...how sweet it is...

...to be loved by Jude...
(I mean...really- can they BE any cuter?!)

...no admittance...

So. When it comes to Kim...I'm pretty much an open book. What you see is what you get. I'm not one who is easily able to hide my emotions or feelings...and I don't want to hide anything. And...although I take "pride" in the fact that I'm "real"...it can also get me into trouble. Alot. LOL. Well....for the most part...I don't care...for the most part. But...lately...maybe it's b/c I'm "growing up" or b/c I'm a new momma or b/c I'm starting to see my family's "role" in the community more...I dunno...but lately- I've been feeling the need for more privacy. I mean. I love blogging. I do. It's a chance for me to share a bit of myself w/ whoever is brave enough to read about it! It's a way for my family and friends to see what's goin on in my crazy world- to see my son grow and grow and grow- to hear me vent- to hear me cheer... you get the drill.... but....it's also a way for peeps who don't necessarily know me- to get a lil' glimpse of who I am. My weariness comes from when those who don't know me...read my blog...and perhaps get the wrong impression about me...or begin to think they know me.... Same goes for my FB or my almost extinct myspace.... I get really uncomfortable when I realize that people who I don't even know are requesting to be my friends... it's not that I don't want to get to know new people...I just...don't want people to read my randomness and get an impression of me that is not...accurate. It's not that I care, per se, what people think about me....but it kills me what people think about my family b/c of me. Does that make sense? ...Rambling....it's a hard subject for me to talk about, I guess. Anywho. So. What's my point? Well...if you notice that somehow you are no longer on my "friends" list...please don't be offended... (insert: "it's not you, it's me") I just...need to keep a tighter leash around my personal life, I think... idk.

...eight...

So. My boy is 8months old today. He keeps inching closer and closer to being a year old. I dunno if I'm handling the speed of time too well.... remember being kids? and time seemed to drag on and on? Sigh. Jude has blessed my life so much. There isn't a day that goes by that I do not look into his face and thank God for trusting me with such a precious life...

Anywho. These past couple of months, I've noticed such huge growth in Jude's "skillz"...and I've officially joined the "ithinkmykidisthesmartestthingintheworld" club...I mean. I'm not biased or anything, you know! He really is a smarty pants! So- what's JW up to lately? Well...he:

*says "blah blah blah" and "mamamamamama" (and I swear, when he's upset or wants something, he yells "maaam")
*claps his chubby little hands
*grinds his teeth constantly (which he officially has 7 of...w/ an 8th one starting to make a bump on the bottom)
*dances- he does the "bebebootskoot"- so adorable!
*waves hello and goodbye and gives "hi5's"
*boycotts naps and cries whenever mom or dad leaves the room
*eats anything and everything I put in front of him
*grabs things w/ his finger/thumb- but isn't always successful at getting things in his mouth!
*mimics other baby's crying (which. is. hilarious!)
*loves other babies
*smiles smiles smiles
*laughs now when tickled
*cuddles w/ mom while watching sesame street (which we do every morning for like 15 mins before naptime...when he isn't boycotting)
*gets into a "faux" crawling position...but the poor boy can only go backwards!
*"reads" stories w/ me (meaning- he will actually look at the book now- instead of EVERYTHING else in the room) and touches the fuzzy/furry pages (you know those darn baby books!)

As usual- I've probably repeated a zillion things- and I KNOW I've missed a zillion too... He really is such a joy...I wish time would just go a little slower...

Jude-
Seriously son? Why are you the cutest thing ever? Mommy and daddy are so overjoyed with you being in our lives. We hope and pray that you will grow up to be a strong young man who loves and serves the Lord. We pray that you make smart choices and always do what is best. Know that mommy and daddy love you- no matter what. We are so proud of you son...
-Maaaam

...2009...

Well. Here we are! It's a New Year! I'm not one to make resolutions...b/c I'd get WAY down on myself if I didn't follow through...but...I'm not opposed to setting goals for myself. So:

This year I will try NOT to:
*be bitter
*stay up too late
*eat too much
*take people for granted
*(laughs)be so obsessed w/ Twilight...

This year I WILL try to:
*be a better wife, mother, and friend
*consistently be in the Word
*cook more
*save more on groceries
*eliminate debt
*teach my son

I look forward to 2009. It's going to be an interesting year, I can feel it! This is the last year that Derrick and I will be in our 20's...it will be the year that Jude turns 1...it will be filled with plenty of fun milestones that I will treasure forever. Here's to 2009!

...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