long time and how much he loved me and I kept thinking to myself “Oh my gosh, this is really happening!” He then got down on his knee and asked me to be his wife. I don’t know how many times I said yes but it was a lot. I also don’t remember the rest of the walk around Temple Square mainly because I was on cloud nine and couldn’t believe I was finally engaged to the man of my dreams. After seeing the lights at Temple Square, we went to Savior of the World. As we sat there watching the show I kept looking over at Griffin thinking I was the happiest girl in the world and how I couldn’t wait to spend the rest of eternity with him. Our wedding date is not set but knowing that that special day is in the near future means all the difference in the world.

On December 20th both Griffin and I flew to Oregon to meet his family. I instantly fell in love with his family and felt right at home. I couldn’t be more relieved and happy to marry into that wonderful family. I can’t wait to spend more days with them and for all the things that I will experience.

Christmas I spent at home with my entire family. All my siblings, their husbands and girlfriend, along with the babies flew in to spend Christmas together. I think it was one of my favorite Christmases yet. This Christmas to me wasn’t about the gifts or the food, it was about Christ and recognizing His love for me as well as the love I have for my family and for Griffin. It was wonderful to look around the room and see all my family together under the same roof; laughing and having a great time. There was a moment when I realized that everything was soon going to change. I am soon going to be married and starting my own family and my life as of now will change. I am excited for that change but also very hopeful that I will lead the life that I would want to lead and become the person that I want to be.

And as the year 2009 has come to an end, I remember all the wonderful things I have learned and experienced this year. If I could narrow it down to one thing I have learned the most this year is how much my Savior and Heavenly Father love me. I have felt Their love but I have also seen Their love through the wonderful people in my life. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ know me perfectly because They have sent people into my life that would help me the most, show me unconditional love and give me the most joy. I am beyond grateful to my family, friends and for Griffin who have shown me love and have given me so much happiness this past year. I can't wait for 2010 and for the wonderful and life changing things that are going to happen!

My Golden Summer

The summer of 2009 was a summer that I will never forget. All the adventures and memories I have made over this summer will forever be apart of me and have changed me for the better.

I was lucky to be reunited with my siblings this summer, something we haven't done for over 4 years. It was great being with them, seeing how we have all changed, and having the opportunity to make more memories.

I had the opportunity to be an EFY counselor for one week in St. Petersburg. I was a counselor over 7 great girls who taught me more than I taught them. I will forever remember the spirit I felt at EFY and for the opportunity to teach and be an example to those girls.

I also changed my address this summer which was a huge step! I am now living with my sister Whitney, her husband Jason, and my nephew Jack in Orlando. I have seen the benefits of moving to Orlando every day. I love my school, my job, living with my sister, and waking up to Jack's voice every morning. This move has truly been life changing and a huge answer to my prayers.

This summer also brought things which were unexpected but life changing. I met this boy named Griffin, who was my best friend's boyfriend's roommate. He was here from Utah for the summer installing security systems. The first time I met him I thought he was hilarious and someone who defiantly caught my eye. I started to like him pretty quick but I kept thinking to myself that nothing would happen because he would be going back to Utah soon so I shouldn't get my hopes up. As I spent more time with him, and after our first one-on-one date, I fell hard for him and realized that I couldn't stop pushing my feelings away. We started to date more seriously and I soon realized how he was everything that I ever wanted. Everything came so easy with him and I never felt so comfortable with anyone like that before. He is the most amazing guy and someone who means the world to me.

When the summer ended, Griffin had to head back to Utah. Saying goodbye to him was defiantly hard especially knowing that December would be the next time I would see him. Being away from him has been very difficult but it has shown me how much he means to me and how badly I want to be with him. Future plans are still up in the air since I don't know what Dental school to go to but I know that the Lord will direct our paths and bring us together again. Until then, I am enjoying dating him and enjoying the joy and happiness that he brings into my life!

My life as of late...

My life has hit some up and downs lately and I thought I would give you all an update on the crazy life of Kate!

Whitney & Jason made the long ride from Utah to Florida safely! It was so wonderful to see their car coming down the road with all their stuff in the back. What a blessing that we all have made it this far!
Mother's Day Sunday before Whit and Jason went to pick up Bubba at the airport!


My beautiful sister and I are reunited again! I can't wait to live with her!

While Jason and Whit went to orientation for Jason's PA school, I took Jack to SeaWorld with some of my friends! I've had this dream for so long and it finally came true! I loved playing mom for a day even if it was one hot day!

This was at the dolphin underwater observation tank. With Shamu, juice, fruit snacks in Jack's hand with the AC blowing on him, life couldn't be better!

One of my favorite places at SeaWorld, the manatee exhibit! Jack liked it too as you can see on his face, ha ha.

We LOVE SeaWorld!

My friend Jen and her niece Mia and me with my nephew Jack. We kept saying all day that soon we will be carrying our own children but for now it’s nice to be with our niece and nephew! Jack and Mia had a love affair but I think Jack was confused who she was because he kept calling her Gracie.

I auditioned to be a Parade Performer on June 4th for Disney. I have never been so nervous in my life because my dreams were hinged on this audition. There was about 200 people there auditioning and having a lot of people there actually calmed my nerves. They first divided us in groups of 60 and we went into a dance room, taught a dance routine, and then told to do the dance routine across the floor while the judges at the end of the room judged us. The dance routine was really simple so I turned up my energy and performed the best I could. I thought it went really well! When then had to go out into the big room and wait. My mom came with me and it was great to have her there as my support system. We waited for like 15 minutes and then they called numbers. At first I didn't know what this meant but the people who got called were the ones who were cut. Luckily I made it through the first cut and I was so grateful because I thought my nerves were going to get the best of me and I was going to pass out if I didn't make the cut. I then had to wait until the other groups went to dance and then cut. Finally, my number was called to go back into the audition room. They added more to the dance routine and then told us that they would know judge us on our looks. Disney is very critical on what they want; they said that if your eyes were too far apart, or you’re too tall, they don't want you. Knowing that I probably didn't make the height requirement I still danced my heart out hoping they would see something in me and not my height. I then went out and waited again for the cuts. Sadly, I was cut after that because I'm 5'5 and they wanted people between 4'5-5'0 and 6'0-6'5. My heart seemed to drop in my stomach and all the emotions of that day came to a halt and I was exhausted and very sad. Luckily I had something to look forward too after. Whitney and her family lives 10 minutes away from my audition building so we went there and had dinner and blueberry pie. It was great to be around family and to have the support from family and friends. But this audition is not the last I will do! I am planning to audition 6 months from now as a Disney dancer so wish me luck!

Mom's Birthday Bash at the Magic Kingdom

My mom's birthday was on Saturday, April 18th! We celebrated her birthday by going to the happiest place on earth, Magic Kingdom! Jake and his girlfriend Meredith flew down from Indiana to celebrate this day with us. It was a wonderful day celebrating a wonderful mother and her exemplary life. Here is some pictures illustrating her magical birthday celebration.


Here we are ready to get on the Ferryboat just after recieving our tickets and mom's special birthday pin...excitement was in the air!


Crazy brother Jake and I waiting for a ride.

The parents and I on Thunder Mountain.

The family waiting for Country Bear Jamboree.

Meredith and I

The parents and I.

Yes, we are a crazy family!

They were tired after a long magical day at Magic Kingdom.

Jake and I in front of the back of Cinderella's castle.

Eating birthday cake at the Floridian with the castle in the background.

The family...

The "Mickey Mouse Sweatshirt Club!" taken at the Magic Kingdom, the only place were we could wear them and fit right in!

Mom's blueberry plants from Dad.

Celebrating Mom's birthday on Sunday with gifts and a cake made by chef Jake!

It was Oscar's birthday on Saturday, March 21st. It was a glorious day full of treats, toys, walks, and more treats. We started off his birthday by opening my present to him because I had to work the night of his birthday. He loves his presents and couldn't wait for me to give it to him so he decided to take matters into his own hands (or paws) and looked in the bag himself, here he is doing just that...

Notice the beautiful bow on his collar. Unfortunately, we had to take it off when he went on his nightly walk so that the other dogs in the neighborhood didn't make fun of him. Personally, I enjoyed it while my parents thought it was silly to put a bow on a 9 year-old boy dog. But I know deep down inside Oscar really liked it too...

I gave Oscar a bone and rope with a ball on it but I think he enjoyed the bone a heck of a lot more then his toy. I know this because his bone was gone in a matter of minutes and that was a pretty good size bone if I do say so myself! Here he is hoping there is more treats in his birthday bag.

Overall, it was a great day celebrating a lovable, sweet, and caring dog who even though needs a good loving every 15 minutes, still seems to brighten up any day with just a wag of his tail and his sweet dolphin smile.