Howdy there from Christmas land!

Its Christmas EVE!! I can't believe that the holiday has snuck up on me so fast. Just a few catching up things since I haven't blogged in a while.

Christmas Cards
I totally suck at these. There have been years that I have actually bought cards, addressed them (and yes even put on stamps) only to find them in February and then remember why I don't send them out.
This year mom and dad got this really good picture of the whole family (all 9 of us!) put on a card so I've sent a few of those out. If you want one and I don't have your address or you don't get one in the next week send me an e-mail with your addy so I can send you a pic with the cutest nephew in the world in it!

Seminary--the longest week of my life
I have two school schedules that I have to worry about for Seminary this year so we had to meet the last week of school during finals. I think the kids and I were never so glad for Seminary to end last Friday. We had a party and I gave them candy then sent them to school. Love those kids.

Facebook
I am addicted to O Christmas Tree. What is wrong with me?

Twilight--the movie
I've seen it a few times. I refuse to confess how many for fear that most of you will make fun of me. I could probably quote most of it by now though.

Christmas Presents
Love to give them..love to get them.

Christmas Music
Listening to it right now.

My new phone
When my brother asked me if I wanted a new phone I wasn't so sure because I felt greedy like I didn't really need a new phone. However, when he told me I could get one with a full keyboard for texting and it wouldn't cost me one red cent I was totally on board. I love my brother and I love my new phone.

Christmas shopping
I actually got it done before today and stuff in the mail to those who are spread all over this fair country of ours. Fun times.

Merry Christmas to all of you. I hope that you enjoy the holidays and pause to think about Jesus Christ our Savior and what He has done for each of us.

LOVES TO YOU ALL!!!!

Polling Along

Yes, my friends, it is time for a Christmas poll. Which out of the four options do you think is the most annoying Christmas song? I personally like them (except for the last one) but I thought it would be fun to get your opinions. Don't see one that should have made the list? Add it in the comments!

Now go vote!

I want a Hippopotamus for Christmas...

Yes, that is on the list but the unrealistic list. I have a few friends who are requiring a list for Christmas so I thought I would write a post about it. So, in no particular order, here is my wish list for Christmas. Please do not see this as a plea to get me anything..just if you are requiring ideas.

1. Twilight the score. Not the soundtrack, I already have that because I'm a nerd like that.
2. Dark Knight DVD
3. Iron Man DVD
4. Gift cards to Target, Barnes and Noble or Borders. Take your pick.
5. Any kind of church book because I'm a nerd like that.

I think that rounds out the top five. I don't really want/need a lot. I always need books but I think that most of you know that by now.

And the hippo if you can manage it.

Love you,
k2

An Early Christmas Present OR I am a nerd

Last night I got an early Christmas present from my parents. We all went and saw Neil Diamond in concert. It was AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I know what most of you are thinking, what a nerd! And you're right. The music was great, the band was great and Mr. Diamond himself was GREAT with a capital G!!!! He sounded just like he does on CD so I wasn't disappointed and he put on a great show. We were on the right side of the stage in row S but we had great seats.

We even got two shows for the price of one thanks to the family of three sitting in front of us. I would guess that the parents were in their late 30's and their son was around 11 or 12. That kid knew every. single. word. to every. single. song. Then he and his mom would sing them to each other. It was so much fun just to watch him.

So thanks mom and dad for the tickets. You guys are wonderful! LOVE YOU!!!

Dear Fox: An Open Letter

Dear Fox Channel,
I hate you. I guess hate is a strong word but I am very sad. On Tuesday night as I was watching my new favorite show, Fringe, I found out that new episodes won't be occurring until January.
JANUARY? ARE YOU SERIOUS?
Ahem...
No Joshua Jackson? No mysterious Pattern? No Olivia? Nothing? Nada? Nil? What is up with that?
I'm not sure I can live without Fringe and I just wanted you to be aware.

K2

Can it really be this hard?

So after my poll, I decided to give the old Internet a try. I will be careful I promise and y'all can come along for the ride. It will be fun. I hope.
Anyway, I went to my first site today to sign up but became stumped. I can never figure out what to write for the "introduction" part of the profile. I want to sound cool so people will want to date me but at the same time I feel like I'm bragging about myself. I guess that is what you want to do. Kind of like an interview for dating.
How sad is that? An interview for dating?
But I digress....
I figured since most of you know me pretty well, what would you write if you were me? It doesn't have to be long to start with but how do I portray myself and who I am in mere words? So, dear readers, please help me out. Write something in the comments you think I should include in my profile.

And thanks!

Book Worm Wednesday

This book for this week is The Year of Living Biblically by A.J. Jacobs. Jacobs tries to live, as far as possible and legal, the bible as closely as he can. This is another page turner and one I just picked up because I enjoyed the idea of someone trying to do this. Although born into a Jewish family Jacobs considers himself an agnostic but comes to a different conclusion at the end of his year long experiment. It was interesting to find things out about the bible that I didn't know and also since I was coming off of a year of teaching the Old Testament and going into the New it was fascinating to see another point of view on some of the Mosaic laws. Its a quick read and another you won't want to put down.

Polling Along

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. I put up a new poll so just go on over and take it! Please leave comments if you have anything to say. Thanks!

Book Worm Wednesday

The book for this week is Devil in the White City by Erik Larson. I haven't read this book lately but I think I'll put it on my list to read. Its a non-fiction book that weaves two stories. One is about the world's fair in Chicago and the inventions and innovations that we have because of it. The other is about a serial killer who found prime targets at the Chicago's World's Fair because of all the young ladies who had moved to Chicago because it was one of the more popular cities at the turn of the century. It is very interesting to watch Larson weave and put these two stories together. This is a book that you won't be able to put down and is a thrilling ride all the way to the end.

Why my mom should join Facebook (an open letter)

Dear Mom,
I know that you don't want to do Facebook (FB) now or ever. I have tried to talk you into it several times but to no avail. I know that you read my blog so I thought I would list a few reasons you should join FB and be cool like the rest of us.

• You could reconnect with old friends..like from High School or other places we used to live.

  You could see pictures of Little G that aren't sent to your phone. For instance, did you know that Liz posted a whole group of pictures with him in all of his hats. If you were on FB you could have seen them by now.

  You could not only be your kids mom but their FRIEND too.

  You could be friends with Dad and then tell everyone on FB that you are
  married..just so everyone is clear.

  You could see pictures of your kids that OTHER people post.

  You would be popular I am sure. I can think of at least 20 people
  right now that I would suggest to be your friend.

  You are cool like that and FB would only make you cooler.

  You love me.

  You love me the most and I am your favorite.

  You love me the most, I am your favorite and shouldn't that be enough?

See mom? There are plenty of reasons to join FB. I only wrote down 10 because I was running out of room. But seriously, you should think about it. I love you!!!

Kainty

Be a Follower!

Come on! Its easy peasy to become a follower of this blog. Just scroll down on my right hand side bar and click on Follow This Blog. It is way easy and you can even follow anonymously for all of you blog stalkers out there! Be part of the cool crowd and follow my blog.

Polling Along

There is a new poll regarding your favorite part of the Thanksgiving meal. I prefer Pie and Gravy but not together! You all should know me better than that! Love you!

6 Quirky things about me

My sweet friend Tara tagged me for this so I had better do it! She is a mom with 2 kids and she still manages to find time to do a tag so I think I should.

PS. I like the word quirky its fun.



1. Probably one of the quirkiest things about me is that I have this aversion to things that, to me, feel weird. For example, velvet, velour, corduroy, some silks, some microfibers (like on couches), some fleece (especially micro fleece) and when cotton balls rub together. EWWW! I am getting chills just thinking about it. Once, when I was about 15, my mom got me the most beautiful dark green jumper dress from Eddie Bauer made out of corduroy. I thought I could maybe wear it to church if no one touched me. Unfortunately, I only made it through Sacrament meeting before demanding to be taken home so I could change out of said dress. The fabric of the dress rubbing against the fabric on the pews almost drove me over the edge. A fun game my siblings like to play is to chase me around and try to rub said fabrics on me. Jerks. But I still love them.



2. When I am in the shower I have to do the same things in the same order or I get confused. Like this one time when I went to put conditioner on my face because I did everything out of order.

3. I also have to eat my food in order. Is there something wrong with me here?

4. This one isn't so much quirky as a puzzle to me. At work, I am super organized and I know where things are. I do a little bit of piling but mostly I do a lot of filing. I have folders in a real file cabinet and everything! AND on my computer! Holy cow! Now, if you were to take a peek into my room at this moment you would find (in no particular order) stacks of books, clothes on the floor, my suitcase from when I went to Utah still lying there. I figure that since I'm going to pack it in a month to go to KC why put it away. You will also find my bedspread on the chair next to my bed not on my bed. I should have thought longer and harder about purchase of said bed spread because the dog hates it. Its too slickery for her to lay on so she gets on my bed and does a little dance to mess it up and knock all of the pillows on the floor. You will also find stacks and stacks and STACKS of paper..mail and other junk that I can't make myself throw away. Its quite sad actually. I wonder why I'm so different in these two parts of my life.

5. I'm not sure if I can come up with 2 more quirky things. Hmmm.... Oh, here's one. When I was really sick, before dialysis (and maybe for some time after I started) I watched Apollo 13 every night without fail. I think I've seen that movie like 14 or 15 times..probably more than that. I honestly think I watched it every night for a month but I can't exactly remember and I don't want anyone to think I'm a total freak.

6. Sometimes I wish I was Anne of Green Gables and life was more simple than it is now.

I tag anyone who wants to do this list! Have fun!

Book Worm Wednesday

This isn't an official Book Worm Wednesday but merely an inquiry. I can't wait to do a new poll so I thought I would just do a post.

Dear Readers,
A while back I started a feature called Book Worm Wednesday where I would review a book I had recently finished. If you ever read it, did you like it? Was it informative or did you get sick of it? Is it something you would like to see resurrected back on the blog? Do you care?
Also, while we're on the subject of books I would like to apologize for the lack of movement on the side bar regarding the current book I am reading. I think the book on there now was like 12 or 15 books ago. Sad huh? I guess if I kept up my blog better I could change it. Sometimes I'm reading a couple of books at time. Would that be confusing if I put two on there?
Just leave a comment and let me know.

Thanks and loves,
K2 :-)

Polling Along

There is a new poll! Thanks for answering the last poll. I don't feel so alone in the world of Christmas shopping.
This poll is about organization and you'll see why I want to know if you read the entry before this one.
Enjoy!

When there is nothing to write about....

What do you write about when there is nothing to write about? One of my former English teachers, Mrs. Bean, would say to write until you feel like writing. Is that like praying until you feel like praying? Probably. I guess its a good way to start writing your feelings and just putting down whatever you can think of to write. I've also been tagged for a couple of things that I need to get to so I'll get to those soon I promise.

Playing the piano
I have always enjoyed the piano and have finally gotten to the point where I have thanked my mother for "making" me take lessons AND practice. She was so mean back then! :-) But now I appreciate it. This does not mean, however, that I want to do so at the drop of a hat. Case in point: I was in choir this past Sunday and having found out we do not have a pianist for next week, I was volunteered. I don't play for choir. It makes me nervous and uncomfortable. I don't play well and my lack of ability become highly magnified if people have to sing or depend on me to hear their notes. So I turned them down..probably not in the best way but in my stubborn, Kathryn way. All of you probably know what I mean.

Christmas
Christmas shopping is already stressing me out. Why, oh why don't I start earlier? Why am I not smart enough to start in like, September? At least my sibling gift is out of the way, we are going to donate to a college fund for little G so I am excited about that. But what about my parents, RCH and Beckle the Freckle, AND their kids? AHHHH!!! What about my employees? See? Its stressing me out!

Birthdays
I have an aunt who is amazing when it comes to birthdays etc. Even if no one else sends you a card you can guarantee that you'll get one from her. I think it is so great because I totally stink at birthday's. I still haven't sent a card to Lizzie..from AUGUST!!! I missed one of my best friends birthdays and now I know it and I STILL haven't called him. Em and Matt didn't get cards yet..I even BOUGHT THEM!! They are in my card organizer that is supposed to make me ORGANIZED!!! But has it? Um..no.

And speaking of organization:

Being Organized
This is something that has baffled me for a long, long time. Perhaps its just in my nature to be a piler as RCH says instead of a filer. I like to file things away and at work I am different but my room at home looks like a tornado, a hurricane and a flood all happened at once. I make resolutions to be "more organized" but I'm not really sure how to do that. One of my cousins is WAY organized and every time I go to her house I am amazed at her system. Maybe I should ask her to help me next time she comes. I don't even want to talk about my closet. Its like a black hole..if you put something in there..it isn't coming out.
Although, part of my problem is I have too much stuff for the space I live in. Its not my fault or the fault of where I am. At this stage of my life there are things I have I can't use, like dishes. But I don't want to get rid of them because I may live on my own again some day so I'll need them and I don't want to buy more. I look at other people and I seriously wonder how they do it.
The other part of the problem is that I am an insane pack rat. I keep everything! But I just can't bear to give or throw things away that have sentimental value. I've considered taking pictures and making a scrapbook but I think I would feel guilty for getting rid of things.
What are some things all of my dear readers do to stay organized? Create a post on your blog or leave a comment.

People are weird
That is all I have to say about that.


I guess I wrote more than I thought I would. Loves to you all and keep on trucking!

Funeral and other things

Last week I didn't really read any blogs or write on mine so I thought I would treat you today to how my week went.



We found out last Saturday, October 18th, that Grandma Kieffer had passed away. We spent that evening looking for flights and trying to find the cheapest one we could for such short notice. We also called some family members to give them the news.



On Sunday I went to church and that evening we headed to the Atlanta airport to fly to SLC so we could begin planning Grandma's funeral. We left at 9:15pm our time and arrived in SLC at 11:15 or so their time. We didn't get to bed until, what felt like, 3 am our time. It was crazy but I was so glad to finally be there. We went to Uncle Stan's and Aunt Donna's and crashed.



On Monday we had breakfast with Uncle Stan and Aunt Donna and then headed out to Bountiful. We went to the mortuary first to proofread the obituary (good thing..Panguitch is spelled with a "g" and not a "q") and also to look at the casket. Apparently, the day before everyone thought Grandma had picked out a green casket but we ended up going with a silver one with a pink tint. It was very beautiful. We also went with Aunt Lois and Uncle Alvin to Mr. Mac's, a suit store in SLC, to get them both a new suit for the funeral. Followed up by lunch at Robintino's. Mom and Dad left to go back to South Jordan and I spent the evening visiting.



On Tuesday Aunt Lois, Uncle Alvin and I went grocery shopping before we went to pick up their daughter, my cousin, Kristi from the airport. We were all excited that she was able to come to the funeral. After picking her up we went to lunch at Grandma K's favorite Chinese restaurant and then we went to Macy's for a little funeral shopping. I had to look cute right? And Grandma would have wanted me to have a new "blouse". I had fun hanging out with my cousin and her parents. I don't get to see them that often so we had fun.

On Wednesday the viewing was scheduled from 6pm to 8pm that night. Aunt Lois was planning to have the family come up afterwards so much of the morning was spent cleaning and getting things ready. Kristi and I went to the funeral home to help my other aunt and cousin dress Grandma. I never thought it would be something I could or would want to do but it turned out to be a really neat experience and I am glad I went. Grandma looked great and I even touched her a few times. I was really pleased with myself. The viewing that night was actually a lot of fun, like Grandma was. I didn't cry like I did at Grandma Ward's viewing. It was fun to see family and we even had a few friends stop by. The Rizzuto's and the Cleverly's came as well as the VanUterits who we hadn't seen for years. That night we ate, played card games and hung out as a family. It was a good day.

On Thursday, the day of the funeral, my siblings arrived at the house and we all got ready for the funeral. I left early with Kristi and her parents so I could practice the piano before everyone else arrived. Grandma still looked good and things were going as planned. Two of Mom's brothers came as well as my Great Aunt Dot and Uncle Dean who are well into their 80's. It was nice to see the support we got. Our family alone filled up half of the chapel. The family prayer was given my another cousin, Kristi's brother Mike and this is when I really cried. I was standing at the back of the room while my siblings were near the front. I was standing by my BIL Kyle and he gave me a little squeeze so that was nice. (Thanks Kyle!) The funeral went really well with each of Grandma's kids giving a talk and the bishop of their ward as well. I cried a lot but it was good for me to do that. It was a release. Another cousin sang and she did a great job. After we got back to the church after the cemetery we had a lovely luncheon provided by the Bountiful 25th Ward Relief Society. It was great to talk to people I hadn't seen in so long and find out who was and wasn't on facebook and tell everyone to be my friend! That night we had more people up to the house and just had a great time.

On Friday we had family pictures taken by another cousin so we could have a recent picture. I got to hold my nephew, Little G, lots and lots. We went out to Gardner Village and had a good time there. That night we spent with Mom's family and again I saw cousins I hadn't seen in many years and told them to be my friends on facebook. It was a great night and very relaxing after a stressful couple of days.

On Saturday, we said good-bye to my siblings and then Kristi, me and her parents went to her brothers for dinner. It was nice to be with family and I was so tired from everything that I was glad to do nothing. Their kids are really cute and I enjoyed getting to know them. Everyone else played Settlers of Cataan and I watched. It looked too much like thinking and I just couldn't do it.

On Sunday we went to the airport, got on a plane and came home to the ATL. It was a good trip full of sad and happy moments. I laughed and cried. Most of all, it was a great time to reconnect with family and remember what this life is truly about.

Polling Along

Thanks to everyone who answered my poll about checking blogs. At least I'm not alone out there.

I have put up a new poll about Christmas shopping and if you're done or not. I always think I want to start early but I never do. Speaking of which I need to get the gift list out to the siblings pronto. AHHHH!!

Polling Along

Thanks to everyone who answered the poll about your favorite book of scripture to study. I don't think I could really pick a favorite. I love Doctrine and Covenants and Church History but I really enjoyed teaching the Old Testament. There are a lot of great stories and doctrines in there.

The new poll is up. How often do you check various blogs during the day? Let me know! :-)

Leaving on a jet plane

Mom, Dad and I are leaving today in about an hour to go to Utah. Grandma Kieffer passed away last night about 5:00 my time. We are saddened and will certainly feel the loss but are happy for her. She is having, I'm sure, a joyous reunion with her husband, father and mother, siblings and others who have gone on before her. That, at least, gives me some solace.

I went to church today and the closing song was "God be With you 'til We Meet Again." too hard to sing but definitely a true sentiment today. Until we meet again Grandma. I love you.