...2008...

Sigh. Today is the last day of 2008. Seriously? Was it not just yesterday that I was dreaming of what my little baby would be like? Wondering if I was having a little boy or little girl??? And now I sit here w/ an aaaalllmost 8month old! What a crazy year this has been! Here are some highlights of our year...
*going to Hawaii for the first time...
*putting in a leave of absence...
*being showered by my friends and family...
*getting "the call" to come in to have my bebe...
*tmama helping me the 13 hours of labor (really? 13 hours? I don't think the first 12 hours and 52mins count!)
*judewilliam...
*Sedona for the 4th...
*Colorado for the HS youth camp...
*going to TN to introduce jdub to his Great Grandparents!
*the Walker Valley High game- hilarity...
*Jude's first coo...
*his first smile...
*the first time he waved...
*or rolled over- and I started bawling...
*his beautiful laugh...
*watching DLo become a daddy...
*watching my parents become...a wee bit MORE nutz (when it comes to Jude at least!)...
*going to the Grand Canyon...
*Baby's First Christmas...

Wow. I'm so blessed....

...field trip...

Awwww. DLo has been home for almost a full week! It has been...bliss. We've been being all smooshie...and Jude, for one, has LOVED having his daddy home! The kid seriously smiles/laughs ALL day long! So...what have we done so far? A whole lot of nothing! Okay- not true, not true. After the craziness of 5 family Christmas events...we...rested...DLo had a "guys night"...went to The Refinery (CCV Goodyear) to hear DLo's dad preach...went to dinner to celebrate my daddy's 69th bday...and...went on a family field trip!

It's not as exciting as it sounds...well...it was for us...but probably not for all of you! Derrick and I took Jude to Old Navy and then Toys R Us. It's not like it's the first time we've taken him shopping...but- the older he gets, the less patient he is...you get the idea. It's not something we do often. Anywho. We had so much fun at TRU. Derrick and I had decided to spend the money that Grandma and Grandpa Logan sent on spoiling Jude...We roamed each and every aisle, deciding what we could blow our cash on. Derrick's suggestion of the pony that actually walks was DE-nied....so we pressed on....We DID find what we're gunna get Jude for his 1st bday...which was kinda sad b/c it's coming so quickly...but we couldn't really find any one big thing to get for our lil guy. Until. So...Derrick and I are like 2 year olds. We like to "test" the toys out if at all possible. So...if we see a big cage of basketballs...we will not hesitate to take one out and bounce it. ...Apparently, Jude LOVES this! He would not stop cracking up as DLo bounced the ball or threw it up in the air! It. Was. Fantastic. Now. The boy may not look much like me...but MAN does he LAUGH LOUD like me! If it weren't so STINKIN' cute...I may have gotten slightly embarrassed at the sheer volume of his laughter! :D The best part...I mean....you see this unbelievably gorgeous (I'm not biased) baby...and...he's just laughing his little heart out as his daddy plays w/ him... you'd think people would stop and have an "awwww" moment. LOL. Nope. People seriously pretended like we weren't even there! No reaction!!! No smiles of "how cute"- no scowls of annoyance- no acknowledgment whatsoever. It was pretty funny! Maybe they were intimidated by how AWESOME my family is? Hmmm....I'm gunna stick w/ that idea! ;)

Anywho- Here is a video of Jude laughing at his papa...and then one of DLo and his madcrazy skateboarding (or something- not sure what the heck it was) skillz (please disregard the shakiness in the latter video- I could NOT contain my laughter...and...I apologize in advance for Derrick's wretched shirt- video killed the radio star...):

We've also been having Disney Movie Marathons. You see. We LOVE all things Disney (well- with the exception of Miley Cyrus)...and...I own pretty much ALL the Disney Animated Classics on either DVD or VHS...and we've always talked about watching ALL of them, but we never do...so...we started this week- We've already done: Sleeping Beauty, Lady and the Tramp, Lady and the Tramp2, Sword in the Stone (Dlo's FAVORITE- it was quite annoying listening to him quote all the lines), and tonight- Robin Hood (well, except DLo fell asleep 1/2 way through it- so I stopped to blog!). We'll see if we can keep it up!

Also- in Jude news...Can I just reiterate how stinkin' cute he is??? I'm so blessed to stay at home w/ him. I always put him through "boot camp"...first it was to roll over...then it was to say "hi" or "bye" (wave, rather)...and then it was to clap his feet...and his hands. He didn't quite get the concept of clapping his hands- and I'm not sure when he's supposed to reach that particular milestone (I know, I know- all kids are different)...but he LOVES it when I clap his hands for him. Well. Today, Derrick (of course it was for his daddy!) started clapping at Jude for some reason...and he TOTALLY clapped back. Oh it was so sweet! We just cheered and clapped even harder! Poor boy didn't know what all the ruckus was about, but he just kept on clapping! We also noticed...that if you are in a different room- but within earshot- and start clapping...Jude will clap back- even though he can't see you!!! Is my kid a genius or what?! (Well...it's what my mom always says- just imagine in an asian voice- ooooh coowalll- he-jah gee-nee-us-ah!) :)

101 in 1,001

The Mission: Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.
The Criteria: Tasks must be specific (ie. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie. represent some amount of work on my part).
The End Date: Jan. 8, 2010

***Updated and Revised*** (48 more to go...)
1. Create this list April 11, 2007
2. Publish this list online April 16, 2007
3. Convince one other person to make a list September 2008- Michelle Summers
4. Go on a walk at least 3 times a week for a month (0/4 weeks)
5. Lose 10 pounds (10/10) August 2008
6. Cook at least 5 times a week for a month (4/4 weeks) June 2008
7. Take Jude to BN for booktime once a week for a month (0/4 weeks)
8. Drink at a gallon of water a day for a week
9. Lose 10 more pounds (2/10)
10. Install screens on the house
11. Take a bike ride in the White Tank Mountains-I hiked it (twice)...and I'm counting that... November 2008
12. Visit Derrick’s Grandparents in TN July 4-12, 2007
13. Clean out extra room for Derrick's uncle to move in for a couple months July 18, 2007
14. Visit Derrick's Grandparents in NC ***I'm considering this done, since they're moving here next month!***
15. Visit my family in Korea
16. Start an account for Jude
17. Finish my Ripple giving March 2008
18. Start our retirement fund…which is way overdue…
19. Sell our House
20. Buy a NEW house
21. Buy a new Outlook April 24, 2007
22. Sell the Malibu May 31, 2007
23. Buy a laptop May 25, 2007 (it was a gift from Derrick!!!)
24. Read the Bible every day 2008-2009
25. Read 10 books from my collection of books (that I’ve never read before) (10+/10) Feb 2009
26. Lose 10 MORE pounds (0/10)
27. Reread all the Harry Potters to Derrick (0/7)
28. Go to the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows book sale midnight madness thing w/ Katie….and not die… July 20/21, 2007
29. Read HPDH in 24 hours July 24, 2007
30. Go to my 10 Year Reunion October 2008
31. Go to Derrick’s 10 Year Reunion
32. Quit my job April 2008
33. Do photography full time May 2008
34. Learn to use my camera manually July 2008 (although I'm still not great)
35. Create a website for my photography December 2008 (klp blogspot- official website coming soon...)
36. Get my business license (eh) (in the process)
37. Get knocked up August 2007
38. Lose the baby weight May 15, 2008
39. Lose 10 more pounds, after the baby weight May 2008
40. Learn a new game (Nertz) January 2008
41. Learn a new recipe June 12 and 16, 2007
42. Get caught up on scrapbooking- lol
43. Find a new hobby May 2008 (card making)
44. Write a song
45. Lead someone to Christ
46. Pull an all-nighter ....this is somewhat cheating.....but waking up at 10am and not going to bed until 5:30am, then waking up at 9:45am counts as an all nighter to me! July 18/19, 2007
47. Buy a new Coach Purse :) March 2008 (a baby bag- although I returned it!!!)
48. Organize the closets June 22-23, 2007
49. Plant new trees or something! (Hopefully soon!)
50. Get a security door for the house (I got one picked out!!!)
51. No internet for a week! (somehow- I don't think this will ever happen...)
52. Email someone I haven’t talked to in a while April 17, 2007
(Emailed Chomonic- haven't seen/spoke to her since June 21, 2003)
53. Clean up my negative speaking May 2008
54. Make a new friend May 2007
55. Try a new drink at Starbucks April 11, 2007 and May 8, 2007
56. Finish STM giving
57. Convince Love to start a blogspot YES! August 17, 2008
58. Go see Wicked again- preferably in LA, Chicago or NY!!!
59. Call Grandparents in Korea
60. Beat American Idol w/ Expert Judging :) May 5, 2007
61. Have a Super Bowl Party at my house
62. Spend New Years Eve in Disneyland
63. Build a shoe rack for the garage
64. Go on another cruise
65. Get new bedding for my bedroom
66. Pay for a meal or a Starbux of the car behind me in a drive thru
67. Stop drinking soda Aug 2007
68. Go to the Grand Canyon November 2008
69. Go to a state I’ve never been to January 27-February 1, 2008 (Hawaii)
70. Organize my iTunes April 29, 2007
71. Buy new office furniture July 17, 2007
72. Print new pictures to go in the office June 2008
73. Call Mrs. Watkins August 1, 2007
74. Do a Breast Cancer Walk
75. Go to Sea World
76. Get window treatments
77. Finish this stinkin’ list April 16, 2007
78. Pay off small debts (Super close!)
79. Pay off Vue (just waiting for tax season...)
80. Paint Jude's room!!!
81. Give Derrick kisses everyday for a month
82. ***for me***
83. Stay at a nice resort in PHX- just to get away
84. Have a garage sale
85. Throw Tori’s Shower July 19, 2007
86. Take the Mensa Test
87. Get a massage May 8, 2007
88. Do a Grey’s Anatomy Marathon ....Season One done...
89. Host BUNCO May 1, 2007
90. Go to Sedona June 2, 2007
91. Teach Jude to say "momma"
92. Take Vue in for tune up December 2007
93. Buy an Ipod cover June 30, 2007
94. Take a trip to Tucson
95. Watch all the Disney movies that I own
96. Purchase all the “old” Disney movies that I’d like to have
97. Create a will
98. Go on a “Girl’s” trip
99. Go on a “7th Heaven” Family vacation (Sedona) July 4, 2008
100. Find a place to volunteer July 2007
101. Start a new list w/ all the things I didn’t complete

...come and gone...

Another Christmas has come and gone. Time seems to fly. Remember when we were little...and December seemed like the longest month ever?! Hmmm. I miss those days...now...the passing months are a reminder that my boy is getting bigger and bigger (and closer to leaving his mama- I know- dramatic much?!)... We had such a blessed Christmas, spending time w/ all our family. Jude was a cutie pie...and was an ANGEL- even though he boycotted his naps whenever family was over (no- he literally would throw a fit when I would carry him into the room- kid knows how to party!). Here are some pictures of our FOUR Christmas celebrations:

...Merry Christmas...

I want to wish everyone in the blogging world the Merriest of Christmases.

My little family has been busy celebrating with DLo's extended family, immediate family, my immediate family...and of course...with each other! For the first time in the 6 years we have had Christmases as a married couple...we waited until Christmas MORNING to open gifts!!! (No, seriously...we always open them up about 15 mins after wrapping them- no matter the date! The furthest from Christmas we've gotten is a week before- this is a big deal for us!!!) And...I think DLo and I can honestly say...that the best gift of all is looking into the face of our son....I have never felt closer to Mary in all my life. I think about the joy she must have felt, looking down at her new baby...knowing that He had come to be a light to the world....

Anywho. I attended PVC's Christmas service yesterday w/ my mom/dadinlaw (who are- btw- AWESOME people- I'm so blessed)... They showed this video from Fellowship Church that just blew me away....Enjoy:



I hope you and your family find a special way to celebrate the birth of our Savior. Merry Christmas!

...remembering...

Today I am praying for Katie and DJ Salch. I am praying for God to heal their mourning heart...I pray for strength to wash over them....for comfort... I thank God for their friendship...I thank Him for blessing them with Lucy and Tommy. And. I am remembering Becky and Tori...who would have been four years old today.

...100th...

So. This is my 100th post!!! Out.rageous! Well. I've been kinda slacking w/ posting updates...been super busy w/ the holiday season. I promise to be better in 2009!

Until then...here are two of the cutest videos of my lil love. The first is of him laughing as I play peekaboo w/ him (it's the first time he's acknowledged the game whatsoever). The second is of Derrick and Jude watching the video of Jude laughing...which has GOT to be the cutest EVER! And...there are some pix of my lil love too! :)

...klp...

Well...I have been somewhat busy lately taking pictures and editing and designing...and it inspired me to create a blogspot for my photography work. Julie is currently creating a website for me...but the blogspot will do until I become "official". **I'm holding off on doing anything permanent with photography- there are a lot of things I'd like to learn and a lot of time I would need to invest- which I just don't have a whole lot of these days! But I hope to get things in full swing next year!** In the meantime- enjoy some of my sidework: http://kimloganphotography.blogspot.com/

...dork...

So. I'm totally dorky now! My friends and I started a book club! We all are so obsessed with Twilight....and my gf Katie decided to band us together to see if there is another book we can drool swoon over... So. The first book we read: The Hunger Games. AWESOME book- BUT...it's a triology...and the first book is the only one out so far. Grrr. So now I have to wait until Septish to find out what happens! Ugh! And then wait again to read the finale! Anywho- The book is pretty short- you could probably read it in a couple of hours.... It's written for middle school aged and up...but...I don't mind b/c I LOVE reading children's books...thus the whole teacher/librarian thing! :)

...seven...

My baby boy is SEVEN months old today. What in the world!?!? He's not a newborn anymore...well- I guess he hasn't been for a while...but it's official- he's on his way downhill- down the "I'm turning ONE" hill! Sigh! I think back to this time last year- and I was just so excited for all the fun preggo milestones like feeling him/her move and finally getting big and fat! As a matter of fact- it was a year ago this coming Friday that I had my BIG ultrasound- meaning I was 18 weeks- the one where Derrick and I decided not to find out (but took a sealed ultrasound picture home that disclosed Jude's gender)... Wow. And now- I have this HUGE kid. :( Who has the magic remote control to stop time???? And, can I PLEASE borrow it???

I'm very excited for Jude to conquer upcoming milestones....but mostly....I'm trying to savor every single second of now...b/c it's just flying by! Let's see...now Jude can:

*wave byebye (although he's selective on who he'll do it to- disclaimer much?)

*give momma love (he'll put his head on my chest when I say that...not every time though, unfortunately)

*roll over...

*act like a true "fatkid" and smack his lips whenever mom or dad is eating...

*drink from a sippy cup- even w/ the no-spill thing in!

*hold his own bottle/sippy- although, he'll only play w/ it, not drink from it! :P

*dance (not really, but he'll bop up and down)

*shake his head "no"...

*reach for you when he wants to be picked up...

It's funny how when I sit down to write these- my mind goes blank...even when I tell myself NOT to forget them when they're happening! And then I can't remember if I've already written about them...LOL. Anywho- Derrick and I just fall more and more in love w/ him- every day...we're so blessed....

Dear Jude,

You bring me so much joy...I cannot express to you how much your dad and I love you. We feel so blessed to be able to watch you grow...to watch you learn. Everyday that I get to stay home with you is unforgettable...I love cuddling with you and having you rip my lips off w/ your too powerful hands...I love watching Baby Einstein w/ you and waving at the other lil babies on the TV...I love swinging you around and singing Sean Paul w/ you...I love watching your entire face brighten when you realize that your daddy's home...I love when you yell at me that I'm not feeding you fast enough...I treasure these moments. Son, I pray that as you grow older, so will your passion for the Lord... I pray that you will do great things in life... I pray that you will grow to be a strong man of God...that you will be a wonderful husband (well, I don't pray for you to leave me one day...but...)...and a terrific father.... I hope that you never forget that your mommy and daddy love you so so much- and we will always be here for you.

We love you, son.

-Mommy

...giddeyup- another ode...

So. Derrick, Jude and I went to Wickenburg today to play w/ Tori (DLo's baby sister), Kevin and Aryanna. Tori has been a best friend and sister to me loooooong before Derrick and I were even engaged. As a matter of fact....whenever Derrick and I were "on a break"...Tori was the one who would accompany me to Ramiros to talk smack about her brother! :) Gotta love a girl who will trash her brother to cheer up his ex-girlfriend/her bff! :D

Anywho- Tori's hubby works in Wickenburg (since like August)...and so...now they live a zillion miles away from us....so we haven't gotten to spend as much time together as we would all like...which kills us b/c Derrick and Kevin are great friends too- and I swear, Kevin is the brother I never had! Something about being the "inlaws"...whenever the Logan posse is together....I know I can count on one quick glance at Kevin to send me into hysterics! (No, seriously....it. is. comedy!)

Anyways- It was a pretty quick trip...w/ fantastic scenery- I especially enjoyed the 20 saloons we passed!!! They were so sweet to make us yummy breakfast...then we put the kiddos down and talked (which usually consists of laughing at Derrick and/or wrestling)...then we busted out w/ the game Canasta. Now. I've owned this game for maybe...3 years? I dunno. We all like to play games alot...so I've brought this game to family functions NUMEROUS times...but we NEVER play it! So one year...literally, it was like a year or so ago...Kevin went ahead and opened the box to read the instructions (no one had ever played it before)...that was pretty much as far as it went...so today- TODAY- we FINALLY decided to play the game (the cards were still in the wrapper!!!)....Tori and I DOMINATED...but the game had to be put on hold b/c Kevin had to go to work ("Stop, in the name of the law!")... but not before we ate some yummy homemade tamales! Derrick and I had so so so much fun. It was nice to be w/ family...and also to see my sweet lil' Princess Ary! It had been too long- and recently when the family was together, I feared that she didn't know who I was b/c she wouldn't hug me!!! But after swinging w/ her and singing "Rockabye Ary!"...her and I are BFFs once again!!! (It was so sweet to see her come run and jump into my lap any chance she got! I loved it!) Aryanna and Jude also had fun sharing each others toys! Ary's got some pretty cool flashy things that Jude LOVED to munch on! :) And Jude has a cool Elmo phone that Ary was totally diggin! It was too sweet! (see video below!)

Anywho... So...
Tori, I love you so much! We have been through so much over the past 10 years....some of which I will not post b/c we would BOTH spontaneously combust! But...I will always remember (and laugh at):
*birds...
*when I jumped on your bed as you were waking up...
*softball Sundays...
*megan, megan, megan, megan...
*baking on Thanksgiving...
*your green car that had that AWFUL smell...
*"ohmygah white car!!!!" or "ohmygah, i'm outta gas!!!"
*our analyzation of all the kissing styles... LOLOLOLOL
*when my dad "spanked" me...in front of you...when I was like 22!!!! LOL (that. was. awesome)
*my mom's relationship advice...
*prom w/ kurtis... LOL
*our "boys suck" night w/ Jenet...and the "boys suck" scrapbook! (who has that btw?!)
*everytime you wrestle w/ Derrick...and then he gets butthurt! LOL
*"TORI!" (you know you can hear it in your head!)
*the first time I played Rook...and needed instructions...
*Spiderman 2...w/ Pratt...and playing Truth or Dare at Starbux...and that chick who was hitting on me...and the stolen mini-mug....and the drunk guys at the gas station who lived at "the apartments"...
*Hoochie shirts! LOLOLOLOL
*when you were w/ me the entire 13 hours I was in labor w/ Jude :) (I love you!)

And Kevin...seriously. I thank God everyday that you chose to be Tori's boyfriend all those years ago! You two are a perfect match (you and Derrick, I mean... j/k)!!! I'm glad that I have someone else who makes fun of ALL the awesome events in the Logan clan! It's superb! (Now if we can get Niki to join the darkside!!!) I'll never forget:
*"Kevin, you like that rap music?!"
*the chick from Jerrod's wedding w/ her arm on her hip!!!! LOLOLOL
*Awesome God by Rich Mullins
*Derrick. Logan. It is quite fantastic just HOW many times we can laugh at him!
*Thanksgiving 2008- the noise. was. incredible.
*Ary's meconium explosion....Sometimes...I still have nightmares...
*rental car shuttle stops...
*"Carpe Diem....." and "Flavaaaa Flaaaaaaaave!"

Um. I may need to stop there...b/c I'm laughing to hard to type....and I may wake up the boy! LOLOLOL.

Awww. I love you guys! :)

...ode to...

...my Home Team. I seriously love each and every one of my HT'ers! I'm so blessed to have found a group of people who have turned out to be great friends! Thank you for your support, laughter, and encouragement!

Adam and Amy: Adam...I look forward to Wed nights- not just b/c of awesome fellowship and BS...but b/c I know that there will be someone else there to rag on Derrick w/ me! YES! You seriously make me laugh so hard! But honestly, how does Amy put up w/ you?! ;) Amy...I am SO stinkin' excited for May to roll around! I've thoroughly enjoyed getting to know you- and totally think we need to set up playdates- pronto! :) Your girls are just precious and I love seeing what new things they've learned each week! ("Do you like milk?")

Ryan and Maggie: Ryan...I know I can count on you to stir up some kinda fun conversation! Whether it be about sports, poker, or Coldplay! Maggie...I have NEVER in my life had more fun playing a game w/ someone! My stomach seriously hurt from laughing! :) You two are such a cute couple and bring a fresh vibe into my life!

Daniel and Vi: Daniel...the coffee- always rocks! Vi...I love you to pieces! I'm so grateful for the "HTdrama" that brought us together! I (as well as Jude) always look forward to seeing lil Rileyface and her CUTE jammies! It's going to be so fun watching those two grow up together!!! (BFF's...if nothing else ;) !)

Barry and Cortney: Barry...I'm pretty sure that Derrick thinks you're the coolest guy ever! He is always talking about how you have a wicked cool job! Cortney...I'm SO glad you guys are in our HT! I have loved getting to know you (and meet Mr. Jack!). Thank you both for being so real w/ us (especially last week!)... I love that you guys trust our group after such a short time!

John and Jamie: Our phantom HTers! We look forward to seeing you guys next week! :)

Derrick: You suck. But I love you! Thanks for being my partner in crime...and letting me- let them pick on you...and your mancrush... on John Mayer!!! ;) (among other things...)

Seriously though...Derrick and I feel so blessed to have a group of people who see us for who we are: Kim and Derrick. There is no fakeness....no facade. We can be who we are and you all accept us for it! I love knowing that we're there for each other no matter what. We do life together...I just wish there were more hours in the day to do MORE together!!! :) I heart you guys!

...GC...

So. Derrick and I have talked about going to the Grand Canyon for a few years now...and what better time to go then when you have a baby, right?! (insert sarcasm here) But our lil' guy is so awesome...we knew it would be a fun trip! After 3.5 hours of driving north...we finally arrived! Jude did a pretty good job on the way up...he slept for part of it, played for part of it...then got bored! Mommy had to climb in the back seat and entertain him...which didn't last long....Jude finally fell asleep rubbing my hair- which meant that not only was I squished in the middle seat next to his ginormous carseat...but my neck was contorted so he had full access to my hair...superduper! :) (Anything for my boy!) Anywho....it was pretty cold up there...but we were all bundled up! It wouldn't have been bad, except it was SUPER windy...and Jude's face was super cold! We looked at the big hole in the ground...and walked around to see it from different view points...went to the visitor center to find the skywalk (which we learned isn't apart of the Grand Canyon National Park- but part of the GC in Vegas?! something like that...)...looked at the hole some more...laughed at all the asians (wait, I think only I laughed at them...ahhh- my people)...took some pictures...and after about an hour- got in the car to come home! :) I could have thought it was a wasted trip...we def- would have walked around and maybe even hiked some if we didn't have the Judester...but I didn't consider it wasted at all. I had so much fun w/ my two guys! And I love that we were spontaneous! We stopped by Flag on the way back for some yummy OG and then on home. Left at 11:50am. Home by 9:30pm. Awesomeness!

Here are some pix of our adventure:

...speechless...

So. Those of you who have known me for a while...know that when I was in HS, I was a TOTAL choir geek. I'm talking- full on- Choir Treasurer...and all! But...over the years...I've strayed away from my choir ways.... perhaps if I'd stuck with it....this would be my future:



Words cannot express....although...I'm pretty sure that this counts as elderly abuse...

...lOl...

So. Derrick and I are Christmas shopping online... and we have the tv turned to the music stations- jammin' to the Christmas tunes.... So. Whitney Houston is belting out the Christmas Song (emphasis on CHRISTMAS)....and at the end of the song...she's singing "Merrrrry Christmaaaaaas....Merry Chrissstttmaaaaaas....Haaaaappppy Kwaaaaanzaaaaaa.....Meerrrrry Chrrriiistmmmaaaaas tooooo youuuuuu...." ?! Seriously? I mean. If you celebrate Kwanzaa or Hanukkah or whatever....good for you! But...really? If you're singing a Christmas song- sing a Christmas song. If you want to say Happy Kwanzaa....sing a dang Kwanzaa song!!! (Which, if you need assistance in finding one...I can refer you to the Flynn)...Hilarity. Derrick and I were both sitting at the dining table- browsing away at each of our laptops....and all of a sudden, we both heard it at the same time and both turned our heads simultaneously to look at the tv. My goodness! LOL.

...thankful...

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

This year, I am thankful for:

*the neverending love of Jesus...

*supportive and caring family- on both sides...

*good health...

*staying at home w/ my boy...

*a wonderful hometeam...

*indescribable girlfriends...

*a loving and understanding husband...

*and this little/big guy:

What are YOU thankful for?

...more random videos...

Here's one of Jude laughing @ daddy when we were taking a break from decorating the house for Christmas:

and...as if I needed more proof that Jude thinks Derrick is the funniest thing on this planet...here's a video of Jude laughing @ his daddy last night in his Jumperoo (we've never heard him laugh that hard ever!):

...rock and roll...

LOL. Hurray!!! A blog that is not Twilight related!!!! ;)

Here's a video of Jude rolling (and grinding his teeth- yucky!) from the beginning of the month:

...a quickie...

So. Don't make fun of me. Okay...go ahead....So. I went and saw Twilight again tonight. I saw it w/ my two BFF's Jaime and Leslie (more on Les later...). I went knowing all the quirks that I hadn't imagined the first time...and....I...actually....LIKED it! OME! It was much much MUCH better the second time....although the music was still cheesy, and the acting (in the beginning especially) was so-so...and the character development was lacking...but I liked it. :)

Thanks goodness! Anyone want to go w/ me to see it a third time?! Maybe I'll LOVE it by then!!! :)

Well- a note:

Dear Mr. Pattinson,
While you do make a pretty yummy Edward. You really need to work on not overacting. Edward is a smooth operator. When you're trying to be all tormented and stuff...yeah, not working for me! Please work on it for the following movies!
Thanks-
Kimbasa...

...a few things...

Okay. A few things...

1. I'm sorry for being a blogging slacker. It's not that there aren't a million things that come to my mind daily to blog about...it's just that I've been finding all my spare time reading. I think it's my new addiction! Which can't be that bad, right?!

Jude has been such a funny guy lately...his personality is coming out more and more. Gone are the days when he would just sit somewhere and chill. Now, he sits there and whines to be held or played with (not that I neglect him or anything...but seriously, if I walk away to get a bottle of water, he let's me known his disapproval!) He's such a cutie pie- he recently started rolling around (which is WONDERFUL b/c the pediatrician said he may not do it for a while since he has "alot to roll over" LOL sadtimes!) He also laughs constantly at his dad (no, literally, dlo could say "Hey!" and Jude busts out...he humors me w/ a chuckle every once in a while...but usually if dad's in the room, he's LOOKING at dad while laughing at me. Nice.) He makes "kissy face" and smacks his mouth....He grinds his teeth (yucky!) which he has FIVE of now! FIVE! Outrageous! And he absolutely, positively HATES mangoes! He will put it in his mouth and then gag it back out! Sad!!!! (More sad that I keep feeding it to him!!!) Jude has been shaking his head back and forth ("no") and waving- although, I don't think he is meaning to actually wave!!! And finally, my favorite, he raises his arms up and reaches out to be held!!!! I LOVE IT!

2. I cannot BELIEVE the holidays are here! I haven't even begun thinking about what to get all the zillions of children who are now in our family!!! I mean...I know it's not about presents....but it's really the first time in our adult lives that we've had kids to spoil!!! Which reminds me- momma needs money! So I should probably get on that! (Need any last minute Christmas pictures?!) I digress. Derrick and I used to have a tradition to put up the decorations the day after Thanksgiving...which usually ended up being Thanksgiving night....and then last year we put them up the day BEFORE Thanksgiving....but this year, things are going to be WAY too hectic...and it's hard getting stuff done w/ a kiddo...so we've started putting up the decorations TODAY!!! Whoohoo!!! Derrick's all done testing all the lights (which btw, was THE cutest thing I've ever seen!!!) and I've got the Nativity up and some of the nicknack's up. Stresses me out a little- after all, it IS like 6 big Rubbermaids FULL of stuff!!!

Derrick and I just LOVE this time of year (I know many people do)...I love how much Derrick loves it- and viceversa. It definitely makes us more smooshie this time of year- which I am looking forward to! This afternoon, when Jude woke up from his nap, we started singing every single Christmas song we could think of. It was sweet b/c in the beginning Jude would randomly hum throughout our singing- and I had to tell him what an awesome little singer he was!!! (It's fun to make believe!) Then we came to the realization that there are a LOT of songs that we know the words to...but they get jumbled up between verses...Comedy! Sheer comedy! I was laughing so hard- I thought I'd drop the Judester! Poor kid was jiggling so much from my laughing- and I asked him "Remember when you were in mommy's belly and I would shake you around like this!?" Good times! After like 40minutes of singing (literally) and laughing, we told Jude "See how crazy you've made mom and dad singing all these songs..." and then we both concluded that- no...we woulda done this even before you were in our lives!!! We're nuts! :) Super excited for HT this week...we plan on sharing our "homemade" (see Adam Waltho for his definition) goodies and watching ELF!!! I. Can't. Wait! ("Santa?! I KNOW HIM!" "Smiling's my favorite!!!" "MMmmm, sucky.." LOL)

3. I know this has already turned into the world's longest blog....but...that's me for ya... Twilight. I have to write a follow up to my 2:30am blog. I have had a while to think it all over...and this is my conclusion (w/ the help of my husband- who was kind enough to listen to me vent and share his thoughts, although he couldn't give a rip about any of it!!!) I hyped it up WAY too much in my head. My expectations were too high...I mean. I expected it to be cheesy (in that HSM sort of way)...I didn't expect it to be...bad. But. Maybe it wouldn't have been so bad if I would have just gone in knowing that there is NO possible way to recreate the book in a 2hr time slot. So. Although I thought there were ridiculous things about it- things that were changed around that shouldn't have been or the bad music or whatever....the main thing that bothered me was that I didn't believe the characters. There was no chemistry that got me hooked on the books in the first place. The buildup of the relationship was severely lacking...but...it was nice to see "Edward" and "Bella" in a non-paper form- to see them interact on screen and not just in my head. That is all I can say on that, I guess. I plan on seeing the movie again this weekend...hopefully, w/o my scowl, I'll be able to see all the things that I missed...

I DID have so so so much fun w/ my girlfriends!!! I wish I had a picture to add on here...but I let Kristin do all the picture taking- I'll have to get some from her! What crazy ladies to go to a midnight showing, even though they have to work the next day!!! (Kristin, Bre, Katie, Jaime, Jaime's Momma, Jodi, Randa, and Amy- you guys are NUTS!) but I had so much fun being w/ you all in our EC tshirts! My highlights:

*Snorting- before AND during the movie...and it wasn't quiet at all!
*Tribond- I love games! Bring on the competition!
*Missing Kristin- literally, she went missing for 1/2 hour...she got distracted and wandered into Madagascar 2 LOL
*Katie saving seats- and texting a zillion times b/c she was stressin out!
*Silent laughs- at everything from people gasping to being excited to the corniness of the movie
*Bre and Kristin "whispering" throughout the movie- I had to shush them a couple of times!!! I didn't want the people around us to kill us!!!
*Loud yawns and the lady in her pj's w/ her pillow!!! (seriously- if you're going to go to a midnight movie- you MIGHT not want to get that comfortable, unless you wanna fall asleep!!!)
*the HP trailer- midnight showing again girls?!
*Running red lights- I actually didn't mind...woulda put us in the parking lot sooner! (She didn't really run it though...caught herself at the last minute!)
*Becoming slap happy- I literally slapped my knee a few times!
*More silent giggling- I don't even know why at some points!
*Free popcorn and soda for a buck! Thanks Jacquie!
*Being giddy w/ my gf's! I felt like I was 13 again! LOL.

Thanks girls! I heart you guys (and EC- heehee)...

...um...

So. It's 2:33am. I'm home from the theater. What. The. Heck. How can they go and ruin a perfectly wonderful story?! I was so disappointed in Twilight (the movie)...I mean. Really??? I understand that Summit is a small company...I understand that they probably had a low budget....but really? Words cannot express....I feel cheated. I'm too tired to say more just now...but I WILL blog more about this later!

So. If you've never read the book and you go to see it.... just know that the book is a zillion and one times better! And if you HAVE read the book and you go to see it....prepare for some bad acting and aweful music! (I have already drafted my letter to the director offering Derrick's musical services for any upcoming movies she may have planned....)

More later...

...ome...

So. I'm TOTALLY embarrassed to even blog this...but...I can't let Katie and Jaime be the only ones to blog about it- especially since I'm the one who got them hooked....

Twilight.

Back in September, I was sitting in Barnes&Noble while waiting for Best Buy to open so I could pick up my WiiFIT...Jude wasn't really into the 15 books I had set aside to read him, so I decided to walk around and find a book to buy for myself...it had been a while since I read a good book, so why not?! I came across the "Twilight Aisle" and thought...hmmm...I've seen alot about these books, I think I'll buy this... (honestly, I wanted to know what all the Facebook Flair was about- there are like a zillion that refer to the series...) I didn't have high hopes...I just figured I'd read the first stupid book and be done w/ it. My girlfriend Amy had read the series...and when she saw the book laying on my counter, she immediately started gushing about how I was going to love it and to call her when I fell in love w/ Edward. Yeah. Whatever.

So. It's the middle of November...and...I cannot get these books out of my head!!! I've read the entire series twice (there are 4 books total) and I think I've read the first one Twilight, like 4 or 5 times. I mean. I'm TOTALLY embarrassed by this admission...I mean...I'm embarrassed that I've read them period, let alone multiple times!!!!!!!! But. I love them. I heart Edward (don't tell Derrick!- yeah right, like he doesn't already know!!!) I mean...it's not the best piece of literature...but something about the series...I can't pinpoint it...you just start loving the characters (all of them) and I dunno- oy, gushing..... I mean...it's a love story...a vampire love story...what?! What is my damage?! But like every gal that I know and has read them- LOVES these books!!!

So. Before you judge the whole weirdness of the vampire love storyness...check it out....read it...and then IMMEDIATELY tell me when you fall in love w/ Edward! b/c you will!!! (And read it fast b/c the movie comes out next week!!!!!) Speaking of movie...totally going to the midnight showing...and dragging my gals w/ me...and we bought shirts...Yup. THAT dorky! (I love you Amy, Randa, Jaime, Katie, and Kristin- sorry that ya'll have to work the next day- suckas!!!)

Sigh. That was theraputic!

PS

I bet Derrick won't remember 1/2 those memories!!! LOL

...the big 1-0...

So. Ten years ago today....Kim Rackley and Derrick Logan started dating! I can't believe that we've been "together" for so long...it's amazing to think back to that night when I received the phone call that would lead me to this path that I've been cruising along... For those of you who's never heard the story- and I promise to make it short... I called Derrick on his 18th bday...and told him that I liked him... I was a bold one, I was! We went to the same HS and I'd "known" him since he was a freshman (I'm a year older...) but we didn't become friends until my senior year...when I was in the musical Godspell and Derrick played the drums (major hotness, btw) for the show. I started crushing on him right away...but couldn't tell a soul!!! I'd never had a boyfriend before...and there weren't that many guys that I thought had 1/2 a brain to date! Anywho...I called him on his 18th bday...there were alot of awkward giggles...and when the conversation was over....he CALLED MY BEST FRIEND! LOL. Who does that?! He wanted to confirm w/ her that I liked him. What a dweeb! He made me wait FOUR days before calling me back and "asking me out"... LOL. Good thing I liked him so much!!! Our first date was on Veteran's Day. We have this thing w/ holidays- we'd broken up a few times during the 10 years- and each time was on a holiday...the first being Valentine's Day -(nice one DLo...I'll NEVER let you live that down!) ...the second being Father's Day- which is a stretch, but it WAS a holiday... and the third was on St. Patrick's Day LOL- AND we got married on the first day of Summer... yeah, we're strange! Anywho- We went to the movies for our first date...HORRIBLY BORING movie- The Siege... it was one of those- walk up to the ticket booth and pick a random title to see- yeah, don't do that for your first date!!! I can still remember what we were both wearing!!! The awesome part...we left the movie early b/c it sucked and Derrick had another obligation w/ his grandpa...and my tire was flat!!! (Oh, yeah, I drove b/c I had a new car! LOL) I'd never changed a tire in my LIFE! Luckily, Derrick knew how...but I honestly didn't think he was going to call me back after the wretchedness of our evening! (mid-day I should say!!! lol) Fortunate for me...he did call me back!!!

So... I think back to the past 10 years...and...I can't help but crack up laughing. We've been through so much together...grew up together...and now we get to grow old together. I'm so in love with you, Derrick...you seriously are perfect for me!

Things I will NEVER forget:
*our first date...
*the corn maze...
*Bug's Life and holding hands...
*our first kiss (that Jason and G spied on...)
*Friday nights @ Jason's...
*Milo...
*20 questions while watching Forrest Gump
*random notes on cars (why aren't we that cute anymore?!)
*sky diving...
*whipped! LOL...
*our dock in GL...
*tortoises at the PHX zoo...
*visiting you at Lee...
*your graduation party...
*cleaning up your graduation party...
*the picnic in your truck...
*getting pulled over...
*the circle K by your grandparent's house- and driving all the way down to bring you your keys
*Sonicflood LOL..."in the secret, in the quiet plaaaayace..."
*OC Supertones...
*millions of hours on the phone...
*when you first said "I love you" (and meant it)...
*our bench at the park by your parent's old house...
*San Juan
*Disneyland (how many times has it been?!)
*that wretched yellow blazer...
*the accident in the Horizon...
*the Batman ride
*Megan, megan, megan, megan...
*the first time you took me to that restaurant w/ the gondola ride...
*Prescott w/ Jeromy, Debbi, Shay, and Tori (LOL for multiple reasons!)
*OG... which btw, we NEED to go to soon before the pumpkin cheesecake disappears!!!
*buying your new guitar...
*confronting "Cin"...LOLOLOL
*breakups and notquitesobrokenup...
*the day that you proposed...
*the day we were married...
*the day you told me I was pregnant!!! LOL (read the archive for an explanation)
*the day you told me "it's a boy!"

Derrbear,
Gosh...I feel like there are a zillion memories in my head...I think we'd both be mortified if I listed them all!!! Our life has changed so much since November 9, 1998...in a lot of ways we are completely different people than we were. The past six months have been especially different...and sometimes hard on our relationship... but I want you to know...that I love you so much more today than I did yesterday...I fall so much deeper in love with you- even though I may not show it- everyday! I always knew that you were it for me...I just don't know what I did to be so blessed... (even when you do drive me nuts!!!) You know that I believe you are perfect for me...I am so thankful that you've been in my life these past ten years....I can't wait to see where God leads us in the next ten years...
I love you...
-KimmyPooh


Okay...you can all stop making the gagging sounds!!! Here are some pictures for your delight...my apologies at the ghettoness...I didn't feel like ripping them out of my scrapbooks to scan, so I was SUPERlame and took a picture of them...and then I got ADD and decided to hurry and write the blog, so there aren't THAT many to enjoy... but- here they are nonetheless- Please note how SUPER skinny Derrick was- LOL!

...six...

Un-be-lievable. My boy is six months old today. He is half a year old. What?! And...the boy who decided to come late into the world...is trying to grow up...too fast!!! He has grown so much in the past month...changed a ton. His personality is coming out, too- and he is a funny little dood! I just love him to pieces! Let's see...Jude:

*has 5 teeth now- 3 on the bottom and two coming in on top...
*shakes his head at his daddy whenever his daddy whistles...
*rolls over from his tummy to back...
*and back to tummy- if i hold his butt up for him!
*grabs and attacks everything!!!
*drinks from a sippy cup...
*eats ALL kinds of solids, but hates squash (who can blame him!!!)
*has a wonderful bedtime routine and now can sleep on his own w/o being rocked (but I cheat and rock him sometimes!!!)
*sits up (which he's been doing for a while...but he doesn't fall over anymore....)
*has a "bigboy" carseat...
*has outgrown (in length) his swing...
*bounces in his bouncer like a crazy boy (except that he hates it after coming back from TN)...
*watches cartoons w/ mommy (I know...mommy of the year award...)
*has an incredibly LOUD and high pitched squeal...
*plays on his own...
*makes himSELF laugh- (what the heck?! I still can't seem to get him to laugh!!!)
*smiles and flails his arms when he sees me in the morning or when daddy comes home from work...
*grabs and pulls your face off- it hurts...and he doesn't seem to understand when I explain "that hurts mommy..."
*reaches for his friends (and sometimes, that includes pulling their face off too- poor Riley!!!)
*bathes in the "bigboy" bath seat instead of the lil tub...

Ugh! I always feel like I go blank when I'm writing these lists!!! There are so so so many other fun things that Jude is doing...I just can't think of them all right now! Maybe b/c I'm really tired...hmmm. Regardless- he is just the light of my life....I'm so blessed to have such an amazing son- and to raise him with such an amazing husband....I could not ask for more...


Dear Jesus,
While I am a selfish and whiny and undeserving woman- you have blessed me with such a precious gift. Thank you for trusting me to be Jude's mommy...and thank you for the partnership that I have with Derrick in this life. Please help Derrick and I to be a light and example to Jude. Give us wisdom and patience. Help me to always remember that his little life is in Your hands...I know that he is on loan to me in this world...I promise to take good care of him. I pray that Jude will grow to know You and serve You. I pray that he will live a life that is pleasing to You. Thank you, Lord...for my son.


PS- Yes...his shirt does say "Future Ivy League Student"...his halmoni would be proud!!!

...TN...

Besides Disneyland...Tennessee is by far, Derrick and I's favorite vacation spot. Shortly after we were married, Derrick's grandparents moved to Cleveland, TN. We've been visiting them every year since 2005. Derrick and I always look forward to sitting on their back porch, sippin' on some sweet tea, listening to the same stories...year after year. It's one of those vacations where you don't plan anything...but to sleep in, eat good food, and relax. It's always hard to leave, but you always look forward to going back.... We didn't think we'd get to go this year. We'd made it a "tradition" to go during the 4th of July holidays...but since I had just had Jude a couple months before, Derrick and I thought it wise to wait....then we didn't think we'd afford it....but God is good, so we made it! We HAD to go! Not so much b/c it's relaxing....but b/c we needed to introduce Jude to his Great Grandparents (Jude is blessed to have both sets of GG's from his daddy's side and one from my side)...

So. In order for me to NOT write an entire page worth of fun....here are the highlights:

*Jude's first plane ride: First of all- whoever booked a 6am departure (cough cough, Derrick)- not cool. Making momma wake up her boy at 4am to drive across town and wait in a noisy airport is just mean! :) But I'm telling you- Jude is close to the perfect child- although he woke up 4 hours early AND didn't really go back to sleep- he did great! He took the plane ride like a champ! We had a layover in Dallas....did great then too- and slept the whole 2nd plane ride until we landed in Chattanooga!

* Logan's Roadhouse: They opened one of these at 1-17 and Happy Valley...but for some reason...it just doesn't taste as good as the one in TN! Gotta love the butter rolls- talk about FAT KIDS! Typically, I don't eat bread w/ dinner- maybe one roll...but usually not....yep- I probably had like 4 or 5....sigh. So much for losing 20lbs!

* McCain/Palin: I don't think I've EVER seen that many signs in front yards supporting one candidate! I was shocked when I saw an Obama sticker...he was like the lone duck! (Sidenote- I don't think I've ever watched as much CNN/FoxNEWS in my entire life- I almost had to throw myself down the hill)

* Jude: What a hit this kid is! I know it's part "down south" mentality....but I've never had so many people stop to tell me how adorable he is...and how well mannered he is (sadtimes- and how he must "eat well")... GG Logan ate him up! Derrick's Aunt Liz (Aunt Sissy to Jude) and Uncle Mark and Cousin Jordan visited often too! (Sidenote- only I get to call him fat...b/c he's really not...he can't help his big bones!)

* Knoxville: We went down to Knoxville one night to visit w/ some family friends (they've known Derrick's family since DLo was like a wee lad -lol and I've gotten to know them pretty well over the last 10 years)... It was McKalie's bday celebration at The Butcher Shop. It was a delicious dinner- and then fun times chattin' w/ Chelsea and her new hubby Steve (great guy, btw). The best part of the evening, however...was the trip up there! Knoxville is a little over an hour away from Cleveland. It took us over 2 hours to get there...b/c there was a BAD accident on the I-75 just about a mile in front of us. We were lucky b/c they blocked off the interstate- like four cars in front of us- and we had to exit. Everyone else was stuck...and it didn't look like they'd be moving ANY time soon (we heard shortly after on the radio that it was 2 big rigs that collided- there was a fire and a fatality...). So...sad part aside- the best part was...people were getting OUT of their cars and chatting on the freeway!!! ?! What?! You just don't do that in AZ...maybe b/c it's a thousand degrees and you might get shot? I dunno... But the BEST BEST part...was when we were on the off ramp (is that what they call it in TN?!)...we kinda pulled over a little to ask the officer the best way to get back to the I75 and on our way to Knoxville....LOL. My words will not do it justice... So. This guy...spits this big nasty brown goop from his mouth...shimmy's over to us...and yells... "The innerschtate's closed cayn't ya see?!" Laugh OUT Loud. Every fiber of my being, folks, to not BUST out laughing! Derrick even had to suppress a giggle as he explained that we were from out of town... it was then that I saw that his bottom lip was puffed out 10 times the size of a normal human beings...that I put 2 and 2 together that he had spit out his ta-backy earlier! (Do officers in AZ even smoke on duty?!) Comedy! So then after he gave us directions (which was equally as funny), Derrick and I were on our merry way- laughing the entire time...and referencing "cayn't ya see" after everything we said. It was great!

* WVHS Marching Band: Jordan, DLo's cousin, is a senior in HS this year....makes me want to vomit...since I've known him since he was like 8 years old. Anywho- he pretty much kicks butt at the trumpet....he's 1st chair (for you band nerds) in like EVERYthing he's in...which- he plays for various different things...orchestras or whatever. So...it was his last regular season marching band thing at the football game. It was Walker Valley High (his school) vs. Cleveland High (they're rival schools). WV is known for...losing. They're a young school...and I think Liz said they'd won...3 games this year??? LOL. Anywho- we sat on the Cleveland side (to watch the band during 1/2 time) and we kept screaming every time WV scored...which didn't sit too well w/ the Cleveland folks! Hey- I don't like sports...so if I'm going to have to watch, I'm going to have fun doing it! The best part of the night, besides WV winning....was Dancing Man. After the 1/2 time show, we went over to the WV side....there was this short lil guy just standing and cheering (ps- it was a very different environment at this football game than say...one in AZ)...I thought...my word- he is a little man (he wasn't a midget or anything...he just had...really short legs or something...it was amusing and remember, I need to find something fun to do at games...) so...I took a picture of him. Immediately afterwards....he starts DANCING! Laugh out loud! It was fantastic! Then he jumped down out of the stands to where the cheerleaders were...and started cheering w/ them....he even did the splits...TWICE. I about peed my pants! ...then I had guilt...b/c I thought maybe he was "special"...

* "Heyyyy Jude.....": LOL. Derrick's uncle has a very ...distinguished singing voice. He's not a bad singer...I wouldn't say...it's...more...a...chorale voice? (You have to have DLo do an impression...it's awesomeness) So...he kept randomly busting out w/ "Hey Juuuuude...don't make it bad......take a sad sooooong....and make it bet- teerrrr" at the top of his lungs....even at restaurants! Every fiber....every single fiber...not to even make a face...not to even flinch...to even hint at a smile...b/c if I woulda let myself acknowledge what was happening...it woulda been full on scream/laughing!!!

* Hair on your crack: I'm not even sure at this point what the original conversation was...but something made Derrick tell his grandma "something something heroin and crack"....and she says "Whhhat?!" So Derrick repeats...and his grandma says... "Hair on your cray-ack?!" We all about died... and that would be why I can't remember the original conversation!!!

* GG: It was so wonderful to watch DLo's grandparents w/ Jude. It was so awesome to hear Grandpa Logan say "There's papa's boy, there's papa's man!" everytime he walked into the room w/ Jude....and to see Jude's face light up! Or to watch Grandma Logan give Jude the tour of her house on her hoverround...waving to the other Great Grandma's with her Great Grandson in the mirrors...only to have Jude fall asleep.... It was very hard to take Jude away from them on Saturday afternoon.... I hope Jude knows how loved he is!

Well... of course there were a ton of other stuff...but these were just my highlights....Sorry that I made it a novel....like I tried not to! I cannot wait to go back again...It was so great to spend a week on that hill w/ people we love....I wish we lived closer.... Sigh!

Some pictures:

..."don't expect...

...nuh-sing- dat-ch yo' cku-rrisuh-mahsuh prezzant"... LOL. Translation: "Don't expect nothing, that's your Christmas presant..."

It's about that time....usually every year (since I can remember) around this time, my mom will buy me something...and then say the aforementioned phrase. It cracks me up...b/c she never sticks to her plan and always spoils me. This year, I'm proud to announce, that the phrase has been passed down to Jude!!!! His early gift? A new carseat!!! Poor kid has been busting out of his newbornish seat for the past 3 months.... his new seat is a Recaro and after much research...I decided it was "the best" seat for my boy! (Recaro is a German based company that specializes in bucket seats for cars -and race cars!!!)

***EDIT: Please don't think me a snob by the price of the carseat....I shop a mean bargain- thus the reason Jude's been in a mini-carseat for 3 months!!! Although...I AM a wee bit snobby...I thought he deserved a better carseat than his last one- which we bought b/c daddy "liked" it and it turned out to be a lame carseat. I like knowing the Judester is safe while daddy- er- or mommy is at the wheel! :)***

...1, 2, 3- not it!...

I got tagged again...! I'm excited, I'm not gunna lie! I love stuff like that... Okay- 8 facts about Kim:

1. I was born in Korea...my dad is white...and was in the AF at the time. He and my mom were "hooked up" by friends. (Cute eh?)

2. I'm a cleaning fiend. Granted...I don't clean every weekend like I used to when we were first married...but I always have the house "picked up" before I go to bed...or else I cannot sleep....and- before we go on vacation, the entire house must be cleaned and vacuumed (you should see the carpet when it's freshly vacuumed- Derrick calls it the sea of carpet!)- which means...I'll be stressing out on Sat/Sun to clean since we're going out of town!!!

3. My mom, dad, and I once got into a "fight" at Disneyworld. LOL. No, no...not w/ each other...w/ another family. (I would like to side note...that I'm not super proud of it...but it WAS really funny). The other lady started yelling at my mom...and then the man at my dad...and well...you just don't mess w/ the Rackley's...and since my mom's English isn't the best...I had to jump in for her. It was pretty hilarious actually... (PS- although my mom's English isn't the best- she knows what she's a'sayin! And it. is. hilarity!)

4. I can't seem to take "professional" pictures of my son. Sure, I take a zillion pictures of him...but they all look like a proud momma who is a wee bit camera happy! I have an AMAZING photographer that takes our family pictures.

5. I've tried to start a photography business twice w/ two different people. The first one was kinda a joke...we called ourselves JK Photography- b/c we were Just Kidding (also Jaime and Kim)...the second business was legit...but timing wasn't good for me....I couldn't give 100% of myself to the company...and learn to be a new mom...and find other ways to supplement my lack of an income!!! (Plus- wow- it's hard to start a business!!!) I AM starting my OWN photography business though...nothing beats being your own boss!!! I hope to be fully up and running by 2009!

6. I'm a perfectionist. It's quite annoying!

7. I can't stand it when there are spelling typos. It really drives me NUTS... (see #6). There are many times I'll read through some of my old blog posts...and I'll edit it b/c of a spelling error! It makes me crazy! I think if I ever were to look for a non-teaching/photography job...I would try to become a copy editor! (You should see how I get when I catch a typo in a book!!! My students would be like "seriously, Mrs. Logan...move on!")

8. When I read...I read w/ different voices....It's pretty outrageous. I read the entire Harry Potter series outloud to Derrick...and I used different voices for the characters. LOL. Oh wow...I'm embarrassed... but my kiddos LOVED it... and...even though they're 9- it still feels good to hear 30 kids tell you that you're the BEST reader ever! (Bonus- I think the reason I do that...is my life dream is to be a voice for a Disney Character...I even had a student write a letter to Mr. Disney?! telling him that I would be good for the job! LOL...ah- the things you can get kids to do!!!- I totally miss teaching!)

Okay- I'll tag: Julie G, DLo, Amy K, and Nicole J.

...an ode...

Yesterday, my girlfriend, Jaime came over to borrow a book and drop off a Pack n' Play. Derrick and I kinda avoiding having to buy one...but with our upcoming trip, we were conflicted. Jaime graciously offered to let me borrow it until I needed...And that just got me thinking about all the stuff my girlfriends have let me borrow for my lil dude! It's been so helpful and such a blessing to not have to go out and buy something that your child will only use for a few months (especially, if like my kid, yours is growing at an incredible pace!)...

So. This is an ode to my bff's...

What would I do without you girls? It's been so bittersweet not working with you this year...I def. miss running to your classroom anytime someone did or said something hilarious...or to find out what the new team "drama" is of the week! Thank you so much for being in my life. Thank you for the support, love, advice, sanity, and baby gear! (Pictured: Jaime, Leslie- who gave birth to Brody 2 days later, Tiffany, and me... not all my BFF's of course) I'll never forget:

*walking to the Starbux at the Wigwam during our preps @ LES...
*countless dinners out @ Oregano's...
*Old Navy- will ALWAYS remind me of Les and Jaime...
*showers galore...
*loud screams...or laughs- you choose!...
*Tiffany's wild stories- (like- the musical cat that ate the string...or the mountain lion...or Oprah's favorite things...or "Hilary Rodham")
*game nights- we are too competitive for our own good...
*Starbucks- period.
*Sweet Tea from Sonic- which is totally why Jude is a fatkid!
*Cecil and lunch- and the creepiness factor
*"Seven"
*spray tans... oh my word...
*stealing Napodano's golf cart (from his bday cake) and taking pix of it at PF Changs...why are we so dorky?!
*Hayden, Elijah, Matti, Zoe, Lucy, Brody, and Tommy- They will always be like my own children...
*Becky, Tori, and Daisy- I will always think of them on the day they were born- and I will always be there to miss them w/ you...
*"DW"- I always knew, Jaime...I always knew...
*Christmas Ornaments- seriously though...can we start a new tradition...my tree is starting to get random! Maybe I should buy another tree...
*Love and Wii. If you've never experienced it...you've never experienced the Wii...
*JKPhotography...or "Faux"tography...we woulda been huge!
*Marc-ie Marc and his funky bunch- We kicked butt at every talent show...even if we only swayed back and forth and screeched out the lyrics... (What was that number for a job again?)
*when we exercised (all one time) in Leslie's classroom!!!! LOL
*Gina almost killing us during the treasure hunt...
*Jaime running- 15months pregnant w/ Zoe...and me w/ one shoe- in order to win the treasure hunt...
*Lorna and the Great Obstacle Race. Oh- my- word. Hilarious.
*Marc's interview. LOL.
*Auschwitz
*gosh...I could seriously go on and on and on...

I love you girls! Thanks for everything!

*Thank you also to Amy, Karen, and Jules for the hand-me-down clothes! And Rachael for the swing...You are awesome!

...censorship...

It's so frustrating sometimes. I don't feel like I'm fully able to express my feelings here on this blog....to vent out everything that is swimming in my head....I would hate for someone to read it and get the wrong impression of me...or my husband and what our family stands for. I am a very passionate person. When I'm happy- I'm jubilant. When I'm angry- I'm fuming. When I'm neither- I'm blank. I don't do gray areas....usually. With that being said....there are alot of things I've been thinking about lately....and it makes me feel like a negative person- which...sometimes I wonder if I am....there are many people I would love to speak my mind to- leaving my filter to the wind....but I won't- because it wouldn't be for anyone's benefit but my own. *sigh*

I will say... Get over yourself. The End.

...shhhh!!!....

So. When Derrick and I first got married...we used to do all sorts of stupid and childish things (don't think for a second that we don't still do those things, however)...we would often get into water fights in our living room...and scream at the top of our lungs....it. was. awesome. But anytime one or the other of us needed a break (usually to catch our breath)- we'd say...shhh- baby sleeeeeeping. What can I say. We. are. dorks! Of course there was no baby...but we would both immediately quiet down and start giggling. (I'm slightly embarrassed now that our secret has been revealed)... Well...one day, I happened to be looking in Old Navy- and ran across this shirt- and I LOVED it- that it said exactly what we said- not "Shhh- The baby is sleeping"...so I bought it. I'd been buying things for my future child since I was 18- random things, toys, clothes... whoa- run on thought. Anywho. So I bought the ON shirt....I've been SO excited for Jude to wear it... Of course the day he wears it, he totally doesn't take a nap (well...mommy WAS clothes shopping for the tyke- we are in need of 9month clothes and long sleeve stuff! Thank goodness for giftcards- which I saved for this very reason!) BUT...on an exciting front- some of you may have heard (did I blog it?! oy, I forget...) that Derrick and I have been trying a new bedtime routine w/ Jude- tyring to get him to bed earlier and w/o our assistance. Jude has become great at napping on his own- w/o me rocking him...but nighttime is a different story. Well. After a few days of crying- mostly me...- Jude FINALLY goes nie-night on his own!!!!! PRAISE. THE. LORD! I love it. And I love seeing how proud Derrick is of the little guy! (He seriously beems!)

Anywho- I feel like I've been very scatterbrained lately- I was disappointed in my list of things that Jude's been doing lately...so I thought I should add more! He's been so fun lately- growing up- too fast... I love it when Jude:

*rubs my chin w/ his fat little hands...
*lets go of my face- that he grabs w/ his vice like grip! (lol...although it's painful- I secretly love it! My strong little man!)
*blows rasberries...
*sings his sleepy song...
*smiles when I sing to him in the morning- every time... (I always sing the "Goodmorning medly" to him as I'm getting him outta his crib and changing his shiner)
*snuggles w/ mom- he is SO sweet- resting his head on my shoulder and just talking to me... (he's doing it now....melts my heart!)
*gets excited when daddy comes home...
*smiles at his Papa Rackley
*jumps like a crazy man in his "Jumperoo"
*"mmmm's" after every bite of food...
*waves one arm
*attacks his toys
*fligs his legs whenever his Halmoni is holding him...
*bites his hands whenever he's happy...

Oy- he's such a cutie! *Sigh*