Drat.... I thought Tay's video was uploaded. It's ADORABLE! Well Friends... I am off on an adventure. My first days of 2009 will be one I have never experienced. Hopefully if will kick me back into gear. I am heading off to the Holy Land and can't wait to feel what I will feel like there. I have thought of how I could prepare for this awesome experience and really don't know how I would ever fully be able to do that. I go with a camera, journal, scriptures, a good friend and no phone. Happy New Years! I love you.

So this is Christmas

Yes... Anna was my gift, Candle tradition rocked my world, Unplugged a baptismal font on Christmas eve and soooo much more. I made silly little ornaments for my roomies and couldn't go to sleep without watching Taylor singing me this song. Merry Christmas all ya'll. I love you.

snuggle

I just finished watching "the incredible gift"(or something like that) while snuggling with two youngsters who 'couldn't sleep'. I debated on the idea of them getting out of bed to come watch it with me but then thought- "When do I get chances like this?" So once again, I am the favorite auntie Kate.
It was something I will never forget. Taylor falling asleep in a ball on my left, after chowing down some serious grapes, and Faith, getting a sleepy voice, saying "I like this movie... don't you?" over and over again on my right.
I got all emotional after putting them to bed and talking with Jen. I am going to miss these little people being around and available whenever I want to come and see them.
Its hard to think that once I left there... I might possibly never be back. (Wright and Steph are moving the first week of January, I believe.)
You could say it was hard for me not having my family all living in Utah like pre mish. Things change, time rolls and know I am getting a lot out of it... but sometimes I just wish and want em here.
Is that too much to ask?!

 

To me dance is something that is apart of me. Its something I need. Another semester is over and my last dance class/performance has, yet again, ended. I always wonder if that is the last time I will set foot in a dance class or be apart of a team. It would be devastating. I have found that through dance I can truly let it all out... I feel something so wonderful and strange that hasn't been discovered in anything else that I do. Its such a release and comfort. I feel completely myself and so vulnerable... Perhaps I will incorporate it into my career? Maybe I will just be the viewer on the other side? But it needs to be apart of my life.

Financial Reality

I took a plunge. I applied for my first financial aide and it's kinda killing me slowly from the inside out. I begin to wonder about jobs I don't have and the ways in which I will never be able to pay back what is expected of me. I feel panic ebbing. What about in 8 months? Totally depleted of all income and nothing to support the 'family' I had saved up for all those years? Can I do it? Will I get it back? How am I going to contribute? Muscles tensed, headache in the back of my skull... Man oh man
BUT
I am okay

Jingle Bells

Cara and I found jingle bell rings. This is the outcome.

What else could I ask for on my day of thanks?

Magic tricks, superman, booger noses.
Dancing in the movie theater with the chillins and Steph.
Running on texan terrain.
Squirrels have the 'heebee's'... (Faith is terrified of em because of this)
Shark game outside with family. Yes. Mom and Dad were running.
Faiths birthday planning skills.
Bingo
Missionary notes to all the missionaries going home.
Prepare food, cook food, eat food and more food.
Dance concert starring Faith, Taylor and Wright, with me accompanying them on the piano. side note: Stickers on face- 'Slightly uncomfortable.'
Copy cat game
Rolls crumbled all over the floor...
Hiding rolls with Rachel and Grant. (Word to the wise... momma no likie)
Mom's tired silly mood.
Wrights little laugh, Faiths cuddling, Taylors tantrums and Tristans starring/drooling.
Decorating turkey pie hands
'Into the Wild' is inspiring and depressing.
Fountainhead is lookin good.
Rice Krispies stuck to blankets.
Sea Shell massages... surprisingly ticklish
American Doll Stores
Standards night
General Authority restroom with heater....oh mama
Time to talk, play and sleep
"Texas is so big it is as big as a wrestler."
Rachel, Grant, Mom, Dad, Wright, Steph, Faith, Taylor, Wright Jr. and Tristan....

the Gratitude dance

Here, here to Thanksgiving! Some friends and I have decided, or rather, 'packed' to do this on the morn of thanksgiving. Come join in on our gratefulness. Man... I am totally grateful. :)

Martha Graham

Our arms start from the back because they were once wings.

Sister... Darling....

Oh how I love thee! You are mine and mine forever. You are making 30 look like it is 16. HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I, as you know, have always wanted to be you... but coming to grips that is quite impossible I am happy and content being me and having you as my sister. You inspire me and make me want to do things I never knew I was capable of. You are full of insight and intrigue. You are sassy and silly. You care for people and love so immensely. Hope all the birthday bashes know what they are getting when you step into the room. I do. Love you mucho and so much more.

WALL E

I loved this movie!

"Aspire"... this was a blast from a wonderful past

I have a miracle to tell you about.

Thursday night I had come to find out that the application for the U of U's Social Work Masters program was due on the 1st of November... (Meaning 2 days from then).

I was frantic. The next morning I zoomed up to the U of U to pick up the application packet and the secretary questioned me if I was 'really serious' about applying or not. I was firm in how I answered but somehow in the elevator I could feel my eyes swelling up with tears. I quickly stopped, bolstered myself up and decided to not give up.

I sped back to Provo for my 10 o' clock class. I was late and so I parked in the teachers lot for about 25 minutes. It was a dance class. I didn't feel relieved as I usually do after dancing but ran out barefoot to move my car...Got a parking ticket.

I began my process of applying- Apply for school at the U of U, fill out the applications, get transcripts, write essays, find referrals... the whole deal. I was really worried about referrals because I was asking so late. I felt totally unprofessional. Good new is though-it worked out! I finished my application, got the referrals needed (with the help of Nate) and was able to have a little halloween fun. Miracle #1

I woke up this morning with only about 3 hours of sleep and drove to the U of U to drop of my application. I was stoked! I actually finished it!

The information in my application stated that it needed to be turned in by the 1st... mailed or delivered. I had supposed someone would be there, on the 1st, but found myself standing at locked doors...outside the building with no one around.

I kept on looking at my manila envelope and up at the building only to laugh. 'Are you serious?'
It felt like such a joke. I thought that was it. 'Maybe I could mail it but then it would be too late.'

I called my mom, thinking maybe she would know how to solve this, when I saw a man park next to my car. He got out and proceeded to walk to a trax stop(or so I thought). I had a strong feeling to turn around and follow him, so I hung up with my mom and ran to meet him. I found him at the Social Work buildings door unlocking it. I introduced myself. His name was Fred.

Fred was my miracle today. He let me in! I slid my packet under the office doors (as instructed by a pink sticky note plastered to the door) and left smiling.

Fred works on the second floor. His son just got home from his mission in Ekat. Russia.

I am going back with a bag of oranges in hand to thank him.

THANK YOU FRED!!!!

I'm in love

Craving time with the parentals and loving every minute

"Earth is crammed with heaven 

And every common bush afire with God;

And only he who sees takes off his shoes...

the rest sit around and pluck blackberries."

                                      --Eliz. B. Browning

I just discovered that this has been one of my mothers favorite quotes since she was in elementary school.  She would write it in letters to friends and just loved it.  Crazy thing was... It is one of my favorite quotes as well.  I didn't discover it until college, but made a promise never to forget it.

I love finding out how similar we are in ways and how very different in others...  

Today I spent time just talking with my mom about embarrassing moments, missions, and marriage....  She picked out my husbands last name.  You ready?  Its s-stallinovich.  Yeah. I don't think she meant it to sound like 'stallin' per say.... but wanted something russian sounding :).  She was really getting tired and in one of her laughing moods, which I LOVE.   She got on a roll saying how she would introduce me- "this is mrs. S-stallinovich...." or "we are going to stop by and see the little S-stallinovich's" with a chuckle in between. etc...  It was great.  I love my mom.

It's something priceless and something I promise never to forget.  

Sisters

Gotta have em.

Fall runs

All who know me... know I LOVE FALL. I decided it was the perfect time to kick myself into gear and have been running every morn. It's cold, it's 7 AM and leaves are smothered across the street. I am feeling better about myself. Also... those who know me know that I HATE TO RUN. Yes. It is true. I have committed myself to a little experiment of 'learning to love to run'. We will see how it goes.

On another note. Although I love fall... is it okay if I feel like I would rather want to experience this in Tallinn, Estonia? IT was a glorious fall. I don't know... just missing my home worlds away.

Volunteering today.

Question- "What is a profession that only women have?"
Answer- "The profession of baby having."

Question-"If we say 'Happy Birthday'... what would we say?- _______ Halloween!"
Answer- "Horror Halloween."

Question- "What is a common injury that occurs among children?"
Answer- "Infectious diseases... that is definitely an injury to your body"

-Playing Hangman-
The word was 'CHARITY'.... we had C__AR__T__.
"Oh! I know... its- CREAM PUFF!"

I love old people.

Quotes that fell my way this past week.

"I believe the biggest risk in life is not taking risks at all."
"Life is for living."
"Change is painful but ever needful."
"You can't pursuit happiness... you find it by seeking who you are... your purpose."

Friday

Scene- Taylor and I, snuggling on the couch in our pjs.

Taylor looks up at me and "LooBlue...."

I taught her how to say "I love you" in russian the week I got home and she could only remember-
"I love"...

I love that- she loves.