tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-217160352011-11-12T18:04:55.831-05:00Musings on mamahood, international adoption, marriage, knitting, movies, and anything else that strikes my fancy, wherever that is.Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.comBlogger4641100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-69478198827719954762011-11-11T15:31:00.003-05:002011-11-11T16:01:46.921-05:00

Christmas? Yes, I know it's early. Perhaps you won't read the rest of this because it's not even Thanksgiving, for Pete's sake. Yet, for some reason I'm ready to start decking the halls, singing carols and making cookies. I've been sick all week, which is the reason for my lapse in posting since coughing and lack of sleep makes for terrible blog posts.However, being sick does make you take

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-61255999462282991162011-11-06T10:46:00.005-05:002011-11-06T11:17:56.924-05:00

Yesterday, we hung out with friends in a lazy Saturday kind of way. We decided to go to a local vegetarian Indian restaurant for their dinner buffet. There were six of us at a table and the place filled up nicely. When I was coming back from the buffet, I saw what I would assume was an Indian American woman holding a child with fairly light skin and blonde hair. My brain went to work trying

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-37218207461953488072011-11-05T08:23:00.003-05:002011-11-05T08:46:36.105-05:00

I find weekends to be the most difficult posts to write since we're usually quite busy. So, for today we have an update in a list format.Reading: Working my way through the Game of Thrones series.Acting: Z and I are in a Christmas show together at our local theater.Eating: Asian pears from our local CSA. (Trying to avoid the Halloween candy.)Watching: American Horror Story, wishing Frances

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-54048803972568971202011-11-04T08:51:00.004-05:002011-11-04T09:21:54.666-05:00

For those of you who are adoptive parents, you may know this post's business just by its title.I'm currently a stay-at-home mom and yes, sometimes I have the TV on to keep me company during the day. A couple of days ago, one of the women from The Talk was telling the story of a woman who stole money from her child's school to pay for IVF treatments because she wanted another child and couldn't

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-30124293257980690512011-11-03T10:52:00.004-05:002011-11-03T12:00:29.315-05:00

Keeping up with a blog has never been easy, so having themes sometimes helps. Wordless Wednesdays and Thankful Thursdays are pretty helpful to keep me going, especially for a whole month. It's easy to find subject matter for a Thankful Thursday and it's a good reminder to think about the blessings in my life.Today (and every day), I'm thankful for Mike.I've known Mike since I was 17. We've

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-63240706172119255832011-11-02T13:38:00.001-05:002011-11-02T13:40:07.332-05:00

Happy Wordless Wednesday.(An oldie, but a goody.)

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-60863008387697190442011-11-01T07:40:00.010-05:002011-11-01T08:31:53.937-05:00

I have no idea if there is anyone still reading my blog. My outlets tend to be social networking sites, but it's NaBloPoMo along with National Adoption Month, so I thought I'd try and get back on track.Z just turned 7 and for the first time is in school for the whole day. There are things she loves about first grade, but she has asked me on many occasions to home school her because she misses

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-43935470944453218332011-06-20T14:41:00.002-05:002011-06-20T14:41:56.511-05:00

I’m posting this to enter a contest offered by Buy More Contacts at Uppercase Woman! I want to win theiPad 2! Enter to win here! I trust Cecily and her site, so if you want to sign up, drop her a line!

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-52741393821721304312010-12-07T10:37:00.006-05:002010-12-07T11:11:18.753-05:00

Gosh, life gets busy with.... playing... celebrating...and making peace symbols that turn into rabbits.I've also been knitting away and finished several projects and need to photograph them. Currently I'm working on a chemo cap for a friend of my mom's. Next on my needles will be a vest (Hollyberry)for... me! It will be the first knitted garment for me. Ok, there was that one ill-fated shell that

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-46211075187922224882010-09-02T18:52:00.005-05:002010-09-02T19:25:18.633-05:00

(Self Portrait)Today she confided "I'm proud to be me."Hooray!!!

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-36937300263008606852010-09-01T10:59:00.002-05:002010-09-01T11:01:38.793-05:00

Ok, now I want to go to Iceland.

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-4281030659246722872010-08-29T14:53:00.003-05:002010-08-29T14:57:04.308-05:00

Z models the Viking hat made for Thor. I was really quite pleased with it and I'm contemplating knitting an adult size Viking hat in the near future.Also, can you believe that Z goes to kindergarten tomorrow? I'm loading up on the kleenex in preparation.

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-48643711192535733372010-07-25T13:54:00.004-05:002010-07-25T15:05:57.232-05:00

"Nay, father. Some of us have been killing giants today and aren't in the mood for a tea party." -Thor OdinsonOne of Mike's co-workers in Belgium just had a baby boy and his parents named him Thor. I immediately thought of this pattern and asked Mike if they would enjoy a viking hat for their first born son. Mike, who is very low-key, seemed quite tickled with that idea. I had the pattern

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-81485842977533712362010-07-24T20:07:00.006-05:002010-07-24T20:15:30.706-05:00

I loved the Anne Geddes photos when they were new and fresh and inventive.Plus, babies are just plain cute. They're not really my cup of tea anymore. However, recently a friend shared a link of a woman who is blogging pictures of what she thinks her little girl may be dreaming while she's sleeping and I wish I had thought of that when Z was little.Check out Mila's Daydreams and I dare you not

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-21344441948305115912010-07-15T09:12:00.004-05:002010-07-15T09:38:05.791-05:00

Scene #1: Driving Z to camp in the rain, I make a stop that sets off the "foot massager" on my brakes.Z: What was that?Me: Well, it's a little more slippery than I expected, so my brakes made a funny sound.Z: Mom, please be really careful driving home, ok?We drive a little farther and right before she gets out of the car, she once again reminds me to drive safely.Scene #2: Driving Z to camp

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-56977154587928520862010-07-13T15:46:00.004-05:002010-07-13T16:24:46.502-05:00

So here I am. It's been eons since I've posted and this one is going to be a rant. I was listening to NPR today in the car and there was a panel of mothers discussing the New York Magazine article "All Joy and No Fun". The subject was parenting and this quote from the article sums it up pretty well: "The effect of children on the life satisfaction of married individuals is small, often

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-90520847734195224102010-06-23T12:12:00.006-05:002010-06-23T12:18:02.454-05:00

It's me again. I've had blogger's block for a while now. I may be back, but for now I'm not sure what to say, so I'll leave you a picture of Z during one of her last days of pre-school.

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-51088025967783243482010-04-21T09:35:00.008-05:002010-04-21T17:12:22.969-05:00

My house is a wreck. I'm currently hauling large piles of junk out of my basement of garbage, recycling, re-gifting and donations. It feels great to work on it, but it's overwhelming at the same time. So, I'm asking y'all...do you have advice for me? Rules you live by for de-cluttering? I watched a few episodes of Hoarders and was inspired to go to the depths so as not to be featured there.(

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-59431608595917871692010-04-14T07:00:00.000-05:002010-04-14T07:00:09.828-05:00

Wordless Wednesday

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-87830972521549094392010-04-13T13:27:00.001-05:002010-04-13T13:46:43.630-05:00

Leah at Our Yellow House hosted a really fun swap and I was lucky enough to have her matched up with me. I loved that the swap was to be simple with emphasis placed on found/handmade items, spending no money. We all have things in our house to share or to make and this was a nice way to connect with another person. There was also a limit of 4 items, which was apparently tricky for Leah and I.

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-66447187365058657042010-03-01T08:56:00.008-05:002010-03-01T10:17:34.182-05:00

I cannot begin to tell you how happy I am that February is over. I'm not one to wish time away, but the month was filled with so much snow and dreary skies that I'm truly celebrating this new month. March has announced itself in a lovely way with warmer temperatures, a shining sun, and an easy morning routine with the family.As dreary as the weather was last month, there were things that made

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-12242632074045643792010-02-11T09:50:00.015-05:002010-02-11T12:00:12.608-05:00

Finally...a knitting post. TEA TIMEI've been wanting to make a tea cozy/cosy for a long time. There were requirements in my quest for the perfect cozy. The knitted cover needed to fit a larger teapot, be a quick knit with little to no futzing and not be too foofy. Frankie's Mistake Rib Tea Cosy on Ravelry* fit the bill. This teapot cozy will fit either a 3 cup or a 6 cup depending on the size

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-83817128047545869772010-02-06T13:59:00.003-05:002010-02-06T14:03:30.498-05:00

Well, we're snowed in today. We had plans. Big plans. But there is something blissful about a snow day. So, we're shoveling and sitting by the fire and drinking cocoa and later we'll make bread and cookies. Plans, shplans...we're enjoying the snow day.(Yeah, still no new names yet.)

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-67819125656010370082010-01-29T08:00:00.000-05:002010-01-29T08:00:05.928-05:00

My daughter and I don't see eye to eye on clothing. I love the Hanna Andersson dress and leggings sets. She does not. She wants to dress like a teenager. I do not want that (although someday I know it will be inevitable). We have had our fair share of clothing "discussions". I enjoy going to buy her outfits, putting them together and thinking about where she'll wear them. This started

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-1475969288800387882010-01-28T10:53:00.003-05:002010-01-28T11:35:57.142-05:00

Word. Words. It's been along time since you've heard any from me and as I write this I'll be honest and let you know that I don't really know what comes next. I just know I miss writing on this blog and I want to get back to doing it on a more regular basis. I also want to make some changes. I've been calling my daughter Buttons on this blog, but as she gets older, it seems like it just

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-32710951145680197762009-10-03T10:22:00.008-05:002009-10-03T14:32:16.735-05:00

We planted a garden this year, our first in a while. We did a 4 x 8 raised bed, added some nutrient rich soil to some plain vanilla soil and planted mostly seeds along with a few plants. We purchased bean, carrot, zinnia and sunflower seeds. We bought basil, cilantro, green pepper, and tomato plants. We planted the cherry tomato seeds given to Buttons by her teachers. We added sugar snap

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-41303135579508791912009-08-27T08:03:00.002-05:002009-08-27T08:15:34.247-05:00

Well, if any of you are still out there, I thought I'd share what's been keeping me busy lately. I was cast in Neil Simon's Rumors in June. I have the role of Chris Gorman and it's my first "leading" role. It's very much an ensemble piece, but I have the most lines and stage time I've ever had.Buttons is doing well and is excited/nervous as the new school year approaches. She's in her last

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-90868653839337562082009-07-06T10:33:00.005-05:002009-07-06T11:09:00.905-05:00

Every year I get a new page-a-day knitting calender. I have enjoyed them, although I'm not sure I have actually knit any of the patterns. About 1/3 of them I imagine knitting just like I dream about making many of the recipes in my cookbooks, but who knows when that will happen. The rest of the patterns fall into 3 categories: ugly, too complicated/not worth the effort and why would anyone

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-14309908385629882212009-06-26T08:32:00.003-05:002009-06-26T08:33:26.216-05:00

Although I don't know all of the details, the missing person post I did the other day had a happy ending. I don't know the details, but Teresa is home safely.

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-27658838383782600252009-06-24T16:02:00.003-05:002009-06-24T16:07:36.754-05:00

A friend of a friend has been missing for almost 24 hours. If you're reading this, would you please click here and see if you've seen her? Her name is Teresa Maxson and she was last seen in Lansing, Michigan.Thanks.

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-88782621162045134982009-06-24T08:44:00.002-05:002009-06-24T08:47:10.206-05:00

Wordless Wednesday

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-90391681544598362742009-06-22T23:35:00.002-05:002009-06-23T00:07:41.430-05:00

I have finished a sock!!! Did it make it on the 6 o'clock news in your area? Yeah, not here either, but it feels like it should have. Although I started knitting a pair of toe-up socks a while ago, this is my first finished sock. What's different? Well, I concentrated on one sock at a time, I did cuff-down and my friend Marsha made some really easy kick-ass note-cards to follow. I must say

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-341932607800629902009-06-15T08:41:00.003-05:002009-06-15T09:32:31.447-05:00

Ok, it's been over a month since I last blogged. However, writing (and especially reading) about that is pretty boring, so let's just get on with at least slightly more interesting stuff. Home: We started a raised bed garden...late. Partly my fault, partly the fault of the company where I ordered the brackets for the garden. It's not clear whether we'll be able to enjoy the fruits of our

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-52357695253245907582009-04-30T17:09:00.007-05:002009-04-30T20:17:34.689-05:00

There is something magical that happens when the sun shines and you can finally (!) take off your jacket in the spring. Add a Cherry Blossom Festival with friends and you have what feels like a fresh new start. It's like the dregs of winter just melt away as you feel the sun burn into your skin. I had been in a funk of a mood for a while and our trek to Fairmount Park in Philadelphia was just the

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-22300511704412262292009-04-23T15:33:00.003-05:002009-04-24T08:09:07.807-05:00

You may be wondering what I've been doing since seemingly falling out of the blogosphere. Well, besides Facebook and psuedo-thespianism, I've actually been knitting. I've finished several things and I'll takes pics and share soon.Buttons was in heaven today when I finished her "Superpower Wristers". Yeah, just in time for 87 degree weather this weekend! Oh well, I knit year around so I had

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-37063847253866938272009-04-12T20:45:00.005-05:002009-04-22T16:28:32.501-05:00

Buttons is a smart cookie and she asks an enormous amount of questions. I want for her to believe in the same magical things that i believed in as a kid, but I also don't want to lie to her if she asks me outright. It's a tough line to toe. She wondered if the Easter Bunny was a girl or a boy and she decided maybe there was one of each. When the day came and she searched for eggs (outside and

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-21798805453169534342009-03-18T19:38:00.002-05:002009-03-18T19:42:56.559-05:00

No, it doesn't officially start until Saturday, but look at the bottom of Buttons' feet. We had a wonderful afternoon in the sun and she just had to take off her shoes. Who can blame her? Spring is coming...

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-52728483397806453582009-02-27T00:57:00.005-05:002009-02-27T08:26:16.442-05:00

Buttons has always amused me with the way her mind works.Here are a few things that have tickled me lately..."But Mom, look at my legs. They are really long. I'm grown up enough to go."(I was going to the memorial service of a friend and tried to explain why she couldn't go.)"Mom, (they're singing about ) Nick and Jessica!"(This is in a song from a brand new musical and they're referring to

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-71023329443873748472009-02-17T20:13:00.001-05:002009-02-17T20:13:58.737-05:00

I'm still here.Life is busy right now and my thoughts don't seem to be running in any blog-worthy directions.So, I just thought I'd say hello and leave you with a picture from the playground.We're ready for spring now.

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-65361920287103589192009-02-02T12:03:00.005-05:002009-02-02T12:25:02.574-05:00

It's Groundhog Day and unfortunately Phil predicted more winter. So, bundle up and enjoy the videos, one for the kids (with Steve from Blues Clues) and a couple for the adults. Have you seen the movie Groundhog Day with Bill Murray? No? Rent it now! It's funny and it's an annual event for us. It has also become a big holiday with my knitting buds. We're getting together to watch the movie,

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-12305167699244978662009-01-26T00:24:00.000-05:002009-01-26T00:24:00.259-05:00

If we miss church, we often turn on CBS Sunday Morning and watch an hour and a half of interesting stories and usually there are at least a few that are good for the whole family. Well, this morning I learned that Robert F. Kennedy predicted the future when back in 1968 he told the world that he believed that a black man could be president in forty years. So whether he was able to see the

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-37895048617956733022009-01-25T00:01:00.000-05:002009-01-25T00:01:00.303-05:00

I don't post birthdays here for everyone I know, but for our Belgium family it's a great way to send birthday greetings. R. may wind up being a comedian someday. He'll do just about anything for a laugh and perhaps you can tell that from the picture.

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-64864038083310666002009-01-22T15:56:00.005-05:002009-01-22T16:50:48.628-05:00

I've been knitting quite a bit lately. I've been going through my stash and trying to decide what to keep, what to give away, sell and (gasp!) pitch. My UFO's are under control for the most part, but I need to organize and decide if I want to frog any of them so that they're not hanging over my head as I turn to other, new projects. Of course, I never feel guilty about working on new projects

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-88393688869780286772009-01-21T13:10:00.003-05:002009-01-21T13:15:49.057-05:00

One of my hubby's favorite memories was when his dad would take a hose to their backyard and make an ice rink. So, he's been itching to get his daughter on the ice. Buttons had her first chance this weekend and she rocked it.

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-47472442384336974392009-01-20T11:31:00.006-05:002009-01-20T11:34:50.860-05:00

Welcome home Barack, Michele, Malia and Sasha.What a wonderful day in the history of America.

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-19499432615292128942009-01-16T12:28:00.003-05:002009-01-18T19:59:21.133-05:00

"When you go owlingyou don't need wordsor warmor anything but hope.That's what Pa says.The kind of hopethat flieson silent wingsunder a shiningOwl Moon."-Jane YolenOwl Moon On January 13th, my grandpa's life ended in a peaceful way. In his life he had many losses, but he always kept above water in times when I wonder if I might have drowned. He spent his life in service, first in the military

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-78905965471322914882009-01-15T22:38:00.006-05:002009-01-15T23:22:32.285-05:00

Growing up, I preferred Campbell's soup to my mom's homemade. Luckily, I've outgrown that. I started enjoying homemade soups because they tasted better and had less salt. My mom makes great soup and I'll happily choose it over any can any day. However, I thought soup was hard to make, so until about a year ago all I ever tried to make was chicken noodle soup whenever we became sick. Then, my

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-60928823440290698102009-01-14T23:06:00.004-05:002009-01-15T15:26:12.719-05:00

I had a better post to go with this video, but I lost it after having to change the URL for the video. The gist of it was it's been a while. I have much to say, but thought I'd come back to the blogosphere with Buttons dancing at a CNY celebration. (She's in the green.) Her legs were so tired the next day she walked around quite gingerly for a while. "Xin [sing] Nian [nee-an] Kuai [kwai] Le [

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-63973197681961981662009-01-06T23:32:00.001-05:002009-01-14T23:40:31.056-05:00

As many of you know, we spent 2 months last year in Belgium. We stayed in an apartment above the most wonderful hosts. Luckily, we have wonderful ways (like Skype) to stay in touch. Unfortunately, the time difference makes it a little difficult to keep in contact. We've done pretty well, but I'd love ot hear how y'all stay in touch with the people who are far away.Anyway, C. had a wonderful

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-2167220958653716162008-12-27T23:59:00.000-05:002009-01-15T00:07:10.648-05:00

J was one of our hosts when we lived in Belgium earlier this year. He (along with his wife C) was so helpful and made our stay there fun. He gave us so much help with anything we needed from directions to language lessons to grocery shopping to making sure we had tried at least half of the hundreds of beer varieties available in Belgium. J knows how to have fun and make sure other people

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-30325890763893876242008-12-24T21:14:00.001-05:002008-12-24T21:15:19.802-05:00

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-22902372125561131702008-12-23T23:49:00.002-05:002009-01-14T23:55:16.508-05:00

A is part of our Belgian family and while I'm a bit late posting about her birthday (ah the magic of post options) I think of her and her family every day. When we first arrived, she brought over many of her daughter's toys to share with Z which was so thoughtful and made our stay there more like home. A couple of weeks before we left, Buttons fell and cut herself behid her ear on a radiator

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-2477614170670989392008-12-18T01:21:00.008-05:002008-12-18T15:14:37.971-05:00

I saw this list over at Stephanie's Written Word and decided to give it a whirl. The things I have done are in black.1. Started my own blog2. Slept under the stars3. Played in a band4. Visited Hawaii 5. Watched a meteor shower6. Given more than I can afford to charity7. Been to Disneyland/world8. Climbed a mountain10. Sung a solo11. Bungee jumped12. Visited Paris 13. Watched lightening at sea14.

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-44829113915820488452008-12-17T23:24:00.003-05:002008-12-18T00:27:30.237-05:00

Life has been busy here. The show went well and is now behind me and I'm trying to catch up on housework and the business of Christmas. However, yesterday Hubby took the day off and we stole away to NYC.We took the train in and Buttons was in heaven. She loved the fact that there were no seat belts.We went to Radio City Music Hall.We visited the tree in Rockefeller center and the minute we

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-34032128318569718852008-12-01T17:57:00.001-05:002008-12-01T17:59:33.519-05:00

This is tech week for our show, so I'm glad Nablah blah is over. I'm going to take a wee bit of a break this week.Whew.

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-55701571644574644402008-11-30T21:22:00.000-05:002008-11-30T21:26:56.688-05:00

After spending 12 hours on the road back home from our Thanksgiving celebrations, I can tell you we visited many rest stops. The food is almost always the same: most likely fried and just plain awful. And can anyone tell me why and how people spray the toilet seat in the women's room? It's beyond me.However, the three of us had a wonderful time snacking on grapes, singing along with our mixed

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-25315293535060417072008-11-29T02:02:00.002-05:002008-11-29T02:10:34.296-05:00

I've known him since I was 17 and I'm still crazy about him. He's sweet and thoughtful. He's a wonderful father and my best friend. He's smart, funny and soft spoken. He surprises people with his wicked wit and makes me smile all the time. He makes me want to be a better person. He's seen me at my worst and still thinks the best of me. He cares about others and is always willing to lend a

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-46704863472960839922008-11-28T11:53:00.003-05:002008-11-29T02:01:08.735-05:00

Buttons has been a real trooper since we've been visiting relatives. However, today was the fifth out of six days without a nap and yes, it was one too many. She doesn't want to leave all of our relatives and I agree it's been a great trip, but we need to get on a schedule. She had 2 major fits today and that's not like her. And roaring at me? Not acceptable. So Mom, Dad, brothers, in-laws,

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-86531188912619348682008-11-27T07:05:00.000-05:002008-11-27T07:05:00.678-05:00

My apologies to the vegetarians and those of you with taste (not that those groups are mutually exclusive), but I couldn't resist this picture to say Happy Thanksgiving. Hope you enjoy the day and give thanks for the people that make you happy and feel loved. I know I will.

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-42991373549641588112008-11-26T21:09:00.002-05:002008-11-26T21:32:00.926-05:00

Buttons is growing. Her language is changing. She used to say "phlone" instead of phone and "Didah" instead of Dinah (our kitty). Her favorite cup was a Pooh cup but when she said it, it sounded like bull crap.She's writing letters and putting them together in fascinating ways. I am now receiving many notes and being asked "what does this spell Mama?" Sometimes she spells "rooroa", but

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-78691694904528868942008-11-25T23:32:00.002-05:002008-11-25T23:44:32.655-05:00

You go to your hometown and right off the highway someone has attached flashing lights to a white board sign that says "Help! No Water!" outside their house.Stores are closing their doors, but discount chains and fast food stores are being added along with a rise in stock and profit.Gas prices are half of what they were 3 months ago and still people can't afford it.Hubby, Buttons and I are

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-42120466163133538352008-11-24T22:50:00.003-05:002008-11-24T22:57:28.653-05:00

I can't believe we had enough snow to make a snow woman (yes, Buttons told us she was a she) before Thanksgiving, but here's our proof! We're all a bit under the weather, but the snow called to us. (Yes, that's my mom.) The latest family photo with our newest member and I don't even know her name. However, she has beautiful radish eyes, a green pepper mouth, grape buttons and the requisite

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-65044957838743512252008-11-23T23:07:00.005-05:002008-11-24T00:15:46.508-05:00

I feel like I've been winning the lottery lately only I never play the lottery. However, I do read some fabulous blogs of people that I know in real life and others I only know through cyberspace. Sometimes these bloggers have contests and sometimes I enter. Bonnie Berry is an Austin, Texas based photographer with a blog filled with delicious photos and I entered her contest. Haven't seen her

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-20638488596720963722008-11-22T12:34:00.003-05:002008-11-24T00:43:39.047-05:00

Stephanie is the first blogger I've met in person since "meeting" in the blogosphere. Both of us have daughters who were born in China and we both blogged about that commonality (Forks & Chopsticks). Stephanie then started a book blog (Stephanie's Written Blog) and that's been going really well with authors stopping by to guest blog and give interviews and she's even had several giveaways. I

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-14898957426817805282008-11-21T08:07:00.005-05:002008-11-21T10:39:04.572-05:00

When I was dating my Hubby, I would give gifts at Christmas to his family and it seemed like I received a thank you note in the mail the next day. I talked to my mother-in-law about her quickness and she told me that she wouldn't use the gift until she put her thank you note in the mail. She felt that by doing that she was always very prompt with the thank yous. I thought "what an excellent

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-15886551713454353902008-11-20T09:44:00.002-05:002008-11-20T09:46:46.066-05:00

Today I'm thankful for my family. Hubby and Buttons brought me breakfast in bed this morning for my birthday.Now, I'm going to go out and enjoy the rest of the day instead of making this a long post.

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-28211442820652897602008-11-19T00:01:00.001-05:002008-11-19T00:01:54.525-05:00

Wordless Wednesday

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-28782522160792891682008-11-18T23:12:00.005-05:002008-11-18T23:40:11.307-05:00

I am not good with conflict. I want people to like me. Often times I give in if someone disagrees with me because I don't like to fight. I'm not always sure I have everything I need to back up my point of view and I generally don't feel confident when I'm in a disagreement.So I think some people may assume I never get mad or I don't see that what they've just said to me is totally

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-74146065711761535542008-11-17T14:16:00.003-05:002008-11-17T14:27:51.536-05:00

I'm doing a cheat post today. I'm linking to other blogs. However, I do think they're worth it.First, this post from Tales from a Keyboard Biologist has a great tutorial about fixing knit socks that have a large hole. I don't know if it's something I would do, but then again if you've put all that work into a pair of socks, it would be nice to be able to fix them.The Blue Blog had this post

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-39971012105989325122008-11-16T21:20:00.004-05:002008-11-16T22:13:49.184-05:00

Buttons is 4 now and understands that Christmas is just around the corner. In past years she has wanted nothing to do with Santa. Her first Christmas with us I was able to take her and get her picture with Mr. Claus and me, but the next year, it didn't go as well. Last year we were able to get her in the same room with him and caught a quick picture and she waved to the jolly old elf from far

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-35679129492152863152008-11-15T20:28:00.005-05:002008-11-15T20:47:56.367-05:00

When we put Buttons to bed she will tell us to check on her. If I put her to bed it's always "Mama, check on me and tell Daddy to check on me". Most of the time she'll say it several times and lately it's the mantra that she tells us again and again and will get out of bed to do it. So, this evening I put the kaibosh on it by asking her to just tell us each one time and we will remember. I

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-713471106611680292008-11-14T16:19:00.004-05:002008-11-14T16:32:53.304-05:00

Ok, this is actually inspired from a recipe from Marsha (heavily featured on this blog over the past 2 days). It's come to be my "go-to" recipe when I need something quick but I want it to be good.Cook some pasta. Saute some olive oil and garlic. Add some capers along with some of its juice. Add in black olives, artichoke hearts, lima beans, peas, edamame or any combo until it's nice and hot.

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-9961247732054670822008-11-13T21:36:00.001-05:002008-11-13T23:54:29.607-05:00

Yes Nablablah seems to force me to bring out the themes, so I'm keeping up with last year's theme for Thursday. Today I'm thankful for friends. I was feeling really under the weather today and needed some soup (yes, needed) and when Marsha found out about this, she gave me some delicious homemade lentil soup to get me feeling better. Thank you Marsha. I hope all of you have friends like I do.

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-79526065165545719422008-11-12T09:52:00.001-05:002008-11-12T09:55:06.183-05:00

Wordless Wednesday

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-49636367965387210582008-11-11T13:47:00.006-05:002008-11-11T13:57:20.537-05:00

The following link made me very happy today:Love letters between 48 & 52.

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-19016324484649291482008-11-10T18:32:00.005-05:002008-11-10T18:38:47.248-05:00

Ok, I'll admit it. Everyone around me was getting sick. I was feeling immune to it all after having my flu shot a few weeks ago. I was feeling powerful fighting off all those germs. Guess what I'm feeling now? Yeah. Bucked off the high horse.I'm sick.

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-30821847310968807942008-11-09T23:58:00.002-05:002008-11-10T10:17:41.330-05:00

We went to see some friends in a local production of "Beauty & the Beast" and then we all went out for dinner and then to the new house of two of the friends. I was tired and crabby after staying up too late at the final cast party the night before, but I did enjoy the day that went well into evening. Buttons had trouble sleeping because the Beast was good in his role of being scary but she

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-9525358186735770762008-11-08T17:44:00.003-05:002008-11-08T17:52:40.840-05:00

Ok, it's NaPoBlaBla this month and I want to post everyday without being too lame. However, it's closing night for my play and I'm getting ready for that. The other thing that has taken over my life is Facebook. Have you been sucked in to this thing? It's crazy. So, I will try to limit my on-line time on FB and spend some more time thinking about posts.I did spend the day with Hubby and

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-4804468701370507072008-11-07T07:00:00.002-05:002008-11-07T09:04:24.374-05:00

Posting everyday is hard when you've been really lame about it for a while. So, I decided perhaps we should have some themes to keep me on track. So I'm naming today Fun Friday, so I'm decided to share this site with you: yearbookyourself.com. I'd love to see what y'all do with this, so if you'd like, upload a picture, post it to your blog and let me know in the comment section.May I present

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-77564183337533757242008-11-06T08:13:00.006-05:002008-11-06T23:08:29.608-05:00

It is hard for me to fathom. Why can't we allow (celebrate) all people who love each other to marry? The arguments against it just don't ring true to me. How does giving rights to a group of people take anything away from another group of people? The people who want to marry are people who love one another and just want to make it official and proclaim their love to each other in front of

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-36208117506360716852008-11-05T00:01:00.001-05:002008-11-05T00:31:37.362-05:00

President Barack ObamaHis victory speech was flawless.I'm so proud of our country right now.I also thought John McCain's concession speech was wonderful.I'm grinning and teary and tired.And happy...

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-3070216299458081152008-11-04T00:01:00.001-05:002008-11-04T00:01:00.982-05:00

Have you voted?Here's another reason to visit the polls...

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-17959633122731479622008-11-03T10:59:00.003-05:002008-11-03T11:06:23.263-05:00

How about free ice cream?Vote, people!

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-53354501690480998742008-11-02T12:09:00.003-05:002008-11-02T12:19:53.147-05:00

I've always signed up for NaBloPoMo, so I'll try it again this year. I find that while sometimes I'm really stretching it to find a post every day, I often find that it makes me be present and deliberate in my day. This being the month of Thanksgiving, I think I will post a good deal about what I'm thankful for and try to keep the craziness of December at bay.Today, I'm thankful for spending

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-39613453346083571762008-11-01T10:57:00.001-05:002008-11-01T10:58:12.392-05:00

Meow!

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-26168738296159950852008-10-30T17:43:00.007-05:002008-10-30T17:55:36.830-05:00

Our Obama sign was stolen today.This is what someone did when the signs in theirneighborhood went missing, including their own.The crazy part is we've been waiting for our actual sign(along with some t-shirts)to come in the mailand we had borrowed our sign from a friend.Buttons thought that whoever stole our sign was probablya "mean, old, grumpy troll". I agree.

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-87640913442282082862008-10-23T00:01:00.000-05:002008-10-23T00:01:00.791-05:00

I started theater late in life even though it was something I always wanted to do. When we were waiting for Buttons I knew I needed something to take my mind off the wait (of course our wait was nothing compared to the parents who wait now). In the fall of 2004 I met the director of the upcoming show The Sound of Music in our local community theater. I decided on a whim I would audition. I

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-4863545270304887612008-10-22T11:18:00.002-05:002008-10-22T17:09:42.155-05:00

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-34889402513485555752008-10-21T10:43:00.004-05:002008-10-21T11:06:40.027-05:00

Do you know it's only been 88 years that women have had the right to vote? There were many women who took up this cause and won after years of trying and some of them never had the chance to cast one single vote. Perhaps you know a friend or a neighbor who is not planning to vote. Why don't you give them a call or ring their bell and ask them if they'd like a ride to the polls on Tuesday,

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-84302692374033077452008-10-17T07:32:00.001-05:002008-10-18T08:01:01.466-05:00

You are now 4 years old and I can't believe it!You love writing your letters, reading books, painting, playing on the playground with friends, cooking, helping, singing, dancing and fairy-winged basketball. You love animals (especially dogs).You remember things I have long since forgot.You still come in to our bed in the morning to snuggle, which I will miss when you feel you're too old for

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-85735477156989492832008-10-14T00:01:00.000-05:002008-10-14T00:01:01.063-05:00

I'm going to try and do a post every Tuesday until the election about voting, so here's the first. As you can tell from some previous posts, voting is very important to me and to my husband as well. Back in 2004, Buttons and I were at the polling place for several hours to pass out information and greet people. Buttons is aware of the candidates and knows that Obama is our man.So, the other

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-16010122342029481202008-10-10T09:38:00.002-05:002008-10-10T09:44:22.220-05:00

Currently life and blogging don't seem to be working well for me to do at the same time. I've been taking a bit of a break from blogging and stepping fully into life. One week from today is Buttons' birthday and the opening of the play that I've been rehearsing. My mom and her partner are coming to visit during that time and my house is a wreck. If you have any sage words of wisdom about

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-62898164606928486532008-10-04T07:24:00.001-05:002008-10-04T07:26:49.045-05:00

State Voter Registration Deadline Alabama Fri, Oct. 24 Alaska Sun, Oct. 5 (postmark by Sat, Oct. 4) Arizona Mon, Oct. 6 Arkansas Mon, Oct. 6 California Mon, Oct. 20 Colorado Mon, Oct. 6 Connecticut Tues, Oct. 21 Delaware Sat, Oct. 11 District of Columbia Mon, Oct. 6 Florida Mon, Oct. 6 Georgia Mon, Oct. 6 Hawaii Mon, Oct. 6 Idaho Register at Polls Illinois Tues, Oct. 7 Indiana Mon

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-25731519410249029202008-10-02T18:25:00.005-05:002008-10-03T15:04:52.402-05:00

Google Maps 2008 Vote

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-20261933472118724882008-09-29T10:48:00.002-05:002008-09-29T11:06:22.451-05:00

I received a lovely package from my Secret Pal Carrie (Sad Lonely Crafter) and I have been lax in posting lately, so I'm finally doing a bona fide thank you post. First off Carrie sent me some yummy coffee and a very nice pattern book of mittens. She also sent some coral linen that may indeed become a bag just like my SP made. (Carrie, could you e-mail the information on the pattern you used?)

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-14318604169187710802008-09-24T08:33:00.001-05:002008-09-24T08:34:45.418-05:00

Happy Wordless Wednesday!Taken by Buttons' camera last fall. I love this picture.

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-9553129506200120282008-09-22T14:39:00.001-05:002008-09-22T14:40:11.667-05:00

My pirate name is: Calico Ethel Flint Often indecisive, you can't even choose a favorite color. You're apt to follow wherever the wind blows you, just like Calico Jack Rackham, your namesake. Like the rock flint, you're hard and sharp. But, also like flint, you're easily chipped, and sparky. Arr! Get your own pirate name from piratequiz.com.part of the fidius.org network

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-34516412150997723362008-09-20T07:55:00.002-05:002008-09-20T08:11:33.150-05:00

I miss you my bloggy friends, but September seems to be kicking my butt. So, here are a few updates for you.Secret Pal news: My secret pal sent me a great package and I need to take pictures and post all the lovely things. Thank you Carrie!Buttons news: The girl LOVES school and we're very happy for that.Knitting news: I've been knitting too sporadically and haven't even been able to hang with

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-56992061942762237992008-09-03T11:00:00.003-05:002008-09-03T13:44:30.239-05:00

Good friends of ours are dealing with a troubling situation right now and I'm asking anyone who can help to please do so. Andrew Berends (our friends' brother and brother-in-law) has been arrested in Nigeria for spying. He's not a spy, but a documentary filmmaker capturing the difficulties in the the Niger Delta. Please read this blog post and think about anyone who you might be able to

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716035.post-37326059179960470002008-09-03T10:35:00.002-05:002008-09-03T11:00:04.644-05:00

As if things weren't hectic enough, I've added Pirate to my list of things to do. I was asked to step into a role at my local community theater. They asked me on Sunday and opening night is this Friday. So, I'm off to wield a cutlass and look fer treasure. Must go learn lines...

Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13538877743925355191noreply@blogger.com1