This week,

I'm grateful for...

- My Job! I love my job.  It always seems like the worst thing when I am on vacation... since I feel so tied down.  Then I come home, go back to work, and remember how much I love the work I do.  It is incredibly fulfilling and challenging.  I feel like I am learning to be a better communicator, advocate, and listener.  I can't believe I get paid to eat with and talk to people all day long, and do a whole bunch of paperwork about it all.  It's dreamy!

- Chapstick! That dry Utah air was a killer.  Thank heavens for chapstick to keep my little lips from cracking and peeling (it's so attractive).  Chapstick is definitely a winter necessity and I'm so grateful it exists.  Who's with me on this one?

- Ankle boots! It took me a while to figure out what to wear them with, but then it all clicked and now they are my go to for everything! Church: ankle boots. Grocery store: ankle boots. Work: ankle boots. Date: ankle boots. Game night: ankle boots pajamas!  My personal favorite is wearing them with cuffed pants.  Ankle boots are certainly my footwear crush... well, the cheetah sneaks are high up there, too. 

This week,

I'm grateful for...

- Jesus Christ! He is the gift.  He is the Savior of the world.  Because of Him, I can be forgiven.  Because of Him, I can change for the better.  Because of Him, I can heal from my struggles.  He is the Son of God.  He is the source of true happiness and everlasting peace.  He is always there for me, waiting for me to turn to Him.  He is comfort, He is Love, He is Christmas!

- Cameras! They make it possible to capture the fun moments and awesome adventures we have in life, and also record those crazy dance videos.  I cherish the pictures I have.  They help me remember specific wonderful moments.  Cameras can capture intense emotions, details of relationships, and incredible landscapes.  Cameras are totally awesome!

- Jeremy! It makes it a little easier to leave my family knowing that I get to be with him all of the time.  He is just the greatest.  I am one lucky girl to have my best friend by my side.  He believes in me and encourages me to chase my dreams.  He is incredibly patient, kind, and so so funny.  I just love him. 

Merry Christmas!!

This week,

I'm grateful for...

- Sleep! Earlier this week I was starting to feel unwell. I couldn't really figure it out, but I was feeling slightly achey and had hints of the chills. I realized I had stayed up way later on Friday and Saturday than I typically do, so I focused on getting adequate rest the next couple of days.  And I never got hit with anything! Sleep enabled my body to regenerate. Sleep allowed my body to focus on fighting whatever was trying to take me down. Sleep is amazing!!

- Journaling! I don't journal as often as I would like to and I find that I always enjoy it when I do. I write whatever comes to mind and switch from topic to topic in a haphazard manner. I consistently find clarity and strength when I journal. I find focus and a recommitment to work on things that will help me become the person I want to be. I hope to journal more regularly in the future. I'm shooting for once a week. 

- Airplanes! Airplanes totally rock! I know I take all of the science and engineering for granted, but when I stop to think... How cool is that I can get on the other side of the country and all I do is sit there?? Airplanes allow me to see my family, travel to my favorite destinations no matter where I live, and explore the world. They open up all sort of possibilities. I am so grateful for airplanes. 

Family here I come!!

This week,

I am grateful for:

- Umbrellas!  We have had a lot of rain this past week, so I am very grateful for umbrellas.  They keep me from being completely pelted by water.  Well, they typically keep at least my face from getting pelted by water, unless the rain is coming at me horizontal (then forget it!).  Regardless, umbrellas are pretty great.

- Snow!  When I walked out of the door today, it was unexpectedly snowing.  I just loved it!  I didn't realize how much I liked the snow until this past year.  While we have been considering where our next adventure will be, I have been vetoing any place that doesn't get a substantial amount of snow.  Who knew I loved it so much?!

- Hot Chocolate! It saved me earlier this week when the heater was on the fritz at work.  I was freezing all day (we were all wearing our winter coats in our offices), until I had some hot chocolate and then my heart was warmed and all was well.  Hot chocolate can make such a huge difference and it tastes AMAZING!  Yum... it's my fave!

Anything you're grateful for this week?

Let's Give Thanks (all year long)

In my attempts to be more grateful all year long, not just in November, I will post 3 things I'm grateful for every week.  I may miss a few here and there because life can be really exciting, but I'm going to try and stay consistent with this one.

This week I am grateful for:

- Oranges! They are so delicious.  My favorite is the Cara Cara orange, which I haven't seen in the grocery store yet, but hopefully soon.  Sometimes the chore of peeling the orange can get in the way of enjoying the orange.  I have been cutting them into quarters with a sharp knife and peeling each quarter on it's own.  It seems to work better and then I eat more oranges.  Hooray!

- Christmas Lights! They just make my day.  I love how they sparkle and glisten and figuratively (and literally) brighten any room. Pair Christmas lights with Christmas music and some hot chocolate and now you are having a good time. That's basically what I do every night, sometimes switching the hot chocolate out for popcorn depending on how cold I am. 

- Online Shopping! It really just simplifies life.  I love how I don't have to spend hours running around in the cold trying to find the perfect gift.  I can find them online and take advantage of a sale or some coupon codes to get a good deal and then send it on it's way.  I do like to get out in the shopping frenzy for a few small things though.  It can be quite entertaining.

What are you grateful for this week?

day of traditions!

 yesterday we started off with (gluten free) pumpkin waffles and homemade syrup (tradition!).

 it was basically pumpkin cake covered in a caramelized glaze.  yum!  the syrup was tough. my impatience burned the first batch, but the second attempt turned out just great (because jeremy came to help).  he's a wise and patient soul.

then we went to the movies (tradition!) and had popcorn, milk duds, and m&ms for lunch.

we saw mocking jay, part 1 and we both really liked it.  we found out the movie theater by our house upgraded to recliners!  it was a pleasant surprise.  it was the comfiest movie ever.  and we love it when the theaters are empty.  everyone had their own row.

then we added some leaves to our thankful tree (tradition!).

we have never made one this big before; we usually just draw it on a piece of construction paper. we built it on sunday and have been adding leaves throughout the week. we even got friends to add to it.  i'm thinking next year we will make it on november 1st and add a few leaves everyday.  we had one rule for the leaves... NO REPEATS.  so there are some creative things on there.

then we went downtown to joe's for dinner - third year in a row (tradition!).

i'd rather spend the day playing than slaving away in the kitchen, so out to eat for thanksgiving dinner it is.  we rounded up some friends to come with us.  they were all up for the lack of prep work and dishes.  we both got the turkey dinner (5 out of 6 of us did actually - 1 got a burger) and we loved every bite.  

then we came home and had some (gf) pumpkin pie for dessert while we filled up the thankful tree with the rest of the leaves.  the pumpkin part was delicious and the crust was not fabulous - chalky with a weird after taste.  maybe next year i will be brave enough to try an make my own. 

it was a fabulous day.  i love a day off to hang out with my bestie.

Let's give thanks, Week 4

Week 3
Week 2
Week 1

#10
I am grateful for traditions.  They bring me so much joy and they are incredibly grounding.  I'm grateful that traditions connect me to my family even when I am not with them.  I'm grateful for traditions that make me laugh.  I'm grateful that I can pass traditions on to connect past and future generations. I'm grateful that traditions help me remember all of the fun I've had over the years.

#11
I am grateful for our car.  It's not fancy and it's not new.  It joined us within a few weeks of getting married and has been a champ.  I'm grateful that our car gets me to and from work safely each day.  I'm grateful that the heater works.  I'm grateful that it gets pretty good gas mileage.  I'm grateful that our car has been pretty reliable.  I'm grateful that we have had the means to fix it when it needed some extra love so it can keep chugging along.

#12
I am grateful for uplifting music.  Music is something I have loved from a very young age.  I started singing solos in church when I was only 6.  I'm grateful that music can deeply touch the soul. I'm grateful that music can portray hard to describe emotions.  I'm grateful that music can be experienced and appreciated across language barriers.  I'm grateful that uplifting music allows me to connect with and praise God.

Maybe I will keep this weekly gratitude going.  It's certainly something I could do more than once a year. 

Let's give thanks, Week 3

Week 2
Week 1

Continuing the attitude of gratitude, it will give you a happy heart.  Start today!

#7
I am grateful for things that keep me warm.  It has gotten chilly over here.  Well, it has gotten chilly everywhere.  I wasn't quite prepared for it.  I am grateful for a heated apartment that keeps us safe.  I am grateful for my winter gear that keeps me warm.  I am grateful for hot chocolate (with whipping cream on top) that soothes my soul.  I am grateful for the heater in my car that makes driving in the cold a little more bearable. 

#8
I am grateful for learning.  It can be fun and it can be really hard.  I am grateful that learning leads to more knowledge.  I am grateful that learning is something I can do my whole life.  I am grateful for the patience and humility learning teaches me.  I am grateful that learning challenges me to grow.  I am grateful that learning helps me reach out to others either for support or just fun new connections.

#9
I am grateful for technology.  It can be great and it can also be a giant waste of time.  I am grateful that technology helps me stay connected to my family.  I am grateful that technology allows me to capture and memorialize all of our adventures.  I am grateful that technology gives me the opportunity to explore any topic in the world.  I am grateful that technology can provide some pretty good entertainment.

One more week to go!

Let's give thanks, Week 2

Week 1

Just practicing gratitude over here.  Join in, being grateful makes you happy.  Science says so.

#4
I am grateful for nature.  Nature seriously rocks.  I am grateful for the gorgeous and varied terrain, especially the tall mountains and the pristine lakes.  I am grateful for the seasons that come and go.  I am grateful for the wonders of a caterpillar turning to a butterfly.  I am especially grateful for the mesmerizing sky with its ever-moving clouds by day and its glistening stars by night.  I am grateful for the peace nature brings me. 

#5
I am grateful for friends.  Good friends are hard to come by, so it's important to work for those friendships and not let them slip away.  I am grateful for the deep discussions we have.  I am grateful for the respect we have for each other and the ways we choose to live our lives.  I am grateful for the things we learn from each other.  I am grateful for the support they give to me.  I am grateful for the fun we have together.

#6
I am grateful for God.  God is good.  God is loving.  I am grateful for the guidance He gives me when I wander.  I am grateful for the comfort He gives me when I struggle.  I am grateful for the strength He gives me when I am scared.  I am grateful God created such a beautiful and amazing place for us to live.  I am grateful that He cares for me and is in the details of my life.  I am grateful to be His child.  I am grateful God has a plan for us to return to Him.

Let's give thanks, Week 1

I just love this beautiful month dedicated to giving thanks.  I don't want to let this season escape me without taking advantage of the focus it gives us.  I am going to post 3 things I am grateful for every week... because posting everyday is exhausting.  Here we go!

#1
I am grateful for Jeremy.  He is a caring soul.  He is smart, determined, and oh so good looking.  I am grateful that he loves me.  I am grateful that he forgives me.  I am grateful that he listens to me.  I am grateful that he does the laundry.  I am grateful that he let's me be me.  I am grateful to have such a stellar person by my side.  I am grateful that he's my best friend. 

#2
I am grateful for my family.  They are hilarious, adventurous, and fiercely loyal.  I am grateful that we love being together.  I am grateful that I feel their love and support consistently even though we live so far away.  I am grateful for their righteous examples.  I am grateful for their encouragement.  I am grateful that they believe in me.  I am grateful for our awesome adventures.

#3
I am grateful for my body.  It is strong, reliable, and resilient. I am grateful that it can move to the beat and listen to the birds.  I am grateful that my body allows me to give hugs, see sunsets, and smell cookies (GF of course).  I am grateful that my body can take me to the top of mountains.  I am grateful for the beautiful instrument that my body is and all that it allows me to do and experience. 

What are you grateful for this week?

november letters

dear november,
wow, you're here already. time certainly flies.  you come bearing the holiday season, which is always fun.  may you be filled with hand-drawn turkeys and pumpkins galore.

dear gratitude,
you are the real key to happiness. a grateful heart can alter any situation.  i love that this whole month is dedicated to increasing our thankfulness.  let's make sure we make the most of it. 

dear pumpkins,
i'm glad you get to stick around after halloween.  skully is all moldy at this point and will be going in the trash.  but at least we have two others that are holding up quite well on our windowsill.  i am loving what they add to the room. 

dear thanksgiving,
you have morphed into one of the weirdest traditions, which happens to also be one of my favorites.  like in years past, we will be enjoying our turkey dinner at one of our favorite restaurants on newbury street.  no work and all play around these parts sometimes.  

dear black friday,
maybe i will join in the madness.  maybe i won't.  i can't decide if i love the deals and the craziness or if the consumerism frenzy is more disgusting (maybe too strong of a word?) especially right after a day that is supposed to be the epitome of giving thanks.  i guess i have some time to think that one over.

dear leaves,
keep it coming.  it's been beautiful so far.  i keep picking up the colorful treasures and keeping them until they wilt.  what a treat!

xoxo, katie

giving thanks #30

i'm thankful for Christmas!

here's our heart tree!

we spent the day setting up our festive decorations while listening to christmas music.  what a lovely time of year!

giving thanks #29

i'm thankful for friday nights in.

they usually consist of candy, movies, and ice cream.  our newest tv series is the big bang theory.  we bought season one at target today (gotta love those black friday deals).  with all of the laughing we have had around here tonight, i have a feeling more seasons will make their way on to our christmas wishlists. 

giving thanks #28

i'm thankful for family traditions.

we participated in four of my family's thanksgiving traditions today even though we weren't with them.  that's the cool thing about traditions... they connect you to family and help you feel closer even when you are on opposite sides of the country. interestingly enough, my family started each of these traditions when we lived in Wyoming (1999 to 2004), away from all of our extended family.  there's certainly something about family traditions.  they just make life better.

 #1

 we started our morning off with pumpkin waffles and homemade buttermilk syrup.  my mom has been making these every year for at least 10 years.  jeremy and i tag-teamed it.  i made the waffles, jeremy took on the syrup (which he perfected beautifully this time!).  we plan to have round two this weekend.  can't let homemade buttermilk syrup go to waste.

 #2

we saw a movie in the afternoon.  we used to see the new disney releases every thanksgiving and sometimes we still do, but this year jeremy and i saw the new hunger games and it was awesome! we couldn't remember what happened in the book so we were pretty much on the edge of our seats.  movies on thanksgiving rock.  there were only six other people in the theater and who doesn't want lots of popcorn and candy for lunch?!

 #3

we enjoyed our delicious thanksgiving feast at a restaurant, joe's american bar and grill on newbury street, just like last year.  this started back in 2004 when we met our dear friends, the brus family, at disneyland for thanksgiving and we had thanksgiving dinner at the restaurant hotel.  we had such a fun time that we continued meeting them in different locations for thanksgiving every other year and finding a random place to eat our big feast. i love it because it suddenly becomes stress free holiday.  no slaving away in the kitchen before and after the meal.  just a play day for all!

#4

we ended our night by adding things we are thankful for to our thankful tree.  for years ours has always been 2D, drawn on paper with construction paper leaves glued to the tree.  the concept must be gaining popularity because i have seen some pretty cool 3D versions online with real tree branches even.  maybe we will get all fancy next year.  it would be an adorable center piece for the whole month.

we had a lovely day.  hope your thanksgiving was lovely as well!



giving thanks #27

i'm thankful for the last can of pumpkin at the grocery store.

i found this beauty in the completely wrong section of the store after searching the usual places and they were long gone.  shame on me for trying to buy pumpkin the night before thanksgiving.  i grabbed the can, audibly gasped a few times, declared it the last can of pumpkin in the store, and tucked it safely into my "carriage" - as the east coasters would say.  pumpkin waffles will be happening in the morning. thanksgiving dreams do come true!

giving thanks #26

i'm thankful for scarves.

i may be a little obsessed.  i wear one almost everyday and i don't think i could possibly have too many of them.

giving thanks #25

i'm thankful for my bed.

it's so cozy!  i'm so glad i have a nice (and warm) place to sleep at night.

something i often take for granted.

giving thanks #24

i'm thankful for game nights and ice cream.

a perfect combo.

we are loving spending time with family!

giving thanks #23

i'm thankful for airplanes.

especially the airplanes that take us out of town.  

we are spending the weekend in maryland with jeremy's parents.  we will be seeing a show, checking out the amish country just north, and eating lots of delicious food.  hooray for vacations! even mini ones.

giving thanks #22

i'm thankful for my job.

cards from our awesome clients

i love my job!  my coworkers rock and i love that i am doing something i enjoy so much.  graduate school was so worth it.  i am doing what i dreamed of doing.  it is challenging as well as rewarding. it makes me stretch and grow which can be such a painful process and i know i that i am learning crucial skills for my career.  i love that i get to see people change, becoming healthier and happier.