Happy 31st, Eric!!!!!

Eight years ago, I met my amazing husband Eric at the Palomar Institute of Religion. I met him on his birthday. I remember him walking into the Institute and everyone (and I really do mean everyone) immediately welcoming him back from Utah, asking him how he's been and wishing him a Happy Birthday. This was a bit intimidating to me.

I was on the couch talking to a friend when he approached me and said, " I don't believe we've met. I'm Eric." Over the next couple weeks he would continually seek me out, sit himself next to me and ask me questions about myself. Though I was shy at first, his persistence in getting to know me was flattering to say the least, and it wasn't long before I realized how much I loved these little conversations. About 2 weeks in, after telling him about a hike I had taken up Mount Whitney, he asked whether I'd like to go hiking with him. Of course, I said yes! I couldn't think of a better way to get him all to myself for a few hours. So the following Saturday we hiked to the top of Mt Israel, near Lake Hodges. It was a perfect first date! By the end of the hike we were holding hands and I knew that this was one man I didn't want to let go of. We were married that summer.

I could not be more happy with my choice. He is an incredible father, a compassionate and loving husband and most of all my best friend. He is absolutely perfect for me.
I admire Eric in so many ways. Throughout our marriage I have watched him take leap after leap of faith, simply because he prayed and it felt right. He has such a strong testimony in the gospel. Once he's received an answer, he doesn't question the Lord, he just goes out and does what he needs to do. He is faithful and diligent in all aspects of his life.
He is a great strength to me



I love how quirky he can be. Even his obsession with Star Wars is endearing. And there is no one else I know who can quote lines from movies & TV shows or lyrics from songs like Eric can. The sheer amount of useless knowledge that he absorbs and retains is staggering to me. But I love it!!! He keeps our marriage fun and lighthearted and always has me laughing!


I love to watch him with our kids. I can honestly say that it is one of the most heart warming and healing things for me to watch, whether he is chasing them, reading to them or cuddling them. It truly is one of the greatest blessings in my life to witness such a beautiful and strong bond between a father and his daughters. I am so thankful to the Lord for leading me to a man who would be such and amazing father.


Eric, I love you so much. Thank you for being the arms that hold me, the hands that bless me, the ears that listen, the shoulder I cry on, & one I can truly laugh with. You really are such a strength to me. Thank you for the joy and love you bring to my life. You truly are my best friend. Most of all, thank you for being amazing you!
Happy Birthday! I Love You!

Let the Festivites Begin!: Part 1

Christmas Eve:

There is nothing better than spending the Holidays with family. Eric and I are so fortunate to have both our families living close by and we wouldn't have it any other way!

One of my favorite things about Christmas, is being able to spend time with my sister, Emily. I adore her and since she's gone off to BYU, I don't see her nearly as much as I'd like.

Emily is one of those people in my life that I feel absolutely comfortable with. She brings the goofy side out of me and I love it! When we are together we can get downright silly!

The girls love Emily too!

I also really enjoyed spending time with my cousin, Rachel. She is so cute and probably one of the sweetest people I know!

(Evey loves playing with Grandpa Burton)

(Layla loved looking at the nativity while Great Grandpa read the story of the first Christmas)

One of my favorite Christmas traditions (besides munching on lobster tails and tostadas) is getting to talk to Santa, aka: Uncle Brent, through chimney. All the kids know that Great Grandpa Brady and Santa are buddies. That's why Santa takes a moment to land on his roof every Christmas Eve to make sure each child has been good. It is the highlight of our evening.

(Evey talking to Santa)

(Lucy's turn)


After all the kids have gotten a chance to talk to Santa, we begin to open presents. Lucy and Evey got their very first easy-bake oven! Once they figured out what it was, they were thrilled!!!

(Lucy saying thank you to my mom)
(snuggles)

The following photo captures possibly one of the most touching moments I've experienced. I had just opened a present from Emily, which was a gorgeous cast iron tea set. My grandma overheard me thanking Emily for it and my mom explained to her that I collect them. She immediately stood up and walked out of the room. She returned with a box, which she placed in my lap and said "Here Katie, this is for you." I opened it and found inside beautiful, handmade Teacups, a Cream Server and a Tea pot. She went on to explain that they were parting gifts given to her and my grandfather after having lived in China for two years. I was so touched. As you can see we were both in tears. It is a moment that I will never forget. As I look back, the scripture Malachi 4:6 comes to mind. That is truly how we felt.
I love my grandma.

Needless to say, this Christmas is one that I will always hold dear to my heart!

Art Classes!

Wow! It has been so long since I last blogged!!!!
So much has happened in the last year. Where do I begin? I guess, I'll just start with the present.
Recently a friend of mine, Jeanine, approached me about teaching Art Classes for a Summer Camp she is hosting at her home. I jumped at the opportunity to share my love for art! At first I was really nervous at the prospect of teaching. I had never done anything like it before and wasn't sure if I was skilled enough to teach. Several times I nearly backed out but told myself this is something that I need to do to grow. So I dove in and haven't looked back since!!!! I began teaching only two weeks ago and LOVE IT!!!!!!!
The kids are surprisingly easy to manage and eager to learn. Despite the wide range of ages (4-12 yrs.) it seems that, so far, I have been able to find ways to adapt the lessons to meet their individual needs!


Today We worked with Acrylic Paints to make color wheels with only Primary Colors! It was so fun to see the younger kids discover that by simply mixing paints together they could make other colors! they are so cute!!!

I was worried that doing a color wheel would be too advanced for them but to my delight they did fantastically! So proud of my lil' students!!!!
After we were done with our color wheels, the kids were free to paint whatever their little hearts desired!

Lucy thinking about what she wants to paint


Busy at work!

Such a goofball

Love this girl!!!!!


I am so glad that I decided to do this! it has already been such a Joy in my life!!!! And I cannot wait for next week: Watercolors!!!!!!

This is what we do....

When we don't have a car....


we build piggy fortresses

pretty good huh?

Little Layla's First Birthday!!!!!!!

I Can't Believe It Has Already Been a Year!!!!!
Layla has been such a gift for me personally this year. Her sweet fun-loving personality has blessed even the hardest of days! She gives me something to laugh about everyday! Especially lately. She has been getting into everything! I used to think I would just die if I had a kid like that, but surprisingly enough I find it really endearing!
We had a little lunch-in party with some extended family and a couple friends.
Look at that little tongue. (Which is actually not all that little. She has a giraffe tongue like mama)
Layla knew just what to do...



"No more pictures!!!!"

The following Pictures are from her actual birthday. we had a little family party.

We gave her a practice cupcake!

I think she liked it!

Time for a shower!
(love this one)

After the shower she opened her presents
The girls were excited about giving Layla presents that they actually picked for her. (I had the girls each pick something from the dollar bins at target!) Of course, the presents seemed to be more for them than for her.
I love these big sister photos!
Eric got some punching balloons for the girls too!

Piggy Kisses!!!!
I love this picture! A few weeks before her birthday we were walking around Target and Layla pulled this pig right off the shelf and began snuggling it and giving it kisses. It was so cute. So as we were leaving I pretended to put it back and then stuffed it under the cart to save for her birthday. She was so excited when she pulled it out of the bag. Apparently she had not forgotten about it. It's such an ugly pig, but she loves it and she kisses it every morning!

The Del Mar Fair!!!

It's been WAY too long since I last blogged. Once Layla was born I knew something had to fall off the to do list. My poor blog, neglected for all these months. But at least I've got my priorities straight. I figured that I'd just jump right back in and then fill in the important gaps later.
So here we go...
Last Saturday we went to the Del Mar Fair. Our kids are blessed with such generous grandparents, who paid our way and spoiled them rotten! Thank you Duan and Nina. You guys are the BEST!!!!
Upon entering, Evey saw these puppies and begged me to pick her up so she could pet them. She loves puppies even if she is a little shy at first.
Next we went to see the animals. Evey fed the goats and a cow. But after the cow slobbered all over her hand she decided that she was done. If Evey is anything, she is a neat freak. She hates getting messy! Lucy took one look at the goats and decided she wanted nothing to do with it!

Typically the girls are timid about anything new so I thought for sure that the rides were going to be a disaster. Thankfully I was wrong! They Loved the swings. Even the screaming boy behind them didn't phase them one bit?
Lately, whenever I tell Evey to smile she does this! I love that girl! She has been saying the funniest things lately. But I'll save those for another day! :)The girls liked the train too. This poor guy had to push them around the track though because they didn't quite get how to make their cars move!
Layla had a really good time too. The only hard part was getting her to eat or sleep. She is easily distracted! (I love this picture)

We stopped for lunch at Roxy's. Eric and I both had Artichoke sandwiches, which were to die for! Then we went to the Bing Crosby hall and looked around at all the booths. Evey and Lucy spent most of the time playing in the hammocks. Oh, Did they LOVE it!
I got my annual ring cleaning for only 25 cents. And I got a hand washed with some kind of special soap. The lady who washed my hand really cracked me up. I must look like a sucker because when she finished washing she asked me to compare my two hands to see which one looked nicer. She had washed the one in cold water. So of course it looked paler and more smooth. Then she went on to tell me how for only $50 I could have smooth hands like this every day. I seriously looked at her and thought, "Wow that's talent. I could never say that with a straight face." I kinda wish that I had pointed it out to her. I guess I'm too nice.

I decided to pass on the funnel cake this year and instead split a fried Klondike Bar with Eric. I was looking at all the signs while eating and I cannot believe the kinds of "food" they sell there. Fried Frog legs, Chocolate Covered Bacon and my personal favorite Deep Fried Butter! Are you kidding me!!!! People actually eat that stuff. I might try the frog legs for bragging rights but Fried Butter? Really??!! Sign me up for a heart attack now and make it delicious!

We decided to go home after that. Everyone was so tired. Evey fell asleep in the car and I had to take a picture. She was so cute!
Layla fell asleep in daddy's arms after we got home...

...and then he feel asleep snuggling Evey!