2010 is exactly 51 minutes away and I'm sitting home alone just thinking about how much can happen in a year. I feel like I've learned a lot in the last year or so, not only about myself, but about Clint and about life in general. Not that I'm full of wisdom now, but I would consider myself one year wiser than I was last year :) Anyway, here are some of the things that made 2009 great:
10. Moving into our beautiful spacious Korean apartment and meeting lots of great new friends.
9. Celebrating 5 years of marriage!
8. Taking a vacation (ok seperate vacations) to the U.S. of A.
7. Welcoming 2 new sisters-in-law to my family.
6. Clint becoming a P.C. (pilot in command).
5. Welcoming a new baby into our family.
4. My mom coming to visit.
3. Morgan learning to walk, talk, and all sorts of other fun stuff.
2. Paying off all of our debt and taking steps toward other financial goals.
And the thing that contributed the most to making our year great
1. Being together as a family for the entire year.
Its funny to look back and think about how I cried when we got orders to Korea. I was pretty upset. But being here has turned out to be one of the greatest blessings we could have asked for. Nearly any other duty station would have meant Clint deploying, and although we've only delayed the innevitable, we're so thankful that we've had this year (really the past 3 years) together. We have 12 friends who are currently deployed, and more who will deploy soon. We think about them often and pray for their safe return to their families. I'm sure Clint will be among the many deployed troops within the next 18 months or so.
We have much to look forward to in this new year. Most of all returning to the states where we will be close(r) to our families. (at this point, even New York seems close to Utah!). We hope you all have a happy new year and that this year brings you all the greatness you're looking for!
December 31, 2009
December 27, 2009
Christmas Day
A few snapshots of our Christmas...
Sniffing her new Strawberry Shortcake's friend doll...don't worry, it smelled so good she licked it too...
Morgan wanted to wear every piece of clothing she received
When Morgan opened this blanket from her grandma she took it to her bed saying "night night"
Opening gifts with Jackson
A close up of the cross stitched picture my stepmother made for us. I've always wanted one of these, and always tell myself I'll make one, now I don't have to :)
Our Christmas Eve
We had a nice Christmas Eve at home with 2 of our good friends, Steve and Garrett. Clint fried a turkey again and we had a big Christmas Eve dinner. Then read our "Teach the Children" story, played games and watched movies the rest of the night.
Livin the life...fat and happy...
I love how his hands are just resting on his belly like he just ate a huge meal.
Morgan wearing her stocking on her foot.
Steve, Garrett, and Clint playing Clint's new XBOX. Thats right, I've officially joined the spouses of gamers club.
Steve and Clint putting together Morgan's kitchen that finally came in the mail on Christmas Eve!
December 25, 2009
December 23, 2009
Christmas Traditions
Seeing as today is Christmas Eve, I thought I'd share a few of the traditions we have started in our little family.
First, I like to make caramel popcorn and give it to our neighbors and friends.
First pop 2 bags of buttered popcorn and weed out kernals-set aside
1/4 Cup butter
1 Cup brown sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
Mix together in a pot and bring to a boil over medium heat then stir in
2/3 cup sweetened condenced milk
Simmer until mixture balls up when a drop is placed in water
Stir in 1/2 tsp. of vanilla
Pour over popped popcorn while hot and stir til popcorn is coated well.
Next we like to read the story "Teach The Children" on Christmas Eve. Its kind of long, so I won't post the whole thing. But basically this man in the story gets a visit from santa who tells him to teach the children the true meaning of Christmas. Santa explains what all things Christmas represent:
FIR TREE-The pure green color stays green all year round depicting the everlasting hope of mankind.
STAR-God promised a Savior to the world, and the star was the sign of fullfilment of that promise.
CANDLE-symbolizes that Christ is the light of the world and when we see the candlelight we are reminded of He who displaces the darkness.
WREATH-eternal nature of love. Love never ceases, love is one continuous round of affection.
SANTA-symbolizes the generosity and good will we feel during the Christmas season.
HOLLY LEAF-represents immortality. Represents the crown of thorns worn by our Savior. The berries represent the blood that was shed by Him.
GIFTS-God so loved the world that he GAVE His only begotten son. Thanks be to God for this unspeakable gift. Also represents the gifts given to the baby Jesus by the shepards who knelt before him. We should give gifts in the same spirit as the wise men.
CANDY CANE-like a shepard's staff, it helps bring lost sheep back to the fold. It is the symbol that we are our brother's keeper.
ANGEL-it was angels who heralded in the the glorious news of the Savior's birth. The angels sang "glory to God in the highest, on earth peace, and goodwill toward men."
BELL-lost sheep are found by the sound of the bell. Likewise it should bring men back to the fold. The bell symbolizes guidance and return.
At the end of the story Santa turn to the man and says, "Remember, teach the children the true meaning of Christmas and to not put me at the center. I am but a humble servant of the one that is, and I bow down and worship Him, our Lord, our God."
(If you want a copy of the entire story I can email it to you.) After reading the story we usually get to pick 1 present from our Grandparents to open before settling down for the night.
We usually follow the tradition in Clint's family by having a nice roast dinner with red cabbage and then rice pudding for dessert. But this year we are frying a turkey. Which may possibly become a new tradition, or maybe not, we'll see.
We hope all of you have a Merry Christmas and have the chance, in all the hustle and bustle, to feel the spirit of Christ in your life and remember Him in your holiday celebrations.
First, I like to make caramel popcorn and give it to our neighbors and friends.
First pop 2 bags of buttered popcorn and weed out kernals-set aside
1/4 Cup butter
1 Cup brown sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
Mix together in a pot and bring to a boil over medium heat then stir in
2/3 cup sweetened condenced milk
Simmer until mixture balls up when a drop is placed in water
Stir in 1/2 tsp. of vanilla
Pour over popped popcorn while hot and stir til popcorn is coated well.
Next we like to read the story "Teach The Children" on Christmas Eve. Its kind of long, so I won't post the whole thing. But basically this man in the story gets a visit from santa who tells him to teach the children the true meaning of Christmas. Santa explains what all things Christmas represent:
FIR TREE-The pure green color stays green all year round depicting the everlasting hope of mankind.
STAR-God promised a Savior to the world, and the star was the sign of fullfilment of that promise.
CANDLE-symbolizes that Christ is the light of the world and when we see the candlelight we are reminded of He who displaces the darkness.
WREATH-eternal nature of love. Love never ceases, love is one continuous round of affection.
SANTA-symbolizes the generosity and good will we feel during the Christmas season.
HOLLY LEAF-represents immortality. Represents the crown of thorns worn by our Savior. The berries represent the blood that was shed by Him.
GIFTS-God so loved the world that he GAVE His only begotten son. Thanks be to God for this unspeakable gift. Also represents the gifts given to the baby Jesus by the shepards who knelt before him. We should give gifts in the same spirit as the wise men.
CANDY CANE-like a shepard's staff, it helps bring lost sheep back to the fold. It is the symbol that we are our brother's keeper.
ANGEL-it was angels who heralded in the the glorious news of the Savior's birth. The angels sang "glory to God in the highest, on earth peace, and goodwill toward men."
BELL-lost sheep are found by the sound of the bell. Likewise it should bring men back to the fold. The bell symbolizes guidance and return.
At the end of the story Santa turn to the man and says, "Remember, teach the children the true meaning of Christmas and to not put me at the center. I am but a humble servant of the one that is, and I bow down and worship Him, our Lord, our God."
(If you want a copy of the entire story I can email it to you.) After reading the story we usually get to pick 1 present from our Grandparents to open before settling down for the night.
We usually follow the tradition in Clint's family by having a nice roast dinner with red cabbage and then rice pudding for dessert. But this year we are frying a turkey. Which may possibly become a new tradition, or maybe not, we'll see.
We hope all of you have a Merry Christmas and have the chance, in all the hustle and bustle, to feel the spirit of Christ in your life and remember Him in your holiday celebrations.
December 19, 2009
Stinkerbell, Stinkerbell, and more Stinkerbell
Yesterday Morgan decided it was finally time to open those pretty presents sitting underneath the tree. She had waited long enough. Luckily I caught her after only opening 1. She got a fun "Look and Find" book! Little stinker!
I love watching babies learn new things. Jackson found his hands about a month ago and he just loves to stare at them. In the bathtub tonight he was staring at his hands and started trying to touch his knee.
Today, Morgan stripped her baby doll naked, took her to the bathroom, put her training seat on the toilet, and then put the baby doll on (in) the toilet. If only she would do that for herself!
Lately Morgan has been climbing into her crib a lot. After taking her doll potty, she climbed into her crib and stripped herself naked.
Later, we did some finger painting. She was unsure about getting her hands so dirty, so I had to get her a paintbrush. But she sure did enjoy it!
I love watching babies learn new things. Jackson found his hands about a month ago and he just loves to stare at them. In the bathtub tonight he was staring at his hands and started trying to touch his knee.
Today, Morgan stripped her baby doll naked, took her to the bathroom, put her training seat on the toilet, and then put the baby doll on (in) the toilet. If only she would do that for herself!
Lately Morgan has been climbing into her crib a lot. After taking her doll potty, she climbed into her crib and stripped herself naked.
Later, we did some finger painting. She was unsure about getting her hands so dirty, so I had to get her a paintbrush. But she sure did enjoy it!
Climbing into crib 101...
~3 NEW posts below~
December 18, 2009
Modeling Shoot #4 Alfonso
December 16, 2009
Morgan's friend, Apaulo, was also modeling that day.
"How about this one?"
We also modeled with a big puppy dog! I love Morgan's face in this one. It looks like she's thinking "why is that dog's paw on the table?"
Morgan had another modeling shoot. This time for the Alfonso clothing line.
Morgan's friend, Apaulo, was also modeling that day.
"How about this one?"
We also modeled with a big puppy dog! I love Morgan's face in this one. It looks like she's thinking "why is that dog's paw on the table?"
~2 more NEW posts below~
Cinderelly Cinderelly
Morgan's Grandma Webb sent her some cute princess clothes. I did my best to get some pictures of her with her new sweater on, but these are the best I could get. I need a pause button for this kid!
Adding a princess tiara to go with her princess sweater
Can't forget the necklace
Adding a princess tiara to go with her princess sweater
Can't forget the necklace
~One more new post below~
2-2 ASLT Christmas Party '09
December 15, 2009
Left to Right: Ashley, Karen, Autumn, Me, Naomi, Melissa. We missed you Nikki!!
Left to Right: Joe, Nick, Clint, Paul, Lopez, Steve, Sorensen, Brent, Brandon, Jason. Don't they look great?
Had to zoom in a little on my cute hubster!
We really enjoyed the Christmas party. The company was great, the food was yummy, and the speaches were...well...military speaches. The best part was the video that documented the past year. If I can figure out how to get it on the internet I'll put it on here.
Clint's Battalion had a nice Chrstmas party this year. It was held at the Dragon Hill Lodge in Yongsan. We were lucky enough to be able to find a babysitter and have a night out just the 2 of us.
Clint's half-smile-half-Zoolander look
Left to Right: Ashley, Karen, Autumn, Me, Naomi, Melissa. We missed you Nikki!!
Left to Right: Joe, Nick, Clint, Paul, Lopez, Steve, Sorensen, Brent, Brandon, Jason. Don't they look great?
Had to zoom in a little on my cute hubster!
We really enjoyed the Christmas party. The company was great, the food was yummy, and the speaches were...well...military speaches. The best part was the video that documented the past year. If I can figure out how to get it on the internet I'll put it on here.December 16, 2009
December 15, 2009
Conversation
Morgan and I had our first real conversation today....
"Mom, whaya doing?"
"I'm doing my hair"
"Wow, cuuuuute!"
I just love my little terrible two year old! I love hearing her say new things and watching her learn as she plays with her toys. And I love that she is starting to mimick everything we say and do, of course, there will probably come a day when I don't love that so much, but for now I do.
"Mom, whaya doing?"
"I'm doing my hair"
"Wow, cuuuuute!"
I just love my little terrible two year old! I love hearing her say new things and watching her learn as she plays with her toys. And I love that she is starting to mimick everything we say and do, of course, there will probably come a day when I don't love that so much, but for now I do.
Trouble Maker
Morgan is getting so big. She's such a good helper. She is getting very independent and doin lots of things on her own....Even giving herself a bath....
This morning I gave Jackson a bath. Morgan was "helping" me while snacking on her pretzels at the same time. When I was finished with Jackson I took him to his bedroom to get him lathered up and dressed. When I was done with that I thought, "let's go see how many pretzels Morgan threw in the bathtub." Boy was I surprised when I came around the corner and saw more than just the pretzels in there.
December 14, 2009
Christmas Cards
A couple of weeks ago Clint and I went to a "professional" photographer to get our family pictures taken. We were so excited to have the perfect family picture for a Christmas card this year. I bought matching outfits for our kids. Black, white, and red dress for Morgan and the most adorable matching suit for Jackson. I made Clint dress up in matching dress clothes and I wore a matching dress as well.
We got to the photographer's (a 30-45 minute drive) and realized I forgot my dress! So Clint had to drive home and get it while I had some individual pictures taken of the kids. Clint got back in exactly 1 hour and we did our family pictures with a sleeping baby and an angry 2 year old.
A week later we get an email saying our pictures have been edited and are ready to view. So we view them and they are absolutely horrible. Not just the family ones, but the individual ones too. The poses are horrible, my hair looks horrible in one, the collar on Jackson's outfit is sticking up in one, Morgan has a pretzel in her hand in one, Clint is in the middle of saying something. I mean, they are HORRIBLE!
So, needless to say, we didn't get a family picture for our Christmas card. After all that work. No family picture. I was so upset I almost cried. I just wanted a good family picture! Is that so much to ask? In the last 2 years we have 1 family picture. I just wanted a new one with Jackson and it didn't turn out.
Therefore, our Chirstmas cards, which are FINALLY in the mail, are not as adorable as I wanted them to be, and they will most likely not get to many of you before Christmas. I had to use 2 random pictures of the kids, but it worked out I guess.
If you would like one of our Christmas cards you can leave me a comment with your address, or email us clint.katie@gmail.com.
Next year, I will get a real professional to take our pictures if it kills me! And I'll do it in plenty of time to get a good Christmas card :)
We got to the photographer's (a 30-45 minute drive) and realized I forgot my dress! So Clint had to drive home and get it while I had some individual pictures taken of the kids. Clint got back in exactly 1 hour and we did our family pictures with a sleeping baby and an angry 2 year old.
A week later we get an email saying our pictures have been edited and are ready to view. So we view them and they are absolutely horrible. Not just the family ones, but the individual ones too. The poses are horrible, my hair looks horrible in one, the collar on Jackson's outfit is sticking up in one, Morgan has a pretzel in her hand in one, Clint is in the middle of saying something. I mean, they are HORRIBLE!
So, needless to say, we didn't get a family picture for our Christmas card. After all that work. No family picture. I was so upset I almost cried. I just wanted a good family picture! Is that so much to ask? In the last 2 years we have 1 family picture. I just wanted a new one with Jackson and it didn't turn out.
Therefore, our Chirstmas cards, which are FINALLY in the mail, are not as adorable as I wanted them to be, and they will most likely not get to many of you before Christmas. I had to use 2 random pictures of the kids, but it worked out I guess.
If you would like one of our Christmas cards you can leave me a comment with your address, or email us clint.katie@gmail.com.
Next year, I will get a real professional to take our pictures if it kills me! And I'll do it in plenty of time to get a good Christmas card :)
December 13, 2009
J is 3 Months Old...and Morgan is Super Cute
3 months...Had to adjust the height of the straps in the carseat, had to pack up LOTS of clothes he's outgrown, wearing 3-6 month clothes, trying to touch things with his hands, laughing, smiling all the time, sleeping through the night (8:30p-5a), holding head up like a pro (almost), nursing like a pro....pretty much fat and happy...
My favorite part about this picture....the sippy cup she's towing around on the back of her trike...oh, and her adorable face.
December 12, 2009
Merry Christmas PJ's
Morgan in her new Christmas PJ's, "helping" mom make caramel popcorn.
I used to make fun of moms like me, you know the kind that force their kids to wear matching clothes. But now I'm one of them. I have to do it while their young so they have no choice :)
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