And the countdown begins!!

So, in the coming few weeks we have alot of things to countdown to. First, on the 31st, Livvy will be 4mo old (See my adorable peanut? She's getting so big!). Time has flown by!! Then on August 1st, Joey & I leave for our weekend vacation/anniversary trip. On the 3rd, we will be celebrating our 1yr anniversary. On the 20th, Joey starts back to UT. And on the 22nd, I turn 20 & Gone With the Wind is playing at the Tennessee Theater. I'm sure there will be other things to come up that we will be excited over & want to countdown to, but these are the major things on our calendar for now.

Is it just me, or has the year flown by? Of course, I say this every year. But the last three years have seemed to really disappear quickly. I haven't even gotten my Christmas shopping done yet, again! Second year in a row it's almost the end of July & it's still not done. So, how many of you think the last few months have been a blur? Anybody have all their Christmas shopping done, or am I alone in the boat named "Running behind"?

"Be the change you wish to see the world."

You can see where I'm going with the quote by Mahatma Ghandi.
Several people have noticed my mood on facebook over the weekend was set to "Katy has given up on trying to please everyone & is ok with it." I've been getting alot questions & I needed something to blog about, so I figured I might as well. What really kinda pushed me to write about it was the added fact that Savvy wrote on her blog about something that is related to what I've been thinking.

Anyone who knows me could probably tell you there are a few things I just cannot abide. Some of them are: those who do not care about others, who are self-absorbed, who find no purpose for sevice, who are "two-faced",who lie especially to those who care about them & when there is no reason to, who only see what they want to, who gossip,who judge when they know nothing about a situation, & who think themselves far better than others. I'll be nice about it, but I do not have any use for anyone who does these things. I try to avoid these people, usually because I feel that it robs me of the spirit because of the feelings I have about the situation. Granted, this is something I should rise above & be better about. But I feel that while I'm working on it, I must have the spirit with me.

Lately, I have found myself avoiding alot of situations. I know people who if I can't do what they want to do when they want to do it, I am no longer considered a friend. Other people, do not always understand that marriage & family change things alot, but they don't have to change everything. And yet others, who I constantly face in public & church, who form their own opinions about every aspect of your life whether they know anything about you or not. The last, is what I seem to have the biggest problem accepting & overcoming. Maybe because it includes most of the things I mentioned that I cannot abide. What makes it worse, is that alot of times it is not just people who don't know me, it's people who know me but don't know everything about me. But they pretned to & end up using it to their advantage. I don't know what they gain in painting me or those I love in a darker light, but they must feel they gain something from it. These people are no longer the children I encountered in middle & high school, but they are adults who know better. Many even have children. What kind of example does that set?

Now, I'm not saying I'm perfect by any means! We are all guilty of at some point passsing judgement on others that we have no business doing. We are not privy to all information & have no need to be. Things that are private, are between those that it involves & the Lord. No one else. No one is required to make things general knowledge if they do not wish to. Nor is it anyone's business to make it public knowledge or speculate on any aspect of anyone's life other than their own.

I have not been the only person plauged by feelings of hurt, betrayal, distrust, disbelief in the human race, etc. I know many others in my circle of family & friends alone who have either removed themselves from the situation, or have seriously considered it. What I don't seem to be able to understand is how this has a place in our society, in our churches, & in our homes? While I try to tell myself that it happens to everyone, I can't help but see & wonder why there are those who seem to be given more than their fair share or what they deserve?

But, alas, all I can do is my best to not be the kind of person I so strongly dislike, & to prove those that say things wrong. To show them who I really am. If they don't want to see it, then it is their loss. I'm not perfect, but I'm certainly trying to work towards it. So I, like so many others out there that we don't even think of, go about my business, smile, keep my friends & family close, keep the spirit close, try to remember to love & understand others & their situations, & try my darnedest(yes, it's a word) to be the better person I know I can be. I think alot of people could learn that & we'd live in a far better world. But at least I can start with me.

Finally, they see the light!

Ok, so I'm way excited. This happened a couple of days ago, but I haven't had the chance to post.

So, long story short, Joey's managers have decided that there is no reason for him to work on weekends & it would be easier for them if he had a set schedule. So starting on August 2nd, he's Mon-Fri 8-5pm too! YAY!! This means we can get things done & spend time together on Saturday & he can come to church every Sunday with us (something we both need & enjoy). Now, when he starts school in a few weeks they are going to try to work with him. Just let him come in before & after school to get as close to 40hrs as possible. Now, time will be sparse between work, school, homework, church callings, etc. But at least they are trying their best to work with him & he'll at least be able to make it to church.

Obviously, this is a big deal for us & we're going to fully enjoy it!

Tag, you're it!

I got tagged by Court...So, here goes!
ABC's About Me
A- Attached or single: Attached (aka. Married!)

B- Best Friend(s): Joey, My mom, Mamaw, Tara, Becca, Hannah, & Robyn

C- Cake or Pie: Cake

D- Day of Choice: Saturday and Sunday

E- Essential Item: But there are so many! Let's see...item, either chapstick or planner.

F- Favorite Color: Periwinkle

G- Gummy Bears or Worms: Worms. I know it's odd, but sometimes I feel bad when I eat the bears. You can thank Joey for that.

H- Hometown: Knoxville, TN

I- Indulgence(s): Manicures & Pedicures, buying things for others, baby stuff, clothes, shoes, etc.

J- January or July: January

K-Kids: 1, so far! Livvy(almost 4mo)

L- Life is incomplete without: My family & The gospel of Jesus Christ.

M-Marriage Date: Aug 3, 2007

N- Number of Siblings: 0, unless you count my "adopted" friends or my in-laws. In-laws count as 2 bro-in-laws & 2 sis-in-laws.

O- Oranges or Apples: Oranges

P- Phobias or Fears: Something happening to those I love, tornadoes, bats, & snakes. Not very found of bugs either.

Q- Quote(s): “Experience is what you get when you don’t get what you want” – Randy Pausch, see my page >> Love quotes!!

R- Reason to Smile: My family & The gospel!!

S- Season: Fall/Winter, sometimes spring...what? So, I'm a bit indecisive.

T- Tag Eight: Leanna, Mandee, Lindsey R., Alli, Savvy, Farrah, Cally, Alice(or anybody who wants to. Like, Robyn, Meredith, Erin, Katie, Kendra, Jenn, Wendi...anybody! I don't want to leave anyone out.)

U- Unknown Fact About Me: Although I love the beach, I've only been there once.

V- Vegetarian or Oppressor of Animals: Well, make it sound bad why don't you. Gosh, now I feel bad! But yes, I do eat meat. But in moderation, just like the scriptures say.

W- Worst Habit: Criticism. We think we can do it better than everyone else. I keep telling them, if they'd just listen to me they'd be fine!

Y- Your Favorite Food: Stuffed Shells, italian!

Z- Zodiac: Leo

Making Time for Us

This weekend was so nice! I love spending time with my family!!
It was my turn to plan a date for Joey & I. So, on Friday after work, Mom watched Livvy while we went to dinner at a restaurant downtown on Gay Street, then walked a block to the historic Tennessee Theater to see the showing of Vertigo. We love old movies, so it was perfect!
On Saturday, Mom, Livvy, & I ran some errands while Joey was at work. When he came home, Mom kept Livvy again while we went to visit his best friend Bob & his wife Sally at their new house to have a cookout, then decided to go see the movie Get Smart. So funny!!
Then today, Sunday, Joey was actually off & able to come to church w/ us!! That doesn't happen too often lately, to it's a treat when he does. After church we ate dinner w/ my family, took a nap, & then all three of us (Joey, Livvy, & I) took a nice walk around the neighborhood. Livvy loved it!! Only downside, we saw a house for sale we are in love with now...not good.

So, you're probably wondering why we spent so much time out this weekend, just me & Joey, away from Livvy. Some may think we're terrible, but other's obviously don't. People keep telling us we need to! We both feel that working 8hrs 5days a week takes us away from her enough, but we understand that we need time to be just a couple too. We're still kinda in that newlywed phase to a point! So, on the same note I am pleased to announce (yes, Alice & Lindsey I listened to you!) we are definitely going on our anniversary trip at the beginning of August!! The hotel is booked & everything! And yes, we are leaving Livvy with my family that weekend. Still not sure I like that, but i have to admit it will be nice to spend time some quality time w/ Joey before school starts & our hectic schedules gets worse. Now, we have agreed to leave her with my family conditionally. The condition: my parents have to go on a weekend trip to the temple soon as well. Mom doesn't like the idea of being away for that long, but we told her to suck it up because they both need it. Plus, they will never go away for their anniversary since it's between Christmas & New Year's. I think it was only fair, don't you? Mom & Dad never spend time on themselves, so now we will make sure they do! Next on the list is Mamaw. She needs time away too. But that's another ball game.

So, that's about it for now. Not even gonna get into the whole "house we're in love with" thing. Too dangerous! haha...
So glad to see a ton of our friends & family here blogging with us. Thank you for your comments & your entertaining blogs, we really enjoy them!!

Celebrate!!

So, this weekend was the 4th of July. It was nice, even though Joey had to work. Livvy & I spent the day hitting some sales with my Mom & Mamaw & watching a few of our favorite TV shows. Then when Joey got home Mom offered to keep Livvy so we could go visit Tara & BJ for a bit. So, we headed over there for dessert (totally scrumptious brownie cheesecake) & to hangout. Saw a few fireworks, but otherwise nothing festive which is way wierd for me. If you know my family, you know they are pretty patriotic & usually get into any holiday by going to events & decorating like crazy. This year, I think we’re all a bit thrown off. Oh well…Oh! I just have to share a picture of my adorable little girl! We took this on the 4th (obviously), & she’s just too cute in her Lady Liberty dress. Gotta love it! Plus, check out the slideshow, there are a few new ones on there. To see a bigger version of a pic, just click on it!

Now, for the exciting stuff. Well, at least I’m excited haha! On August 3rd, Joey & I will be celebrating our 1yr Anniversary. We wanted to do something special, & also something that would just be nice & relaxing. So, we’ve decided to go to Atlanta for a long weekend & attend a temple session while we’re there!! I’m so excited because I haven’t been able to go to the temple since our wedding. Plus, I love spending time with Joey, traveling around to places we don’t get to go to often, & I wouldn’t mind just getting away for a bit. The only thing that I can see as potentially being a downside is if we don’t have anyone to watch Livvy while we’re in the session. In that instance, we’ll be leaving her with my Mom. I haven’t been away from her for that long, & I don’t think I’ll like it very much at all! Who knows… We’re still working out all the kinks & plans, but I’m super excited! No matter what it will be fabulous, amazing, wonderful, etc.!!

By the way, have to say “Happy 1yr Anniversary!” to our friends Emalee & Justin. I’m so happy for them (even though I miss them terribly) & I’m extremely excited for them to be sealed on the 26th of this month in the Salt Lake Temple!! We love you guys!!

In other news, Joey still has poison so he is going to get a shot today to clear that up. I hope it works so at least he'll be comfortable agian! Livvy is starting to teeth, & the poor little thing is just miserable sometimes. But she mostly smiles & tries her best ot stay happy. What a trooper!! I think that's about all I can ramble on about for right now...ok, you know I could go on forever about pointless things. But I'll spare you. I'm getting better at this, huh?

Really?

Well, she is my favorite Disney Princess. But am I really like her? Hm....

You Are Aurora! (A.K.A. Sleeping Beauty.)

Thoughtful and loving. Authority figures probably have been sheltering you all of your life. Thankfully you're a very tranquil person who is content with what life has given you, but secretly you want to know how the outside world works.

A little excitement, anyone?

So, there's not too much to talk about lately. We're kinda boring. Haha Let's see...

Joey & my dad have both had poison ivy/oak for almost a whole week. For Dad it's just on his hands & it's getting better, but Joey got it from head-to-toe (Well, head-to-ankle, but still.) It's been awful! I felt so sorry for him & I can't do anything to help except keep him in stocked up on lotions & creams. He went to the Doctor & had to stay home from work a couple days even. Thankfully, today is that last day he's on medication & the rash looks way better! (Don't worry, Honey. I'll be nice & spare you the posting of pictures). So glad he's feeling better!!

On Thursday, Joey called me from Nashville were he was with friends going to the temple to tell me he was sure the rash was poison. Later that day we noticed a rash on Livvy. We thought she got it from Joey or Dad, so that night Mom & I took her to Children's Hospital to get it looked at. I was so freaked out! But it turns out she is just highly sensitive to heat rash(like her mom), so it makes it look really bad. The worst for her is the allergies in her eye turned into a slight infection. But a little medicine has done the trick & she's all better! The sweet thing, she stayed in a good mood the whole time (as usual)! She never stops smiling...unless, of course, you try to take a picture.

As for me, work is still going really well, my Zune player finally came, as did my order from the church distribution center (FINALLY!!). I love my church calling. The kids are so awsome!! I got my hair trimmed. Nothing special, but Joey loves it! Got reading glasses, which Joey loves as well. And, I'm still debating the idea of becoming a sales rep for one of the clothing companies out west that specialize in modest fashions. Ooo!! Ooo!! And I'm excited about the possible trip Joey & I are trying to plan. I'll tell you about that later.

In short, the computer hasn't blown up yet, everyone is better & happy, we're still hanging in there, & still working on getting better at this whole blogging thing!!