Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Happier

I truly married the best man in the whole world. Nay, Universe.

Last night as we were going to sleep, your sweet daddy says...

"Hey. I think about you all day. I try to think about ways to help you. I always feel happier when I'm helping you."

And guess what! I feel happier when I'm helping him too. We are figuring this marriage thing out. It is 0% about me or about how clean my house is or cute I can decorate it or how skinny I am... It is 100% about serving my sweet husband. And letting him serve me. I love him so very much. I will never be able to thank Heavenly Father enough for letting us find each other.

Also kids, I can't wait to have you. Give me just another year or so to keep get out of school! Then I promise I'll try to get you down here as soon as I can.

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

No Time!

Dear Kids,

Life is busy these days. I only see your Daddy for about 2 hours every day. Which totally stinks! (That's not including the 7 hours we sleep) I have a lot to complain about with a full work and school schedule. But, I have far more to be grateful for. 

Even right now, I should be doing homework. I just feel overwhelmed with gratitude for this amazing life I have the blessing of leading. I started keeping a grateful journal and it has helped my attitude immensely. 

My dear friend Cyndi gave me some great advice. Put your calling first and everything will fall into place. I hope that when I'm finally your mommy, I can put that calling first. But, for now. I put my laurels first. I pray for them so hard. I search for ways I can help them better. And, guess what! I got an 80% on a New Testament exam I thought I would fail, and I also nailed a Geology exam! Things do fall into place. I also have a very strong testimony of tithing. Elder Bednar helped me realize that in his talk last Saturday. Dad and I have many blessings because we pay our tithing. It has never been a question either. We have been very blessed. 

I'm so grateful to have the priesthood in my home. Just when I thought this schedule was going to be too much for me, your father laid his hands on my head and gave me a priesthood blessing. So that I could sort out my priorities and get through this busy time. That man I married is so wonderful. He blesses my life every day. And he never complains that I haven't cooked a meal in 2 months. Whoops! 

Our little life is beautiful. I have to get through these rough, busy, but amazing times so I can finally bring you little nuggets into this world! That also terrifies me. It's a rough world. And it is getting far worse. The Church is true. I love it with all my heart. 

Here's to more busy/great times ahead. 


Saturday, August 24, 2013

Our first home

Hey kids. I wanted to post a picture of our first home so I can always remember! Let's begin!

First is the kitchen! Here's our front door, which is technically a back door!


Those flowers on the table were in my car when I got off work last week. Your dad is a gem.


And here's my limited counter space where I have made many meals, and ruined just as many.


We keep a calendar on the fridge so I don't have to be mean and pester dad about the upcoming events in our life.


Then we move right on into the family room!


We got the TV from dads uncle who just happened to leave it at grandma and grandpas house when he moved to Hawaii! Lucky!





Just in case people forget where the are, we put our last name everywhere...





Here's our desk. Study area, recording area, we are gonna be one crazy family.


Nothing real exciting about the bathroom...







Or a hallway...




Here's our cute bedroom. We have the comfiest bed in the whole world. Our mattress was a wedding present from grandma and grandpa cook!!


It gets really hot cuz we don't control the AC. So we always have our fan on!


We also don't want to pay for drapes. So this suffices.






And last but not least... Because it can never stay clean... The "hotel de la shoe" as daddy calls it :)




Here's to more memories.

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Birthday Boy

It's Trace's birthday! Happy birthday future daddy!! (Just a reminder, this blog is ALWAYS directed towards our future kids; that was not an announcement.)

I know we haven't been very active on this blog, but I wanna wish my amazing partner in crime a happy birthday.




We have almost been married for 6 months! That's crazy! Here are some things I have loved about my best friend during this fun newlywed time.




He goes to bed late, which I don't like. But he always makes sure to say prayers with me and kiss my head.







He always puts family first. He is always saying we should stop by and say hi. I love when he asks when we get to watch the nephews again.




He is always trying to speak my love language. Which changes really often. I can always tell that he is trying to convey his love for me. I adore that.




He is always willing to run errands with me, even on busy Saturdays.

I also love his music. So I hope he enjoys his new recording equipment!!

Love you honey bunch.

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Hiatus. Sorry.

Wow! It's been a really really long time! 

Remember me complaining about hormones and all that jazz? Well, the problem is fixed! Hooray! Your Dad and I are in the greatest groove! We are communicating, compromising, and I can't think of another C. 

The thing is, since we got through the craziness of psycho Katelin, life seems like a breeze now! We are really looking out for each other and putting each other's needs first. This, kids, is love. 

We love our calling in the nursery. 

We go on lots of dates slash adventures. Here we tried to drive up the mountain to catch the sunset and ran into a a road closed with snow everywhere and missed the sunset. 

We said goodbye to your uncle Zach "Elder Rodgerson" and miss him so so much. 

We go on lunch dates when I have a day off

We go to bed way too late cuz we always end up telling stories from our childhood and laughing our heads off

We went camping with uncle Josh and his friends and it was a nightmare but had potential to be really fun... we'll try again soon. 

The sun is shining, summer is here, and love is in the air! 

Here's to newlywed life. 

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Intolerant.

Thank heavens I'm not referring to my sweet husband. He is quite tolerant.
What isn't, is my body.
Oh kids I hope I don't pass this on to you.
My whole life I have had two true loves. Your father... And ice cream.
However this weekend, as my hormones were giving me grief... I started realizing there was a pattern to my discomfort. It was strictly correlated with dairy.
Now I haven't confirmed this yet, but I plan to go without for a few days to make my final decision.
Funny story.
Today I didn't have any dairy all day. Then my loving husband, your sweet father, made me a milkshake. Since then I have felt like I should throw up because something isn't digesting right.
After your dad's friend left tonight, he came to lie down next to me. I began telling him how sad I was because I love milk and ice cream. Unfortunately, my hormones are RAGING. It turned into a full blown cry session and anxiety attack. We were laughing so hard but I also couldn't breathe because I was crying so hard.
"Katelin stop crying!!"
"I ca-a-an't!!! *gasp*"
"What's the matter?!"
"I *sniff* want to eat ice cream on the cruuuuuuise!!" *gasp for air*"

Good times.
Well ice cream, goodbye my lover. Goodbye my friend.

Saturday, March 9, 2013

Hypochondriac

Oh children. This is about to be a serious TMI moment. 

There's a little pill I have to take to make sure you don't come yet. It's been giving me some real issues and making my body really upset at me sometimes. 

I get random headaches, random nausea attacks, and random cramps. Oh, and also it makes me really mad for no apparent reason. 

Your father is sure that I'm a hypochondriac. That's a big word, kids. It means I'm a crazy person who thinks I'm sick all the time. But, the good news is. He stays by my side through it all. He is always offering to help and canceling plans to be with me. (even if I tell him not to) 

The point is... I married a very patient man. I love him very much. 

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Four Years Ago.

I'm sure you already know by now, but our first kiss, your father and I, was quite memorable. I'm sure the dating scene has evolved, or maybe it's regressed and no one even talks face to face anymore... either way, I probably don't let you date. The point is! Back in our day, there was this thing called a "DTR" (define the relationship). This meant you had to have a seriously awkward conversation. I hate confrontation... so young Katelin and Trace decided that after we had kissed, we had defined our relationship. 

Anyway... that was four years ago! Two of those years we weren't even together, but we were closer than ever. 


Guess what happened [almost] four weeks ago... We got married! Huzzah! It was the most perfect day of my whole life. 


After that perfect day, we went to New York! We had more perfect times. And some not so perfect times. AKA they lost my bag... but we got it later! don't worry! I'll post more on that in a while... 

Here's the gist, kids. The last four weeks have been the most fun, most crazy, most memorable, biggest learning experiences... of my life so far! I can't wait to tell you all about our crazy newlywed life. When we budgeted every penny, when I worked so hard to master recipes and be a good housewife. When we got into silly fights about baby blankets in our bed, and when we fell madly in love all over again because we got to stay up late talking about nothing every single night. 

I've already gotten sick and your daddy was a champ taking care of me. Making trips to the store for NyQuil, kneeling next to me to pray when that NyQuil had already kicked in and I was too doped up to kneel, etc. etc. etc. 

We pray every night and I know it makes a difference in our marriage. I hope we have taught you the same. Telling your Heavenly Father about your day should be one of your favorite things to do! He loves you, and so do we! 

Monday, February 11, 2013

As Is

Dear Kids,

This is my first letter to you, and the moral of the story is, your father is crazy. But, I love him oh so much.

Kids, you know how every time you try to ride on the shopping cart, I abruptly tell you to get right off? Well that's because one time, when mommy and daddy were out shopping, daddy thought it would be a good idea to ride the shopping cart.

We had just left Bed, Bath, and Beyond; we were using all of the gift cards from our wedding! Then we were headed to Target to do the same, we even got a gift card for Olive Garden, we were so excited to eat there!

BUT, there went your father, riding ahead, full speed on the shopping cart, feet up and everything. Then, all in one motion, the center of gravity shifted and down went that tall, handsome, insane man I married.

Daddy tried to stay calm, but he doesn't do very well with pain... we made it to Target, but not far in the parking lot. I was ordered to stop the car, get out, recline his seat, then go to the hospital. Instead, I called Nurse Kristi. Your Grandma Rodgerson is one cool cookie in situations like this!

We stayed in the parked car and took deep breaths for a long time then finally drove to Grandma's house.

She helped us clean out Daddy's hand. And now Daddy's in bed watching LOST.

He was so silly when he was in so much pain. When we were driving, he said the funniest things when we were driving home!

"Why can't I be like fetching Wolverine?! Then I could fetching heal myself!"

Silence... "Wow... that car's from Maine. That's far" More Silence....

I love him.


Side Story...
Yesterday when I was upset because your father likes to be wrapped up in blankets and not under the covers with me in bed, Grandma Rodgerson told me it was just like when you buy a skirt with a broken zipper. The tag says you get it "As Is" and you like it a lot in the store with the broken zipper. Then you take it home, and you always have the skirt with the broken zipper! Well, it's a bit extreme. But when you get married, you get your spouse AS IS!! I love my broken zipper. He makes me laugh. All the time.

Something New.

The other day I took this video of Trace because I was bored...

I got a crazy idea. 

A new point of view for our blog. Each entry will be addressed to our future children. This is gonna be awesome. 

Saturday, January 12, 2013

Credit.

When my dear Trace does something sweet, he never does it so he can get some points or anything like that. I can always tell he does out of genuine love and care. Often times he does it quietly without telling me what's happening. Whether its doing the dishes or just getting up to refill my drink. Last night was a wonderful example. And I would like to give credit where credit is due.
This is a very detailed account. But I never want my kids to not know that their father loves their mother very much.
Around 10:00 I started getting a headache. I usually get a headache around 10:00 it's weird. So I laid on his bed and slept while he cleaned his room and wrote some letters. Then he napped too, we woke up about 11:45 and I felt like I was going to to die. Everyone at work has had the flu so of course I was panicking, praying I wouldn't throw up. Trace had to drive me home anyway, so we went downstairs, he gathered all my things (I had lots of extra stuff for some reason) put me in the car and drove me home. I thought to myself, he is so sweet. But then we got home. He carried everything in and I said "thanks honey, drive safe getting home!" He turned me around, pushed me down to my room (gently), stayed outside the door and pulled it shut. I put my pjs on and opened the door to tell him goodbye, he pulled me upstairs, put toothpaste on my toothbrush and walked out again. Then pulled me back to my room, tucked me in, held my hands and said a beautiful prayer. I said thank you and goodnight and he said "oh I'm not leaving until you're asleep" then Kelsey told us she felt awkward cuz we were whispering so we went upstairs by the fire. He tickled my back (which I think he hates so its even sweeter when he does it for extended periods of time) while I wiggled around wanting to die. I finally found a comfy spot totally facing away from him. Poor thing, I didn't even feel like cuddling. I fell asleep around 12:45 and woke up at 1:30. I hope he slept too. He made sure I'd be ok then drove home on the icy roads.
I have no doubt I am going to be well taken care of the rest of my life.
I love you Tracer.





Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Running Late

Am I too late to get my resolutions down? 
A goal not written is only a wish.

No? K good! 

Well here goes. 

Physical:

Run the Deseret News 10k again and beat my time by 5 minutes

Only eat crappy fast food once a week (McDonalds, Wendy's, Taco Bell)

Walk to Rodgerson's (when we live on the other side of the hill) either to get my car, or to walk back with Trace -- as soon as it's warm enough to do so.


Domestic:

Get into habits and a schedule with cooking and cleaning.

Try new things in my cooking.

Make real desserts for my sweetheart with a sweet tooth.

Keep the house clean - and deep clean it every Saturday.


Emotional:

Get married... to a dream boat of a man.

Date my husband.

Learn to share the load.

Ask questions and communicate instead of guessing what Trace is thinking.


Financial:

Start to build credit with a card just for gas.

Communicate openly about our money, don't keep any secrets.

Save as much as we can

Live below our means


Spiritual:

Pick a topic to study every week. Use scriptures, talks, books. Utilize my study journal better.
Pray every night with Trace and alone. Talk about our prayer first and don't let them get lax or repetitive.

Attend the temple at least 3 times a month - at least 2 of those with Trace.

Get a calling in my new ward and fulfill it like I've never fulfilled a calling before.


Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Reflections on 2012

Let's Take a Look at 2012...

I started the year as a brunette... mid life crisis. 



I learned to study my scriptures. I learned to love them and learn from them. 


My best friend left me for China, and we went to the temple every day for a week before she left. 

I "babysat" my future little brothers and we had fun sleepovers every night for a week


March...

Elder Bills came home from Brazil

Cass and I discovered we're friends. 

Kenn and I discovered we were friends.


April...

Collette and I discovered we're the same person....

These cats got engaged. And I watched the whole thing behind a bush. 

I skyped with this cutie. Well... I didn't say anything, I was too nervous... but I watched him talk to his family!



May...

I mastered the work/school life

I roadtripped alone... to rexburg

but it was worth it



To be with these girls 


June...




I realized I was getting a little chubby and made a drastic move... Nutrisystem. It worked. And it was awful. 


My best friend came home. 

I went back to my roots. Hadn't been to Birchcreek in yearrrrrrs



July...


I ran a race with an upside down number. 

                                         
I sent my last letter to Elder Rodgerson



August... the month of love. 


My cute Disneyworld roommate got hitched

OH and the love of my life, my best friend came home

Two of my best friends got hitched to each other

And I got to be by her side all day


September...


We crossed "see the chili peppers in concert" off our bucket list

And loved some time in beautiful Colorado with Trace's grandparents


October...


I got engaged. I get to be with that hunk for eternity. 

November...


We just spent the month being in love and stressing over school. 


December...


I went to Disneyland with my love. 

Here's the gist...

In 2012,
I learned how to be happy all on my own.
          how to enjoy my alone time
          how to cherish the quiet time

I learned how to apply the atonement
          I applied it when I was along
          when I was hurting for my sisters or my friends
          when I was struggling in school

I learned how to listen to the spirit
          it doesn't just come

I learned how to love. To really love
          to dig deep into our relationship and
          strengthen every insecurity

I learned about trust and faith
          It's no easy choice, the one we made.
          But, we made it together.
          It was the best thing I've ever done.

I love him more every single day.

Bring it on 2013.