December

I missed November. Not literally. I was very present for November. I just missed November here. November was very good to us. And now it's December. And we can't hardly stand it! December. Christmas. Our favorite. family. Here is what we plan on doing:

1. Listening to Christmas music every day.

2. Going to a presentation of Handel's Messiah in St. Augustine.

3. Going Christmas crazy with our lights outside (Our neighbors have no idea what's about to happen!)

4. Finding a perfect tree and decorating it while we wear P.J's.

5. Actually sending the 2 years worth of Christmas cards I've accumulated.

6. Enjoying our paper whites in the living room.

7. The First Presidency Christmas devotional.

8. Enjoying Night of Lights in historic St. Augustine.

9. Seeing more of our wonderful families.

10. Making my mom's caramel corn. Yum.

11. Doorbell ditching some deserving people.

12. Reading the Christmas story from the Bible and the Book of Mormon.

13. Seeing the lights and window displays downtown.

14. Planning and throwing the ward Christmas party. (It's going to be GREAT)!

15. Baking up a storm of goodies.

16. Slowing down, amidst all of this list, to catch up with dear friends, and especially family.


Alright guys, if you're still there....What are your plans? Any traditions that you're carrying on? Or anything new you can't wait to do?

Reminders.

I'm full of reminders. I've started carrying 2 planners. And a notebook to keep up with myself. I have alarms set on my phone for different meetings and places to be. I'm not going to go much deeper into these past few weeks than that. It's been a whole new level of busy around here.

Yesterday however, amidst all of the reminders and alarms and places to be, I got in a quick much needed chat with one of my nieces. My sister in law has just a her fourth little one, and this specific niece I was chatting with has had a difficult time adjusting to life with another baby at home. So I stopped by to spend some time with her. And oh goodness did she have so much to say. And inside of her excited chatter, she taught me quite a lesson. See if you can catch it....

Me: "How's school going? Making any friends?"

Kate: "Oh yes, there is this girl and her name is Tess, well that's not really her name, her name is Tessa, but we call her Tess, and that's okay because my real name is Katherine, but we call me Kate. And she is so nice, and, OH!! Did you know that the 'i' is a letter in the alphabet?! My whole time being little, and I never knew that! (insert little laugh) And Tess is real nice.. (and she continues on for quite a while this way about Tess and school.

REMINDER (to me): There are so many little things to be excited about. So many things to find joy in. 'i' is a letter in the alphabet for heavens sake, and that is exciting!

NC

Here are some of the highlights from our recent trip to Pittsboro NC. This was my first time spending more than a few hours in NC, and I must say, I loved it. We found a letterbox, enjoyed the wedding of David's older brother Jeff, and his bride Cheryl, and had some time to play in Pittsboro (who was having an art market the day we were there). It was a lot of fun, the pictures don't do it justice!

Playing outside the reception:

The happy couple, David's bro Jeff, and our new sis Cheryl.

Letterboxing with the other Goodes (Allison, Doug, Jonathon, and Jillianne)

Shorter

And a little blonder.

Dating Dilema

Okay ladies and gentlemen, I need your help.

We've reached a place in our marriage. I'm happy to be at this point, mind you, because i think it's a wonderful place to be. We are so comfortable that we don't really date. Don't get me wrong, we do everything together. If we're not working, we're together. But it seems harder to date. Does that make sense? This is where you come in....what do you do for dates? I need some fresh ideas. What's your favorite place to go together? Or your favorite thing to do? In Jacksonville, or just in general. Here for example are a few of our go-to's:
St. Augustine- just to walk around, maybe a ghost tour, a walk around the fort, and stops in the galleries around the plaza.
San Marco- the little theatre, and a walk at Landon park.
Home depot- this is a recently acquired favorite! Nothing like dreaming over sinks and washing machines with the one you love =)

Thanks in advance for your ideas!

Lettuce, Lavender, and Beef Stew.

Don't worry they're not the ingredients to any new culinary creation from my kitchen.
Just the things I'm enjoying today.

I checked lettuce off my grocery list this morning as I walked out of the Home Depot garden center. Maybe it's not quite what I was supposed to get but my little baby lettuce plants look pretty perfect in their new home next to the beets. I've never attempted lettuce before, so I'll be sure to keep you posted on the adventures that are to come. (Oh how I love my simple life).

And the Lavender happened completely by accident. It wasn't on a list or even on my mind until I walked past it in my new most frequented store (see above). I was on my way to the lettuce when a familiar smell reached me. I then, realizing it must have come from one of the plants near by, proceeded to pick up and smell every plant with in 10 feet. A few employees and a bit of a stuffy nose later I found it. Lavender. And I had.to.have.it. Some women swoon after shoes. Some lust after bags. Give me a few minutes in a garden center, and I'll surely find some pot of dirt and a little green sprout to lust after. What can I say? Maybe it's not glamorous, but it's how I roll okay? So a few 10 minutes of rationalizing that lavender was actually a need (to fill in a void left when I'm not in my Grandparents garden and potentially make some soap) I had my second purchase of the day. And now it sits on my porch waiting for me to find it's perfect home.

And now, the beef stew. Which also wasn't planned. It just so happens to be drizzling, and outside has the appearance of chilly air (of course this is a terrible trick, because once you open the door the blast of humidity takes only a few seconds to hit you). But nonetheless, the beef stew is in the crock pot, the rolls are in the oven, and my day feels as full as it can get.

Hope you're enjoying a Saturday full of unplanned goodness,

which after all seems to be the best kind.

Happy Birthday!

David had a birthday! It was kind of a weekend long celebration, it started at my parents (see above picture), where he had to be the center of attention (which he loves to be so much, again, see above picture) for birthday cake and presents.

We had a special dinner and chocolate cake last night before going out to enjoy the evening at our favorite bookstore. It was so nice here yesterday, I joked that the earth was celebrating David's birthday too. And maybe it was just a coincidence, but really he's something to celebrate.

Mostly because he......

Changes the channel when scary previews come on.

Tells me sweet things when I least expect them.

Washes the dishes, and keeps the floor clean.

Knows me better than anyone.

At my request, makes a meeting place for just in case a monster attacks Jacksonville while we aren't together, AND promises to come find me if I can't get to him (go watch Cloverfield).

Also promises that we'll die at the same time...and that he'll write a book to help me keep my memory when I loose it to dementia (see The Notebook).

Finds the good in everything.

Encourages me on my quest to do something big. And believes that I can.

Laughs at the most inappropriate times.

Happy birthday David. Let's celebrate you more often, it was really fun =)

School starts Monday.

And I am

NOT

Ready.

The classroom is not set up. My student books are not caught up. I've got loads to do.

But that's not it....

It has been way to much fun to enjoy cooking dinner. I'm afraid I'm going to miss my free time. Time I got to use to play, and visit, and to get started planning our ward Christmas party. I'm not sure I'll ever want to give up mornings at home, and breakfasts with David.

But I am ready to teach. And to learn (patience mostly). I'm ready to serve. Because that, after all is what I do for a living. And you know what....I love my job.

So good bye summer. See you next year.

Wish me luck.

Therapy

Our garden is blowing up.

There is a cantaloupe vine in our neighbors yard.

The beans are taller than the fence.

The basil is claiming a whole corner.

The carrots look like dill (which is much bigger than carrot tops).

And the cucumbers have been producing for months.

But don't feel too bad for us...we've made pickles (5 jars), and tomato relishes (another 5 masons), and enjoyed little bowls of whatever i picked drizzled with oil or vinegar, or completely bare. I have to say I could get used to this. And the best part is that this is Florida, so I've got all year (basically) to grow.

Next will be the Squash.

And some peas.

And definitely some okra.

There is something so theraputic for me about dirty hands. And seeing something grow. And no one can argue that eating something clean and fresh isn't good for the soul.

Weekend au spectacular

You MUST start this recipe with a terrible day of work on Friday. Terrible days typically include: grumpy bosses; rained out water days, and subsequently angry children; and in this case a sustained bite (broken skin and all) to an area we'll call my 'lower abdomen', but in reality was in a place I was embarrassed to even show my husband).

Once the terrible work day is over simmer in the car for about the distance to the South Stake center and youth conference '09. By the time you get there you should be able to peel the stress filled day (but not the bite mark) away with little effort.

Add :
a best friend
300 youth
some tunes- in this case "Bad to the bone", and a couple Vanilla Ice classics.
a heaping plate of a taco salad for dinner
an always delightful chat with Major Babe, followed immediately a hug that smells on you all night
and a pinch of an awkward moment when a youth hits on you at the dance.

At this point in the recipe, it's important to make some phone calls, and hurry back to Jacksonville to catch up with it's newest residents and their (and my) fabulous family.

*Keep an eye on the bite- any redness or swelling should be seen by a doctor (don't worry, I skipped this step).

Add:

Olive Garden appetizers
The sweetest niece and nephew you can find
A wonderful father, accompanied by a fabulous sister and brother in law.
And if you have it-another super cute sister and her also super cute roommate.

Let that marinate over night.

Then add:

A perfect morning
Your new favorite arts market (under a bridge)
Turkey sandwiches on croissants
A successful move of two girls things into their 1st apartment
A tearful good bye

Again let it marinate over night, then add:

A cantaloupe from the garden, and dad's oh-so-yummy omelette's
Church in an old ward, filled with old friends.
A baby blessing for the besties firstborn
Fathers blessings, and an apartment dedication
And another tearful goodbye.

*the bite will now be ready to be ignored. Don't worry, the worst part is over.

There it is, my weekend spectacular recipe. What ingredients did you use for yours?

My best friends wedding

Emily and Micheal were married Saturday in the Orlando temple. It was a gorgeous day! It helps that I absolutely LOVE weddings, and would go to one every weekend if I could, AND that Emily is one of my besties. But even despite my affinity for weddings and Emily, it was just a beautiful day, for a really beautiful couple.

CONGRATULATIONS MR. AND MRS. DICKS!

We love you ,and were so happy to be able to share some of your joy this weekend!

Oh, AND my original bestie took the pictures, and since we hosted her at our house, I got to spend time with her too! Thanks for a fun weekend Lauren! So glad you're close again!!!

Where I am

Optimistic: A state of having positive beliefs.

cheerfulness, confidence, easiness, elation, encouragement, enthusiasm, exhilaration, rose-colored glasses, good cheer, happiness, hopefulness, idealism, looking on bright side, positivism, , sanguineness, sureness,trust.

I am there.

And plan on staying.

Life is too good. Family is too sweet. Friends are too dear. The plan is too true. And time is too short, to be anywhere else.

So Good

I heard these guys this morning and thought I'd share. Even if it's not your thing, you've got to admit they're pretty impressive.

Asamblea 5 Minutos

5 Minutos

10 Minutos

15 Minutos



Asamblea 30 Minutos

Ta-Da!!

So we built a picnic table. David would argue that he built a picnic table, and he would be right I guess. 3 coats of seal later she's ready to be used!

On the verge

Do you ever get that feeling? Like you are about to do something that will change things? Or that something that was inevitably going to happen is about to happen?

Maybe I just have too much free time these days....

Homes

I am one blessed girl. I'm back from my trip home, to Palm Bay. And have come to a conclusion. I've been debating, really since we bought the house and moved in about where my home was. I have had a little mental struggle going on.

Palm Bay has been home. My parents home was my home. People who have known me my whole life, streets I knew my way around, a home I always feel myself in, and family quailfied Palm Bay for the title.

But Jacksonville (really Orange Park now) had started to feel more home-y as well. I've been here a while. People are starting to be more familiar, as well as the streets. And I have family here now too. So should Jacksonville be home?

When I was in Palm Bay I called Jacksonville home. When I was in jacksonville I called Palm Bay home. So my trip last week has cleared it all up. Here is my verdict.....

I have a couple 'homes'. I'm blessed enough to have places I can go and feel like I am home. To feel loved and accepted and safe. I have two safe havens. I have to heavens on earth. I'm so blessed! Palm Bay in all of it's glory will always be home. But Jacksonville has earned the title as well. Be it ever so humble there's no place like my homes.

Now for the trip details.....it was a blast!!

Jacob my little brother is no longer little. He is offically taller than me and can pick me up (though he dare not try!).

Kaylene is gettig ready to move to Jacksonville and I'm ready!

Jessica and her family are the cutest. Her little ones are just too much fun and getting bigger every day. She has started making quilts and blankts sets for baby cribs, and they are BEAUTIFUL! I'll post the link when she finally sets her Etsy account up, I've already called dibs on a few sets.

Mom and Dad are great as ever. Anna and Kim are h.i.l.a.r.i.o.u.s. We had a good time at the pool and the beach and letterboxing.

The highlight of the trip may have been Ben and Jerrys. You see my dad has a special kind of love for ice cream. He has a bowl every night before bed. So for fathers day, we put him up for the gallon challenge. 20 scoops of ice cream. 18 toppings. 1 brownie. 4 banannas. Lots of whipped cream. If you can eat it all, you get it free. We all ended up helping, but he gave it a good shot. I'm thinking it should be a new tradition! What do you think?