Moved

Well, anyone that probably cares knows that I don't really update this blog anymore, and just primarly write on my husband and mine's blog. If you didn't know that and miss reading my wonderful (cough) posts, feel free to add our blog to your reading list! :) I may update this blog someday...but probably not. :)

Forrest and Katie -- http://forrestandkatie.blogspot.com

Well, it has been quite awhile since I've posted something.

Why? Well, you know, I've been going skiing (oh actually, not really skiing, it was actually quite the terrible experience and I will never go again!), hanging out with the family, playing games, celebrating Christmas, flying to North Carolina . . .

Oh, and I got married! It was absolutely spectacular and turned out perfectly. And now I'm married to my sweetheart for time and all eternity. Nothing sweeter than that. We've been thoroughly enjoying the past few weeks together and just returned back to Provo last night around 10. Our house is a mess with presents, we haven't bought our books, and all we have to eat is a bunch of expired food, some left over soup from the wedding, and a giant ham my grandpa gave us . . . but we couldn't be happier. I love being married to my best friend, and I am constantly amazed by how sweet he is. Seriously, I'm the luckiest girl in the world. I sure love him.

I'll start posting about all of the winter break festivities on our other blog soon, but I thought I'd just post on update on here with a brief overview of what we've done. It sure was a few weeks of pure newly wedded bliss :)

Skiing at Copper Mountain--Catastrophe!

Receiving my Endowments in the Denver Temple the day before our wedding (beautiful experience!)

Wedding Dinner at Olive Garden...yummy

THE WEDDING! :) :)
 Here are a few of our pictures, courtesy of Anna Gleave Photography, who we couldn't have been happier with. She's a great friend and an amazing photographer who, from the pictures we've seen so far, has captured everything so perfectly. 

We also chose to have a wedding video done of our day, and seriously, I am SO happy we did! I can't get enough of watching it and Bethany Campbell was so great. You can watch the video here. Bethany is amazing!

Christmas Eve and Christmas in Denver with my family :)

A wonderful North Carolina reception!

The Beach in Wilmington, even though it was WAY too cold. Forrest braved the waters, but couldn't stand it for more than a few minutes.

New Years Eve on the Beach

My suitcase being left in Sanford, about 2.5 hours away from Wilmington. Sure was fun surviving on just about nothing for a few days :)

Trying out some yummy new restaurants!

Hanging out with Forrest's family a bit

Staying at a beautiful home of the nicest man in Forrest's family's ward back in NC

Canooeing

Flying back to Colorado on flights that I couldn't wait to get off of. I do not like flying AT ALL! Forrest was very sweet and let me squeeze his hand extremely tightly at different times.

Trying, and succeeding, and stuffing everything into our car and driving back to Utah in the dark. 

:) Life is sweet...very sweet :)

Reflections from a Bride-to-be

In less than 8 hours, I will no longer be a single woman. I will be married to my sweetheart. I will be Katie Clark!

I can't believe this day has finally come. Marrying Forrest exceeds all my dreams and expectations for the type of person I would marry. I didn't realize that I was deserving of so much love, of such a wonderful companion.

We met almost 1 year ago. January 2nd, 2009. When I first saw him, I honestly had no idea that he would eventually become the most important person in my life. However, soon after that first meeting, I found him to be quite charming and endearing. Before we even started dating, I knew that I wanted to be with him. I realized that he was different from any other guy. When he asked me to be his girlfriend, after I got in my car, I cried. Part of me knew that this was the start of something that could possibly last forever. The other day, a good friend asked me if I felt like I have known him forever, like he's always been in my life. And the answer is yes. I can't imagine what my life would be like without him, and I'm so happy I don't have to know. We're going to be together forever.

I'll admit, there were times where I didn't know where our relationship was going. I was frustrated, because, well, going to BYU where people get married after 2 weeks can get a person that way. However, I know, without any doubt, that the Lord guided and directed our courtship, and it went the way it was supposed to, according to His timing. 9 months might not seem like that long (or to the BYU-Mormon culture, it might seem too long), but it was perfect for us. I feel like we know each other very well, and are very well prepared to start our marriage and eternity together. He's my best friend. I never knew I could feel so much love for a person, and I know that will only continue to grow.

The past few weeks have been crazy, but totally worth it. Everything has come together so nicely, and I'm so grateful for all the help of everyone, especially my wonderful mother who worked so hard to make sure everything worked out according to what we wanted.

Yesterday was amazing. I was able to take out my Endowments at the Denver Temple. Beautiful experience. I've never felt the Spirit so strongly. I can't wait to go back. It was such a special experience to be there with almost all my family. My parents were there, all of my immediate siblings, and most of my siblings spouses, as well as Forrest's mom and his oldest sister, Meredith. There were a couple of times I couldn't hold back my tears. Being there with Forrest made it even more amazing, and I was able to see him in another sort of light, which confirmed my decision that us getting married is pleasing unto the Lord. I can't think of a better way to start a marriage. To anyone who hasn't made it to the Temple yet, prepare yourself, and do it. There is nothing more important that you can do, and I'm sure I will believe that even more and more as the years go on.

We had a wonderful wedding dinner at Olive Garden last night. It was great to be there with my family. The food was great, and we all had a good time. I got a little contemplative (not sad, as Forrest was convinced I was), just about how everything really is about to change, and when my dad said something, I just lost it, but it was wonderful. Forrest leaned over and was like "It's just like a rollercoaster ride..It'll be fast and crazy, sometimes crazy. But thank you for letting me ride it with you" (note that is not a direct quote. It's all I can piece together at 6 AM).

I can't wait. I love Forrest so much. And I'm so happy I get to be with him for eternity.

As Elder Bruce R. McConkie said, "The most important single thing that any Latter-day Saint ever does in this world is to marry the right person, in the right place, by the right authority." I'm sure marriage won't be easy, but I know it will be so worth it and we will make it, because we are getting married in the right place, by the right authority. And, to the right person :)

8 Days!

8 days until I'm married! Woo hoo! People keep asking me if I am totally stressed out about it, and really, not anymore. Yes, there was a point about two weeks ago where I about had a breakdown, but since then, everything has come together so nicely. I just can't wait to get home on Thursday, because, then the real countdown can begin! I think everything is really starting to come together. I am going to be taking out my Endowments next Tuesday, the day before the wedding. I'm very anxious, nervous, and excited for that. Here is just a sneak peak of everything that is to come (mainly because I'm so excited and want to talk about the details!)

Tomorrow is my final dress fitting and then I get to bring it home! I got my Bridals done by Creative Wedding Events, and Amanda did a spectacular job! I wish I could post all of the pictures here, but being the traditionalist that I am (or maybe being as superstitious as I am!), don't want Forrest to see the dress until our wedding day. Until then, here is a very, very little sneak peak (haha, you can't even see the dress).

Our cake flavors? Well, we put a lot of thought into this. We wanted something delicious. We researched all different sorts of flavors, and this is what we came up with :)

Buttercream frosting on all the layers

First layer: White cake with Raspberry

Second Layer: Spice Cake with a whipped brown sugar panache

Third Layer: Pound Cake with a strawberry filling

Fourth Layer: Oreo

I only wish I could eat all of the flavors (maybe I can convince my mother to save us a piece of each :) It's going to be a surprise what it looks like! (mainly because I don't have a picture. We decided what we wanted it to look like by taking bits of pieces of cakes we saw)

My nieces, Alexis and Tori, are going to be my junior bridesmaids. We found this beautiful dresses awhile ago (okay, I found them before we were even engaged). They will, of course, have a cute little sweater to go with them. My other nieces, Lyla and Kaci, will have green dresses as well, that we got for an awesome price. I just don't have a picture of them!

Here is the bridesmaid skirt! I love it so much! We also found a way cute cardigan to have everyone wear with it!

All the groomsmen and my nephews have really pretty green ties that we got from Cheap-neckties.com (awesome site, by the way)

Forrest is going to look mighty suave in a gray tux with a green tie. We are picking that up tomorrow!

We are going to have a delicious hot chocolate bar, soups with assorted bread, and spinach artichoke dip at the reception (and a few other things, I believe). I have to say, years ago (probably like...3?) I told my mom how much I really wanted to get married in December and have a hot chocolate bar and soups. I've seen several people doing hot chocolate bars lately, but just so everyone knows, I'm not copying them! haha. The reception is going to be beautiful though!

And most importantly, this is where Forrest and I will be married for time and all eternity. Granted, there will be no flowers like that, but if the weather report proves to be correct (oh please be right!), it will be 52 degrees and sunny! Almost unheard of for a few days before Christmas!

I'm so happy :)

Merry Christmas Straight To You

I epically failed at posting a song, picture, or tradition every day of December. I've had more important things to be doing anyways :) (Check out Forrest and Mine's blog for those details!)




The other day as I was driving home from work, this song came on the radio. My mom has always loved George Strait, so I remember hearing songs from him quite often growing up. This is one Christmas song I remember from an early age (along with some song that's like "every time a bell rings, an angel gets its wings..haha). One year my mom had us sing it while my dad recorded it and we sent it to my Grandparents because they weren't going to be able to make it for Christmas that year.

Random, but hey, I love this song!

2 weeks . . .

In two weeks, I will be married for time and all eternity to my wonderful fiancé Forrest. I seriously can't believe it. The past month and a half has just flown by, but yet, the 22nd can't come soon enough. There are just some days where I feel so incredibly grateful for Forrest (okay, EVERY day I feel so grateful for him, but somedays are just even more :). He is so sweet to me. Really, I can't even explain it. He is the perfect match for me. Seeing him is the highlight of my day, and I can't wait to be his wife.

When we were up in Salt Lake the other day, we were walking around temple square. As we were, we looked up and saw the capital. Forrest mentioned "hey that's where we first held hands!", which was cute of him to remember. He then commented on how our relationship has come such a long way. It really has! When I first met Forrest almost a year ago, I never could have imagine the joy and happiness he brings into my life. He never ceases to tell me he loves me, and that he will, forever. And I know he means it. He is always so concerned about me. The other night I was having a rough time, and he just stood outside my apartment door and let me cry and hug him. He was so sweet. He sent me such a sweet text when he got home, and made sure I was feeling better the next day. I love him so much, and I know that our relationship is going to last through eternity. I am so grateful to have the knowledge that our relationship can last forever, and there is no one else I would rather be with. I know everyone else say they have the best fiance ever...but rest assured, I REALLY do :)

So, in two weeks, I will be Katie Clark! Before I even started dating him, my friend, Rachael (who likes to think she called our relationship from the start, along with our friend,and Forrest's old roommate, Kristian), was like "Katie Clark! That's so cute! It sounds like a journalist name!" haha. Let the countdown begin!!!! :)


(you can read our blog at http://forrestandkatie.blogspot.com)

50 Free Christmas Cards from Shutterfly!

So I've personally never used Shutterfly, but I can tell their products are super cute! In fact, as soon as I get back our engagement photos (hopefully this weekend!), we will be creating our wedding guest book there (Diana sent us a coupon for a free one! Yay!). This year, they are offering 50 free Holiday Greeting Cards to anyone who will blog about the deal and website. All you have to do is fill out this form http://blog.shutterfly.com/5358/holiday2010-blog-submission-form/ and viola, they will send you a coupon for free cards! I've never sent out Holiday/Christmas cards before, but hey, if their free, we might as well start now!

On the First Day of Christmas . . .

Today I'm going to talk about a Barker Family Christmas Tradition . . .

Around our house, we love Christmas, and had lots of fun, memorable traditions growing up and that still continue today. One of my personal favorites is looking at Christmas lights and getting pajamas from the elves while we were out on Christmas Eve.

Apparently when my sister Kristalyn (I believe) was little, my parents got a deal going with Santa's Elves that every Christmas Eve, while my parents took their children out to look at Christmas lights, they would arrive at our house and lay out brand new, comfortable pajamas for everyone that was spending Christmas Eve at the house that night. I loved going and seeing some extravagant Christmas light displays that some people would put up in celebration of the season, and then arriving home to pajamas. I remember when I was little I would be so  nervous that they wouldn't come (and I'd be so nervous Santa wouldn't come--maybe I had a guilty conscience about something?), but without  fail, they always did.

As the years have gone on, our trips to Christmas lights have shortened significantly, typically just to a neighborhood near ours, but I always look forward to the new pajamas. I pretty much love pajamas, and if I could, I would wear them all the time (I don't though). After we look at our pajamas, everyone goes to change, and then we take a traditional family Christmas picture in front of the tree, sporting our pajamas. As I have been scanning some pictures for Forrest and mines' wedding video, I've come across a few from over the years. Enjoy!

Not sure what year this is . . . Maybe 1991?

Christmas 1996

Christmas 2007

Christmas 2008; I couldn't find the picture of us from this year...so pictures of the pajamas will have to do!

Christmas 2009

Day 21 - A picture of something that makes you happy

Day 21 - A picture of something that makes you happy

I epically failed at keeping this up--and I thought I was doing so well! Oh well. Maybe I'll finish this off this month. In addition, I decided I wanted to do something "Christmas-y" on my blog this year, so I think every day (or, every day that I can), I am going to highlight a specific Christmas song that I love, and write a little bit about it, talk about some type of family Christmas tradition, and/or other random Christmas topics. That will be fun!

Anyways, a picture of something that makes me happy. There are some obvious choices I could put up...Forrest, my family, the temple . . . but I do those quite often, so here is something random that makes me happy: 

I'm getting married, in the middle of December, in Colorado. There have been very few December's that I can remember that weren't freezing anod didn't have snow on the ground. Thus, I'm preparing myself for a rather chilly wedding day. My dress is short sleeve (because really, I don't like long sleeve dresses all that much), and probably not the most conducive article of clothing for heat. Forrest suggested I wear long underwear my dress (he's always full of great ideas), but that obviously wouldn't keep my warm up top. So, as I was looking at the place I got my dress, Gowns by Pamela (by the way, go there to find your dress! Seriously gorgeous dresses and super amazing prices...renting sounds kinda ghetto, but it's worth it, I'm pretty sure), and they have these pretty "winter capes" you can rent. So, after talking to my mom, we decided it would be a good idea to have one of these at the temple. Granted, I probably won't wear it that much, since I don't want it to cover up my dress or veil or hair, but it will be good for some moments--maybe it'll make a few good pictures. Anyways, that is what has made my happy today!

Grateful

I haven't posted for awhile--planning a wedding in a month and a half, trying to finish up a semester of school, and cuddling with my sweetheart,  all while working doesn't leave much for much else. :) And I realize Thanksgiving is over, but I still wanted to write a grateful post, because, frankly, I have far too much to be grateful not to write it all down.

~There is finally a working heater in my apartment! For the past month I have been sleeping with a long sleeved shirt, a hoodie, and two pairs of pajama/sweat pants, and three blankets. Last night I actually went to bed without half of those things. Yahoo!~

~I got to go home for Thanksgiving and spend it with my parents and little brother, and, of course, Forrest. It was such a nice break and I just love going to Colorado!~

~We missed any major snow to and from Colorado. I feel very blessed about that~

~My wonderful family who I just love so so much~

~My friend Cortney for picking up our wedding announcements because they arrived in Provo the day after we left~

~Elegant Wedding Announcements for making our beautiful announcements, and at an affordable price!~

~That we won free bridal and engagement photos, which really cut down costs on photography by quite a bit~

~Even though someone coughForrestcough woke up later than originally planned on Black Friday, we were still able to get lots of great things (mainly for my mom)~

~Promises that come with paying tithing--everything really does work out!~

~The sweet couple that are teaching the marriage prep class we are in right now. We've only been once, but it was such a great class and we learned a lot. I'm excited to go to the last two!~

~The Gospel and the part it plays in my life. I am so grateful to have been raised in the Church and to know what I know~

~My English Language TA is letting me turn in my assignment late, but for full credit, since I had to miss class last Tuesday so we could miss the snow storm~

~My parents~

~My siblings, their spouses, and children~

~My future inlaws. Heaven knows someone as wonderful as Forrest had to have come from a wonderful family. I can't wait to get to know them better~

~That I can beat Forrest at Wii Tennis on occasion, and always Mario Kart (sorry Forrest :)~

~Pictures~

~The Temple--I am so blessed to live so close to one, and that in less than a month, I get to go there to be sealed to my sweet fiance for time and all eternity~

~Everyone that is helping us plan the wedding and helping it come together so smoothly~

~Car battery chargers~

~My job~

~Mint M&M's~

~Getting to see lots of old friends this last week~

~My boots that Forrest hates but I think look awesome with every single article of clothing I own (though I might be the only one who thinks this)~

~The pair of shoes I got at the bookstore three years ago for three dollars that keep my feet warmer than anything else~

and last (but certainly not least)

my wonderful fiancé, Forrest. I'm sure everyone is sick of sappy posts that I write about him, but he truly is the greatest. He makes me so happy by doing just the smallest things. I can't hardly believe we will be married in less than a month, but there's nothing I want more. Even when things are hard and I'm not quite sure how things are going to work out, I know they will as long as I have Forrest by my side. He watches Cake Boss with me and loves it as much as me. He drives my car because he knows how much I don't like driving. He teases me about how once 11:00 hits, I can't stay awake, especially if a movie is on. He holds my hands and cuddles me lots because I'm always so freezing, even when it makes him colder in the process. He is smart and informed about the world. He served a wonderful mission and I know he loved the people he served so much (and I know they loved him too!). I can be myself around him. He's goofy. He's my other half. My friend, Tasha, just got engaged, and she and her fiance both wrote on their blogs about how the others talents fill their gaps, and I love that. That's how I feel about Forrest. I can't describe how much I love this man :)

Happy (late) Thanksgiving!

Day 20 - Someone you could see yourself marrying

Day 20: Someone You Could SEe Yourself Marrying

What great timing :) To read the story, click here

Day 19 - Nicknames

Day 19 - Nicknames you have; why do you have them

Over the years, I have accumulated several nicknames. Not many of them are very exciting. But they are nicknames nonetheless. Actually, they are kind of awesome. Especially my nickname of "coolest most wonderful amazing person in the whole entire world." That's what most people call me, really.

Just kidding.

Well, to start out, Katie is actually my nickname, though it's what I've gone by my whole life. See, my name is Kathryn. If I am remembering me correctly, my parents really liked the name Katie, but they thought they shouldn't just name me a "nickname", which you know, is cool. I like my full name. Kathryn Eleanor Barker. It's nice. I like that Kathryn isn't spelled like most people spell it. 

My name called/maybe still does call me, Katie Petunia. Not quite sure where the came from. 

My Grandpa Park has always called me Katy Bug. I've always loved that.

Megan, my awesome friend, calls me Kathy. I really don't think she ever calls me Katie. I can't remember why she started calling me Kathy, but she has for a long time.

Freshman year of high school, my friend, Chris, decided to tell everyone at our lunch table what kind of animal their face looked like. He said I was a Koala. I still am trying to decide if I should be offended. 

Same person decided that since my last name is Barker, he would bark at me down the hall. For the rest of the time I've known him, he's referred to me as Katie Ruff Ruff. 

At one of my youth conferences in high school, we went up to the mountains in January. On the way down, there was a huge snow storm and we were stuck for like five hours. We got pretty slap happy in the car. And one of the young mens leaders, Brother Ballard, gave us all nicknames. My name was k-train. He still calls me that when he see's me.

Cortney calls me Tate. I can't remember where that came from, but it started sometime in high school. 

I think my most infamous nickname though would have to be K-Bark. My freshman year, my roommates and I were thinking of our gangster names (first initial of your first name, and part of your last name). They all thought that K-Bark was pretty sweet, and ever since, they have called me that. It's quite endearing, actually. When I moved in with other people my sophomore year, it was a bit odd to be called Katie, to be honest. I remember one time freshman year, Christie had brought over her boyfriend. They all called me K-Bark the whole night, so he started to as well, because he thought that was really what I went by. It was pretty hilarious. A few weeks ago I was hanging out with these old roommates of mine and they discovered that, if Forrest and I got married, my nickname would still be pretty sweet and could just be changed to K-Clark, which sounds just as great. If that didn't seal my fate with Forrest, I don't know what else would. 

And just to add a picture, here is a picture of my roommates and I freshman year when we dressed up "gangsta" and walked around campus one night. I assure you, we WERE the coolest kids at BYU that year. 

(seriously, I miss my freshman roommates lots. Sometimes I just sit here and think about how great that year was, and if I could redo one year, it would be that one. You guys are the best!)

Day 18 - Plans/dreams/goals you have

Day 18 - Plans/dreams/goals you have

I've heard a quote numerous times that says something like "If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans." For just that reason, I don't make plans. Because they don't work out.

Okay just kidding. That's totally a lie. I plan, a lot. More so than I probably should. I have a plan of how my life should go, though, in reality, I realize that there's no way I can predict exactly how my life is going to go. But I can have a rough draft kind of laid out, can't I? 

Sometimes though, I fail to plan. Many of my friends frequently comment on how Forrest and I never seem to plan things, we just kind of go with it. This happened a lot when we first started dating. My roommates would be like "Oh, when are you and Forrest going to go to such and such?" And I would respond with "I dunno. Whenever he calls." I think we've gotten better at planning when we are supposed to be doing things. But a little spontaneity never hurt anyone right? 

But as of right now, here are some of my plans/dreams/goals

1) Graduate from college (Despite what some people think, coughforrestcough, I did not come to BYU just to get my MRS Degree.)

2) Get an internship for journalism somewhere awesome, like at the New Era, or in Washington D.C. (as of right now, I'm leaning towards the latter)

3) Get married to the most wonderfulest person in the world (I wonder who that could be! ;)

4) Have cute kids 

5) Live somewhere cool. I feel like I have lived in pretty much the same place forever. Because, well, I never moved from my house in Colorado until I was 18, and even then, I moved to Utah. Not the hugest culture change. I think it would be neat to live in another part of the country (or world!)

6) Serve a mission with my hubby someday

7) Go to Disneyland (again. I love that place)

8) Share my testimony more

9) Get caught up on my sleep (I realize this probably won't happen until I'm like 70. But that's okay)

I'm tired...so with that, I'm done. 

Day 17 - Someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why

Day 17 - Someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why

I thought about skipping this day as well since I can't really think of anyone that I want to switch lives with. I've thought of celebrities, friends, family, etc., and while there are many people I know (or know of) that have wonderful lives that anyone could certainly be envious of, I still don't know if I'd want to switch. Everyone has their insecurities and struggles in life, and I'm not sure if I'd want to experience what someone else is going through underneath their outward appearance. Who knows if I could handle it! haha. Just kidding. It would be interesting to see how others think and view the world. I think I'd like to switch places with someone really tall, just so I can know what it feels like not to have stand on my tippy toes when I'm standing behind some tall person, or crane my neck to see something in classes or church. Who knows. It would be fun to switch with just about anyone, because, it's just for a day, right?

Day 16 - Another picture of yourself

Day 16 - Another picture of yourself

This picture was taken at the Festival of Colors in Spanish Fork, UT last March or so. Forrest and I went to it, which was an adventure in itself...You can read about that here. Since we got there late, we didn't get as covered as most people, but here's the little bit of pink that was on my face. I kind of like this picture. Thus, why it's being posted today. 

Day 15 - Put your iPod on shuffle: First 10 songs that play

Day 15 - Put your iPod on shuffle: First 10 songs that play

Well, I don't own an iPod. Because I'm not rich enough for something like that. I do own a san disk sansa though. However, that broke and I'm sending it back to get it replaced (yay for year-long warranties!). But since I would hate to leave you all without a list of random songs I listen to, I'll put my playlist.com playlist on shuffle. Here's what came up!

1) Can't Help Falling in Love by Ingrid Michaelson (okay, it's originally done by Elvis, but I love this version. It's beautiful!)

2) Never Gonna be Alone by Nickelback (okay, I don't care what people say about how all their songs are the same, I absolutely love Nickelback. It's all about the lyrics! This song is awesome though. First time I heard it, it made me tear up again. Another song of their's that I like is Gotta be Somebody. I feel like I discovered both of these songs at times in my life that they were rather applicable. I put it on Daniel and Charbel's wedding video back in May. Which reminds me...I need to make a copy of that for Charbel like I said I would)

3) The Great Escape by Boys like Girls (Last year I went through a phase where I was obsessed with Boys like Girls. I pretty much thought they were thebomb.com.)

4) Forever and Ever, Amen by Randy Travis (Don't laugh. It's a classic. I remember watching this music video on GAC when I was younger. It's pretty much the best video/song ever. I think it just has a timeless, cute message :)

5) Outside my Window by Sarah Buxton (Not much to say about this song. It's kind of a fun one!)

6) Love Bug by Jonas Brothers (I know...It's kind of shameful I like a few of their songs. But I think it's cute. I heard this song when I first met Forrest, so, of course, I listened to it over and over again because of course, I'd caught that love bug ;-)

7) Don't Stop Believing done by the Glee Cast (LOVE Glee's song. Not so much this season. I think the episodes are getting a little too sketchy for my taste. It was funny; the people in my FHE group were talking about how they thought the episode on religion was SO good and SO well done. I just had to keep my mouth shut. I thought it was totally sacreligious and irreverent.)

8) Don't Write Me Off by Hugh Grant, in Music and Lyrics (Cute song. Cute Movie.)

9) Everybody by Ingrid Michaelson (Obviously, I love Ingrid. Her music is so happy and cheerful. I really want to see her live sometime!)

10) I'd Rather be With You by Joshua Radin (Another one of my favorite artists. One of my favorite songs too.)

There you have it! If you want to listen to them, the playlist is at the bottom of the page!

Pumpkins

Today, I came to a realization.

Today I realized that I'm addicted to pumpkin.The taste, the smell, the look of it. It's amazing.

I think it all started with the pumpkin cookies. The ones that Cindy introduced me to a few years ago, that I've referenced several times this year. There was just a very delicious taste to them that I can't get enough of (which reminds me...I haven't made some for awhile...)

Whenever I see pumpkin as an option, I pick it. Pumpkin pie? Amazing! Pumpkin scented candles? Even better.

Yesterday I went to Zupas with my friends Cortney and Rachael. When I go there, I typically don't venture out on my soup selection. It's typically either chicken enchilada soup, or tomato basil. But when I saw the advertisement for this soup, I couldn't resist getting it:

It was a really yummy, vegetarian soup. It had pumpkin, coconut, red peppers (I think), black beans, and some yummy spices, and topped with macademia nuts (my personal favorite). I feel like it was really healthy, but had a delicious taste to it. I ate it really slow, just to enjoy it even more than I think I otherwise would have. Definitely recommend it.

Then today as I was leaving the Wilkinson Center to walk over to work, I noticed a sign advertising the "Limited Time Only: Pumpkin Spice" smoothie at Jamba Juice. I debated getting it or not, and I decided I had to try it at least once. SO good. There was pumpkin, cinnamon and nutmeg in it, and totally worth the wait (and having to practically sprint to work because the line was deceptively long and took longer than I was expecting). I didn't drink all of it, unfortunately, but it was so good. 

So, I love pumpkin. In case you needed a reminder. Maybe it's because I was born at the beginning of November, when pumpkin is definitely very much in the air. I'm sure that's it. Anyone have any suggestions for other yummy pumpkin foods?!

Day 14 - A picture of you and your family

Day 14 - A picture of you and your family

Most of you have seen this picture, since I'm pretty sure it's been posted before, and it's on my sidebar, but it's the most recent one of my family. The only person we are missing is Benji (who, I must say, is the cutest baby. I just love him!) :) Hopefully we will be getting a new family picture in November at Benji's baby blessing, that's maybe a bit more professional and organized than this.

Day 13 - A letter to someone who has hurt you recently

Day 13 - A letter to someone who has hurt you recently

I considered skipping this one, because 1) I can't really think of someone who has hurt me recently and 2) I don't really feel it's necessary to write them a "letter" on my blog. That just seems kind of vengeful and silly. The only person that comes to mind that I would like to possibly write a letter to, to tell him or her how much they hurt me...well, they are in the past and I've forgiven them. And honestly, if they hadn't hurt me the way they did, I wouldn't be experiencing the happiness and joy that I do right now. So in a way, that was a hidden blessing. Maybe I should thank them...Just kidding. That might be a little much. 

Day 12: How you found out about blogs and why you made one

Day 12: How you found out about blogs and why you made one

I think my first post, on February 4th, 2008, pretty much sums up this:

Well, after reading my sisters and relatives (and actually, a lot of random blogs of people I don't even know), and having my sister Cindy tell me, I decided to join the blogger world. I'm not gonna promise any amazing insights (even though i am quite amazing..just kidding!), but hopefully someone will find it interesting. I'll post a post today..or tomorrow..or eventually. Enjoy!

Oh..and don't forgot to vote tomorrow in Super Tuesday if your states participating. Go Romney!!!

You can see what an exciting person I was back then (I've only got more awesome, as I'm sure). I proceeded to write a post about how my mom, Michael, and I went to some Mitt Romney pep rally. That was probably the most exciting thing of my life. Anyways, I'm glad my sisters told me to start a blog. It's a pretty good way to keep a history of my life...I was going back and reading some of my posts from when I first started writing on here. It was kind of fun to read about fun things from my past and see how I've grown and changed over the past 3 years.