The apple doesn't fall far from the tree

Pretty sure Carli gets this from her Daddy. She has figured out all on her own how to turn on the stereo, then turn it up. That's her favorite, obviously.

I'll see you in September. . .

I realized that I only usually talk about Carli. I guess I'll update on the rest of the family, although we're not nearly as exciting.

Logan just passed his yearmark at his company. He is still enjoying his job and is as happy as ever. He is the branch clerk, so he spends most of his day at church on Sunday and we both spend Wednesday nights there (seeing as he has no assistant). He has been running most mornings and has grown to love it (it would take a lot for me to get to that point), but he's not quite sure what he'll do once winter comes. He's thought about jump-roping in the basement/garage or going to the high school across the street to the open gym in the morning. Anyone have any good suggestions for exercise when you can't do it outside and you don't have a home gym? Logan has also become Carli's main man, especially on Monday and Tuesday nights when he gets her dinner and gets her to bed. He even makes me dinner on those nights! She sure loves him - she must take after her mother. :)


I spend my time watching Carli grow and loving it. She amazes me everyday. I am enjoying my job as well. It is difficult at times, but I am sure learning a lot. I'm sure that understanding how to overcome power struggles with children (anyone, for that matter) will come in handy in the not-too-distant future. . . I'm the 2nd counselor in Young Women. Working with the young women has been fun. It's pretty humbling what these girls deal with, and amazing how easy they are to love, even when you want to whap 'em. I can't believe we've been here a year! I have really enjoyed the summer, and unlike some of you others, it could last forever for all I care. Don't get me wrong, the falls are beautiful here and you can't ask for better weather, but the cooler temp, the crisp smell and all those things I usually love just remind me that winter is coming. Ugh. . . At least I'm prepared this year.

Carli is getting around more and more. She finally cut another tooth today that she's been working on for awhile. She started to pull herself up to standing last week, and it wasn't a day before she realized she could also climb. This picture was when she first made that discovery, with Dad's ever-ready hands in the background.

We went to storytime at the library and she loved seeing all the little kids. It was unbelievable how well she paid attention to the reader. Her thrill was apparent as she clapped her hands and repeated "Yayayayaya" throughout the stories and songs.
Our forward-thinker is already contemplating her future career. This is when she tried out mechanics for a day. This is a pretty typical expression when the camera comes out. It's like she's wondering "Mom, I'm not sure what you find so amusing, I'm trying to work here." Such a serious girl.

What can you expect in the coming weeks? Hopefully lots of time outside so Carli can store up some vitamin D. We're anticipating some fun things in October and November, but the rest of September will be a time to relax and enjoy time together.

Family Time

Princess Carli in her Bumbo throne, awaiting her feast.
Carli drowning her ear infection sorrows.
Carli and Haven - the best seats in the house (or out of it).
Ben and Haven
Carli and Papa Tommy

Logan and Haven

Dad and Carli

Papa Tommy and Rory

Create your own caption - I'd give anything to know what was going through her mind in this moment.

Is that the cutest ruffly bum you've ever seen? Actually, that's more of a statement than a question.

We had a fun time with Grammy and Papa Tommy in town the past week. We loved having them and can't wait to see them again at Thanksgiving! We're already planning.

Carli has realized her potential real estate and is now all over the house - down the hall, in the kitchen, in the bathroom, anywhere I am. She sure is fun to have around.

9 months going on 2

Apparently developing opinions is one of the first developmental steps in a child's life. Ironically enough, becoming "submissive like unto a child" seems to only apply to adults. I guess I never got the memo that I'm the clay, not Carli. As you can guess, Carli never gave in, so I've spent the week being the one to deal with the "cold turkey" quit (physically, emotionally, etc). It didn't seem to affect her much - I guess that's a good thing. It must have been an easy decision for her to make, it sure was a quick one. If only I could get over it that quickly. . .

I realized that this is the first year ever that back-to-school has had little to no effect on me. It's kind of exciting! But, it has made me miss teaching a little bit too. We have had a few changes though. I just started working with a program for autistic children. I am training to be a therapist and I have loved it so far. I work with a 4-year-old boy who is adorable and I've already learned a lot. The training hours have meant that Carli has gone to play at other people's houses, and she's learned a few new tricks. She's on her knees more often (thanks to her 10-month-old friend), working on pulling herself up, and today when I was playing the cello she was dancing! It was the cutest! Luckily, after next week she and her dad will have some quality time while I go for just a few hours a week.

Our sleeping schedule has been somewhat interrupted with the Olympics. We can't get enough of them and we'll be sad when they're over on Sunday. Those athletes are all so amazing. It's made me think though - would I ever want my children to dedicate their lives to one thing like that? I haven't decided yet. . .

A Snapagus on Strike

The concerned look of a Snapagus on strike.

How has she been wronged? Workers' rights violations? Mistreatment of Snapaguses?

Sources say it could have been brought on by any number of situations - teeth, hormones, self-weaning - but the Snapagus isn't talking.

This is the second of such movements and most likely will not be the last. The last was successful and her demands were met with complete surrender.

Unfortunately, only one side can win in these situations, and the past record indicates the victor is sure.

(Hopefully this one doesn't last as long as the last one. Any suggestions? She insists on using a sippy cup, not even a bottle, and even further, she screams if you try to help her, she has to do it herself. Is this a vision of the future?)

Another Carli Video

You might find this boring, but watching Carli feed herself is one of my favorite pastimes.

Finally something fun to look at. . .

I finally got new batteries for the camera, so here are some updated pics and a video.

I was trying to get a picture of Carli's two little toothies, but she insisted on putting things in her mouth right when I clicked. Is there a sense of humor in those eyes, or what?!

What a cute little grin with her daddy's grooved chin!

This is the how-are-you-going-to-react-Mom look she gives me when she's doing something she's not supposed to. I had just cleaned up her room and left for a second only to come back and find her emptying the shelf again.

This is a video of her army crawl. She's just started to rock on her knees and to try to pull herself up on things. She's moving right along!

Happy Anniversary!

3 Years! Here's the run-down in pictures. . . First, I'd like to thank. . .

The Jeep

Lanie,

And, of course, Logan's coolness.

Thanks to them, we got engaged,

Then married.

We had our honeymoon,

My graduation (can't find the pics) and the move across the country.

Our first anniversary at Chesapeake Bay.

Our second anniversary in St. George. (Sorry for the crooked pic.)

Logan's graduation.

Another move across the country (baby en route).

And, sadly enough, I think this is the most recent picture of us as a family. I know, we better work on that. Anyway, I won't get too mushy here, but the last three years have gone by so quickly because they have been the most fun of my life. I knew exactly what I was getting into when I married Logan - pure happiness! Turns out, it's even better than I thought it would be. Happy Anniversary!

Memories

My friend Michelle had this on her blog and it looked fun! Now I see that it's a blogging epidemic (like tags, etc), so I guess I'd better join the club.

Here are the directions:
1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!
2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you. If you don't want to play on your blog, or if you don't have a blog, I'll leave my memory of you in my comments.

It was funny when I was thinking of memories for other people. I haven't thought about some of those memories in years. It's a fun way of reminiscing.

Mallory and Kurt said...

Walking all over downtown D.C. desperately trying to find jobs for the summer and feeling pretty much hopeless. Can you believe that was already two years ago? Oh oh oh and that time we walked all over who knows where trying to find some place to eat and finally finding that ghetto hole in the ground (literally) fish place. Then sitting on the side of the street to eat and being harassed by that homeless man who told me I looked like Julia Roberts.

JULY 14, 2008 AT 10:08 PM 

Michelle said...

First of all the memory you left made me laugh! How could I forget that? :)

I have a lot of fun memories with you in Park Place. You were my life line when our place was messy. You were the best homemaker even before you were married. I loved taking the foods class with you the year after we roomed together. That was fun. I remember you were always so friendly with everyone in our ward and made friends quickly. Do you remember the ward water activity at the bishop's house? I can't believe that has been 5 years ago! Wow.

JULY 15, 2008 AT 12:06 PM 

Jenks Family said...

That's funny that you remember my yellow dress from when I was 7 (I absolutely loved that dress, but my mom always tried to get me to wear something else - yellow isn't always the best color on toeheads). haha You have a great memory!
I, definitely, remember the sleep overs at Sara's house. We would try to stay up really late talking, but Sara's mom would shush us and we'd all crash.
I remember eating popcorn and watching movies there. I'm glad we had Sara's house. :)
I remember that you were the most kind and relaxed person I knew growing up. You always befriended everybody - I love that about you!

JULY 16, 2008 AT 12:24 PM 

Jess & Jessica said...

I remember being in young women's with you so many years ago and acting in the play that sister billing's wrote for our road show. I think it was a spin off of grease. You were always so nice to me. Thank you!!!

JULY 21, 2008 AT 10:32 AM 

Shanna said...

I remember changing your diapers. And a little later in life, giving you an adjective and having you "show us" what it looked like by displaying a particular facial expression. You were such a cute little girl. I also have some other great memories of you that I better not share...

JULY 22, 2008 AT 1:29 PM 

keekerann said...

oh so many memories... what to choose? how about the time you got that grow a date as a present, and you rejected him, and jed and i hung him from the toilet? or how you named all of your dolls and stuffed animals pinki? or you getting mad every time we told you to settle grettle? or telling you to run around the house 5 times to get your energy out, and you did it? or, or, or... this list could go on and on. but they were all fun, right baby sis? oh yeah, there the one where you would tell everyone that you may be the youngest, but there were bigger babies in the family! :) i love you!

JULY 22, 2008 AT 4:36 PM 

Callie said...

Hmmm...so many to pick from. I liked Kera's...
I was just thinking of the time Andrew and I tried to convince you it was alright to kiss *** (I leave names out for privacy sake :)) Good thing you had better taste?

JULY 22, 2008 AT 5:22 PM 

AubsofSteel said...

KATE!!! I have been trying to contact you for forever! I was just reading through some old journals and letters I have and I came across your name and your handwriting a lot! I am totally serious, I just came downstairs thinking, "Alright, enoughs enough, I'm gonna find that girl!" And here you are! I love you! I miss you! I hope you are doing fantastically well. Your Carli is precious! Anyway, I hope to hear from you soon...and I suppose I should put in a memory to make this little comment have a point. Do you remember that time I made you a beautiful gift of tootsie rolls and a dead tree twig? Ah, that was a a beautiful gift, wasn't it? Talk to you later babe! Love you!!

Happy July!

I can hardly believe it's actually July! Life is good here. All I can say is that the summer weather here almost makes up for the winter weather (minus all the severe thunderstorms, but they usually happen at night anyway). I guess I wouldn't say that if my house was flooded though. Needless to say, we are enjoying summertime. The 4th of July was great. Ben, Rachel, Haven and Rory stayed with us and we loved it. We had a great barbecue, a fun round of croquet, and we went to the fireworks here in our little town. Carli sure wasn't a fan of them, but they were nice all the same. I have to say though, nothing will ever compare to this sight -

Watching the fireworks from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial will always be one of my most incredible memories. (That was already 2 years ago!)

We were happy to celebrate Haven's 3rd birthday while they were here as well, princess cake and all. What a cutie! She sure is growing up.

Other than that, I'm just trying to keep up with this little one.

I know, she looks sweet and innocent in this picture (and she is), but she sure can move. She's right on the verge of crawling, and she is fast! She also seems to be developing some opinions. She is so much fun right now. She's learning new tricks everyday and is discovering all sorts of things. Hopefully soon I'll be able to post a video of her "pre-crawling". (The battery only lasted long enough to get the pictures.)

This is a big month for our family - a nephew blessed, another nephew got his Eagle Scout Award, another nephew turns 2, a niece turns 3, another niece is blessed, my brother turns 34 (today - Happy Birthday Jason!), my sister turns 29, our third anniversary, my sister's 16th (I think) anniversary, and there's probably more. Pretty exciting, except that all those numbers make me feel old. Anyway, that's what calls for - HAPPY JULY!