The Galbraith Family

I Heart Daddy!

2012-02-08T18:45:00.002-07:00

Jon never reads the blog so here's a preview of our Valentines (maybe Father's Day) gift to him!
The ladies of playgroup combined forces today to make one sweet (sweet as in killer, not chocolate) craft for our party. Thanks Natalie for the idea and Angela for the pictures and all the ladies for their so cute kids!!

It Would be Better

2012-02-02T09:17:00.003-07:00

Sometimes it's better (the most I can do) to get the picture/video on here and post it.

Sometimes it would be better if I could fill the post with fanciful words about what we're up to and how FUNNY is Soren.

Go with me for a bit...

...wouldn't you love to hear that Soren: barks like a dog, says "up", "did it", "no", likes to sing along while he plays the piano (little made-up tunes, of course) and is currently bringing me household cleaners from a cabinet that has a child proof lock on it!

Wait!

He's what?!

OH, yes he is a total raccoon... I am not exaggerating when I say that he can open ANYTHING. The other day he brought me my vitamin bottle... empty. (yup that's complete with "childproof" cap as well) I think we(he) should sign up to be "childproof" product testers. Don't worry I found all the vitamins... I think. :)

As we see today, sometimes it would be better if I just posted the picture/video, so here it is

back it up. beep beep beep.

2011-11-16T09:15:00.005-07:00

Found camera cord: Check!

Found quiet moment to post: Check? I can't hardly believe it!

Soren was Christopher Robin for Halloween. It was fun to watch him almost explode with delight in his first Dum-Dum sucker and drag his candy box all over the parking lot. And then get exhausted just because of the excitement going on around him! He wore these adorable red shoes that he refused to leave on for any picture I could get of him. :)

Trick or Treat!

BIRTHDAY BOY!!

2011-11-01T10:24:00.009-06:00

Soren has already enjoyed an exciting start to his birthday! He opened presents this morning before Daddy went to school.

so serious...

so silly!

There was only one problem...

He feel asleep in the middle of all the excitement! (He went to bed late and woke up early today, yada, yada, yada... too much sugar equals "sugar HIGH" and that equals "sugar LOW")

*more B-day Boy pics to come!

Silly Saturday (part 1)

2011-09-24T11:03:00.000-06:00

Silly Saturday (part 2)

2011-09-24T10:47:00.000-06:00

Soren LOVES to Noggin'! aka bonk his head into my head, your head, or really any hard surface as long as it's prefaced with the word "noggin!" :)

Today we also like tickles, snacks, pretending like we can't walk, and kitchen cabinets.

Soren's First Steps aka "push him down!"

2011-08-30T09:36:00.002-06:00

Jon and I have sort of been forcing Soren into "falling with style"... :) We're really *proud of ourselves*, especially last night when Soren up'd his style with a few steps. Sorry the video is crooked and sorry it's loud (I was really, really excited... for Soren of course!)

Messing Around with Picasa

2011-08-23T14:55:00.001-06:00

Can you tell Soren is an only child? :) We are a little obsessed.

May Day!

2011-05-04T19:54:00.002-06:00

We've been up to a "few" things.
However, I don't excuse myself for not blogging as we have had a lot going on!
I have a new job... Jon's finished another semester of school... Soren's popping out poop and TEETH fast enough we can barely keep track of him!
In fact, Soren just starting whining for my attention... so I'm off.

Love to everyone!

Enjoy a few pics (the ones Soren gave me time to upload)

SNOW DAY Texas-Style

2011-02-04T16:13:00.006-07:00

Because of the massive freezing sleet storm doomed to hit SE Texas this Thursday afternoon, schools were let out early and cancelled, stores jam packed with those stocking up for "the big one", and everyone was admonished to stay indoors with their heat on and faucets dripping. Even with all that the hype was that we would only barely survive the catastrophe looming towards us.

HA!

Here's some pictures of our Snow Day!

*On an even funnier note... if the northern states were as unprepared for freezing temps and winter weather as Houston, they would be rendered useless for all intents and purposes at least 5 months of every year! Still laughing....

Jon and I jumped at the chance to spend a bunch of time together that weren't planning on having and thus... lots of thing got done that otherwise wouldn't have for maybe weeks!

Things like:

*dishes

*laundry

*Soren's 3 mo. and 3-6 mo. clothes unpacked and ready to wear

*house cleaned-up

*shopping

*baby snuggling!

*blogging

*and such!

YAY! for SNOW DAY!

crossing the deep (space between)

2011-01-07T08:22:00.004-07:00

Soren is growing like a weed! He seems to "wake up" a little more every day. It's fun to see his personality come out more and get more social smiles.

Parenting for almost 10 weeks is sometimes the most fun thing I've ever done and sometimes the least fun. Babies like to cry... even really mild tempered babies like to cry. I've never found the sound of a baby cry to be frustrating... let's be honest I've worked with tantrum prone preschoolers, who like to bite and run around all day throwing things, for almost 2 years... so baby-cry has not really been on the "too much to handle" radar.

But one little thing changes all of that... Soren, go figure that my own body grew something that later would ware down my emotions and fill me joy all at the same time. I'm not really sure how symptoms of insanity and parenthood differ.

Ooh, symptoms of parenthood, that has a nice ring to it. :)

At any rate, this is one household that is growing... Soren physically of course and myself spiritually and emotionally. I am not as weak as I sometimes think I am and I hope that I can remember that even at 2am, 4am, or any other hour in which my mind and body feel as if they have nothing left to give.

I really hope this doesn't sound gloomy for that is not my intent; just to exude some hope and help myself or anyone else to focus on the destination and still find joy in the journey.

I hear ya!

2010-12-13T14:05:00.004-07:00

So...

rambling in Espanol the blog-o-sphere didn't go over very well with my 3* faithful readers.

Sorry ol' faithful.

But as a reward for your half-hearted diligence here are some more Sweet Sorens! Maybe this is not the type of compensation you had in mind and although he is MY buddy bear he would like you be your friend too!

*estimated 3, it's probably less. :)

UPDATE:

---Please don't feel guilty! I didn't mean to guilt anyone for not commenting on the blog or even not reading it. I'm only joking about my circulation... that's why I can post in Spanish or jibberish and it doesn't matter, especially because (let's be honest) we come here for pictures of Soren now! :)

UN MES.

2010-12-10T15:08:00.005-07:00

Every now and a again I feel the random need to rattle in Spanish. If you choose to translate, please read in the correct tones of voice.

1. este bebe hermosisimo, es tan chiquito pero se esta creciendo gordito! no puedo creer que lleva un mes, no es recien nacido nada mas. estoy feliz y triste. :)

2. quiero praticipar en un "flash mob" y que se lleve a cabo en el zoologico. y supongo que la cancion tendra que ser la del principio de Lion King.

3. amo a mi familia! y me encanta comer hot dogs adentro de tortillas.

HAPPY ONE MONTH (AND 10 DAYS), SOREN!

2 weeks

2010-11-17T10:11:00.005-07:00

Soren was 2 weeks old on Monday. It's strange because we've only had him home a week, so it's hard to believe he's already growing growing... but he's a keeper and we can't imagine our family without him!

*** now weighing in at 6 lbs. 12 oz. and 20 inches long. ***

magic moments

2010-11-06T10:59:00.003-06:00

eyes totally open for the first time

daddy holds baby

mommy loves this little dude

soren is so small, but fits perfect in daddy's arms

telling secrets about mommy

some soren squeaks

2010-11-05T16:31:00.002-06:00

Our November Surprise!

2010-11-04T09:16:00.005-06:00

November started off with a HUGE surprise. Baby Boy decided he was ready to meet ya'll and picked his birthday to be
11-01-10. (*5 weeks early*)

As I laid in bed Sunday evening about drifted into "dreamworld", I felt a sharp pain and then a new but unmistakable sensation... "Water-breaking!"

"Jon... um sweetie my water just broke. What should I do?"

"Are you serious? You should probably call your doctor," he replied.

And thus began Soren Idrios Galbraith's journey into this world.

Of course there was a lot of waiting between Sunday night at 11:30pm and Monday night at 10:48pm when his eviction was complete. I did not start having any contractions on my own so when Dr. Ramos came in Monday morning we started with Pitocin to move things along. I tolerated contractions alright, but when things got fierce the epidural did the trick. Don't get me wrong it wasn't peachy the rest the way, but definitely more tolerable.

Soren weighed 6 lbs. 2 oz. and all the doctors have said it was good I didn't go full term because I likely would have had to have a C-section. However good for me, coming 5 weeks early for Soren hasn't been uncomplicated.

His little lungs need some support to mature. The first night was pretty rough for him in Level II NICU, but moving him to Level III (although scary) was the best decision and he has greatly improved. I won't get into all the physiological details... just to say that technology, medical science, dedicated doctors and nurses, and lots of prayer are all powerful elements. And these things have brought about miraculous change for our little guy.

I am so grateful for some really awesome people like: Dr. Ramos, Dr. Suell, Dr. Ahmed, Dr. Simkowitcz, Mrs. Clara Bias, Austin, Anne, Beth, Myra and many others who are experts in their craft. Among them are wonderful family, friends and ward members that offer such great faith and much needed positivity and support. WE Love you all so much!

Soren will still be in NICU for some time, he has some big goals to reach, but we have NO DOUBT that he will be coming home soon strong and healthy. It's not easy being home without him... the house feels empty somehow and we certainly are aware that someone is missing. But seeing his improvement every time we visit is a great motivator for my faith.

Soren isn't giving up and neither are we.

Can't wait to hold our little man!!!

Labor Day Fun!!!!

2010-09-06T17:34:00.004-06:00

Having a break from school and work usually means that you rest the whole day. But for a teacher a break doesn't always mean rest. We did get to sleep in until 9 this morning; which is a nice change for a Monday morning. Then it was all about work. Katrina and I first started are day at CVS together and then she moved on to Lakeshore (a teachers store) as I continued my couponing at another CVS store. After a great morning at CVS I picked up ken, a friend, from the ward and we started working on a project that we have been waiting to start for sometime. Meanwhile Katrina is watching someone laminate a box full of paper as she holds only 4 sheets that she needs to laminate for tomorrow. She arrived at Lakeshores around 10:45 am.

As Ken and I were coming back from Lowes around 1:30ish Katrina called and said that she finally got to laminate her 4 sheets and that she was on her way. We finished our project and went to the store to get a few things for a BBQ. On our way home it started to rain. Nonetheless we still grilled some hotdogs and enjoyed our time and families.

Now its almost 7:00 pm and Katrina is still working on school stuff. Trying to stay away from my homework I decided to blog about our fun labor day. Most of all to show what we got at CVS this morning. We were able to buy $79.16 worth of stuff and only paid out of pocket $1.20. Plus we got back $20.00 for next week. :) As you can see from the picture we got 1 big box of 96 diapers, 1 big can of formula, 2 bottles of baby bubble bath, and 2 things of desitin for baby rash. What you can't see is we also got 8 bottles of sobewater. I didn't include them because we drink some of them.

Now for my favorite part: Katrina purchased the formula, 2 bottles of bubbles, and 4 bottles of sobewater. The total was $39.33 and only paid $0.10 and got back $10.00. I purchased the Diapers, the desitin, and 4 sobewaters. The total was $39.83 and I only paid $1.10 and got back $10.00. I love this game.:)

Randalls and Kroger 8/11

2010-08-12T11:19:00.005-06:00

Another good day at the store with my new hobby. This week I wanted to start saving on food items for Katrina and I. Hoping that it will help us save more money this month and for the future. Yesterday the 11th, Kroger and Randalls came out with their weekly ads. With a few hours of looking through the ads and some blogs that I have been studying I decided to give them a try. The first photo was a mix of both stores and we were able to get a few items at each one for a total of 33 items. The total cost of this items before tax was $79.88. I was able to use coupons to get the total down to $15.14. :) I hope you can see that we got 8 boxes of cereal, 5 boxes of Nature Valley bars, 2 boxes of fruit by the foot, 2 boxes of Gushers, 8 cans of Progresso Soup, 2 bags of chex, 2 bags of Gardetto's, 3 things of Sunny D, and 1 can of Pringles.

I came home with my items with mix emotions. I had planned on some of the items to be less, but found out some new rules at Kroger. At Randalls I forgot to get a little more of one item to get back some money but I forgot to purchase them. After going through I figured that I would try something else. So I went back to Randalls and was able to get 11 more items that would have cost me $34.39. I only paid $2.68 and I received $5.50 back for next week of for anything else that I want at their store. So I made $2.82 just trying it again to redeem myself. This photo shows 5 boxes of Fiber One bars, 2 boxes of Gushers, 2 boxes of Fruit by the Foot, and 2 things of Sweet Moments.

I added the two trips together to see my total out of pocket cost. For the 44 items in total I would have paid before tax $114.27 and I only paid $17.82 after tax. Keep in mind that I did receive $5.50 for my next purchase at Randalls. :)

CVS Is Wonderful!!!

2010-08-11T11:43:00.005-06:00

I love couponing. Once again we were able to get diapers for way cheap. I love it. As you can see we purchase 2 razors, two Dulcolax Balance, 1 Shave Gel, Q-tips, 2 jumbo packs of diapers 40 ct each, and 2 wipes 216 ct each. (We also got Xtra detergent, but I forgot to include it in the picture.) The total would have cost us $95.28 without tax and it only cost us $7.16 with tax. And the best part is that we got $11 back for next week and one of the razor is a mail in rebate which will give us $8.97 back. In other words we spent $7.16 and made $19.97 for a grand total for $12.81 made this week. :)

I always like to break down the purchases for you. I think its fun. Katrina first purchased one 3 blade Razor for $9.99 and paid $1.05. Second she purchased 1 Dulcolax Balance for $12.99 and paid only $1.99 for it. Her last purchase was 1 jumbo pack of diapers, 1 baby wipe, and 1 thing of Q-tipps for a total of $23.07 and only paid $1.30. After all this her total out of pocket was $4.34 and she got $4.00 back for next week. We also used her razor receipt for the mail in rebate for full purchase price of $8.97. My first purchase was 1 razor and 1 shave gel for a total of $13.98 and paid a total of $0.00. I love free. My second purchase was 1 Dulcolax Balance and 1 Xtra Detergent for a total of $16.08 and paid only $0.10. :) My last purchase was 1 diaper and 1 baby wipe for a total of $20.19 and only paid $2.72. This brings my total to $2.82 and I received $7 dollars back for next week.

Our boy scout is going to have so many diapers.

My (Jonathan's) New Hobby!!!!!!!

2010-08-04T09:50:00.013-06:00

So first things first. I know that everyone wants to see our pictures of our summer trips, but you are going to have to wait.

For a couple of months now I have been waiting to get into the coupon world. I have heard stories of people spending only $50 on a $150 purchase at the store. I figured that it would be worth looking into. I'll give you a little background before I jump into the savings that Katrina and I have come across, because for some reason ladies love the whole picture.

I was over at a friends home when his wife Amy asked if we needed any razors or any shampoo. She said that she got them for free and that they were not going to use them. She than showed me their room of free stuff from couponing. I told her that I have always wanted to start using coupons and then I saw some diapers amongst the free items. "Wait so you get diapers for free," I asked. She said that she almost always does and that she doesn't spend more than $0.10 per diaper. I was amazed at this because well you know. :)

Amy offered to teach us how to get started. We finally got in touch with her when we got back from Utah and right before they left to Washington State. We can't wait to report back to her on our good deal finding skills. So on with the saving details. Keep in mind that this is our second week of couponing.

Our first stop this last Monday August 2 was CVS. As you can tell from the picture we got 6 Ragu, 2 Razors, a 36 ct. and a 18 ct. of Playtex, 2 Colgate, and 3 Crest Mouthwash. The grand total before sales or coupons was $89.53. We paid $12.46 and received $15.00 in store credit for next weeks deals. Let me break it down a little more just for fun. We have two different cards at CVS and we were getting Katrina's card ready for next week money maker deal. So my first purchase was the 2 Colgate and the 3 Crest Mouthwash. I spent a total of $0.32 on this purchase. My second purchase was just one razor which I spent a total of $0.86 on it. A grand total of $1.18 and I received $9 back for next weeks purchase. I made some $7.82 this week. Katrina had two purchases as well and it takes a little money to start making money. Her first purchase was 6 Ragu and one Razor. The total was $10.21 that we put on a gift card that we got from T-Mobile. The second one was the two boxes of Playtex that Katrina doesn't need right now, but will in the future. Her total was $1.07. For a total of $11.28 and between the two purchases she got $6 back for next week. So she really spent $5.28 to get started for next week. :)

Our second stop was Walgreens. Walgreens was a learning experience for the both of us. It didn't go as planned but we were happy with the outcome of the trip. As you can see we got two 42 ct bags of diapers size 2, two 72 ct baby wipes, one razor, a 24 ct box of crayons, .5 oz visine eye drop, a 50 ct Alive Men Energy, one bottle of contact solution, and a 10ct box of pencils. The grand total before sales and coupons was $74.89 and we spent only $7.84 that we put on the same gift card as CVS. Lets break it down. We first purchased was the crayons and the razor for a total of $0.00. Thats right free with the help of a $10 gift card that we got from a purchase the week before. For the second purchase we got the contact solution for $0.36. The third purchase included the eye drops and the alive men energy for a total of $1.99. Our last purchase was the diapers and the wipes for a total of $5.49. That is not bad for 84 diapers and 144 wipes if I do say so myself.

Our third stop was Target. It really wasn't as exciting as the other two before. We got some free soup and a few other things there. We spent in total $6.06. Our last stop for couponing was Kroger. This purchase was a little more stressful, but it was worth it. As you can see we got a lot of stuff here. I won't take the time to list what we got, but I will tell you that it was 25 different items. The grand total in this purchase was $124.77 and we paid a total of 47.91 on everything here. Not bad for our first run at Kroger. Katrina and I spent many hours over the weekend planning our shopping lists and getting the early Sunday morning paper for the coupons. It was a lot of fun and it saved us a lot of money.

The grand total cost of the day would have been $295.25 and only spent a total of $49.09 out of pocket and $19.12 on a gift card that we got from T-Mobile. Also we received $15.00 from CVS to use for next weeks couponing day. :)

You might be thinking that we won't use everything that we purchase and you might be right. But as Amy taught us there is only three reasons why you use your coupons; 1. You need it 2. Its free and/or 3. You make money from it. She also said that with the leftovers she puts them in a yard sale. Which to me means more money. :)

Thanks for reading.

Jonathan

all mixed up

2010-06-08T10:52:00.001-06:00

Jon and I leave for Ecuador in about 21 hours. I am so excited and stressed and stoked and nervous! That is all.

noticias! noticias!

2010-06-06T17:31:00.005-06:00

Jon and I bought a crib yesterday at Target. It was such a great deal we couldn't pass it up. Although the deal was sort of outweighed with the hassle of getting it home, we're happy to be investing in the future. ;)

this is why I Teach... For America.

2010-05-15T07:03:00.004-06:00

Every statistic has a name.

Injustice and disservice are the opposite, and dare I say the enemy, of love and charity.

Contagion is not limited to smiles and illnesses, it extends infinitely in both directional spectra.

God loves all, ALL His children.

Humanity learns through examples and experiences... if none are given, how can we learn?

Please follow this link to learn more.

http://www.waitingforsuperman.com/

to the singers, dancers, picture takers, friends, listeners, swimmers, teachers, painters, pilots, babysitters, believers, and you

2010-05-12T18:07:00.005-06:00

I just love seeing things like this. This 6th grader is truly talented.

However, I would not want to suggest that talents are limited to only certain more visible skills. I used to think that talents only came in the form of singing or dancing... a misery caused by middle school talent shows. :(

BUT....

Now I (think) it is amazing that God loves each of us so much that He instills within us gifts to bless each other. I quickly learned (for my own survival) that talents come in an infinite number of ways and at different times.

God doesn't need everyone to be a great teacher. Who would be a great listener? He doesn't need everyone to be a swimmer. Who would be a great coach? He simply does not need each of us to possess every talent all the time.

Some things we never dreamed of doing in our youth become our most wonderful talents as adults. What an inspiring lesson. God is constantly reminding us of His love, His plan and granting us opportunities to increase our testimonies in this life.

Even now as I think on it, He needs us more than anything to depend on one another; to serve and lift and encourage one another. He knows how hard this test is, He's been there. He loves us! And like any wonderful parent He knows that learning and growth are not just a lecture but an experience.

You have talents and gifts unique to you. You will be able to do things for other people that no one else ever born has been able to do. No one. Just you.

Thank you each of you for sharing your talents, especially those that have lifted me and my fellow brothers and sisters. God loves you! And may He bless all of us with more opportunities to lift, serve, testify, listen, and learn through talents!

I never knew...

2010-05-07T15:33:00.000-06:00

I never knew how slick it could be to own a minivan!

So big props to my minivan driving peeps, flash that street cred!!!

out of hibernation?

2010-05-05T15:58:00.005-06:00

So someone told me that winter is over now and I can come out of hibernation. I would like to think that this would be true from here on out but something tells me that this week is an exception to the current ruling.

I'm at a conference in Dallas. I can't really work on much for work and I am without Jon so I have some free time, lonely free time mind you, but nevertheless some free time.

Overall, things are going well for Jon and I. He's almost done with another semester of school and I am t-minus 18 days 'til my first year of teaching is complete!

Jon stills love his calling with Young Men and Scouts. I am enjoying Primary and a new co-teacher was called for my class this past week. I feel as if Jon and I are very blessed. We are healthy and happy. We are blessed with great faith and strong testimonies. We love each other so much and have fun almost everyday.

We have wonderful families that support us in our endeavors and always encourage us to work hard, to be persons of integrity and to be forever joyful.

Our days so far in 2010 are not filled with great adventure or notable events; they are simple, inexpensive :), sometimes stressful, sometimes restful, but all in all life is good. (slow last phrase for dramatic effect)

So whether or not I am about of blogger hibernation is not so important as is the love I have in my heart for life, family, and the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Hopefully though I can find more quiet moments to share this love and joy with each of you as we know that one great purpose to life is to build others up and share our joys, heartaches, and lives with one another. After all Q: what can we truly take with us?

A: knowledge, relationships, and character.

sorry if this is hard to hear

2009-11-21T07:52:00.004-07:00

I'm sobbing right now and guess what? It's your fault.

Some wonder why I haven't blogged or why I haven't read blogs recently. It's just too hard. I might be a wimp, but when you live far away from the ones you love the hurt is easier to deal with by not reminding yourself that you are far away. (a coping skill I learned on my mission, because you see on your mission you have very limited contact with loved ones back home)

It's easier to not look at pictures or read stories especially when I'm having a hard day. It's like my very psyche is trying to block out any memories at all of you so it doesn't have to cope with the truth.

I am saying I don't think of you not because I don't love you but because I can't. In fact it is because I love you that I can't.

And yes, I know it's backwards and very anti-family bonding... but it makes the really crappy days go by faster to not know all the fun, hugs, and laughs I'm missing out on.

So today, I thought, wow, I actually have a second to read some blogs and now I'm sobbing like a baby because of distance; I'm sobbing because everyone seems so happy and all the kids are so cute; I'm sobbing because I miss you and it's your fault. :)

Therefore, because I know I'm being ridiculous I must apologize for lame, weak efforts to update you about my life or to stay connected with you. Maybe if I were more consistent about staying connected the distance wouldn't seem so great but I fear that it would seem greater and it is already almost too much to bear most days.

[ I also need to add that I do not blog because in many ways my life is CONSUMED by work. Work = contract. Work = minors. Minors = privacy policy. Therefore about 80% of my day I am not legally able to tell you about. Which sucks. But it is there for a good purpose, because I see a lot of crazy stuff happening and sometimes only have very negative things to think about the whole situation, so it's better kept quiet so I can maintain my professional credibility. So I am finding it difficult to share my life when there is so much of it I can't share. ]

In an effort to now find a little joy and share it (as that it what we should always do with joy), here some recent pictures of us and the huge city we, even if awkwardly, call home.

I love you and I miss you.

May 27th to July 15th. (I'll never get that month and a half-ish back.

2009-07-15T12:08:00.004-06:00

To say that a lot has happened since my last post would be both the epitome of truth and a baldfaced lie. (not sure how this works, but it does)

I'm done with summer training... POR FIN! And Jon and I are "semi-officially" moved in.

"Officially" because we are all our crap is in the same place. =apartment.

"Semi" because our crap is all over the place! =mess.

I would not venture to bore you with details about my summer training. I will write as detail-less as possible. It was hard. I was stressed out and busy and tired from 5am to 1am. Sleep happened sometimes in between those hours. I co-taught the "zoo", so named for a good reason. That' s it.

Jon appeared with Taylor practically 2 days early and that left me both psyched and stunned trying to figure out how they got to Houston so fast.

We had a fun time with "Tayman" (he slept on our sofa-sack). We played poker, went to the beach and the guys had plenty (but I'm sure, not enough) of Jack in the Box.

I have only finished putting together the kitchen. Hence, we are still missing pictures of the rest of our apartment. When I finish this post I am headed to the bedroom to either nap or clean it up. I think I'll flip a coin to decide.

This is my last week off for basically the next two years, so I am trying to use it wisely.

Ya saben.... Aqui estan las fotos-->

Projects; tricky math, beautiful results.

2009-05-27T09:58:00.005-06:00

So carpentry is hard. And projects only "sound" easy because you haven't started yet.

That's what we learned this last week and a half as we built a headboard. I got this killer idea from HGTV and wanted to turn a piece of artwork from one of their shows into a headboard for Jon and I.

Headboards from the store are expensive and we have been saving for some time, so I figured I would make one, EASY! Not so easy, but luckily I have Jon (aka Math Robot).

We finally got all the supplies and started putting it together two Saturdays ago. It was a long process, but acutally not too complicated (Thanks to Dad and Steve for tools, advice, supplies, expertise).

Now for the reveal!

Don't mind the empty space (at the bottom) it's covered by our bed. Yes, we did have to hand glue, pin nail, and place every single wood shim. That took the largest amount of time.

Staining was quick, just a little tricky cause there are lots of angles and corners!

The last step was a polyurethane sealer so it's kinda semi-glossed.

Pretty sweet don't ya think?!

And it cost half the price (plus labor =free - our time.)

I'm so excited to put it up in our new place!

Say "YAY" if you want a good deal!

2009-05-15T09:01:00.004-06:00

So my sister, LeShel, is something of a bargain hunter. She's quite the expert actually and while I was visiting her in February she let me in on a few secrets of the "good deal finder."

Well, (just some background) I have been given the task of finding a whole new wardrobe for work this summer and challenged to do so for less than $500. Yesterday I was running errands and stumbled across a huge clearance sale at Ross in Ft. Union.

WOW!

Because Ross is already a reasonably-priced place, finding half the store on clearance and the other half loaded (just that day) with new items was inspiring.

I took to the racks like a vulture feeding on wayside kill. I put all LeShel's tips to good use and I found all this stuff (7 tops, 1 pair pants, 2 skirts) for under $100.

I have so much more stuff than I even thought I might have when I got to the end of my budget and I still have various $100s to spare! It's spectacular! I may even go looking again today and for those of you that know me, I'm rarely inspired to shop. I detest shopping! But I could really get into this bargain thing.

Thanks LeShel! And just as she would here are some of the articles I found yesterday with prices:

Top - Bottom, Left - Right

springy green shirt: $7 (retail $32), red sweater combo: $6.50 (retail $28), hippie looking thing on the top-right: $10 (retail $32), super-cute black: $11 (retail $28), amazing flower skirt: $12 (retail $36), blue workpants: $10 (retail $42), red asian-inspired: $8 (retail $28), and black asian-inspired: $7 (retail $36).

I also got a plain black skirt for $9 and another top.

UPDATE: In related news: I purchased a black suit coat retail priced at $110 for $35! YAY!

Wednesday, non -wordless.

2009-05-13T12:49:00.004-06:00

I have recently stumbled upon some hilarious blogs and vidoes that I deem worthy of sharing.

Just to brighten your day.

<

and this one... it helps with the video.

ooh, don't forget: http://cakewrecks.blogspot.com/ especially this story and watch the video too!

this one is for meditation --> http://postsecret.blogspot.com/

this is classic! http://awkwardfamilyphotos.com/

and inspiring... http://dirtycarart.com/index.html

educational: http://www.detentionslip.org/

and i'm not against the vietnamease, this one is simply for anyone whose been to a nail salon.

Have a great Wednesday!

and no, I will never, ever call it "hump" day.
fools.

Take a picture... It'll last longer.

2009-05-04T17:58:00.004-06:00

Back by popular demand to post some pictures. Hopes this helps, LeShel!

Where to Begin.

2009-04-23T20:12:00.011-06:00

bears, beets, battlestar galatica.
-jim, the office.

So I mentioned before on my "too funny" post, there is much to write; so much so, that I don't even know where to begin. I debated on whether I should try to make it all sound extremely exciting by giving you a detailed description of everything Jon and I have been up to since, well, March 1st. But this would take up... a whole page or something.

Frisbeetarianism is the belief that when you die, your soul goes up on the roof and gets stuck.
-george carlin

Instead, I decided to make a list. Many of you may be on my list. (hehe) What more can I say? Here it is.

I don't think there's a punch-line scheduled, is there? -vince lombardi

-beginning of March, taxes are done. actually getting a refund.

-visited with grandpa cecil and grandpa darrel. these two men are so amazing, everytime I am in their presence I feel the spirit so strongly and I am in awe of what great and humble men they are.

-completed huge work kit for next year's team. glad it's done.

-had dinner with grandma and grandpa galbraith. good rolls, way good. lots of laughs.

-printer gets sick. needs new cartridges.

-lunch with sarah. she's pregnant! going to be such a great mom. love her and will miss our lunches. (not because she's going to be a mom and mom's don't eat lunches, but because of moving to houston)

-Had my 24th birthday. I got cookies and cream ice cream with a candle in it, which we had to buy a lighter for at a gas station on our way to a parking lot. yay. Okay I should mention that before that Jon took me to a great Thai restaurant downtown and we got to shopping; I got a super sweet oversized beanie! No more bad hair days.

-we buy a car, wait this happened before my birthday. ... I love it! traded in "Toad." (the taurus) and got a saab. "upgrade" is an understatement. it's beautiful.

-the otteson's give their homecoming address in kamas. so good to see them. I will never forget what great impact they had in my mission.

-Draper temple dedication, memorable. I love the prophet.

-Jon gets accepted to University of Houston, Business Administration program. YAY!

-lunch with Krista. what a great friend. I feel peace to know that her mom is doing better and great admiration for hers and krista's strength and faith.

-Cami has a bridal shower. lingerie everywhere... really. so excited she's getting married.

-I business trip to Logan. Weather is awful. I don't miss sardine canyon. I do miss Ligget.

-I get sick. again.

-fly to houston

-big interview. even bigger test.

-meet Jovanda, Alex, Karen, and Amanda. Laugh harder than I have in 17 years.

-fly home from houston. still sick.

-color hair. feel like a rockstar.

-russell comes to town! blessed fun with mission companions and good friends. Diana is my new Canadian buddy.

-Cami gets married! What a beautiful day. I couldn't be more excited for her and Derrick. YAY!!

-saw Ricky "Hackett" :) in concert. I love the comedy and it was a fun night out with my hubby.

-started stressing about my new job and moving.

-frantically trying to get a load of crap done before May.

-oh yeah, still sick. (i think)

You take the good, you take the bad, you take them both and there you have the facts of life...
-tagline, facts of life.

So I think this is where I end and/or begin.

Any idiot can face a crisis - it's day to day living that wears you out. -anton chekhov

but remember....

He who has a why to live can bear almost any how.
-friedrich nietzsche

AND

Life itself still remains a very effective therapist.
-karen horney

oh yeah, and we got a goldfish... only 49 weeks to go.

too funny

2009-04-13T13:31:00.000-06:00

I know there's much to write, but this is just too funny!

Yup, that's you.

2009-03-04T11:38:00.001-07:00

I saw this on Amy's blog and she saw it on Christie's and I'm sure we all saw it somewhere, but we should see it AGAIN.

Just think about it.

the green book.

2009-02-19T10:50:00.012-07:00

February is still putting January to shame!

Jon picked me up from the airport on the 12th and surprised me with a great Friday the 13th/Valentines' Day gift! (Does anyone else find that ironical? hehe)

KALAI tickets!

He is the all-time best guitarist that possibly ever was or could be!

Can you tell he's my favorite?

It was a wonderful, wonderful, wonderful night at Garnder Hall downtown! Kalai is such a great performer and dang funny too! I first saw him 6 years ago at a friend's backyard shin-dig. Thanks again Beaver! That night changed me forever. Anytime anyone knows about an upcoming concert, please let me know. Although, you may not find one that I don't already know about :), it would mean the world to me!

Check out his website! http://www.kalai.cc/ and blog www.myspace.com/kalai

"Kalai is urban vintage. The Hawaiian Born, Alaska raised, 26 year-old, is an old school young buck with do anything, anytime, at any level, musical talent. Besides being a lyrical BIGfoot... His music ranges coast to coast with soft ballads, edgy blues, straight jazz, acid jazz, and yeah buddy, a little bit of his own thing. If Dave Mathews, Paul Simon, Ben Harper, James Taylor, John Mayer, Bill Murray (Yes, the comedian.) and Béla Fleck had a baby it would surely be this guy! One might say you have to hear him to believe it, but chances are, even once you do, you won’t. Just Listen. " (quoted from http://www.kalai.cc/)

If I could write I real good review about anything at all, it would be about this man. Here's some video clips, but I would recommend getting a CD, you'll never regret it!

Here are some delectables:

Enjoy!

Jan gets her butt kicked.

2009-02-19T09:34:00.006-07:00

I must say these first few weeks of February have January running with tail between legs! Feb is kicking Jans butt! I got to start off the month by visiting family! It's been Kiki World Tour '09 for me with a visit first to VA with Mike and Amy and then to WI for the Gotbergs.

I love visiting family! It was one of the best vacations ever. I have adorable nieces and nephews. And I have to admit they really love me which makes me feel pretty cool. We had so much fun just doing everyday stuff. Amy asked me, "Is there anything here that you want to see that you can't do or see in Utah?" "YOU! silly" I replied. Just being apart of my sisters daily routine for a few days each was a wonderful blessing.

I must say I am feeling especially grateful to have a family member who works for Skywest. Without her, none of this would be possible. I'm a buddy!

For a complete play-by-play of my trips see LeShel's blog or if you can, login to Amy's and check it out!

What a bittersweet trip! I was fortunate enough to be able to hide my tears in airports with strangers. I am still feeling confused on what my true emotion is! Happy to be home or Sad to have left! I'm sure it will always be some sort of mixture. Better to have made more memories, than never to have visited at all, I say! Heavenly Father has a plan for each of us and especially for families. I am glad I am part of an eternal family!

Love You All!

And... (edited for time and content)

2009-01-29T16:01:00.004-07:00

And you all thought I was back blogging again. hehe...

I will say though that back in December I never thought anyone would really miss me. Thanks for all your teasing and loving concern.

However, I'm still not blogging (with this one exception) until later. It's not that my life is totally uneventful, just almost. I guess I need to clarify this: uneventful does not mean depressing.

Does anyone ever just feel like they don't have anything to say? Maybe I'm alone in this but I just don't feel like blogging up cyberspace with type pollution unless I have something that needs sharing.

Life is happy and I'm happy. I hope everyone out there is happy, too!

Hasta Luego!

No blogging

2008-12-01T13:54:00.002-07:00

Just a friendly notice that I will most likely not be blogging until after the 15th. Graduation is coming up and finals are the last thing I am going to let get in the way of getting out of here! That is all. See you soon.

I GOT IN!

2008-11-18T19:09:00.004-07:00

Yesterday I was extended an offer to work for Teach for America in Houston, Texas! It looks like I'm going to be very busy for the next two years. I feel so excited and Jon is so supportive. He bought me pink roses and took me out to my favorite Thai restaurant in Logan. We went bowling, had ice cream, and watched a movie too; all to celebrate! We are so excited to be moving to the this beautiful city next year.

I have already started looking at apartments which admittedly is premature, but I can't help myself! The cost of living there is much less expensive than where we are now. It is a huge city filled with great museums, shopping, cultural festivals, and has a beautiful temple in the northwestern suburbs.

I don't which school I am teaching at yet, but I know that I tentatively assigned at "bilingual, PreK-4th grades." I don't even know exactly what that means yet, but I know it means that I get to work with the little latino kids in the school. This is a small dream come true for me; I guess that means I have even bigger dreams. (he he) I can't wait to get started helping these kids!

Did you know?

4th graders in the United States should be reading books like "Harry Potter", but 4th graders in low-income communities are still reading "See Spot Run."

Only about 50% of children in low-income communities graduate from high school.

Those that do graduate do so at an 8th grade reading level.

Only one in 10 will graduate from college.

13 million children are currently living in this situation in the United States.

These children are not under-performing because they are not are capable or smart as children from high-income communities, so why then this achievement gap?There are many reasons. Some of the causes are out of our control, others are not.

And that is why I want to work to stop this injustice. I can't fix the problem everywhere, but I can start one child at a time. I'm just one person, but I can do hard things and work to make a bright future for those who will come after me.

YAY! What a great adventure!

Influence

2008-11-06T09:03:00.007-07:00

Life has been a bit hectic to say the least. Two weeks ago Sunday my grandmother passed away. She is a wonderful lady and will always be cherished by those who knew her. I know that she is in a better place doing wonderful things. She is with family and friends and will be there to greet my family when we pass from this mortality.

My heart aches for her on most days, but has done so for a long time. She battled with Alzheimer's disease in the last years of her life and anyone who knows about or has experienced this disease in their life or family knows how challenging it is.

I would like, however, to dedicate this blog to my precious grandfather. His work ethic is uncoupled, his generosity and spirit of service is magnificent, and his love for me means everything. He never left my grandmother’s side not even for a moment during her affliction. He took care of her and suffered with her to the very end. That is in itself a heroic act, but also the epitome of long-suffering, eternal love, and honoring sacred covenants. I am amazed at his strength even now after her passing. Their love for one another is of the sweetest, most respectful I have felt.

Because he has loved his wife, his family, and his neighbor my grandfather has served the Lord his whole life. I have never witnessed greater testimony, acute faith, and inspiring love. Thank you grandpa for all that you teach us through your humble example. He is so tender to me and every time we speak on the phone or we visit I feel uplifted, strengthened, and an eagerness to continue on in my life in such a way that would always make him proud of me. Take today for example, he is dusting the house and doing so with a cheerful heart, blest with work. I am reminded of my dirty house and my previously begrudging attitude towards my duty to clean it and feel grateful now to have a change of perspective.

Forgive my continued rambling, but…

I think that many of us are in search of "making a name" for ourselves, or doing something truly great that will in turn be our little bit of immortality to leave behind in this world. I recently heard a speech in which the orator discussed this very topic: influence.

She spoke of those who we deem to be the most influential people in our society. Some of her categories included winners of the Nobel Prize, those who carry the title of Ms. America, Heisman athletes, Presidents of the United States, Great War generals, and others. Then she posed the question to us, “Do any of you remember the names of these individuals?” Do we remember the names of the last 10 people who won a Nobel Prize, Ms. America? Can we even list the names of our last 10 presidents? No? But these are our most influential people, right?

Wrong.

Our most influential people are those we know, and those who know us. They are friends, teachers, bishops, mission presidents, fathers, brothers, sisters, husbands, wives, mothers, and grandparents. Whether these individuals have been a positive pebble in our pond of self-worth or a deadly drought set to destroy us, they are still those who have the greatest power to motivate; our most influential people.

Can we today reflect on just one of these individuals? If this person was a righteous influence in our lives, can we thank them personally? Not by email, or in our hearts, or a text, but an actual phone call, or a real letter? If this particular individual caused us pain or hurt, can we forgive them and pledge to be positive influence for change? I believe we can. We can be that righteously influential brother, teacher, sister, friend, wife, mom, son, husband, or grandfather to those who matter most to us. We can also be that Nobel Prize winner or the lovely Ms. America, but none of that will matter if we are not first and foremost the reciprocator of the service, love, encouragement, and tenderness provided to us by our most influential.

I am so thankful to these many people in my life. They are so precious to me and I am rededicating myself to be more like each one of them.

What stays in Vegas?...

2008-10-21T21:03:00.010-06:00

Everyone's heard the old adage, "What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas", but does anyone really know why that statement is true? Jon and I found out this last weekend as we ventured down to "Sin City" to check it out.

First it must be said that I come from a Vegas-Hating-Type family. Anytime we drove past or even got remotely near Vegas it was always, "Drive right through." and "Kids look down at your feet." In fact, the only part of Las Vegas I had ever seen was the 7-11 outside of town and even then we couldn't even think about touching the slot machine outside the store. Okay, so maybe I'm exaggerating, but that's how I remember it in my little kid mind.

Aunt Becky and Uncle Mark live in North Las Vegas and were kind enough to let us stay with them for the weekend. Jon and I needed desperately to get away from the stress of school and work so we packed our bags and got out of dodge.

It was a wonderful weekend! We got to see family, I got to catch up with the Whitakers (my most favorite missionary couple in Ecuador), and we hung out with Chang and his family too!

Mark and Becky are great hosts and even treated us to a night on the strip, which brings me back to the introduction of my blog. What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas because no one is sober enough to remember what happened! Everyone is too drunk to remember anything at all from their Vegas vacation. As Jon and I checked in to the Excalibur on Friday night, we walked through the casino to get to our room and the first thing I saw was an old guy on a motorized chair run over another man and knock him off his stool at the slot machines. I couldn't help from giggling my socks off about this! Picture it... old man in motorized chair rams into another gambler knocking him off his stool! Classic.

Anyway, that was only the beginning of the antics we witnessed on the strip, but I will spare you details and keep my blog G-rated. I love people-watching and since I don't gamble, Vegas is really good for a lot of laughs at others' expense.

Later that night after a delicious dinner at the Elephant Bar (not on the strip, locals only please) in Henderson, we took a stroll down the Las Vegas Strip.

I have always wanted to see the Bellagio Fountains, and let me tell you it was spectacular! We watched a show to the song "All that Jazz" from the musical "Chicago". Absolutely wonderful! The water really does shoot up higher than the hotel itself!

We also saw many other well-known luxury hotels like MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, The Luxor, Wynn, Trump Tower, Caesar's Palace, just to name few. We also went on the New York New York rollercoaster and did lots of shopping near stores like Harry Winston, Gucci, Armani, and Saks Fifth Avenue where not even a food court is considered respectable enough to be a "real" part of the mall. Can you feel the glamour? Can you smell the stench of credit cards maxing out?

Fact: People on the strip are nuts.

Fact: We saw a modern day version of the great and spacious building encaptured in Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville outside restaurant where guest beckon and mock onlookers and passersby.

Fiction: People will not be held responsible for acts committed in Las Vegas just because the slogan says so.

Fact: I don't think that I was really missing much all those years in my childhood and I've proved it with two exceptions the fountains and a rollercoaster.

Much more meaningful to me was the time spent with family and friends. We even got to spy on Chang's mom while she was on a date. She and her date were great sports! I got to hug Elder and Sister Whitaker which means the world to me after all the love and support they have given me and I was able to get to know Uncle Mark and Aunt Becky better. (Let's just say that the Galbraith men have some distinctive traits that run in the family.)

Hears to great weekend in Las Vegas and the best part is that I remember every bit of it!

Tag of Unspectacular Quirks

2008-10-21T13:06:00.006-06:00

The rules are:
* Link to the person who tagged you .... Amy and LeShel
*Post the rules on your blog
* Write six random things/unspectacular quirks about yourself
* Tag six people at the end of your post and link to them
* Let the tagger know when your entry is posted

1. I don't ever wear two socks that match.
2. I have to clean my ears out everyday with a Q-tip, even though everyone says not too and there is a warning on the package.
3. I cannot fall asleep with the door closed and I have to be facing the open door just in case some one comes in to kill me and I need to be ready for a frontal attack.
4. Jon and I never saw a movie in the theatre until after we we're married.
5. I hate beets. They taste like dirt.
6. I can move my left eyeball without moving my right eyeball.

***I now tag: Mom, Jackie, Jana, Julie, Mindy, and Emily!

Why I love being married to Jon...

2008-10-02T09:13:00.008-06:00

On Tuesday night, Jon had some work to complete in Salt Lake. We drove down in the evening and while he worked, I shopped for a bit with my mom. It was a lot of fun. I finally found a frame for the little piece of crafting I did at Enrichment Night 3 weeks ago. It's an absolute injustice that Logan does not have a Target.

Anyway, before we drove back to Logan that night we decided to pick up some goodies to help keep us awake. Jon was in need of more "seeds" as he calls them. No, he doesn't grow anything, he likes to eat sunflower seeds. In fact, when I ask him to drive safe and if he'll be okay late at night driving he always answers, "Yup, I have my seeds." He says it's all he needs to keep him awake and I found out why.

His very special way of eating them is... shoving a bunch in his mouth all at once. He then proceeds to extract each seed from its shell, spit out the shell and save the seed inbetween his gum and upper lip! He does this with each seed until all the shells are out and then eats all the seeds at the same time.

I decided to try this and while it may sound easy I can testify that it is not. I only got about 10 finished before I started running out of room in my lip area. I luckily finished 21 seeds but Jon lost count somehwere around 24 and kept on going for about another 5 minutes. I predict that he had close to 50 seeds! here are our seed cups from the drive. He is so much fun!

We also found out that we share an addiction! I bought one of those Chex Mix bags, the ones that you get because they are so salty and delicious. I told Jon that I really only get them because of the little, round, brown, bread-like ones. These are my favorite and it turns out his favorite too! He told me that you can even buy just a bag of the brown thingies! What a strange thing, no? We are two weird peas-in-a-pod.

After the Honeymoon....

2008-09-25T08:54:00.008-06:00

Jon and I had a wonderful summer. He kept on working hard and I did an internship with Beneficial Financial Group. It was the best job I ever had, I have never cried on my last day of work from anywhere, but I cried all the home on the trax train. I know it's pathetic, but I really loved my job. We also spent our summer trying to play as much as possible. Here are some pictures from hiking with our friends, the Coopers!

We also went into the Uintahs with my Dad, Wyatt, and Martin. It was Jon's first time up King's Peak. Luckily for me, I hit my "wall" before we got to Anderson's Pass. It made the last hour of boulder climbing quite enjoyable. It was a really great trip. Martin kicked everyone's butt.

Habitat for Humanity is a great foundation. We went to a charity black tie ball at the Capitol Building. Okay, so we knew about 4 days before that we were going to go. Renting a tux is a fairly easy process but trying to find a modest formal for someone older than 15 that won't pay more than 50 bucks is truly a feat. I found one though and we had a great time with everyone from Envision Lending Group. I especially enjoyed the moments when Jon and I were the only ones on the dance floor! It felt like Junior Prom all over again.

Next update... "Katrina wins Monopoly against the money master", "Lost on the 4th of July", "The Galbraiths go to the zoo and turn into turtles", and "Camping in the house!"

Tulum, Mexico

2008-09-16T09:03:00.007-06:00

Jonathan and I were fortunate enough to be able to honeymoon in Mexico thanks to some dear friends! We had a blast!
Tulum is a little beach-side village 2 hours south of Cancun. We got there late at night but had a friendly shuttle driver and we just enjoyed how warm it was. I am a huge fan of humidity and had been missing out!
We stayed in a hut! This hut had no electricity but did have running ocean water in the shower. I loved taking salty showers and enjoying the sunsets in the beach with candlelight! Also, it didn't have walls, but glass-like windows. No privacy, but no one else was there and it was awesome to fall asleep to the sound of the waves and wake up to beautiful sunrises. It was the perfect adventure for us. A few little animals resided with us, baby crabs, some iguanas and another little critter that a ate a hole through one of our bags (the material and the zipper!)
Cabanas Copal is the name of the hostal where we stayed and it was the best one on the beach. We were about 30 steps from the tide in front of us and 2 steps behind us was the jungle!
The people in town were friendly and we enjoyed authentic food and entertainment. Speaking of the food, we miss it and now eat tacos about twice a week!
3 of the days we were there we had a little scooter and went all over the countryside on it. We went to ruins and cenotes. Jon even got me to go snorkeling! I was so scared but it turned out to be the best ever! Even better than the off-roading we did on the scooter!
We headed to Chichen Itza in a PT Cruiser on our last day. I loved Chichen Itza it looks like something out of a movie set. I hated the PT Cruiser, what a silly car. Sorry to anyone who drives one.
Only one time did we get eaten alive by mosquitos and that was not Jon's fault but mine for wanting to go exploring in the marshland ruins. Duh?!
I also found that people in Mexico who say that they speak English actually do speak English, unlike Equatorianos who say that they speak English but really only speak pickupline. :)
We were sad to come home but will definitely be going back. And we would recommend to anyone that thinks they want to vacation in Cancun, to get out and keep heading south. Cancun is fun for shopping and nightclubs, but if you want real relaxation and natural beauty away from the crowds and tourists and you aren't afraid to "go native" for awhile, Tulum is the place for you!
Check out the slideshow there's lots o' photos!

HUGE UPDATE COMING!!

2008-09-11T08:53:00.003-06:00

Okay, for anyone who may still be checking this pathetic blog wanna-be...

We are starting the huge update!

I will be participating in time travel, it's very dangerous and the whole process is very risky, but it works and I can take you with me!

We shall start on May 28th, 2008 and travel up at high velocity rates until our "past selves" meet up with our "future selves" and become our "present selves". Did that make sense to you? Yeah, me neither. :)

Basically, I want to catch everybody up on what's been going on in our lives! I'm going to start with May and pick out the big stuff through the past 3-ish months until we are on the same page again! It will take place in bits though, over the next week or so.

You and I know that this is the blog-marathon event of the year! Don't miss out!

Long Boarding!

2008-05-04T00:09:00.004-06:00

Katrina and I deceided to buy longboards for the summer. Katrina asked me to teach her to ride them. She always wanted one to ride around Logan. Yesterday the 3rd of May, we went to the church parking lot to practice our sweet skills. We started out with the basic. She had been practicing standing on it at home while talking to her sister on my cell phone. :) She started right off on hers with the one push with her foot. Than she began to push twice with her foot at a time. I was so happy to she her wonderful pro-skateboarding skills.

She practiced and practiced. She tried to turn on her board but was scared with the speed she had on her board. So I took her and her board to a corner of the parking lot and held her hand as we went in a circle. Than as she was going in circles I let go and watched her turn in a circle by herself. So proud. Now I knew that this wasn't going to be an easy job teaching her and to prove that to everyone Katrina had to throw her elbow into my lip. She made my lip bleed and as Katrina said, "Jon, your bleeding a lot." Oh-well sometimes love hurts. Just kidding.

It was fun to see Katrina going in circles around the parking lot. But one of the funniest things about it is we had two kids running around the church spying on us. They were teasing me because I had a girlfriend. After awhile I jumped on my board and skated toward them. One of the kids fell on the ground and I knew I had him. The kids were 6 years old. I know the kid that was on the ground. He was one of the Smith boys. We got to talking and they asked if Katrina was my girlfriend or my wife. I laughed at the question and said she is my soon to be wife, with a smile. Then they asked me if she knew how to skateboard. I wanted to say, dude she is pro. But I just said we were learning how to ride. Then the kids were called to go home. As they were leaving they yelled "hey you guys are kissing!" So Katrina and I put a pretty short show on for them. It was funny.

I am so lucky to have someone like Katrina who trust me enough to ask me to teach her something like skateboarding. Katrina really trusts me with her life. As she should and I know I would protect her with everything I have. She is the bestest.

2008-05-02T16:31:00.004-06:00

FINALLY I'M HOME!!

I can't begin to describe how blissful it is to be home. I took my last final on Monday morning, with a migraine headache. I actually think I did better because of the migraine! And classes were done with.

I went home and crashed until one of my roommates flung open the door at 4 pm telling me that I needed to "shake the lead out". I wanted to shake her. She left and I went back to my dungeon hoping my head would stop pounding so I could pack my room!

Suddenly the door creaked open again and I thought, "I'm really going to shake her this time if she disturbs me again." It wasn't my roommate, but Jon pumped and ready to pack my stuff for me so I could get home. He's really a knight, a knight for hire if you need him to pack for you! He was done in a very short time, (not that I have a lot of stuff, but still very impressive) and got me some vitamin c. I slept that night (finally). And was ready to go the next day when my dad's truck arrived.

I am now home and so ready to get married, especially because all the planning is done!

The thing about being at school was that I was busy all day and Jon and I just got to talk to each other at night on the phone. Now that I am home, Jon works a lot! Okay, not really... I'm just beside myself with free free time!

But no one can argue that it doesn't feel great to come home... and if they try I shall offer them a semester like the one Jon and I just had.

WELCOME HOME... ME!

DISCLAIMER: New Music Playlist

2008-04-25T13:22:00.004-06:00

So there's new music today on our playist. You may not like all the songs. They are a mix of songs Jon and I really like and others. In the others, they are a category of songs from my mission. I don't even like a few of them, but they are pegged to good memories so here's a little taste of what you hear EVERYWHERE you to in Ecuador.
Of course, along with some actual music and good tunes!
**end of disclaimer**

How many of you!?

2008-04-23T12:23:00.003-06:00

So thanks to my friends Zac and Jana, I got on this website www.howmanyofme.com. You can see how many people in the US share your name. I searched Jonathan Galbraith, Katrina Hansen, and Katrina Galbraith to find out our statistics. Here's the results! Interesting facts with our names....

Jonathan:
There are 475,629 people in the U.S. with the first name Jonathan.
Statistically the 119th most popular first name.

Katrina:
There are 92,694 people in the U.S. with the first name Katrina.
Statistically the 555th most popular first name.

Galbraith:
There are 9,178 people in the U.S. with the last name Galbraith.
Statistically the 4012th most popular last name.

Hansen:
There are 142,841 people in the U.S. with the last name Hansen.
Statistically the 222nd most popular last name.

So there you have it! Kind of random, but fun to see! Check it out!

there are this many Katrina Hansen ->

HowManyOfMe.com

There are
44
people with my name
in the U.S.A.

How many have your name?

there are this many Jonathan Galbraith ->

HowManyOfMe.com

There are
14
people with my name
in the U.S.A.

How many have your name?

there are only this many Katrina Galbraith ->

HowManyOfMe.com

There are
3
people with my name
in the U.S.A.

How many have your name?

Engagement Pictures! @brodydezember photography

2008-04-22T09:52:00.008-06:00

Count Down!

2008-04-09T15:10:00.002-06:00

OK. Guess what today, the 9th of April, means? 50 days left. Thats right 50 days left until May 29th. That is like a half of 100. :)

If you can't tell I am pretty much excited. 50 days left.

The other countdown!

2008-04-09T12:48:00.005-06:00

Only 20 days until school is OVER!

This is also another wonderful countdown.

I am so grateful for everyone's support... can't say that I won't be elated when this is all over and Jon and I can begin our life together. I am so humbled by God's great mercy and the bounteous ways He sees fit to bless us. (Jon if you're reading this, that means YOU) I don't want to be too sappy, just share my joy! So…
Other than a few last wedding plans, not much is going on here in Logan. It is snowing today. I am excited for May, Jon and I are going to buy a long board and enjoy the warm weather and actually spend time together!

Happy Birthday Katrina!!

2008-03-20T16:12:00.005-06:00

Happy Birthday my dear. Yup, thats right yesterday the 19th of March was Katrina's Birthday. But everyone already know that. The day started out pretty crazy for Katrina having one of her professors calling her like mad while she was in another class. Then we met at 10:28 to go to her next class which so happened to be a wonderful lesson from D&C 76 on the Atonement of Jesus Christ. It was nice to start the day off on a spiritual high and it didn't end there. Next we went home to prepare to go to the temple. Katrina walked into her room to 11 balloons and two birthday cards and gift bags. (from her parents and myself) We heated up some tacos for lunch and then we were off to the temple. The temple has always been one of our favorite places to be at together. To have no worries and to be able to clear our minds.

After the temple we took a trip to Odgen to take care of the car. A trip anywhere is so nice when you are with the one you love and just being able to hold there hand. :) We came back and had dinner at Iron Gate. It was a nice place and once again as Katrina was getting her salad I told them that it was her birthday. They brought her a nice piece of rich cheesecake. It was so good! :) Anyway then we went back to her place and jumped on the computer to write some emails, but then notice that we got a special email and just had to look at it. It was a very good email to have sent to us. We finished our day together with working on the invitation, having cake and ice cream with her roommates, and then to top it off standing out in the rain saying good bye. Good bye never gets easier. Nope not at all. Love you sweetie!!!

SPRING BREAK!

2008-03-18T09:38:00.009-06:00

We pretty much had the best Spring Break ever. It was a much needed break for Jon and myself. (even though I was sick and Jon is now sick) We had a great time! I had to work a couple of the days, but we still got to go to play at Priscila's birthday party. I met Jon's aunt Jana and more of his cousins and family. They are so nice to me. I am so excited to part of his family and get to know them better!

Let's see... Wedding stuff? The update is that my dress is done and at home! We have picked out invitations and are almost ready to order them. We are gathering everyone's address! :) On Thursday we got our engagement pictures taken! It was 3 hours long with Randy, but he is really great and we had a lot of fun!

Jon liked how much Randy asked us to kiss, and I quote, "Just ignore me (Randy) and make out like you are in a dark alley all by yourselves." Thanks Randy! These are my least favorite pictures, the kissy ones. Not because I don't love kissing Jon, it's just that they are so cheesy and gross! Who wants to see that! yuck. Anyway, we are anxious to see them this week.

Wednesday night I subjected Jon to my cooking again, sort of. We had chicken tacos at my house! He says that he's happy I want to cook for him and I do! It's fun, at least for now.
And I explained to Jon why Fiji bottled water is my favorite! (the square bottle was made for my little hands!)

I got to see my bestest girlfriend, Cami, on Sunday she just got home from her mission in Long Beach! It was great to see her and I'm happy Jon finally gets to meet some of my friends!

Then finally on Friday morning we left for Zions! YAH! It was a great drive away from all the snow. I can't say it was perfect weather, but well enough for hot tubbing and hiking!

My favorite was the night that Jon and I sat on the deck (I was freezing but wrapped in a sleeping bag) and talked about how we fell in love! It wasn't that long ago... but fun to remember.

My parents had their 34th wedding anniversary on the 15th. We went to dinner with them and talked about the best and worst decade by decade, 1974-2008. It was really great to hear their stories, we laughed and cried! And we all had candles on our dessert, except Jon. I loved dinner just as I love my parents so much!

We were also invited to a wonderful dinner at Jon's mom's house. It was an early Easter,but it was great! Pete is a great cook! And Julia helped make it a perfect evening! Thanks so much! Prisicila looked so cute in her Easter dress and Jon and I got 20 bucks! Yaywhoo! I was so sad to have to head back to Logan, but as Jon says, "one more time leaving is really one less time that I have to go."

All in all it was the perfect vacation apart from coming home in snowy weather and Jon's windshield wipers! I even saw Jon in the morning without his make-up on and horrible hair and still will marry him in May! Did I forget anything? Pictures maybe? Here ya go...

Zions fotos at bottom! -->

Good Bye February!

2008-03-04T22:13:00.005-07:00

Yes, finally the month of February is over. What a blessing. We decided that Katrina needed a break from all the traveling back and forth from Logan and South Jordan, so I went to Logan this last weekend. I was planning to get there by the time she got off work on Saturday, but I just couldn't wait to see her. I woke up Saturday morning at 5:00 am got ready and drove to Logan. I know Katrina was planning on going to the temple that morning and I wanted to make sure I was there before she left to go. (Good thing she slept in) I called right before I was without any service on my phone, like 6:30 am, and asked her if I could go with her and to tell her that I would be in Logan in 30 minutes. She pretty much was surprised and HAPPY that I was almost there. The weekend was wonderful from spending time in the temple to Ice Skating to having some horchata (Hmmmmm Horchata, I love it) to watching a couple of movies to listening to Elder Bruce C Hafen to eating dinner with Katrina's friend Jake and his wife, Jackie Gadd. The weekend was great. Even with the weekend being so busy we were able to still look at invitations and kind of get a number of how many we would like to send out.

We are getting closer to having things ready for the two big days. To finding someone to take photos to setting a day to have the engagement pictures taken to picking the place for our honeymoon which is Acamo, Mexico (So excited to have our room be like 5 feet from the ocean) to even getting closer to picking out the cake. Which I'm excited to be the one who gets to try the cakes. :) There has been a lot happen from the last post, but our LOVE for one another is still growing stronger and stronger as each day goes by.

just starting out.

2008-02-20T14:58:00.003-07:00

Is this my dress? --->

I try to tease Jon a lot about my dress, but it doesn't "seem" to bother him. But I know secretly he really wants to see it. He's a real trooper when it comes to this whole "planning" thing. Today we discussed colors and at least he pretends as if it's important. :) He's really sweet to do that.
This weeks tasks include: guest lists, signing a photographer, finalizing the wedding dinner plans, and trying on my dress (post-alteration) with my shoes. There are a few other "to do list" items, but I won't bore all of you with more details.
But just wanted to say that I am grateful to my parents, Jon's mom and dad, and so many other people, including our Heavenly Father for making this possible. Making it possible that Jon and I could meet one another (thanks Ryan) and that we can be sealed. It's a beautiful beginning.

To the World!!!

2008-02-19T13:52:00.004-07:00

This is the place. Look at it. Its so beautiful. Everytime I look at it I get the chills. To think that on May 29th Katrina and I will be sealed to one another for time and all eternity. To begin our lives as one. To raise a family in the ways of the Lord. To be able to serve one another.

This my friends is what I think Love is all about. But there is one thing I must say and that is God really prepares us for our future. He knows what is best for us even if its not apart of our personal plans. I keep saying that I have been really blessed because Katrina is far better then what I could even dream of. Its true I'm one lucky guy. To be able to be next to her side. This is what I'm looking forward the most. Thank you all for your Love and Support for Katrina and I.

Black Angus

2008-02-17T20:09:00.004-07:00

So on Saturday, Jon and I went to dinner at Black Angus with my parents, and the Morleys, and his mom. We were stressed a little for it was the first time they met. But it was a great night and Jon and I are just moving right along with plans for the big day!

I bought my dress on Saturday too and it is beautiful. I am very pleased with how things are going.

After the dinner we drove up to the Bountiful Temple and Jon told me that there were only 103 days until May 29th.

Today makes 102. :)

Valentines Day... the 15th!

2008-02-16T01:21:00.008-07:00

So Jon and I couldn't be together for Valentine's, which is not a real big deal, it's just a day. But I was in Logan at work and he in South Jordan. No worries! I got to go to SoJo for the weekend to work on wedding stuff and we celebrated 14th on the 15th. We did chocolate fondue with pretzels and danced to latin love songs!
He's so wonderful. I couldn't have been blessed with a more caring, humble or "cool" man. He's the only one with the key to my heart. That's why I love him!

The Galbraith Family

I Heart Daddy!

It Would be Better

back it up. beep beep beep.

BIRTHDAY BOY!!

Silly Saturday (part 1)

Silly Saturday (part 2)

Soren's First Steps aka "push him down!"

Messing Around with Picasa

May Day!

SNOW DAY *Texas-Style*

crossing the deep (space between)

I hear ya!

UN MES.

2 weeks

magic moments

some soren squeaks

Our November Surprise!

Labor Day Fun!!!!

Randalls and Kroger 8/11

CVS Is Wonderful!!!

My (Jonathan's) New Hobby!!!!!!!

all mixed up

noticias! noticias!

this is why I Teach... For America.

to the singers, dancers, picture takers, friends, listeners, swimmers, teachers, painters, pilots, babysitters, believers, and you

I never knew...

out of hibernation?

sorry if this is hard to hear

May 27th to July 15th. (I'll never get that month and a half-ish back.

Projects; tricky math, beautiful results.

Say "YAY" if you want a good deal!

Wednesday, non -wordless.

Take a picture... It'll last longer.

Where to Begin.

too funny

Yup, that's you.

the green book.

Jan gets her butt kicked.

And... (edited for time and content)

No blogging

I GOT IN!

Influence

What stays in Vegas?...

Tag of Unspectacular Quirks

Why I love being married to Jon...

After the Honeymoon....

Tulum, Mexico

HUGE UPDATE COMING!!

Long Boarding!

DISCLAIMER: *New Music Playlist*

How many of you!?

Engagement Pictures! @brodydezember photography

Count Down!

The other countdown!

Happy Birthday Katrina!!

SPRING BREAK!

Good Bye February!

just starting out.

To the World!!!

Black Angus

Valentines Day... the 15th!

SNOW DAY Texas-Style

DISCLAIMER: New Music Playlist