Blogiversary

Happy 3rd blogiversary!

I cannot believe it has been 3 years already!!! Sadly I am a horrible blogger and have neglected posting on it several times... Many times...Too many times

I'm trying to get a fresh start, by posting everyday this month because it is after all my blogs starting month! It has been a challenge to keep up with blogging especially on the weekends AND coming up with things to post is no easy feat. So, congrats to me for getting through the first half of the month!!!

I'm not going to promise anything but I am going to try and keep up with posting at least once a week once the month of March is over.

Thank you to all of you who read my blog, new and old you are all appreciated!


Here is to another year of blogging!


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Earthquakes and Tsunamis

I have always been interested in earthquakes and tsunamis. There is something about them that I find fascinating but terrifying at the same time. In 4th grade during one of my breaks I even took a "class" on geology. We learned about the plates, volcanoes, earthquakes, and tsunamis... Oh and rocks... In 6th grade we had to write a report (term paper) on a specific natural disaster... I chose tsunamis...

Never in my life would I think that a place that is so dear to me would be affected by an 8.9 earthquake that took place on the other side of the pacific ocean.

Last night as I was getting ready to go to bed as usual the nighttime news was on but this time it was live in Japan an 8.9 magnitude had hit and there was a tsunami warning for Hawaii. I didn't want to go to bed because I was so in shock about how big the earthquake was!

This morning I find out that there was a 30 foot wave (tsunami) that had hit Japan, the tsunami that hit Hawaii was a 7 foot wave AND Santa Cruz, CA was affected as well. And they are predicting that it's only going to get worse throughout the day.

Something is going on under the earth's surface and it is scaring the living daylight out of me!

My heart goes out to those who have been affected by the earthquake and tsunami! I'm praying for healing, comfort and strength for all who were affected by these disasters.




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FroYo

I'm crazy about frozen yogurt. There should be rehab for such an obsession (... that went too far... ) or maybe I just need some therapy.

I hadn't been to froyo almost all winter, last night was the first in a month or two...
IT WAS SO so SO so SO so SO so SO so SO so SO so SO so good tasty YUMMY!!!

First off they let you sample for FREE(zies) and when you haven't been in awhile you HAVE to sample them ALL!!!


The decision was a tough one to make, because a couple of flavors that I wanted wouldn't be the best combo
the flavors I wanted:

1) Mint
2) Coconut
3) Peanut Butter
4) Banana
5) Cookies & Cream

The flavors I got....

PEANUT BUTTER & STRAWBERRY

Seriously, it tasted like a pb&j sandwich! YUM :)

I didn't even want Strawberry (not much of a fan of Strawberry ice cream froyo) but I had a genius idea and went for it... I am very glad that I did too!


Do you like ice cream or frozen yogurt better?

What is your favorite flavor/combination/toppings?

If you could have ANY flavor for ice cream/froyo what would it be?

Exhausted

For some reason or a brother my family has been dealing with DRAMA! I'm not one for drama it stresses me out and I become anxious and exhausted. First the drama and stress was about the 2 weddings this summer, now it's about 2 siblings moving.

The only common factor is my brother...

I've told my siblings (all three of them) to keep me out of their feuds, but somehow I turned into the messenger, and this messenger has been shot dead!

I am exhausted! Done. El fin. Over it (not really but I wish to be).

Ten on Tuesday

Go to Chelsea's blog rootsandrings to join the fun!


1. How did your parents decide on your name?
The story I've heard all my life is that while my mom was nursing Paige and was pregnant with me (mom correct me if I'm wrong please!) she would watch soap operas one of which the token hott guy was named Caitlin, but they changed the spelling to Kaitlin because of Paige (they didn't want Paige to feel left out by not having the same first letter as everyone else)

2. Do your initials (First, Middle, Last) spell out anything fun/funny?
KEM... Too bad my first name doesn't start with the letter R (my initials would be REM)...

3. Did you take your middle name from childhood or did you take your maiden name as your middle name? (If unmarried, what do you plan to do?)
I've decided that my future husband has to give up his last name because Montague is such an awesome last name and I don't want to give it up! Just kidding although I love my last name I'll take my husbands.

4. Are you or will you name your children thematically (ie. same first letter, all of same origin…)
I never really thought about it... I will not be using the same first letter for their names... (I will not be influenced by the Dugger's). I think biblical names would be cool though!

5. Did you decide on baby names as a little girl? Did you stick to them or change your mind?
Well if that's the case if I have girls their names would be Christina or Michelle and boys would be Matthew and William (I have nothing against these names, I have grown away from common names the more I think about baby names).

6. Does your family have any names that have been passed down?
Kind of my dad was named after both of his grandpa's, my brothers middle name is my dads first name, on my moms side all the first born girls have the same middle name, my other sisters middle names are from my nana and my grampy, and my middle name is the same as my moms youngest sister and a great grandma (?). But nobody in my family is a jr. Or 3rd or anything like that.

7. Do you look at the meaning of the name or just the name itself?
I like the idea of what names mean and they might factor in, in some cases (I don't want the name to mean anything bad!)

8. Do you name pets with human names (Sally, Henry) or with pet names (Fluffy, Mr. Bo Bo)?
Both we had a dog named Oscar and my sisters dog is named Riley. My frogs are named Fred (I made it easy on myself they look exactly the same) all the rest of our pets are either named after something like Hobie, Skippy and Monty (which is a nickname for Montague).

9. Are there any names that you have an affinity or dislike for based on a childhood experience/someone you once knew?
Yes! More than you would think! I think a lot of it has to do with growing up in a small town everyone has the same name (it seems that way at least) and I enjoyed being the only Kaitlin until my senior year! The other reason is that some weren't nice people and I associate their names to how they act.

10. What are some of your favorite names?
I really like older names like Olive and Pearl for girls and Dean and Levi for boys. I also really like when girls have boy names (Charlie, Taylor, Ryan, Max and Jordyn)

Ikea

On Sunday Courtney, my mom and I went to Ikea. It was fabulous! I love looking around and imagining the furniture as my own and where it would be in my imaginary apartment/house. Courtney actually was buying furniture for her house and my mom was getting something that I can't think of on the top of my head... I ended up buying an apple cutter and a set of stacking baskets (I'm trying to be organized).



Ikea = love :)

Five books I can't live without

I've been slowly going through all of my belongings (example: clothes, jewelry, books, movies, etc.) while looking at my books to start thinking about which ones to purge. I noticed 5 books that I just can't live without.

1) The Bible- without it I'm lost! I know it's a Sunday school answer but it truly is a book that I can't live without!

2)To Kill A Mockingbird- I have read this book so many times that that cover is barely hanging on! Every summer my mom always made us choose a book to read, I'm pretty positive that she picked it for me in 5th or 6th grade (I probably wanted an American Girl magazine or something of that sort). I'm thankful for my mom buying this book for me it's lasted almost 13 years of being read yearly!

3) The Shack by Wm. Paul Young-I got this book in my Christmas stocking a few years ago. When I started reading it I could not put it down... I think I might've lost some sleep and skipped a few meals just because I was hooked! This book captured me and really made me think about how I perceive things (God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit). 

4) The Velveteen Rabbit- My mom probably read this to me when I was little a KAJILLION times (and yes kajillion is a number that I totally just made up! I love this book if you have never heard of or read it YOU MUST DO SO NOW!!!

5) Candide by Voltaire- So usually in school when you're assigned a book to read you kick and scream and find the spark notes for it... My sophomore year in high school my English assigned Candide I actually read it and a really loved it! It was old literature so the language was different but there was a charm to it that I would stink on rice trying to describe it.



What are 5 books that you can't live without?



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Single

I've been praying a lot lately about my future in regards to marriage and occupation. I am aware that I am only 23 and have time to settle down and and figure out where God wants me to be working. Each day when these topics are brought up while in prayer I've been put at ease that God is still working in my heart and my future's heart. With that there is a comfort that all will be alright. It's been a battle of mine not knowing exactly what my future beholds (I'm not one who enjoys surprises), but within the last year I know that Jesus is more than enough for me. Whether I get married or not Jesus will always be with me and what is greater than that!? I continually hear that I will make a great wife and mom. I take these compliments are genuine and true (hospitality is one of my gifts), however I know that at this point in my life being a wife or even a parent is not for me. I love feeling needed and wanted, but I myself need and want to grow to be better (more mature, loving, caring, and more in love with Christ). This last summer I was in a relationship and now that it is said and done and I've been able to look back and see that there were issues that would have broken the relationship later on down the road I'm glad that it ended sooner than later. I've also realized how much in love with the thought of being in a relationship more than actually being in a relationship. I've been trying to find my way back to the Almighty King. Our culture is all about status whether it is monetary, appearance and relationships... Right now, I am only going to touch base on one of the three; relationships. Our culture has put relationships in the "I need to have it" and  the "I want to have it" categories. I find my self seeming desperate with such a thought of "I want" or "I need".

In Genesis when God creates Adam He makes him a companion. No creature would suffice. God gets this CRAZY idea that the only companion for man is of man! God created woman out of Adam's rib... God has given every creature he created a desire to have a companion/mate/soulmate. Then why do I feel desperate for longing for that companion? My mind is telling me the reasons why I want to be in a relationship and none of the reasons have anything to do with the one who created relationships; God.

I am excited for the day God reveals his plan for me, but for now I wait for Him to call and lead me.

Nannying

In August I started watching two toddlers. My weekly schedule is Mon.-Thurs. from 7:40am-3:30pm.

About a month ago I started watching two more toddlers (TWINS) I watch them on Fridays from 9:45am-2:00pm. I absolutely love being a part of the Alvernaz and Dickey families as their nanny. The role that I've been given as caregiver for their children is a honor. These kids are full of curiosity, laughter, excitement and growth. And there has yet to be a dull moment. I will say that everything has its ups and downs and each day I have to work with whatever mood the kids may be in good and bad. 

KatieJoy is 22 months old and her vocabulary has taken off like a rocket! She is a kinetic learner and is a true girl! Tutu's, purses, shoes, painted toe nails, and baby dolls she loves them all (except her hair being played with and bows...)! She nicknamed me Kiki.  I love  it when her days are full of smiles and laughter, because when she's upset she lets you know!

Calen 3 years old. This goof ball has an imagination that my reality cannot handle! He is all about cars, trains and toy story. He loves books and movies (because of him I can recite The Polar Express word for word!) and can recite several movies almost to a T! Everyday this guy puts a smile on my face by doing or saying something funny (he doesn't always know why I'm laughing though!)

Carson and Harper just turned 1 in January. They are walking with no assistance and are starting to talk; it's still hard to understand exactly what they're saying but at least they're trying!

Nannying has been a great job for me this year, but I now have a new found respect for parents (including my own). Watching children all day all week has taught me my weakest and my strongest moments.The realization of just how hard times can be and how right now in my life I am not ready to have kids of my own!

Bridesmaid

I have never been a bridesmaid. I've always wanted to be, but not many people I'm close with are married.

As many of you know this summer is going to be crazy busy for my family. For those who don't know are probably scratching your heads and wondering why?

Well in the middle June my brother is getting married. Not even/barely a month later in July one of my sisters is also getting married!

I've only been asked to be a bridesmaid in my sister's wedding. I'm super excited, she has told all of us bridesmaids to choose a red dress. I found 2 dresses online that I like

1) cotton dress, a little bit lower than knee length.





2) just above the knee, $10 more than dress #1






I was sueded Into buying dress 1)


It arrived on Friday last week. I tried it on and was not pleased at all!!! I know that I have some weight to lose (more than people would guess) before the weddings but this dress amplified my problem areas... EWWW!!!! Luckily I have until July before needing a red dress (4 months away... Almost?) so I'm returning dress 1)




I'm debating whether I should even try dress 2)



Or if I should actually go shopping so I can try the dresses on before buying...




What are your thoughts?



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Wish I was Here Wednesday

I wish I was here Wednesday...











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My body is HIS temple

For quite some time now I've wanted a tattoo. I've spent years thinking about what I'd get and where I'd want it. I don't want anything that is permanent on my body that:

1) is "common" like a butterfly, dolphin, flower, cartoon or some sort of Chinese symbol that supposedly means love.

2) is HUGE and can't be covered when needed.

3) is in a place that is never seen... by the sun or anyone else. Honestly why get something permanent on your body if it is always hidden?

4) doesn't mean anything significant to me.

5) is dishonoring to my parents and my FATHER.



Before I turned 18 my parents mainly my mom told me that if I ever get a tattoo/piercing while in school and under their roof, my punishment would getting kicked out of the house and school would be completely on my own. I never want to dishonor my parents so I agreed. Besides if I had gotten a tattoo once I turned 18 then I would probably have a Chinese symbol "faith" on my stomach or I would've had my belly button pierced. I was in high school and that was what everybody was doing or had!

Being a Christian has also thrown me a curve ball. I know plenty of Christians who have tattoos and all have a significant meaning to each one of them, whether it's a bible verse or something that declares their faith and love in Jesus or it stands for something/someone in their family.

But, if I say I'm a Christian that means I know and understand that I was made in God's own image and that my body is HIS temple.

So, does that mean that I would be dishonoring Him by getting a tattoo?

What about dying my hair? Having my ears pierced? What about wearing makeup? Wearing colored contacts? Or what about plastic surgery?

I do wear makeup and my ears are pierced. Does this make me a bad person? Or a dishonoring child of God?

I don't think it is...


Why now? And what's the point to this post?


The other day I was in a "mood" the kind where you don't want to be around anyone particularly just God... I know you've never had one of those days right? It's just me that has those kind of days.

What I found my self doing and definitely not intentionally was going deep in prayer. The kind when you feel most vulnerable. While praying I was arguing with God. I was so mad at Him... I'm not going to give details on why, but when I stopped arguing and finally started to listen He said in a hushed soothing voice (the kind that your parents used when you were a child and had been hurt) that His love lasts always and forever, that He will never stop loving me and has loved me since the creation if mankind... How awesome and humbling is that? His love will outlast everything and everyone. And that no matter what He will always love me more than I can imagine!

It was so clear! I know now exactly what I would get as a tattoo and an idea as to where I would put it... Visible yet CAN be hidden. I need it to be in a more visible spot. A place that will continually be viewed by me to remind me that "HIS love lasts".



I'd like to hear:

1) Do you have any tattoos?
2) What do they mean?
3) What would you get?
4) Where would you want it?
5) Where do you stand on tattoos/piercings?
6) What is your point of view on your body is God's temple?






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