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!