Livin' in the Sugarhood

Abe's first post.

2010-04-23T20:48:00.000-07:00

My name is Abe and I take after my mother.

We mean business.
Now everyone can leave my mom alone because I have updated her blog.

Christmas Tidbits

2009-12-29T22:12:00.000-08:00

I know, I know. Three blog posts in one day. I'm just getting caught up. Slacker you might say? Well, I'm just too busy reading all of YOUR blogs!

We had a great Christmas. I am SO happy Abe is finally here to make our holiday season brighter than ever before. Adam and I decided to have a super low spending cap for our gifts this year so we could send my mom and dad to see Cirque Du Soleil's Beatles "Love" in Las Vegas. But, apparently Adam has magical powers and got a "super awesome" deal on the latest iPhone for me since my last one clunked out. Who has every heard of an iPhone for under $50 bucks? Magical powers indeed!

Anyhow, here are a few Christmas pics (more to come):

Abe & Canyon

2009-12-29T21:56:00.000-08:00

Abe likes to hang out with his BFF, Canyon. They giggle and stare at each other every week while his mom, Tammy, and I chill.

Abe has started to love his jumper. His favorite part is gnawing on it since he is teething.

He sure can be a little devil..

...but I can't get enough of him.

California..

2009-10-26T09:21:00.000-07:00

We recently (well, 2 months ago) flew down to San Diego to visit Adam's dad. While we were there, we went to the BYU/San Diego game. Abe had a major freak out right as we were getting out of the car, but slept on his Aunt Jen's lap for most of the game (thank goodness).

A trip to San Diego wouldn't be complete if we didn't go sailing at Mission Beach. Of course, it's never a dull moment with the Kolowich family, especially when they think it's funny to flip the sailboat. Luckily, I wasn't on it.

We then went to the beach to watch the sunset and to give Abe his first dip in the ocean. It was a great day with just our little family unit.

We ended the trip with a canceled early morning flight and a 5-hour delay at the airport. Poor kid is exhausted, as were his parents!

Abe @ 3 months..

2009-10-12T20:06:00.000-07:00

A few days after his 3 month birthday, Abe rolled over. He decided to only give us a sneak-peek because he hasn't really done it since! He also loves to rock his BabyLegs and hang out on the quilt my friend Deb made.

He is growing like a weed and showing his cute personality more and more each day.

Pure Happiness...

2009-09-14T20:58:00.000-07:00

...here are a few pics from the last month or so. Abe is feeling much better and is a very happy baby (most of the time). I hope it lasts.

Koy made up a song to sing to Abe when he was still sick.
"Ne, ne ne, ne"

Cousin Cassie is a great little helper.

Abe's presidential pose.

Happy Happy!

He's getting so strong!

Lovin' the cheeks.

Wow!

2009-08-20T21:07:00.000-07:00

I know I have talked with a lot of you about what has been going on with Abe. About 5 weeks ago we took Abe to Primary Children's ER since he was projectile vomiting and dehydrated. We spent 8 hours in a small room in the ER. In the room next to us there was a juvenile delinquent restrained and swearing loudly for 3 of the 8 hours. They hooked Abe up to fluids through an IV (which took 3 times to put in), did a catheter, and almost did a spinal tap. The worst part of all of this was that they wouldn't let us feed him. So, Abe screamed, and screamed and screamed. After numerous tests, they decided it was Pyloric Stenosis (which oddly enough my older sister and my nephew Koy had as tiny babies as well). They finally decided to admit him at 10:30pm (we had been there since 2pm) and put him on the surgery list for the next day. Since we were an add-on surgery they weren't really sure when the actual surgery would happen so they made us starve Abe until after the surgery. By the time they wheeled him away, he hadn't eaten for over 24 hours. The surgery was a success and we were able to give him extremely small amounts of glucose water and then formula--which didn't make Abe happy at all. Here are a couple pictures of Abe right before his surgery. Poor guy, he is so exhausted:

After Abe came home, we had to deal with severe reflux and more tummy problems. So, the screaming did not stop. The surgeon said sometimes the antibiotics given to babies during surgery can mess up the good bacteria in their stomachs. He is now on medicine and special formula.

Even writing this blog, I don't want to re-live any of it, so I wanted to make this entry as short as possible. My mom and sisters have saved my sanity. Adam was in Korea for 2 weeks and my mom, Rachel and Dana tried to console both me and Abe during the last few weeks. I am so grateful for them. Breakdown after breakdown, they have helped me hour by hour.

It is now five long weeks after the surgery and Abe seems to be doing a bit better. He is a very smiley baby and we are so happy to have him in our lives:

By the way, I blame Primary Children's for Abe's new found ability to SCREAM. If this entry doesn't exactly make sense, I blame exhaustion.

A little piece of heaven..

2009-07-03T16:07:00.001-07:00

Seriously, the best day of my life....

Abram "Abe" John Kolowich

30 June 2009, 7:45am

7.1 pounds, 21 inches

He is already up to 7.11 oz. It's amazing how much he has already changed. He looks just like his dad. When I asked someone to point out one thing that looks like me they said "He has your hair line." Oh well, I'll take anything! I hope to post more pics soon! He is a really mellow kid and we hope it lasts!

Big and beautiful...

2009-06-22T20:27:00.000-07:00

...isn't that how you should feel when you hit 38.5 weeks in your pregnancy? I was at Ikea the other day and caught a profile of myself in a mirror and almost died laughing. Down 2lbs one week, up 4lbs the other--all this yo-yo-ing really does a number on me!

I really can't complain too much. I have felt pretty good this whole time, but these back pains and lack of sleep are getting a bit old now. I like to politely "hint" to my baby in my belly to "GET OUT!" His favorite thing to do is kick me over and over in my ribs during church when we are trying to sing. Adam thinks he likes the loud out-of-tune old lady who always sits behind us every week, but I am beginning to think that this kid and Adam are already plotting to gang up on me and take over the house!

I find myself hoping for contractions. Is that crazy? Isn't it show time already?

Oh yeah, so many people have asked for pregnancy pictures so here you go. Keep in mind this was taken on a good day, it's usually how I roll--

The happenings....

2009-03-27T17:59:00.000-07:00

Once again I haven't updated my blog in quite a while. No excuses. Here are a few things that have happened lately:

*We found out we are having a BOY! I guess I shouldn't be surprised because I have 20+ nephews and only a few nieces. We haven't decided on any names. I have a feeling it's going to be a challenge. Adam is still adamant that we fit in "Oscar" somehow. (Yeah right).

*Adam and I went to a military ball at the capitol a couple of weeks ago. As we walked in, we both realized that the last time we had been on a date in that building was 13 years ago for Adam's prom in 1996. He claims I asked him to take me home early all those years ago, but all I remember is that I didn't know any one since I went to a different school and that I couldn't stop giggling at a girl in our group whose dress was way too low and whose fake eyelashes kept falling down.

We had a great time. Adam loves to get his groove on and I like to stand back and watch him in all his glory. I didn't really shake my tail feather because I thought that would look weird since I am 6 months pregnant. I mean really, who wants to see a pregnant lady do the running man?

*We were able to insert ourselves into Rachel and TJ's Disney vacation. Adam and I had enough sky miles to make a quick trip and we had such a good time. Hopefully they didn't mind that we tagged along. Their little boy, Koy, was so cute that we just can't wait until our little guy is old enough to go! I forgot my camera so my only pick is from my phone:

I haven't been on "It's a Small World" for years. I heard they shut it down for a while to put in bigger boats for the ever-expanding American body. I must say that I appreciated the extra room and I promptly stuffed my face with a caramel apple right after---in appreciation of Disney's effort to cater to our population, of course.

*That's it for now! On to working on the nursery!!!

I can't wait..

2009-01-30T17:49:00.000-08:00

...we find out if we are having a little boy or girl in two weeks. This whole experience is weird (yes that is the best way I can describe it).

Adam and I have yet to have a serious conversation for naming our new little one. Names of "consideration" have been: Chattanooga Choo Choo Kolowich, Mr. T, Electric Boogaloo Kolowich, Koolbabe Express Kolowich, The Real Deal Kolowich (but we would have to insist on pronunciation "rill dill" since we live in Utah now) and anything that will make our little one have the initials "A.O.K." Adam thinks he is really funny sometimes:)

I think once we know the gender, we will start to think seriously about it. Any thoughts would be appreciated....Obama Kolowich any one?

BEST NEWS EVER...

2008-12-10T16:06:00.000-08:00

It's a miracle! After 8 1/2 years of marriage, Adam and I are proud to say that we will be having a BABY! We are so excited, nervous and anxious! I have been wanting to be a mother for years and had almost given up the thought that I would ever get pregnant. We are so thankful and feel so blessed. I almost can't believe it's all real (well, except for all the nausea which is NO FUN)!

I have watched as my family and friends have had kids over the years, each time wishing that I could "join the club." Well, I am ready for all puke-poop baby talk. All advice is welcome, just keep the gross pregnancy stories to a minimum, please!

The most embarrassing costume ever...

2008-11-04T18:33:00.000-08:00

I was bound and determined that Adam and I would dress up for Halloween this year. We haven't been that great at dressing up and I thought if we are going to do it---we are going all out. So, I tried to think of the most ridiculous costume and ended up making these beauties:

Go Oompa Loompas! This was the most unflattering piece of clothing I have ever worn (this may be because they were made by yours truly). It has taken me so long to post these pictures because I wasn't sure if I wanted anyone on the net to see us looking this way--but, who cares right? Hopefully this made your day...you're welcome.

Hodgepodge..

2008-10-15T20:36:00.000-07:00

I'm not really sure what exactly this post is about, other than showing some pics of recent projects with the fam:

This is a before and after pic of our headboard. My grandma bought us our bedroom furniture set when we got married and so I had to choose a "conservative" style since she was a little appalled at the furniture I really wanted to get. Don't get me wrong, I liked it (8 years ago) but it needed a little refreshing..

I used an old curtain to recover the headboard from our house in D.C. since there wasn't a good spot in our new house for it. It still needs some funky pillows to add color, some pulling and straightening, but it's an easy change if I get sick of the pattern..

Next up was our dresser. After a lot of debate on color choice, I decided to do something with a little color. I couldn't have taken the plunge without the help of my sis, Rachel, since she gives me a good kick in the butt to just "make a choice!"

Before (honey oak and old school handles-- blah!):

After (zing!):

We changed out all the handles and painted it "Sea Song" and then finished it with a dark glaze. I don't think the pic gives it the full effect, but it sure does brighten our room! Shout out to Rachel who probably ended up doing most of the work (hah!), to my Dad who acted as our overseer to make sure we didn't sand it too much, who let us use his garage and tools, and who helped put the finishing glazed touches that only he could master with his perfectionist eye, to TJ for measuring/drilling and installing the new handles and to Adam for making sure I stuck to my decision. (That sounded like a speech for a major award, but for someone who isn't too handy with these kinds of things, it was quite the feat!)

Give me the original!

2008-10-10T10:34:00.000-07:00

I am always suspect of American versions of British and Australian TV shows. I was upset when I found out there would be an American version of "The Office" since I had been a fan of the Brit original and couldn't possibly see how they could make it as funny. Well, I was wrong and the American version is just as funny, in a different way, as the original from across the pond. So, I was curious to see how the US version of "Kath & Kim" would turn out. It's on Thursdays, right before "The Office" so it must be good....right? WRONG! It was horrible! Everything about it was disjointed. Although, I must give a shout-out to John Michael Higgins from "Best in Show" and other awesome Christopher Guest movies, he was the only funny part in this crapper. Give me the original! I have been a true "Kath & Kim" fan for a few years and could not believe how horribly written and cast this show was! I know most, if not all of you haven't experienced one of the best shows ever on television, so check out their website and you will understand my fury. Here's the original cast, in all their glory:

U.S formats of the DVD's are not available, but will be soon. So, party at my place for all you foxy ladies and hunks-0-spunk? Seriously, you don't want to miss this show. (Oh, sorry for those who read this post and think I don't have anything better to do with my time....you may be right, but you'll thank me in the future). For now, I apologize to all Australians and will understand if you don't speak to any U.S. citizen for at least a week. I may be crazy, but at least my sisters know what I'm talking about!

Playgroup mama drama..

2008-09-18T00:47:00.000-07:00

Rachel (my sis) and I went for a little walk by her house the other day to the park and I could not believe the lion's den we encountered. Packs and packs of "play groups" congregated every where. I don't think I've ever seen this little park so dag-blasted full. Rachel and I were in full work-out gear as we approached and immediately realized we were severely underdressed. It looked like most the mothers were decked out in what I would call "my very special going out, outfit." So, we decided that the next time we venture that way again, we will either wear our wedding gowns or prom dresses (circa 1997). I think I may even break out a Jody dress or two.

We are still here...

2008-09-14T19:01:00.000-07:00

...we just haven't blogged for a long time. I am working on a new blog to share with Adam---maybe. He doesn't really have any extra time these days so I figured I could try to keep everyone updated. Check back soon for a better entry and possible new blog address!

Fun in Utah!

2008-08-12T16:38:00.000-07:00

I know it's been a long time, but we have been busy hangin' with the fam and getting used to our beautiful Utah surroundings! Here is a quick rundown of some of the stuff we've done...

...hiking Timpanogos Cave with some of my nieces and nephews

...boating with Matt & Lisa
(Adam's idea of romance...too much water in the face for me!)

(Thanks to Matt for being the ultimate boat driver!)

(Lisa and Annie...aren't they gorgeous?)

(Adam showing us his skiing skills...)

...camping near Bryce Canyon

I'm sure Rachel will be posting some more pictures from this trip soon since I took hundreds of her little boy Koy! Until then, I have a few of him that are my fav..

New Life, New Home?

2008-07-13T01:35:00.001-07:00

Adam and I just put in an offer for a cute little 1920's victorian in Salt Lake, near Westminster. Hopefully this was a good decision, but we couldn't stand to waste money on rent. Adjusting to the slower pace in Utah is a good, but odd feeling. D.C. was a growing experience for us both and we miss it a lot. I must say though that the 10 minute commute for Adam beats the 45min-1hour ride into work in D.C. each way (and we only lived about 12 miles from it)!

We'll see what happens. Sorry for the long pause in blogging--I'm still adjusting to our new lives!

I HATE PACKING FOR THE BIG MOVE!!!

2008-06-24T18:35:00.000-07:00

A little Flickr fun..

2008-06-10T17:09:00.000-07:00

The concept:

a. Type your answer to each of the questions below into Flickr Search.
b. Using only the first page, pick an image.
c. Copy and paste each of the URLs for the images into fd's mosaic maker.

The Questions (my answers are in parentheses):

1. What is your first name? (Kathryn)
2. What is your favorite food? (Frozen grapes)
3. What high school did you go to? (American Fork High School)
4. What is your favorite color? (Purple)
5. Who is your celebrity crush? (Neil Diamond--awesome!)
6. Favorite drink? (Sprite)
7. Dream vacation? (Prague)
8. Favorite dessert? (Strawberry Shortcake)
9. What you want to be when you grow up? (mother)
10. What do you love most in life? (Family)
11. One Word to describe you. (Awesome)
12. Your flickr name (I don't remember)

Le me know when you all have tried it! You can tell I'm a bit bored...

Last day at work!

2008-06-06T15:14:00.000-07:00

Today was my last day at work. It was really hard to say goodbye to the wonderful people I have worked with for the past 4 years. I have had so many amazing experiences and had the opportunity to travel to places I never, EVER thought I would go. I've met people from all over the globe and will miss those crazy interactions. I think I've said this before, but Adam and I will be really sad when we leave D.C. We've had such a blast, but I am excited to see what will happen in the next few years.

We plan to pull into the land of Zion (that's our loving term for Utah for all you non-Utahns) on the 4th of July. We figured that would be a great day and could pretend all the fireworks are set just for our arrival.

Now, where on earth will we live out there? I'll let you know when we figure that one out...

TAGGED!

2008-05-14T17:13:00.000-07:00

Thanks Nat for this one:

10 years ago: 1998--Well, I had just tried a year at Ricks College and realized that I did not fit in AT ALL--so, I went on down to BYU. What a big change huh? I was also busy writing a certain guy who was serving his mission in Brazil. Turned out I married him 2 years later!

5 years ago: 2003-- Wow, I don't really remember much of this year. At the end of 2003, Adam and I were preparing for our big move to D.C.

5 months ago: December-- Just getting used to having my hubby back after his year in Iraq. I found myself just staring at him and pinching him all the time. I guess some things never change...

5 things on my to do list today:-- 1. Pick up Adam from the airport (he was in Germany for the past three weeks). 2. Prepare some bogus documents for our fascist home owner's association to pass on to the people who are buying our house. 3. Study up on how to work my new camera. 4. Find a place to live when we move to Utah. 5. Plan some going-away parties.

5 snacks I enjoy:-- 1. grapes 2. frozen grapes 3. granola bars (only the crunchy kind)! 4. crepes with strawberries and Nutella (okay, that's not really a "snack" but I have a craving for it right now). 5. Goldfish crackers.

5 things I would do if I were suddenly a billionaire (other than the obvious of paying tithing):

1. invest 2. buy a home 3. buy homes and erase any debt for all my family and friends 4. travel, travel, travel 5. donations to epilepsy foundation and parkinson's research.

5 of my bad habits: 1. I rarely make the bed in the morning 2. I spend way too much time stressing over other people's feelings 3. I don't return phone calls as quickly as I should! 4. I stay up too late 5. I get easily frustrated with my commute to and from work every day.

5 places I have lived: 1. American Fork, UT 2. Rexburg, ID 3. London, England 4. Sierra Vista, AZ 5. Alexandria, VA

5 jobs I have had: 1. Zuka Juice 2. Target (ugggh) 3. Barnes & Noble 4. Jorgensen Appraisal 5. DIA

5 things people don't know about me:

1. I bungee-jumped off a tram in the Swiss Alps when I was 18.

2. A bouncer confiscated my sister's I.D when I tried to get into a 21-and-over club in Salt Lake when I was 18. The other girls had "fake" I.D's too and walked right through, but when the guy looked at my sister's card and then my face, he just laughed and said "nice try." I guess it didn't help that my sister had blond hair and blue eyes and I had dark brown hair and dark brown eyes.

3. I didn't graduate from seminary. All I have to say is that it wasn't my fault....

4. I, just like my friend Natalie, sluffed a lot in high school and still managed to get all A's. Funny thing is I would usually just go home and sleep.

5. I was in the Fred Savage Fan Club--and proud of it!

SOLD!

2008-05-05T15:31:00.001-07:00

Yikes, our house sold over the weekend. The first people who saw it made an offer for full price. We went ahead and still had our open house the next day because that would help our realtor's business. I didn't like the idea of people walking through my house all the time anyway. I even signed the papers for Adam since he is still in Germany and I have power of attorney. This was really unexpected, but I guess we got lucky. I really feel that something will happen between the home inspection, the appraisal and closing which will turn this contract sour. I know, you're thinking I'm a Debbie Downer, but I can't help it. Oh, and I even parked across the street for a bit and gave the evil eye to those walking through my house....hah!

I can't believe it...

2008-05-01T16:03:00.000-07:00

...our house is officially for sale! We have loved being in D.C. for the past 4 1/2 years, but soon we will be making our trek to Salt Lake for law school. It's a really weird feeling. I actually cried when we came home from work and saw the realtor sign in front of our house. We will miss our little lake and neighborhood so much. I must say this house is cleaner than it has ever been! You can check out our listing here.

For all you in Utah--we'll be seeing you soon. In the next few weeks, I think I am going to be mighty emotional...

Diamond Spotting

2008-04-29T16:06:00.001-07:00

I hear the robots from American Idol will be singing all Neil Diamond tonight. I don't know if I can watch them desecrate such amazing work by the Master Songwriter. I've loved Neil since my parents blasted his music in our station wagon when I was a young girl. Yes, I had great taste in music even then. For all you haters of Neil, let me help you see the light--

He was a master then:

And now he is KING:

He's one well preserved guy. I love him. Adam begs me to throw away my "Diamond Head" t-shirt that I bought at his concert a few years back. It has holes and the letters are faded, but I can't seem to part with it. All the Barney girls were on the second row of his concert and he even winked at me (from his awesome revolving stage). So, if you haven't unearthed your love of Neil, I'll make you a playlist of his "must-haves" and it will blow your mind. Once you've turned--Rod Stewart is next....:)

2008-04-16T20:17:00.000-07:00

I think this is the first time I have been tagged, thanks to my sis Rachel!

A-attached or single: Attached, at the hip mind you..
B-best friends: Adam, my mom, Melanie, Dana, Rachel and Larry
C-cake or pie: CAKE.
D-day of choice: Friday!
E-essential item(s): a good book and DVR (thanks Rachel)
F-favorite color: Purple
G-gummy worms or bears: Not really fond of either of them
H-hometown: American Fork, UT
I-indulgence: Masterpiece Theater
J-January or July: July
K-kids: None, but lots of OPK's ("other people's kids" Nat, do you remember when your dad first said "OPK's? I've used it ever since!)
L-life is incomplete without: Family, Niel Diamond and Bret Michaels :)
M-marriage date: 16 August 2000
N- number of siblings: 3 sisters, 1 brother
O-oranges or apples: Oranges. I once told my younger sister, Rachel, that the inside of an unpeeled orange is the coldest place on the earth. I don't think she believed me...
P-phobias or fears: Guns. I freeze up whenever I see one.
Q-quotes: I guess whatever Andy Bernard from "The Office" says, especially the conversation he has with Dwight about his TransAm (you can find it here )
R-reasons to smile: My nieces and nephews.
S-season: Fall is my fav!
T-tag friends: Nat and Adam.
U-unknown fact about me: I want to start taking violin lessons again.
V-very favorite store: Barnes & Noble.
W-worst habit: Never making the bed in the morning.
X-x-ray, ultrasound, or mammogram: Ultrasound--can I order a baby?
Y-your favorite food: Anything associated with a BBQ (answer stolen from Rachel...I happen to love BBQ's too!)
Z- Zodiac: Aquarius

Travelin'

2008-04-16T19:14:00.000-07:00

***I meant to post this a couple weeks ago, it's a little late--oh well***

(4 April 2008)

I am so happy to be back in the USA! After an extremely interesting and memorable trip, I finally made it home and am just now getting back to D.C. time. We visited Bucharest, Romania and Tbilisi, Georgia for about a week.

Bucharest was our first stop and the city was charged with energy and anticipation for the NATO meetings.

Cops and soldiers were stationed on every corner and official motorcades zipped through every street. The NATO meetings were held in Parliament Palace--the second largest building next to the Pentagon. Sheesh, it is huge:

After my boss and I were finished with our meetings, we were able to explore the city again and meet up with a few of our Romanian friends. Ricky, who I met last year in Romania for a conference, and his wife, Kristina, spent time with us on the weekend and helped me buy a lot of trinkets and souvenirs! They are a wonderful and hilarious couple:

We were also able to spend a lot of our time with Nicole (her last name is too long for me to remember)! She was so gracious to spend most of her free time from work with me and Larry.

I had mentioned to Nicole that if there was enough time, I would like to go visit one of the LDS chapels in Bucharest. To my amazement, she knew exactly where one was and what time the service started. I didn't think I would have time to go to church on this trip, but was so excited when we arrived and a baby-faced missionary from Pleasant Grove, Utah was standing outside the church greeting the members and visitors. I was able to stay for a couple hours and it was wonderful to see the Church in action in a foreign country:

The chapel was surprisingly big!

Another favorite stop was the Bucharest Library. Go figure--Katie liking a library! I wish my mom could have seen this beautiful building. She's the reason I am such a book lover and would have loved this!

The last night in Bucharest we had a dinner with many of our friends at a traditional Romanian restaurant. Don't mind the hostage-looking photo with the newspaper....they all thought it was pretty funny that this would be my photo if I was ever kidnapped.

Next stop was Tbilisi, Republic of Georgia (just across the Black Sea from Romania). After a quick flight and layover in Istanbul, Turkey, we arrived for our extremely short stay in this beautiful country. Here's a map of the country to get a better idea of where we were. Georgia is the country in brown--it's as close to Iraq as I ever want to get:

We stayed at the Marriott in Tbilisi and just as I suspected, there was a Book of Mormon in the night stand. It was great to see, even if many of the people there haven't even heard of LDS.

Right outside the window of my room was the Freedom Square, which is crowded at all times-day or night. This square is supposed to function as a round-about, but there really is no rhyme or reason to how people drive. Our taxi's didn't have any seat belts and many windows were cracked or had holes in it. Pedestrians also don't have the right of way--something I learned very quickly. I decided to follow the old people whenever I needed to cross the street. I figured they have lived this long so they must know the secrets of survival. Here are a few pics from my window and the streets around the hotel--

The last night of our visit, our friends took us to a traditional Georgian restaurant. It was such good food--a lot of meats, breads and cheeses.

The best part of the night were the Georgian dancers and singers. Here, again, are a few pics--

..yes that is a real bottle of wine on his head!--and here are some short (and poor quality) video smidgets. First up--the singers are warming up (I think)...

Okay, now they're crackin'--take a listen..

Oh boy, the first dancer of the night. He really gets down at the end ...

Here's a bit of a beautiful lady at the first of the clip..yes, I realize half of it is sideways :)

At the end is the dude with the bottle on his head. Now where in the world can you watch a guy dance with a bottle of wine on his head while still looking semi "macho?" Here, at the end of the clip, the dancer gets ready--

..and off he goes.....!

..and finally, two beefcakes for my sis, Mel-

...yes those were real swords and I was a tad too close for comfort.

Okay, I think I'm done with this entry, finally! I wish the videos were easier to see, it was quite amazing. I'll be back soon with a report on our California trip--lucky you.

What's going on lately...

2008-03-22T18:44:00.000-07:00

A few friends have wondered what has been going on in our lives lately. Well, let's see--- Since Adam returned from Iraq late last year, we have been slowly returning to our normal routine. It was so difficult to be apart from each other for over a year and neither of us will ever be the same again. It's amazing how two people can grow closer to each other with thousands of miles between them. Okay, I'm not a sap, but I love that Adam and I are together again. (Okay, yes I am a sap..) Other families who have been through the same thing will understand.

As many of you know, Adam and I have been wanting to have kids for a number of years now. We can't wait to start our own little family unit and hope to be blessed in the next couple years. Speaking of babies..my little brother and his beautiful wife, Lauren, just had a daughter a few days ago. Congratulations! I love Avery Claire Barney! I'll post some pics soon of their little bundle of joy. I can't wait to meet her.

Adam and I will be in and out of the house over the next couple of months. I am going to Romania again this week and also on to Tbilisi, Georgia (the country, not the state). It's as far from home as I have ever been, so we'll see what kinds of adventures my boss and I will have! Adam and I then go to California with my sister's family and will spend a couple days in San Diego to visit Adam's side of the fam. A few weeks after that, Adam will be in Germany for a while and I hope to get in a quick trip to Utah during that time too.

Let's see, what else can I tell whoever reads this blog about our lives? Well, I finally went to one of Adam's church basketball games this morning. Tis the season for March Madness--they won their first game, but were eliminated the second game by one of the single's wards. I must say that it wasn't necessarily fair that they made the old married farts play two games in a row--but I kept my mouth shut. Adam was smacked around quite a bit, but boy is he quick on the floor! There is hope yet for our kids! Here's a picture from my phone (I only have the back side of Adam, #15)..
Well, that's it for tonight. I promise to update more often...;)

If I were a Jane Austen heroine, I would be....

2008-03-17T15:34:00.000-07:00

Take the Quiz here!

I guess that's about right...

It's my birthday and I'll cry if I want to...

2008-02-11T19:10:00.000-08:00

So, as of tomorrow, I only have one more year left in my 20's and there is so much I want to accomplish before I turn 30. When Adam and I were first married, I thought I would have had at least two kids before I was 30. So I guess that means I would have to get preggo real soon and have twins--yikes. Well, since that isn't going to happen, I guess I will have to pretend and steal my friend's kids every now and then. I'm also in love with my Sunbeams too, so that helps. So, to all my D.C. area friends--please call me if you ever need a babysitter!

Nightline segment on Adam's brother in Iraq..

2008-01-26T18:23:00.001-08:00

In case you missed it (or didn't even know to begin with), here is a link to the Nightline segment of Adam's brother Nick in Iraq and his wife trying to deal with everything at home in Kansas. We pray and think about them daily.

I don't think I know who I am anymore...

2008-01-07T20:15:00.000-08:00

I just took this poll and I am not really sure how this happened. I guess I should say "Go Hillary?" I am ashamed of myself. What has happened to me? (P.S.--Adam says I shouldn't be ashamed--maybe just surprised. All I have to say to that is--"Oh Hillary, were those real tears?")

75% Hillary Clinton

75% John Edwards
74% Barack Obama

73% Dennis Kucinich
73% Chris Dodd
69% Mike Gravel
68% Joe Biden
66% Bill Richardson
45% Rudy Giuliani
32% Tom Tancredo
30% John McCain
29% Mitt Romney
20% Fred Thompson
17% Ron Paul
15% Mike Huckabee

2008 Presidential Candidate Matching Quiz

January is awesome.....

2008-01-04T17:45:00.000-08:00

because of this!

Don't deny it--you all love it too!

Astle Cookie Extravaganza

2007-12-18T19:17:00.001-08:00

We had a great time at the Astle party on Sunday. Notice the great photography with the group picture..is the room tilting?

A few Romania pics.....

2007-12-01T09:29:00.001-08:00

2007-11-04T17:47:00.001-08:00

Don't we look so young! I love you babe!

Yo Yo

2007-11-01T15:20:00.000-07:00

Katie Loves Adam

So many people to thank...

2007-02-06T18:24:00.000-08:00

Thank you to the Hiponia's, Astle's, Campbell's and Heath's who have all fed me recently. Home-cooked food with a family is so much better than cereal and Lean Cuisine!

Masterpiece Theatre Addict

2007-02-03T20:46:00.000-08:00

I spent most of my day watching The Way We Live Now--a Masterpiece Theatre production and birthday gift from Adam. I love almost anything Masterpiece Theatre-y. The Way We Live Now is one of the best they've ever done. Thanks Adam!

I love me some SKYPE

2007-02-02T17:29:00.000-08:00

Me and Skype have been best friends for a few months now. I hurry home from work to log on to my Mac and see what Skype has to offer. Skype can make my day or it can put me in a sour mood for the rest of the night. If you have never been introduced to my friend, click here and you'll see why I love it. So many people to see and talk to around the world! Oh, but I really only want to see a certain Skype member and I think everyone can guess who that is (picture is of Adam, my niece Cassie and me counting down the New Year---even though it was really 8:00am in Baghdad for him). Recently, I have been trying to recruit everyone I know to get a login id, not just to webcam with me, but to webcam with Adam. It is amazing that I have a better phone connection with Adam while he is in Baghdad than I ever did when he was in New Jersey!

Welcome Welcome Welcome!

2007-02-02T17:03:00.000-08:00

So, blogging seems the thing to do these days. It has taken quite a while for me to catch on, but I have quite a bit of extra time on my hands since Adam left. This picture was taken when I snuck up to Philadelphia Airport to see Adam leave before he left for some training in Arizona. He had been in New Jersey for a couple months and I just had to see him since I knew he would be leaving for good soon after. Even though he was only a few hours away, I was only able to get less than 2 hours with him at the airport. Speaking of New Jersey.....let's just say I don't have fond memories of that state. Adam has better connection in Baghad than he ever did for the few months he was at Fort Dix.