A riddle within an update!

In front of the house

Helping daddy put the star on the tree

The finished product!

Well a lot has happened recently, and I've been a HUGE slacker when it comes to updating our blog. So without further ado, here's an update!

Kyle and I had our four year anniversary on the 20th of November. I had just started a new job and couldn't request the day off to celebrate.So instead Chase and I came to Kyle's work and kidnapped him! We took him to Firebirds, one of our favorite restaurants and it was so delicious! We had a lobster spinach queso appetizer that was to DIE for, and then enjoyed two of the yummiest burgers in the world! We relaxed later that evening and reminisced about the last four years of marriage, and enjoyed dessert and a movie. All in all it was a wonderful day and a great anniversary.

For Thanksgiving we went over to the Talbot's home and spent the day in great company and eating delectable food. It was such a relaxing day, and we had so much fun just talking and eating yummies all day long.

Last Friday we went to Kyle's work Christmas party and had a blast. It was at the Scottsdale Venue and there was dancing, fun, and plenty of delicious food and prizes. Ok I seriously wish I'd had a camera for what we ate so I could make all your mouths water. It was awesome!! They served huge tiger shrimp cocktail for an appetizer then we had a garden salad with creamy strawberry dressing. That wasn't even the best part though, the main course was mouth watering filet mignon, salmon, and chicken with a side of potatoes and green beans with a mushroom sauce and sliced almonds, mmmm so good. We loved getting all dressed up and going out for a special night on the town. Sorry no pictures though, I know that's boring.

A little update about the little guy now! Chase is growing at super speed both physically and developmentally. We are loving how much more interactive he is and how he's talking so much more and understanding us more everyday. He can count up to three understandably,"un, doo, reeeee, etc" after three though it get's a little fuzzy. He has a small list of words that he says and also signs which makes for pretty proud parents. He has started giving us kisses and blowing kisses also. He just melts our hearts he's so sweet and tender.

Our house is moving right along. They have dry walled and done all the stucco now it's time for paint and trim, then cabinets, countertops, and flooring! It's so fun to see Chase run around in our soon to be finished home, we can't wait until it's finished! We're expecting it to be finished on or around January 20th.

Chase looking out the window that will be in his bedroom

I recently started a new job at a plasma center as a phlebotomist, which most of you know was also what I did for work in Rexburg when we lived there. I thought when I finished at Bio Medics in Rexburg, I'd never work at another plasma center again, but the economy proved me wrong! Needless to say I feel right at home (as far as work and not co workers are concerned). It's been extremely difficult to not have as much sweet time with Chase but it makes me relish every second I do get to spend with him even more. Plus, it'll only be for another month and a half, that's what keeps me going!

In addition to all this we're taking the holiday season head on and surprisingly still enjoying every bit of holiday cheer we can manage to find. Our family is doing well and we can't complain. If you haven't guessed the riddle by now or couldn't stand reading through this whole novel to figure it out, then I'll just tell you! We're having another baby!!! I am 15 weeks along and we're so excited to find out what we're having in a few weeks. Any guesses? We'll let you all know when we find out!

The cost of a temple recommend

The following post is by Kyle:

I was relating the following experience with Nicki the other day and thought I would share it because it might bring a smile to your face.

So Jessica and I went in the other week to get our temple recommends renewed. We brought Chase with us because we figured while one of us was being interviewed the other could watch Chase. Once we got to the church they weren't busy and took us both in at the same time. I brought Chase with me and had him sit on my lap during the interview. Being a busy 15 month old he doesn't like sitting still for very long so I gave him my wallet to play with. During the interview Chase places my wallet on the table and slides it towards the counselor in the Stake Presidency. Without missing a beat the counselor says to Chase, "Sorry we don't take bribes." We both busted out laughing and Chase then began to laugh too because everyone else was. I guess it goes to say that the cost/value of a temple recommend truly is priceless.

Trick or Treat

Explaining to us why it is unacceptable for him to be wearing this costume

Holding Payton's hand for moral support

Begging daddy to take it off him (we had just put it on)

Happy now that he's enjoying the fruits of his earnings

Not thrilled.

This halloween year Chase dressed up as a "cuddly lion" although he would prefer to be neither cuddly nor a lion. We went to our ward trunk or treat last Saturday and tried the stume on for size and well...the result was a few tears (until we were outside) and zero smiles for as long as he donned his furry masquerade. We and everyone else in the ward that saw him thought he was very delectable in his little suit, too bad we were put on a smiles fast as punishment for making him wear it!

For halloween last night we really didn't do all that much. We ordered pizza and dressed Chase up in his costume to trick or treat at Nick and Brent's and the Talbot's house. Again no smiles and a lot more tears this time (I think he was still traumatized). We ended our night putting Chase to bed after his sugar high wore off. Then Kyle and I were then able to relax and watch "Enchanted" and eat brownie sundaes YUM! All in all we had a great halloween! Both Kyle and I have always been horrible at dressing up on halloween, but as Chase gets older, I'm thinking it will be a lot of fun to dress up in the future. So next year we'll have to think of something good! Through all the tears and commotion we managed to get some picture of our halloween adventures. Hope you all enjoy!

Concrete and Framing

Kyle standing in what will be the master bedroom

Chase and I in the family room. Look alive Chase!

Chase standing in the entry way

The entire house with Kyle walking through the front entry and Chase grape vining toward me!

Chase looking debonair as usual, as we prepare to leave to go look at the house.

Lately we've been making weekly trips out to the homesite since they started building to monitor the progress of our house. When we went last week they had all the concrete poured, and this week they had done all the framing. It was really neat to go out there and finally see what looks like a house being built! Up until today it's all been a little surreal to me, Kyle would have to explain where every room was, and paint a picture for me. Today as we were walking through the framed house I was able to picture it all myself, which got me really excited for it to be finished! Hopefully the process will go by fast and we'll finally be able to move into a place we can call home, and live in for more than a year! So we took some pictures and I thought I'd post them so you all could see our home in the making.

The Arizona State Fair

Chase riding the Lion toy in the Kidz Safari Zone

The pretty giraffe

The camel that kissed Chase. I don't remember if this was before the kiss or after, I just wish I'd caught the kiss on camera!

The kangaroo

We thought this cow was kind of interesting. They had a bunch of fuzzy cows like this one, which none of us had ever seen before, so Kyle and I named them "Teddy Bear" cows.

Last Friday we went to the Arizona State Fair with Brad and Jamie and we had a blast! For as long as I'd lived in Arizona the state fair would come every year, and I only remember going once, during the day on a field trip. We didn't go on any rides or get to really see or do anything fun there and I can't even remember what the point of the field trip was at all. So I always thought the state fair was lame growing up, and I never had the desire to go. Needless to say I was definitely proved wrong, we had so much fun!

Chase loved seeing all the animals. They have a huge petting zoo with camels and giraffes and even a kangaroo! I had never seen a kangaroo up close and it was pretty awesome. Chase got a big sloppy kiss from the camel which was a big surprise to him and a good laugh to everyone who saw it!

They have performers on the weekends and the night we went Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert were performing. We were sad we didn't get to stay late enough to see them because we heard the concert was amazing! Kyle was really sad that the week before was the Goo Goo Dolls. He would've loved to see them perform. Maybe next year though!

We were able to make it to the bear show though, and they had 2 baby grizzly bears and 2 brown bears. The two brown bears in the show, "Fred" and "Ginger", were actually the same bears that they used to make the movie Bother Bear. They did a ton of cool tricks and we had a lot of fun watching them.

We cooled off with the best fresh strawberry lemonade I've ever tasted and topped off the night with a yummy melt in your mouth funnel cake! Not the healthiest of treats, but what would a trip to the fair be without funnel cake? All in all we had a great time and we were so glad we went! Here are some pictures of our evening...

Supporting my habit!

Ok, not really, any of you who know me really well, know that I really don't own any purses or handbags besides the one I currently use. That's not to say that I don't like them, I just know that I am susceptible to going overboard on buying them. My purse right now is on it's last legs and starting to look pretty shabby. I've loved it for as long as I've had it, but I fear it is time to retire it! So, this is my attempt to get a super cute handbag for FREE! Nothing better than that right? This website has some super cute ones too. So if you want a shot also, go take a look at their website. It's http://www.hanbagplanet.com/. To celebrate the October 15th launch of their new website they are giving away 24 handbags in 24 hours. One lucky lady receives a handbag each hour, and who doesn't love giveaways?! It's worth a shot, good luck!

Tag you're it!

I know the pictures really don't have anything to do with the tag but I always like to see pictures so I thought you might also! Here's a couple random ones...


Chase and I swimming, his favorite activity!

Chase with messy morning hair and a beautiful grin! One of my favorite faces to see every morning!

Alright Katy, sorry this took me so long, but here goes!

I am up...WAY too late!
I know...my prayers are answered
I want...to swim with the dolphins someday
I have...wonderful family and friends
I wish...I had my nursing degree already
I hate...bad drivers
I miss...family
I fear...losing people I love
I Feel...tired right now
I hear...Kyle rustling around on the bed and turing the pages of his book
I smell...like Abercrombie 8
I crave...chips and fresh salsa
I search...the scriptures
I wonder...what the outcome will be of this presidential election
I regret...not getting my nursing degree before having children
I love...Kyle and Chase very much
I care...for my sweet little boy every single day
I always...tell my family that I love them
I am going...to travel to Europe someday
I believe...miracles happen
I dance...every day with Chase
I sing...to Chase before he goes to bed
I fight...when I feel like I'm being treated unfairly
I write...in my journal more often (recently)
I lose...when I play Tri-Bond
I win...in arguments with Kyle (he would like to add ALWAYS onto that)
I never...get sick of eating out
I listen...to Chase talk and play in his crib before I come in to get him in the mornings
I am scared...of raising teenagers (even though I don't have to worry about that for awhile)
I need to clean...our family room
I hope...to become like my mother
I tag...everyone who reads this, and that means you!

Celebrity Sightings

Ok, I just had to share my celebrity sighting moment with you all. I was doing some shopping at Target today, just a normal day. Not really though! I went to go check out and I'm putting my stuff on the conveyor belt. I saw that there were two young ladies in front of me in line (about in their 20's) and didn't think anything of it. I noticed the girl in front of me was being very weird. She was very protective of her friend and whenever her friend would change positions she would follow her to block her from view. Well the "celeb" dropped something on the floor and said something to her friend as she was picking it up like"oh, that's great" something to that effect and that's when I noticed her. I wouldn't have thought anything of it, except her voice is very distinct. Then my eyes immediately went to her and I tried to act nonchalant and continue to confirm my suspicions. Well as she made her purchase and talked more to the cashier I was able to get a better view of her and her mannerisms and her voice (key word). I bet you're all curious as to who it was...well...It. Was. BROOKE WHITE!



I don't know why I was so star struck! I'm not even an avid American Idol watcher but come on she's, Brooke White and she is amazing. She even pursed her lips you know like she always did when the judges were talking to her almost like she was trying to hold back a smile. Kind of hard to explain but I'm sure those of you who watched last season know what I'm talking about. Anyways I just had to share my moment. I told Kyle and he was like, "did you talk to her?" and I was like "NO, I probably would've stuttered and made a fool of myself and her friend was obviously going to great lengths to keep her from being noticed." I'm sure the last thing they needed was a grown woman freaking out and saying, "Oh, my lands! I wish I had a camera, no one will believe me, CAN I HAVE YOUR AUTOGRAPH!?" That's my story though and I thought it was pretty cool, even though Chase was my only witness.

Jump and Shout!

What an adorable little close up! I was shooting for a picture of him going up the steps toward the slide but he turned around and leaped at me right as I was snapping it!

I've been so behind on posting lately because our computer is so darn slow for some reason. Recently it's been taking me over an hour to create a small post. On top of that, Chase has been teething again. He's got three or four molars coming in at the same time which means he's been grouchy and clingy lately. I teach a class on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and I usually leave Chase in the Kidz Club. He usually loves it, the place is chalk full of toys, and he usually has one or two attendants giving him their undivided attention the entire time he's there. Well when I dropped him off on Tuesday he freaked out when he saw me leaving so I came back and played with a few toys with him to get him a little more comfortable one of the girls gave him a fruit juice pop and I thought he was good to go so I snuck out and watched him from behind the door to make sure he would be ok. After a couple seconds, I saw him turn around with and look around with a small frown that progressively got larger and turned into a full out scream! I took him with me to the studio and my supervisor's daughter came down to the studio and watched him crawl around the floor, so I could teach my class. I would set up the spring board for the vault and Chase would be over there in a second crawling all over it! I could go on, but needless to say it was a mess.

One of my gymnasts, Melissa, doing handstand walks

Three of the crazy girls I teach (front) Claire, (back left to right) Robyn, and Melissa

Work has been going really well since I came back. I really enjoy everyone I work with (usually) and I am starting to get some of my skills back which is nice when I want to show my gymnasts what I'm trying to tell them to do. My supervisor has been out of work for the past couple weeks with tendonitis and she called me the other day and told me that if it doesn't get better or if something were to happen where she can't work anymore she would like to start training me to take over the program. I was shocked to say the least, seeing as there's a girl who has been working there longer than me who has worked at numerous private gyms and ended her gymnastics career at level 10 (really high) when she broke her neck doing a double full. Even after her injury she has been able to pick up right where she left off and she is an amazing gymnast. So you can see my surprise that I would be the first choice candidate over her. As honored as I was, I respectfully declined the position due to a number of reasons. It has been a wonderful job for me to have right now though, and I'm grateful to have it for the time being.

Chase trying to eat a ball at the jump zone, he was in heaven!

Chase and I about to go down the huge marshmallowey slide, even I enjoyed this a lot! I told Kyle it reminded me of those parachute slides that they put outside of airplanes for emergency landings. It was pretty cool!

Chase and I went to a place called Jump and Shout today with a few ladies in the ward and their children. I was a little worried because I didn't know how much Chase would enjoy it and I wanted to get our money's worth, he absolutely loved it though. I was able to take him on a bunch of the jump toys and play with him and he had a huge smile plastered on his face the entire time. We ended up staying for 2 hours! He came home a very exhausted, and happy little boy. Anyhow, here are some pictures...

TGI Friday!

Freestone Park



Chase swinging!

Chase playing with his stroller while Kyle watches the ducks

Kyle and Chase! Chase wasn't too happy that we were leaving.

Chase splashing around!

Chase trying to put his head under, again!

Chase and I rolling in the grass at the park

A pretty mallard duck. They let you get so close to them!

Since I started up working again, (the same gymnastics place I was working before), I really don't get to see Kyle very often. Kyle has the September 15th deadline and he's been extra busy, even working on Saturdays. Needless to say because of the way our schedules work out we very rarely get to see one another during the weekdays. Saturday and Sunday are really our only days together.

Well my schedule changed this week and I am able to have Fridays off from now on. Kyle got home at 4:30 and we decided we'd plan an evening of F-U-N! We had a yummy breakfast dinner of stuffed french toast (thanks for the recipe Nick), then we headed to Freestone Park for a beautiful long walk. It was PERFECT, really. It was nice and cool when we went and everything was so green, and gorgeous. We played with the fearless ducks, and pushed Chase in the swing and just soaked in our Heavenly Father's beautifully created world. We were so reluctant to leave because we were enjoying ourselves so much but we had to get on to our next adventure!

We came home and changed into our bathing suits and went fo a dip in the oh so inviting pool. Chase decided he'd take some pointers from the ducks and be fearless too! He'd dip his head into the water and try to dive out of our arms head first (and many times he was successful). He loves going completely under. He kicks his legs like crazy and loves just splashing around. Watch out Michael Phelps! You started at 11 years, Chase started at 11 months! We came inside once Chase started looking like a white little raisin and we gave him a warm bath. A wonderful ending to a wonderful night! We had so much F-U-N! I can't even say how wonderful it was to be able to spend HOURS with my sweet husband and precious baby. Especially since Kyle and I both had our trips where we didn't get to see each other at all for awhile. It's good to be back and I'll post about my trip to Colorado soon. In the meantime here are some pictures from our evening of fun!

Just the two of us!

Our little man!

Happy that daddy's home!


I've been pretty busy lately and I haven't been able to update at all recently. So, I'm finally getting around to it! Anyway, here's what's new with us! After Chase's brithday we were busy getting appointments ready for his 1 year old pictures and with the pediatric ophthalmologist. Chase has a clogged tear duct in his left eye that the good doctor will just "rotor rooter" right out! They didn't have any available appointments until way into September though, so until then he just tears a lot out of his left eye and gets a lot of "sleepies" in his eyes when he wakes up. Nothing too horrible though. We did manage to get his 1 year old pictures, which we think turned out adorable! He had so much fun during his session. He just loves cheesing it and flirting with the photographers.


Kyle went on a trip to Tucson earlier this week for a three day training and he really enjoyed it. He said that by the last day though, it was getting pretty monotonous and he was sick of eating out. (Honestly, who gets sick of eating out for free?!) Anyway, we really missed having our Kyle and daddy around the house. Every morning when Chase would wake up he'd crawl into the bedroom to check for Kyle and would whine a little when he couldn't find him. It was hard on me because I'm so used to getting a mental and physical break when Kyle gets home, just being able to talk to someone and just relax after Chase goes to bed. So to say the very least, we're glad he's back!


Tomorrow, Chase and I will be "leaving on a jet plane" to Colorado, for my niece's baby blessing. I'm so excited to go and see my family, but I'm a little terrified of flying alone with Chase, and I'm sad I already haven't seen Kyle at all this week and now we're leaving him for a few days! I think Chase will have a lot of fun with his cousins though, and I'll have a good time once we land and our flight experience is over! If anyone has any last minute tips and tricks for flying with a 12 month old, please share!

***Tagged By Jamie***

4 things I LOVE about my Husband!:
*He helps out so much with Chase and loves sharing parenting responsiblities equally. He's just a great dad period!
*He always tells me I'm beautiful! When I get all dressed up for a night out, or even just for church, he looks at me in a really sweet way and tells me that he feels so lucky that I'm his. *(sweet huh?)
*He provides for our family so that we can live comfortably
*He loves the gospel and has a beautiful testimony of it, and he is always striving to better himself.

4 jobs I have had:
*Sales associate at Famous Footwear
*Hostess at Valle Luna
*Phlebotmist, receptionist, and Quality Assurance at Bio Medics (favorite)
*Gymnastics coach (current)

4 movies I have watched more than twice:
*How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
*Sweet Home Alabama
*Just Like Heaven
*Hitch

4 tv shows I watch regularly:
*Biggest Loser
*The Office
*Friends (re runs)
*Sesame Street (with Chase, every morning)

4 places I have been:
*Mexico
*Brazil
*California
*Idaho

4 of my favorite music artists:
*Carrie Underwood
*Taylor Swift
*Rascal Flatts
*Natasha Beddingfield and so many more...

4 of my favorite foods: (I'm gonna name restaurants cause I can't choose just one food item)
* Johnny Carinos
* Pretty much any good mexican restaurant
* Chik fil a (waffle fries, yummy chicken, and splitting a handspun cookies and cream milkshake with Kyle and Chase, YUM!)
* Wingers

4 places I would like to go:
*France
*Hawaii
*Ireland
*Italy

4 things I am looking forward to this coming year:
*Moving into our new home
*Furthering my education
*Getting into better shape
*Hopefully a new sibling for Chase (although that will work against my getting into shape prospect!)
5 people I tag: (all my sisters, who blog at least, and I couldn't leave one out. Hence 5 instead of 4)
Cassandra
Christina
Nicole
Carrie
Christy

Happy Birthday My Little One!

Playing with his new toys

His cake!

Blowing out the candles (with Daddy's help of course)!

First taste test...

Hmmm, that's not half bad...

Taking care of business!

Coming up for oxygen. "It'sa ME, Mario!" (the resemblance is uncanny)

Getting a little messier...

...and I think he's achieved his messiest of the night! Do I see some up your nose?!

Nice and clean after his bath and letting mommy give him a big birthday squeeze!

Today is Chase's first birthday! I keep thinking about it and how amazingly fast one year has flown by and I'm still in shock that my little "infant" is no more! I bawled great big tears last night thinking about the excitement and longing I had on this day last year. My baby was finally making his appearance into this world and into our lives. Ever since we first set eyes on his sweet little face, he's lit up our lives and filled our hearts with such indescribable joy!

Tonight we had a little party for Chase and our close friends and family all came to share in the celebration. Thank you all so much for your love and support, and for making Chase's birthday such a wonderful one! Here are some pictures from the special occasion!