Nothing But A Miracle.

Trying to move forward.

2012-01-17T18:00:00.002-07:00

Well, if there is one thing the last month and a half has taught me, among the hundreds of things I have learned, is to slow down. Kimber, slow down? I know. But really, I heard a great quote the other day. Travel to fast and you miss all that you are traveling for.

The current status of my leg is myofascilar pain in my gluteus medius and my SI Joint is irritated because my right pelvis is set slightly forward from my left. So that is what I am working on healing right now. My physical therapist is really nice. He gave me three options to fix my pelvis. Two were kind of violent, so I am going the slow stretching route. We'll be positive that that method will be the method for me. . . :)

With that, every doctor I have seen.... too many to count, have strongly encouraged me getting active again, starting out with the bike and walking. I have also joined a yoga center. Two months ago, you would not have guessed Kimber would be at Yoga, but I am. And it is nice not only for your body, but for your mind.

My goal, carrot, and happy place at the end of the tunnel is the SoCal Ragnar in April. I have one of the easiest courses so I am being optimistic about being strong and ready for the race.

You can never say never, but I'm not sure if a marathon is in the cards for me again. I have worked my body a little too hard, and as all of you have injuries know, injuries are terrifying. Especially if running is your life blood. But this experience has taught me what really needs to be my life blood. And for that, I am grateful.

Thank you all for continuing to be tolerant of me, and most of all, praying for me. It hasn't been easy, but I am grateful for the trial. Without any storms, the grass would never grow.

My ride on the elliptical

2012-01-01T15:18:00.004-07:00

This post has no pictures.

I think I'm writing about it to remind myself of what I have been through and to help me through the road ahead. So read along if you wish.

Four weeks ago Tuesday, I decided to go to the gym. With the inversion setting in combined with my deep hate for the treadmill, I decided to maybe jump on the elliptical for once. I did a few small stretches, leaned over to tie my shoes and jumped on. I was on for 25 minutes. I watched a little football and a little of the Kardashians.

When I stepped off, my legs felt different. Numb would be the best way to describe it. I couldn't feel the resistance you normally feel as you walk on your legs. Sometimes my feet go numb on the elliptical so I decided to go try to walk it off on the treadmill, but it didn't help too much.

Scared, I immediately left.

Over the next few days, the numbness subsided in my left leg, but not my right. My right leg just felt so tired. It was numb and almost hard to carry around.

And this is where my mind came into play.

My grandmother was diagnosed with M.S. when she was 40. I know the prevalence of getting it is stronger in a parent or a sibling but it still scared me.

I went to the doctor to get my normal check up. He sent me back the lab results. Good blood tests results.

I decided to go to the sports medicine doctor. As much as my mind wanted to think it was MS, I kept telling myself, would you really contract the disease in the span of 25 minutes on the elliptical?

The sports medicine doctor looked at me and said it might be my sciatic nerve and prescribed me prednisone for the next two weeks.

And then it got worse.

Prednisone is a steroid that helps with inflamed muscle and tissue. But it also does something else very interesting. Literally makes you go crazy. I was so nervous everyday. I couldn't sit still. And I sent myself into an anxiety whirlwind. Soon my hands started to feel numb on and off, and it made me even more anxious thinking I had something severely wrong with me.

So I went to the emergency room and the doctor prescribed me anti-anxiety medication and ordered me an MRI of my brain.

The MRI came back normal with no signs of MS. Good news right?

To a sound mind yes. To someone on strong steroids also taking anti-anxiety medication, no.

I cried everyday at work. I cried everyday at home. The only thing that made me feel better was holding my nephew. The day before Christmas Eve I took off of work. I took my last prednisone sooo excited that it would soon be over as I had already gone through two weeks of making myself crazy. Two hours later, the nervousness kicked in, and I developed parenthesia over my entire body within minutes. Numb everywhere. I could not feel myself scratch my skin. My face, my arms, my legs. The sensation was completely gone. At this point, I had no idea that you can hyperventilate so much you can cause this. But with prednisone in my system, I once again went to the worst thing.

I tried to sleep that night but I woke up in the middle of the night completely numb and scared as ever, I had my dad take me to the emergency room. There I laid with an IV in my arm, next to my dad, watching Christmas movies that were on the TV. I sat there and thought why I was being tested. I thought about how tired I was. I thought about how much I missed my husband... Thought of everything.

They decided to order an MRI of my entire spine which is a 90 minute procedure. The result. Normal upper spine, normal lower spine, normal middle spine. Normal.

The next few days were full of the same nervousness but coming off the medicine it was a little better. However, I had made a chiropractor appt. despite my dad saying I didn't need to. I thought I would just go since I had forgot to cancel it. The doctor said he could probably help me.

I got a small adjustment on Wednesday morning. Later that day I went back to the sports medicine doctor and he looked at my spine MRI report. "They don't even make any comments at all on this MRI." It looks like you have a bad case of anxiety.

That day I started feeling better, but then my back started hurting from the chiropractic adjustment. And the irrational behavior started all over again. What if I did something to my spine and now it isn't perfect. Do I need to get the MRI again? I had put myself back to square one.

Friday was a hard day. I went to the chiropractor bawling worrying that my back would never be the same again. He helped reassure me that it is normal to be sore and that my spine may have moved mm's. But the guilt set in that I hadn't listened to my dad. That I wanted immediate results, wasn't rationally thinking and now I have caused myself damage.

My dad took me to lunch that day and tried to bring me back down to Earth. He reminded me of my lack of sleep, of the medication I was on, and so on and so on. I went back to work that afternoon, functioned as much as I possibly could until 4:30, and then left. Went to my parents house and collapsed on their couch. I started feeling sorry for myself. How could I have let things get so bad? Why was my body so tired and so mad at me?

Kade came over and suggested we watch a documentary that his mom had suggested called, "The Secret," as I'm sure most of you have heard of. With swollen eyes, I watched that documentary, went home, and got into bed.

That night, I slept better than I had in probably a week. I decided yesterday I was going to use "The Secret" and see what it could do for me that day. In one day, Kade and I went out to lunch, went car shopping, and went over to his parents house all night for a new year's party. I wasn't tired. I didn't think about my leg. I didn't have anxiety.

Today, is good but not as good as yesterday. It's just like that. Good days, and bad days. I have decided to run with the good days, and use as many coping mechanisms I can find to get through the bad days.

Yes, I have caused myself headaches and backaches from not being patient and running to the chiropractor.

I have caused myself numbness and weaknesses from literally panicking myself into illness.

And when it comes down to it, I may or may not simply just have an irritated piriformis.

I am getting a Nerve conduction study next week to double check how my nerves are working and I will get those results back a couple weeks after. So until then, I am trying so hard to be stronger than my mind. And I suggest that all of you do the same. Don't let your mind control you. It is no way to live. I have been through more in the last 3 weeks than I can really even remember in my previous 25 years.

To all of you who I know and love, I am sorry I have not been myself. I really try so hard to be that Kimber that laughs it all off and smiles. I know your prayers have already helped me so much get through this. And mostly, I am so grateful that I have a loving Heavenly Father that has stayed by my side through it all and has not left me once. I have received amazing priesthood blessings. I have been comforted. And I have learned invaluable lessons. Lessons I'm not sure would have been possible without this trial.

I am so grateful for my amazing husband and my amazing family. I am so blessed. Soo soo blessed. Kade has held my hand through panic attacks, through tears, through rough nights, through it all. I married the most amazing guy. And what a blessing it has been to come home and receive a priesthood blessing when I need it.

I love you all. And I need you all. I am grateful for the tests I have received thus far helping me convince myself that I am healthy. Don't ever jump to the worst case scenario. It is the rare occurence. Just deal with what you have to deal with in the moment. Take it all a day at a time.

The arrival of James Bradley

2011-12-04T09:26:00.000-07:00

My sister was supposed to be induced on Sunday seeing as James was getting so big and had not come on his own. As the week went on and nothing had changed, my family had become comfortable with the fact we would be at the hospital on Sunday to see James come into the world...

But little Mr. James had other plans.

With the two families, everybody had something going on everyday this week but Friday. I told James earlier in the week that Friday was his only option. And like a champ, he listed to his auntie.

I was awakened by a phone call at 1:30 am on Friday. James came very fast. Fast for the circumstances. Hopefully that is genetic because my mom had us very fast as well. By 7:30 they were getting everything ready and having her push.

The parents to be who's lives are drastically about to change....

I love this picture. This is right when they were about to get ready to start having Chelsea push. Her mother-in-law realized she was moments away from being a grandma. Such a cute moment.

One of the greatest parts about having a sister is moments like these. My sister had asked me to be in the room awhile ago. I knew I wasn't going to miss it, but I was also nervous. I come from a strong family of hard to reach veins and people who easily pass out. Because of this, I stayed at my sister's head. Don't want to be peeling me off the floor when there is a baby to deliver.

Chelsea only pushed for a half hour and then he came. I wish I could describe to you that moment. One minute he wasn't here and the next minute he was. A beautiful new life. I started crying and it honestly felt like the wind had been knocked out of me. How can you love someone you just met? I can't even imagine what that moment will feel like as a parent. I am so grateful my sister let me share that moment with her.

James Bradley with his namesake, James Kingsley.

James is temporarily in the special care nursery while they monitor his blood sugars and wait until they return to normal. Because of this, when we see him, we have to wash up to our elbows. Today I got to go hold him.

Even though James complied with the schedule I set for him to come to this Earth, I ended up canceling my Vegas trip for the Rock'N'Roll Half Marathon. I guess Corral 19 will never know was fun they missed out of runner 19664.

I traded this....

For this....

No brainer.

Love you little one.

It's the most wonderful time of the year.

2011-12-03T21:53:00.009-07:00

This week I participated in many activities to get the Christmas season started. No, not Christmas shopping. I am a way better procrastinator than planner, and I intend to keep it that way. :)

It started out with the Festival of Trees. SOFT of Utah decorates a tree every year for Primary Children's Medical Center. It is a great tradition for my family and for our SOFT Family. It is an amazing festival. This year, my mom also did a small tree in memory of my grandma who passed away this year. It was titled, "We're blue without you." My friend Billie came with me to auction night. Because my parents are donators, they get two tickets to auction night and this year I was able to go. When we got there, both the SOFT Tree and my grandma's tree had sold!

SOFT Tree

In front of Nonnie's tree

"We're Blue Without You"

Thursday night we had our corporate Christmas party for work. However, corporate is 40 miles north in Layton. I borrowed my mom's trailblazer and eight of us jumped in and laughed the whole way there and back. The wind was soo bad driving there and back. When we walked into the conference center all the decorations blew over from how bad the wind gust was. Guess we made a grand entrance.

Later in the evening the CEO of the bank got up and started a flash mob to "Rockin around the Christmas Tree." It was amazing... I was so excited. And for all of you out there, I would love to be invited to a flash mob one day! Would absolutely love it. Just throwing that out there.... Call me. :)

Enjoy!!

Christmas 1998 Style.

2011-12-03T08:24:00.003-07:00

Once upon a time, these five were the biggest stars on the planet and I was in love! Now only one of them is the biggest star on the planet. Way to be Justin for making it! :) I still listen to this c.d. (I confess) Today it's getting me in the Christmas spirit. And also slightly making me feel like I am 12 again.

Wow am I getting old.....

Turkey Day weekend.

2011-11-29T08:07:00.000-07:00

Thanksgiving is one of our favorite holidays at the Walton household. Not too much stress(I guess that will change when I am the mom, so I should enjoy it) and just great time with family. This year we started out our day with the traditional Cottonwood Heights Thanksgiving Day 5k. Over 1,700 people did it this year. Craziness. That many people running through a neighborhood up by Brighton High School. I did it with my friend from work, Caitlin, and Kade. He ran this race pretty fast at 28 minutes. I got these cramps that I get every now and then, that I can't run through but they go away after the first 3 miles. Doesn't exactly work when you are only going 3 miles. I ran through those as best as a I could and finished at 32 minutes. Still under an 11 minute mile even with the cramps. Small victories for me. I am turtle slow.

We ran into my best friend Maddi and her mom Stori. I was so close to wearing the same top as Maddi...Would have been funny...

Caitlin and I looking sexy. We got a ribbon because we beat the councilman. Hey, any gratification I can take, I will.

I also ran into my cousin Mike and my cousin Jon's wife. I tell ya, the C.Wood Heights 5 k is where it's at. Gotta love Mike's Movember stache.

Later in the day we went over to my parentals. This year, we ordered Marie Callender's, not knowing if we were going to be eating it at LDS hospital or not. Well, James has yet to show himself :( I keep telling James I miss him. I know I have technically never met him, but it seems to be the first thing that comes out when I talk to him. I felt him the other day and he moved just for me. Come out baby!!!

The bird

Zoey eating her Thanksgiving Turkey.

In the evening, we went over to Kade's Grandma Anderson's and played games. We had a blast. We kept getting really bad letters, but we made lemonade with lemons and killed the second round winning everybody else by 40 points. Those Z's are worth a lot of points.

Friday, I was lucky enough to have the day off. I went to the last game of the season with my friend Sara. It was a super sad game. We had a lot of our players get hurt and we missed a lot of FG's. :( Also, Colorado is an obnoxious team. Way way cocky and not the most ethical. I got a CU sweatshirt when I was in Colorado for a SOFT conference, Pre-PAC 12. Contemplating burning that sweatshirt!

Injury on the field. Player was taken to the hospital.

Wait, we might tie the game. We just have to get a 48 yard field goal!!

Boo...... Didn't get it.

After the game, Kade and I surprised Dana for his birthday and showed up at the Grand America Hotel where him and Michele were staying. Michele had us pick up PF Chang's and we sat in a big suite and had dinner, cake, and played Apples to Apples. Fun night. Happy 60th birthday Dana. You don't act or look a day over 40.

Saturday, Kade and I ran a bijillion errands, so at night we decided we would do our traditional put up the tree and watch Elf and Christmas Story. It was a great night. We don't have chill nights that often so it was nice. Here is the final product.

Don't you love Zoey's little stocking?

Merry Christmas season everyone!! Now we head into the craziness... :)

Gateway Tree Lighting

2011-11-25T07:51:00.005-07:00

Well, there always has to be a kick-off to any season. We kicked off the Christmas season by going to the tree lighting ceremony at The Gateway. However, we were way too busy stuffing our faces at Charlie Chow's to make it there for any of the performances. But the one good thing is we did miss all the crowds, and we got to see the tree! I will not be going back to Gateway for the rest of the Christmas season :) It is way too cold and the only store they have that I can't go to anywhere else seems to be Abercrombie and apparently size 6 is now extra large there so I guess I'm close to growing out of that store....

The cute Coltons. Their daughter Ava is such a cutie.

Apparently, I picked the prime spot right under a light so you could see my face better.

Kade and Chaz at Starbucks talking about Wall Street..lol.

The Utes won that night in overtime! It was a fun night with great friends! Here's to the crazy Christmas season ahead.

This Thanksgiving...

2011-11-24T06:57:00.002-07:00

I know none of you let the year pass you by and then this time of year you stop and realize all your blessings. But unfortunately, I do. So I wanted to take a minute and give thanks.

1. Husband. Gary Kade is not my better half. He is my better mirror image. Just with a little more reason and a little more compassion. I am working on that. :) How blessed I am to come home everyday and hang out with him.

2. Mom and Dad. My parents would do anything for me and at the drop of the hat would come rescue me if I needed it. Didn't think there was another set of parents like that on Earth. And then I met my in-laws. I am truly blessed.

3. Sister. Every girl is lucky to have a sister. A sister bond is one that cannot be matched. I love mine for always pushing me. She helps with that severe problem of self-doubt I have :)

4. Health. I ran a marathon this year! I am grateful for the health and strength to do this. I have torn my hamstring once in dance back in the day. It is frustrating to not be able to do the things you know you can and so I am truly grateful my legs and lungs can handle the journey I have taken them on.

5. Work and co-workers. Okay, we are all grateful to have a job. That is number 1. But when we get there, not all of us can tolerate the people we work with, or we are counting the minutes until we leave. I cannot stress enough how blessed I am to truly enjoy the people I work with. Truly a second family of mine. Some days I will come home with my mascara almost off from how much I've been laughing. Thankful everyday for them.

6. Modern conveniences. Grocery stores(we can go to the store and buy bread and milk. the pioneers are laughing at us), washing machines, A/C (apparently there was a time when this wasn't in cars... and I grew up with a swamp cooler for a few years), heat, cars that run, dishwashers...the list goes on.

7. Friends. I have noticed that the older you get the more these numbers get smaller and the more they change. But there are people that will be with you through it all. Hold onto those ones tight. The rest may just be there for a season.

8. College Degree. Mom and Dad, you deserve all this credit. I just went to class. That was the easy part. Love you.

9. Above all, I am grateful for God and my relationship with him. He is the rock in my life. Without him, nothing is possible. Having him as a constant companion is the best decision I have made and that I will continue to make everyday. With that, the rest falls into place. I cannot fathom living a life where I didn't have this knowledge.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Enjoy your time spent with family and time stuffing your face :)

Getting prepped for 2012.

2011-11-09T19:11:00.003-07:00

Still trying to decide if I want to put these on my car. I am all over rubbing it in, but we'll see. 2011 was a fun year of running. Salt Lake Half from East Canyon to the U of U. Top of Utah Marathon from the top of Logan to the bottom?(honestly, I didn't know where I was when it was over), and Ragnar Relay race from Lake Mead to downtown Las Vegas. Can't wait to see what races 2012 holds.

Oh woops, forgot about the last one. In three weeks..... It will be this one. We need to get one more in. And I need one more coffee bean! :)

Tomorrow is a new day.

2011-11-07T19:59:00.003-07:00

Source: media.photobucket.com via Sarah on Pinterest

I had an entire post about me being frustrated, but the grown-up in me decided that is for the unpublished section of my blog. No fun I know. But this quote helps.

All together "ooky"

2011-10-30T21:22:00.006-06:00

I wanted to do something fun for a costume this Halloween; mainly because I'm always lame and never do anything. My friend Alma and I tried to think of a good costume for our "movie" theme at work and we came up with Addams Family. We had a lot of fun with it. And I don't mean to toot my own horn, but I've never seen such an awesome reenactment of Addams family.

You be the judge....

Me and the Scary Butler

Me and Kenzie. Did I tell you how lucky I am to work with one of my best friends?

Las Vegas Ragnar 2011

2011-10-26T23:06:00.000-06:00

To sum up Ragnar in a few words; it was one of the funnest things I have ever done. Yes; the communications major used the word funnest. hahaha.

Roughly 6 months ago, my high school drill team coach had decided she wanted to get a team together to do Ragnar. I was so on that! I have wanted to do one as long as I have been running, but hadn't really had time to get a team together. Throughout the last 6 months, we got together every so often and did team runs on Wasatch Blvd. It was fun because we kind of got to know each other before the race.

We left on Thursday morning and followed each other to Vegas. I drove on by myself and went to dinner with a few people I work with in our Vegas office. It was great to be able to have a minute to do that. Kade and our friend Spencer drove down a little bit after me. They met me in Henderson and we drove to the hotel in Lake Las Vegas. This was the first race I have done where I didn't get those jitters the night before. Maybe it's because I just had absolutely no idea what I was getting into, so I was nothing but excited!

I was in Van 1 and our legs went like this.

1. Shane

2. Dennis

3. Russ

4. Corey

5. Emily

6. Kimber

It was fun being the one to hand off to Van 2. But it was not being the last one later in the race...stay tuned.

The first leg I did was 4.8 miles and it ended at a marina on Lake Mead. I ran at about noon and it was killer heat...... After I finished and we handed off to Van 2 we got a minute to relax and eat lunch.

Although it seems like it would be boring driving in a car for 28 hours, it actually goes by really fast, and is really fun. All we did was make jokes and laugh.

My second leg was 4.3 through Henderson and ended up at a huge pavilion. I felt like Rocky because it ended running up a ton of stairs....

In Ragnar if you go faster than you said you were going to, they hold you back in order to accomodate the course with volunteers. We were held back 45 minutes. So in the meantime, we went and got massages. Best idea.... My hip flexor was killing me!

After that, we went to the next exchange, which was at a casino and slept outside. Yes, I can say I have slept in the parking lot of a casino.... haha.

The last set of legs were definitely the hardest. I wasn't feeling very good, I was soo tired, and I wasn't eating a lot so I didn't feel sick, but in turn, I was actually pretty hungry. The worst feeling was when people in my van finished their last leg and celebrated Ragnar being over... I was the LAST one in the van that got to do that celebration.

My last leg was 6.l miles on a 900 foot gradual incline at 6:30 in the morning on a very rocky, dusty, dirt road. Oh wow. I only got one "kill" on that leg, but I didn't really care at that point.

Our van drove back to our hotels, showered, ate, and came back to the finish line to run in as a team. At about 2 pm, we crossed the finish line. What an amazing feeling it was.

Ragnar is unlike anything you have ever done as a runner. And it is a blast.... (I'd be lying if I said my marathon was a blast. :) ha) We all became a little crazy Ragnar family in those 28 hours. Put a Ragnar on your to-do list. You will love it! It definitely isn't as hard on your legs, but I felt it was more physically demanding than a marathon. Not as much mental game required, which is nice to give that brain a break every now and then.

After Ragnar, we got a day to hang out with our friends Spencer and Brooke and their cute son Asher. They were staying at the Cosmopolitan so we went and saw the amazing hotel and amazing pool. Wow. That night we went to dinner at a really good burger restaurant in that hotel and then despite how tired I was, we shopped it up!!

This was the only picture I took after Ragnar. I guess I was out of it. And I promise Kade came on this trip to. For some reason we didn't take any pictures...Again, I can't say enough great things about my husband. What an amazing support he has been on this crazy running kick I have been on. One more race in December babe, and then I promise we'll do a few together. Thank you for always being my rock!

And despite only being in Vegas 72 hours and running most of it, I managed to get four coffee beans. Obsessed much? :)

Recap to come

2011-10-26T21:51:00.002-06:00

The Vegas Ragnar 2011 will go in my best memories vault. I had a blast. I met amazing people. We laughed 25 of the 27 hours. Race recap to come. If you haven't signed up for a Ragnar, do it now. You will not regret it....

Ragnar baby!!

2011-10-16T21:37:00.005-06:00

-Fuel Belt-Check!

-Spi-belt-Check!

-NikeID-Check!

-Bandaids-Check!

-Super-loud and obnoxious reflective vest with flashing lights-Check!

-Headlamp-Check!

-Pink iPod-Check!

This race will be a lot different than a marathon, but I am up for the challenge, and so excited to join the Ragnar club! Thursday morning we head to Lake Mead. And my team will be running through the desert for 27 hours until we get to Las Vegas.

It's hilarious that I pay to do this...

At least I'll get some pool time, shop time, and a COFFEE BEAN when it's over! YAY!!!!!

And can I just give a shout out to my Saucony Hurricane's. Love, love! I tried a new pair of Mizuno's to switch it up and they made my knees kill. Luckily, Salt Lake Running Company lets you take back your shoes if you don't like them within the first 30 days. I ran the marathon in a pair of these and they are my fav! If it ain't broke, don't fix it. :)

God gave me you.

2011-10-14T19:05:00.005-06:00

October 7th, 2006-1 hr. after we got engaged

I can remember the moment Maddi asked me if I wanted to go on a blind date like it happened ten minutes ago. We were in our apartment in Provo at Belmont. As I was grabbing a cup out of the cupboard I said, "There is this guy I would rather ask from my English class, but sure, I'll go."

October 15, 2005 was our first date: a blind double at that. First impressions of Kade: kind of shy, keeps to himself, man of few words. Perfect match for someone who is loud, in everybody's business, and talks a lot. haha. At least I found out on the first date that he liked violent movies because we watched "Fight Club." :)

I met the man of my dreams quite young, but sometimes I don't think things like that are really in our control. And if I look back at what I was going through at that time in my life, Kade could not have walked in my life with more perfect timing. What a road the last 6 years have been knowing Gary Kade. The best way I can describe Kade and I's relationship is perfectly comfortable. We are the same person, with a few little tweaks. It is refreshing. Few men would be tolerant of me.... I am much more complicated than I seem. Huh Kade?? :)

I know you had no idea how much I could crave independence and dependence all in one breath, how indecisive I could be, how much I could spend on purses, how much I would want to go to Vegas or California, or how much I would love everything super girly, but you have handled me well the last 6 years. Love you bubbas. Uh oh, is that name only supposed to stay in the house? :)

Guardian Angel

2011-10-10T21:25:00.002-06:00

Something "interesting" always happens after I pay my tithing. I don't believe in coincidences so I'm sure these events have something to do with actually paying tithing.

Sunday we went to church and drove my car. The way that Kade turned into the spot, made the left front tire stick out a little bit, no big deal.

During sacrament meeting I went into the clerk's office and gave the clerk my tithing envelope. After church, Kade and I went out to the car and noticed a note on our window. It read....

"Have you seen your left front tire? The thread is showing."

My left front tire just on the inside, was completely worn down. So worn down, that most likely one more trip on the freeway would have caused it to explode.

I am thankful to the person that would even notice my tire. I don't usually notice people's tires next to me. Also, I am thankful to the person that thought they should stop and write us a note. It was only on the inside and I most likely would not have noticed it until it was too late.

Grateful for moments like these. Grateful for the protection my Heavenly Father has afforded me. It's the little things....

"You only turn 25 once..."

2011-09-25T17:14:00.009-06:00

Kade told me on Wednesday that he was planning something for Friday night that was over-the-top. I told him he really didn't need to do that. His reply, "You only turn 25 once...."

Well, I didn't break it to Kade that you only turn each age once but I just kept quiet. :)

On Thursday night, my family took me out to one of my favorite restaurants, Tuscany. Crusted salmon on cous-cous! Amazeballs! My parents got me a cute running outfit and a hotel on the strip for two nights during Ragnar! And look how cute from the Woolley's....

Kade and I in front of Tuscany.

My birthday started out at work with my desk being decorated. I really do have the best co-workers. They are more like my extended family. They gave me some amazing gifts, love, and of course, for the snacker, candy!

I got home from work and Kade and I went to dinner. He didn't tell me where we were going. As we headed up Little Cottonwood Canyon my process of elimination guessed, La Caille, and I was right! I have lived less than 10 miles away from La Caille most of my life and never been there so it was an experience! 3-course dinner which was absolutely amazing and the dinner ended with a huge sparkler all for me!!!

Awesome b-day, time to head home right? Wrong. Mr. G Kade had something else up his sleeve. He said the valet was going to take a minute because they parked our car far away. I was kind of onto something at that point. The concierge of the restaurant was insanely nice while we waited. Brought us water with lemon, and even brought down a sampler of dessert for us to eat while we waited for the "car that was parked far away." You may have to sell your first born to go to La Caille, but their hospitality is worth it.

After about fifteen minutes of waiting, I see off in the distance a huge Hummer stretch limo backing up into the La Caille driveway. At this point I had no idea who could be in it. The day before my best friend Maddi told me she was too busy this weekend and would have to call me next week and my friend Mackenzie was going to her brother's football game which she never misses. To my surprise the voices I heard when they rolled down the window were both of them, along with a few of my other friends that Kade was able to get a hold of.

The limo was amazing. We danced in the limo the whole way to the comedy club. The lights synced up with the music which I am still in awe over.

When we got to the Comedy club, Kade had reserved the front two rows for us. The comedian did not hesitate to interact with us. It was hilarious. He said, "I saw that stretch hummer limo outside, what birthday is it? 21?" I replied, "25." He said, "That is for your 25th birthday! What are you going to do when you're 30? Rent a rocket ship and go to the moon?"

He was hilarious and we had a blast.

We then got back in the limo and jammed all the way to my house where we had Sweet Tooth Fairy cupcakes and presents. It was an amazing night! Kade went over the top to make sure my 25th birthday was memorable.

Saturday was my actual birthday. I got a pedicure and went to Park City with Kade. We ate lunch at my favorite mexican restaurant, Baja Cantina, at Park City Mountain Resort. We ended the visit to PC with a trip to my favorite store, other than Nordy's, Lululemon!! I got the cutest top and pants for Ragnar! woot woot! Can't wait!!

In Park City. We got really tired from lunch.

Thank you to everyone who sent me a birthday text or message, or got me a gift, or was apart of my special day. I am the luckiest girl in the world to have you all in my life. And my husband deserves the major props!

Now we can't spend a $ until Christmas! lol.

An honorable mention to the newest edition to the family. I kind of get attached to handbags. This was my b-day gift from Gary Kade.

You are no longer a runner; you are a marathoner!

2011-09-21T22:09:00.000-06:00

If you don't think I'm crazy by the end of this post, you're in the minority.

19 weeks ago I decided it was time to go for the big one. The 26.2 Marathon. So I ran. On Wasatch Blvd., down Emigration Canyon, from Salt Lake to Murray, from Snowbird to Murray, even along the Pacific Coast Highway in California. Every Saturday but one I was out by 7:30. Every single Saturday. I am not a fast runner at all. But I am a distance runner. I would rather run a few 10's every week than a lot of short runs. My half marathon time holds steady at about 2:20-2:24. So times by two and you have your marathon time right? WRONG!

The last six miles of a marathon are the slowest miles you've ever run in your life.

And so with that I give you my marathon story.

Kade and I stayed at a place called "Sleep Inn" in Ogden. Logan was completely booked. The beds were awful and the air conditioning was loud. I woke up every hour. I set my alarm for 3:40 to be out and on the road at 4:00. I picked up my packet that morning and got on the bus.

I equate the bus ride to that rollercoaster you get on, where at a certain point, you think, well there's no turning back. I was being bused 26 miles up the canyon and I knew I had no choice but to run the whole way down.

I ran the race with my boss Jon, which was a blessing. If I would have been by myself in a hailstorm I would have been so tempted to be like, "okay, this is lame. Where's the car?" He slowed down a lot for me which I am appreciative of. 26 miles has to be super boring by yourself.

Without going into extreme detail, it poured rain for at least 10 miles of the marathon. And not just rain. Hail. It was one of those rainstorms where you would just stare out your window to watch the rain. Lightning, the works. The gutters were filling up with water. Someone yelled out to a group of us, "You guys are crazy." I wanted to yell back, "You are exactly right!"

Whether it's a sunny day or severe thunderstorms, your first marathon is one for the record books. You have NEVER gone that far before, and you really have no idea if you can. So you just keep running. I told my best friend two days before the race, "I don't think I'm going to be a marathoner. I just want to do this one and get it over with." But now I know why people do so many. That feeling of accomplishment is addicting and totally doable by the way. It is only a race with yourself. I cannot wait for the next one. Without a sinus infection, hacking cough and Hurricane Katrina, I'm sure I would cut some time off.

And here is me in all my sexy-ness. At one point believe it or not I had mascara on. And it rained so hard that it wasn't even running down my face anymore, it was just completely washed off.

From the Herald's Website. Gotta love the mascara look.

And here are the full gutters. Perfect for an ice bath.

Final Time: 05:21:05.8 (I'm a speed demon, right?) :)

Proud doesn't even begin to cover it.

2011-09-18T21:23:00.009-06:00

This was two minutes after the game ended. Cleared, other than the MUSS!!

Kade and I decided to go the game last night in Provo despite the fact that A. I am not a fan of the Happy Valley and B. I may have ran 26.2 miles and wasn't sure if I would be able to jump up and down and scream at a football game until 11 pm.

The last time I was at Cougar Stadium was in 2005 when Utah won the game against the Cougars so I was hoping for a repeat.

You all saw the game so I don't need to give a play by play. But let me just tell you. I never thought I would be so happy to be in Cougar Stadium. I don't blame the entire stadium for leaving (believe me, at the TCU game, I was in pain every minute I stayed) but I am proud for those fans that stuck it out. Honestly, by the end of the fourth quarter, it might as well have been Rice-Eccles Stadium because the Utes were the only ones left and we were singing Utah Man Am I at the top of our lungs.

I am such a proud Ute. I bleed red everyday of football season. And being an alumni now, I am even more proud. This was the biggest loss BYU has had since 1922. ahh, I honestly felt like I was dreaming being at that game. I will never forget it.

Scoreboard!!

Observations of Cougar Stadium:

(not meant to be rude, but HONEST observations.)

-I heard a Cougar fan behind me say, "He just went to Utah because he doesn't want to shave everyday." .....are you hearing yourself??

-Still no Caffeine!! The Joseph Smith Memorial Building even has it..... What can we do to change this Cougs? We need some DC.

-Although I cannot stand the fight song or that "Go Mighty Cougars" song, they are catchy and I couldn't get them out of my head all night. (brainwashed?) :)

Someone left their Cougar Spirit behind. We had to.

See you at Rice-Eccles next year!! U-T-A-H Fight, fight, fight!

54-10

James Bradley Woolley

2011-09-09T18:10:00.003-06:00

I can't believe I haven't talked about my nephew yet on the blog. This is James. I haven't figured out what his nickname is yet. People that I am close to always get nicknames, because we should never be called by what our parents intended us to be called. :) I guess I'll have to meet him first.

I cannot wait!! He is my sister's little boy set to join this world the first week of December. I keep telling him to come out. Chelsea says he has to stay in there to cook longer....

James, despite your dad thinking that books are the most important thing, I would have to say, the Diesel jeans and Polo shirt I have in my closet for you highly outweigh that... I will be the aunt that does exactly what your mom tells me not to do. Shh, don't tell her.

Love you James. I'm excited to see you. I'll be soaking up the next few months as the "baby" of the family. Once you come into this family, everyone else will be chopped liver. I'm okay with that. :)

End of Summer

2011-09-08T22:02:00.002-06:00

Kade and I are summer people I guess in the sense that in the summer, you don't have school. But September is finally here. The leaves will be falling before you know it. My birthday will be here before you know it. And the event four months in the making will be here before you know it......

Good-bye gross hot weather.

Hello birthday season, boots, pumpkins, sweatshirts and FOOTBALL!!

U-T-A-H fight, fight, fight!!

2011-09-01T23:34:00.004-06:00

I met my friend Sara when I worked at Utah Financial back in the day. We are different in a lot of ways, but we share a strong love for two things; Nordstrom and the UTES!!! We had a blast at the first home game. Pretty sleepy the second half, but we always make it fun!! And singing the Utah Fight Song, never ever gets old. . . This is my first year being an alum. Such a grandma. :)

Good luck to the Utes this season!!

Me eating my UTE DOG! One of the best parts of Utah Football games!

Putt-Putt

2011-09-01T22:26:00.000-06:00

Last week we had the opportunity to go with our friends Zach and Kenzie to dinner and a little miniature golf. We ate at Friday's for dinner (yeah, I guess they still have a Friday's...brings me back to the days we would eat there every weekend in junior high) Then we went to Mulligan's. Everyone got a hole-in-one but me. Did I mention I did not play one single sport growing up, not even T-Ball. I don't have a sporty spice bone in my body. But hey, always good to be with good friends. Maybe I'll try big people golf. I'm sure I'd rock at it. :)

Why I love my dad.

2011-08-29T22:22:00.001-06:00

He asked me four other questions before these. :)

You are capable of much more than you think

2011-08-24T21:31:00.004-06:00

This post is going to be mostly words, so you can stop there if you will be too bored :)

July 2002: I started drill team practice. That first day of practice we ran 1 mile. Yes. 4 times around the track. I truly felt like I was going to barf. It was awful. And everyday the entire summer, we ran the mile. It got easier, but I disliked it all the same.

April 2009: Despite only having run 4 miles to train, I ran a half marathon. I remember dying at mile eight, thinking, how am I going to make it to 13!! Well, the picture says a thousand words.

I read this amazing article in my Runner's World magazine. A man told of a horror story from track practice. His coach made them do impossible sprints. At the end, he wanted to collapse, believing he had nothing left in him. Well as soon as he was done, his coach yelled at the team to repeat the same exercise. The man did it-with barely any gas left. He thought there is no way I can do this again. Surprisingly, his coach asked them to do it again. And they all did.

The lesson the article said you can learn from running. "You are capable of much more than you think."

Your mind tries to protect you by not letting you go as far as you are able to go. What I have learned from the last four months of training is that a marathon is mostly about your mind taking you 26.2 miles-not necessarily your body.

It is a lesson I needed right now for my life in general. Don't sell [your name here] short. She is awesome. She is able. And if she doesn't let her mind get in the way, she can do it.

To My Nonnie

2011-08-02T22:35:00.005-06:00

Four generations. My great-grandma, grandma, mom, and me and Chelsea along with my Aunt Pam.

My Grandma and her Twin, Sue.

To my beautiful grandmother:

I am grateful to be your granddaughter. I come from a long line of women who are fighters. Who have battled adversity to make their lives and their children's lives better. I am grateful that you were tough. That you raised my mother to be the amazing and tough person she is and that, even though I could never be as strong as you, it rubbed off on me a little :)

I am grateful tonight that you are free from Multiple Sclerosis. What an awful disease that plagued you for so many years. Again, as long as I live, I will always remember you for bravery and for never complaining about your ailments.

Thanks for all those afternoons of slapjack games where your bony hands would always crush mine. Thank you for buying me that bear at the grocery store that one day when I was five. Thank you for being to the hospital first to hold me when I was born.

I rejoice tonight that you are with our Heavenly Father and those that have gone before you; G.G., Morganne Jayme, and Tony.What a joyous reunion that must have been.

I love you. I wish I would have said it more while you were on Earth, but more time is never enough I guess.

Bored much?

2011-07-31T20:48:00.002-06:00

We went to the Bees Game for the 24th of July fireworks with the Colton's. It was raining and baseball is boring...so this is what happened waiting for fireworks.

We are cool.

SOFT Conference 2011

2011-07-30T11:43:00.001-06:00

Oh Chi-Town...where to start? People keep asking me how the trip was and my first reaction to say is uh...it was awful. But that isn't entirely true. There were just as many good moments as bad. So rather than go through each day in detail I will just list the positives and negatives.

Let's start on a positive note.

#1: Beautiful flights in and out of Chicago. I do not enjoy flying in the least and so I am grateful for this. Thank you Delta pilots!

#2: The mall across from our hotel had a Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, and my favorite store that they don't have in Utah: a LULULEMON! (by the way Lululemon, if you're reading this, this is a grave mistake on your part. Utah has an extremely large running and yoga population and we love anything trendy. You're missing out on the dolla dolla bills ya'll. :)

#3: I got to be with my friends from SOFT. I wasn't able to go to the conference last year because of summer school and it was so nice to see everyone again. Everyone is growing up so fast. It's weird that I've known most of them since I was 16 years old.

#4: I almost weened myself off Diet Coke. It isn't as convenient to stop at the gas station there-my dad says Illinois likes to hide gas stations :)

#5: I was in Downtown Chicago and though I did not see the Sears Tower or Michigan Avenue., I saw the Bean.

Okay sorry, but here were the negatives.....

#1: You don't even know heat.... I have been to Florida in the dead heat of August. I have been to Acapulco in the middle of the summer, but you haven't even felt heat until you are next to a gigantic lake with 110 degree temps and over 50% humidity. There was no oxygen to be found.

#2: Sickness- On the first full day we were there Kade got heat exhaustion which put him down for almost 24 hours. Then I decided to make the smart move and eat an entire bag of Garrett's caramel corn with no other food in my stomach. Three hours later it came right back up and I was still sick for most of the picnic Saturday afternoon. The only picture I took there was of the balloon release.

#3: Food. Okay you know me. You have to feed me or I get kind of mean. Well, gross. The only thing to eat in Chicago is Pizza. Oh my gosh, there is the best pizza place down the road, is what everyone will say. And if you know me, you know there is one food that stands out above the rest that is just yuck in my book....PIZZA. It's everywhere; that and McDonald's. I am surprised everyone in Chicago doesn't weigh a million pounds.

#4: I have now been to Chicago, Illinois twice and have not been in the Sears Tower or on Michigan Avenue. Maybe third time is a charm.

Conclusion: I loved being with my family; especially my dad whom I don't get to see that much. I loved seeing my friends from all around the country. But I will just come right out there and say it. I am not an east coast girl. I'm from the west and over here we have air and good food. Judge me. :)

Other notable pictures.

The largest Buckeye tree in the country. Outside of our hotel. oooo.....

Speaking of dolla dolla bills, Faye from Houston spent some on some Gators gear. She loves her Gators. All for SOFT. Faye, you are awesome.

Me in front of American Gothic. America's Mona Lisa. This is just in case I never make it to the Louevre.

Welcome Dinner.

Issues....

2011-07-16T22:43:00.002-06:00

The view from the start of my run this morning at the base of Little Cottonwood Canyon

Well, all I can tell you; is this marathon thing is not for the faint at heart. I have really struggled the last two weeks; for these 3 fundamental reasons.

1. I drink MAYBE 2 water bottles a day; on a good day. Well normal people are supposed to drink 8 glasses a day, or 4 water bottles a day. Runners.... well they are supposed to drink a lot more. PROBLEM: I have a caffeine addiction. I didn't have caffeine until 6pm today and I literally felt like I had the flu. SOLUTION: Drink one soda to get me the caffeine and spend the rest of the day pretending I'm a camel.

2. Kimber eats two pieces of bread with peanut butter for breakfast. (45 calorie bread) Usually I eat a bigger lunch, and don't really even like to eat dinner that much. Yes, you said it. Where is the running fuel? Well let me tell you. It's not here. To be conscious about the food I am putting in my mouth to make sure it gives me enough fuel is the weirdest and hardest concept for me to grasp.

3. My achilles heel is actually not my achilles heel, but my dang feet. I have the worst toenails of anyone you've ever met. They may look harmless, but if I seriously don't dig them out every 3 weeks, they dig into my skin and cause serious problems. PROBLEM: Running makes ingrown toenails 10 times more common. In the last 5 weeks, I've had three ingrowns. Currently one is killin like a villian. I am soaking in epsom salt and alcohol as we speak. I'm such a grammy. :)

Also, I have a pretty bad blister on my right foot.. I swear I should get a pedicure every 10 days.

My feet are bad enough that when Kade came by and saw me taking this picture he said, "Uh, you should probably get your feet off that pillow. They're gross." Ah, love.

Stars and Stripes

2011-07-07T22:58:00.004-06:00

4th of July weekend was a fun one for Kade and I. It started out for me early, tired, and dehydrated. I drove up to Ruth's Diner in Emigration Canyon and ran downhill all the way to 7th east and then ran the boring route from 9th south all the way home to 5600 south. (you do the math) As I turned into our neighborhood, I hit 13.1 miles, and I felt like that was good enough for the day. I walked the rest of the way home. 1 chocolate milk and two water bottles later, I was back to normal.

Saturday we got to see Kade's brother's family, which includes my only niece and nephew. Adore them both!! so so cute. We went to the movie CARS which was so cute. I leaned over to Kade and said, "I'm going to be honest, I think this is the first animated movie I've seen in theaters in at least seven years." :)

Sunday we hung out with my fam and did fireworks. My mother inherited a massive firework. I speculate on whether its use was intended for the state of Utah. But we used it as our finale, and just as I suspected, it was the largest firework we have ever lit off.. Whoa is all I can say. :)

Monday we went to the Peterson's house. Their little boy Asher turned 1 on the 4th of July! Such a cute party!! We ended the night watching fireworks in cute little Holladay.

Such a great holiday. And you know what that means. The next major holiday.....September 24th~ Yours truly's birthday!! Woot Woot!!

But before that can happen, I have to run 26.2 miles at one time exactly a week before. 10 weeks from Saturday people. The last 8 weeks have zoomed by.

"Let yourself be silently drawn by the stronger pull of what you really love."

2011-07-04T12:50:00.002-06:00

As I was finishing school, I was extremely terrified of one thing and one thing only; boredom. I don't do leisure time very well. I like to always be going. Well, I have met my match. Running the last two months has made the transition out of school a lot easier, and as rough as it is some days, (like the day Maddi took me running when it was freakin windy and hot) :) I truly do love it. This weekend, my Ragnar team started another challenge. Most miles in 30 days! With my 13.1 on Saturday and my 7 today, I am in first place. Love a little competition. . . Let's see how many miles we can rack up in July! Happy Summer and Happy Running!

Yee-Haa....

2011-06-19T00:54:00.005-06:00

Summer isn't summer without a rodeo.

Yes, I love animals. I hate seeing them confined. (I really don't even do zoos that well for this reason) And I'm not too much of a redneck being from Holladay, Utah, but hey I love me a rodeo!

Friday night Kade and I went with our friends Loni and Dale and Caitlan and Nick (not in the picture, they were tardy!)

Loni's brother was actually in the rodeo so that was fun to watch!

Also, Loni introduced me to the rodeo burger. It was so amazing!! There were also fireworks after the rodeo so we got a little Pre-4th of July show!

Finally this weekend, I got to the double digits on my Saturday run. Boo-yah! I'm actually not even that sore. Any runners have any tips on joint health though? My muscles are fine, but I kind of feel like a grandma after some runs. 14 weeks from tomorrow..... ahh!!

Midway and Running

2011-06-12T22:26:00.011-06:00

What a weekend! It started out with my Saturday long run. I tried to go early but "early" ended up being about 9 o'clock. I mapped a run that started on Wasatch, went past Porcupine Grill all the way down 30th east to Tuscany and over to my parentals house. And this is the mileage I got! (8.25)

I'm not necessarily the fastest runner, but hey, I'm just glad I am building the endurance for longer runs. The next week I think I am going to do some speedwork to see if I can get a little bit faster.

Later in the day on Saturday we went up to the Smith's house in Midway. Our friends the Colton's told us we would be going up to the Smith's cabin. The word "Cabin" kind of scares me. I take that as no sleep, moose and deer, and freezing to death. Well, when we pulled up to a new house on the Homestead golf course in Midway I was pleasantly surprised. My kind of Cabin!!

We had hamburgers for dinner and then went hot tubbing at the Homestead pool. It was a lot of fun. Both Chaz and Alisa and Tom and Candice have a child, so Kade and I were the black sheep. :) I still tell people I'm Zoey's mom, but the general public doesn't usually count a dog as a kid. (I do!)

Us with the Colton's. Kade doing his classic face...

After we got back from the pool, we decided to make smores over the charcoals on the BBQ. We spent a lot of time laughing out on the back deck. Between Tom making a very interesting mallow roasting stick out of a hanger and Kade using his bare hand to roast marshmallows, it was a good time.

The girls

Thanks Colton's and Smith's for such a fun night with friends!!

Finally this weekend, I had my first team run with my Ragnar Team. We could do a 3, 5, or 7 course along Wasatch. I decided to push it and go for 7. The only girl that did :) The best was when we were all about to leave headed for our cars. A guy on my team came up to me and said, "I just have to apologize. After our first meeting, I was worried because you looked kind of high maintenance, but then today you did 7 and you've been kicking my butt on the Nike+ challenge, so I just want to apologize for thinking that. Thought you should know." Ha. Loved it. Made my day. Who knew the high maintenance could run? Can't wait to get to know my team better.

So with week 4 of Marathon training up and running, and 15+ miles logged in two days, I'm pumped. Even though I'm taking tomorrow off. My legs are tired. :)

The Runner's Bug.

2011-06-05T21:11:00.003-06:00

This picture is significant. Mostly because it was pretty much at this moment, I decided I was going to run a marathon. Maddi finished in 4 hours for her first marathon (yeah, she's a crazy woman!!) :) As I was standing at Gateway waiting for her to run in, I saw hundreds of people running in seconds before they were about to accomplish one of the biggest feats in their life. So many people, even grown men, were crying tears of joy. And as I saw Maddi cross that finish line, it hit me, that after all these years of mediocre running, it was my turn to attempt the impossible!! (well for me it is.)

I have been running since the summer after high school. I have always been a road runner. The busier the street, the better I run. I don't like running through neighborhoods, and the treadmill is the worst invention I have ever encountered :)

This week marks my third-week of marathon training. So far, it's been going good. I have been running on Wasatch Blvd. four times a week, which looks like it's turning out to be my favorite run. The elevation is 5,000 feet, which is 1,700 feet shy of what my marathon will be at so it looks like I'm heading for higher ground in the weeks to come.

My legs are a little tired, but really, with a little Ibuprofen, they are almost as good as new. I am also doing the Vegas Ragnar in October so I have been doing a challenge on Nike+ with some of my Ragnar team. I would suggest this device to any runners. It is fun to track your runs and it makes you get out there so you can log more miles!!!

So i'll check back in as time goes on, but right now, it still hasn't hit me that I am going to attempt to run 26.2 miles at one time. If Oprah can do it, I can do it. Right?

"You are the best thing that's ever been mine."

2011-05-22T22:08:00.004-06:00

Every day since January 31st, 2007, there has been one person constantly there. One person to listen to my stories about friends, work, and school. One person to help small little dreams come true. One person to pull out the platinum when there was a purse I HAD to have, or shades I COULDN'T live without. One person who has been on the exact same page as me in regards to the important matters like kids, religion, and ideals. One person that has let me rub off on them (I can't believe he's now wearing Adriano Goldschmeid jeans!!) One person to sacrifice Friday nights so I could do homework. One person that truly says to me, "I don't want you to be anyone else but you."One person that will watch movies with me even though I fall asleep in the first 10 minutes. One person that has said whatever direction you want to go, I'll go with you if you want me to, or hold back if you'd rather go on your own.

I can't picture any guy that would be as tolerant and loving of my insanely strong need for independence as you do. (at least not in Utah, ha. Just kidding, but not really) You like the East Coast. I like the West Coast. You like things simple. I like things over the top. You like underground rap ("interesting") music that no one has ever heard. I like all the stupid pop music that everyone's heard a million times. You like to try new food. I like to eat the same five things. You like to travel. I have to medicate myself to fly. :)

Luckily, the important things line up. And when it comes down to it, it has cultured both of us to a different world.

So to this one person, thank you. More than any one else, you know who Kimber is. And you wouldn't want me to be anyone else but her.

And I really just love this about you... :)

Hoping history does not repeat itself.

2011-05-22T11:03:00.001-06:00

Snowbird received 20" of new snow in the last storm.

Our cute little creek gets louder and louder each day.

Cross your fingers, toes, legs, arms, and anything else you can find to cross.

Memory of last year's close call here.

Not what I expected.

2011-05-21T11:20:00.009-06:00

I really wasn't sure what else to title this post, but "Not what I expected." I think sometimes people create an expectation of what an event is going to be like; but as we all know, not everyone's journey or perception of the journey is the same. I expected graduation to be a such a joyous occasion. And as I was running out of the doors the last day I'd be screaming, "Free at last." :) Well it wasn't like that at all. As soon as I turned in my last story on Newsbreak it started to hit me. Wow. This is actually going to end. All those years you begged for it to be over, and you're now realizing you seriously loved school. I never realized what a HUGE part of my life school was. So HUGE. My decisions every day for the last 6 years have revolved around school. How scary is that??

-No time to run a marathon; you have too much homework.

-No vacations over Labor Day; school just started.

-No time to make dinners; you have to meet with your group or edit.

Basically finishing school has made me realize one fundamental thing about myself; I HATE having time to think about my next move. I like to be so busy my head is about to fall off and I just make split second decisions. Toxic? Maybe. But that's how I am happiest. And now I have time to contemplate what I am going to do. (maybe I just don't like making decisions) Either way, I am meeting a whole new Kimber. I haven't taken time to find out what I really want or who I even am. I've just been following out the mapped out course my parents set for me when I was 18 that was "College." Now that's done, Kimber has to define herself. No one in the world is going to say, "Here, now go this way." I, for the first time in my life have to be a grown up and make grown up decisions.

And this is why I would advise you never ever to age or graduate college. Just don't do it :)

Okay, but really, how awesome is it that I now have a bachelor's degree?! I am worth so much more right? :) And here is proof. Here is the pie chart from my degree audit report. I got a B+ in Meteorology and an A in Newsbreak. 100% DONE!

The best part about graduation was the love I received. It was in this week, I was reminded of the amazing people that surround me day to day. My family, friends, and my co-workers went above and beyond to show love and congratulations.

The cake with my face on it. :)

Denitra and I at my desk. There were balloons everywhere!!!

The morning ceremony was amazing. Mitch Albom was the keynote speaker. He gave a great address about what is important in life. Honestly, if you have 15 minutes, I would take the time to watch it. Many people were crying, and he even got a standing "O." Usually at graduations, we all want to fall asleep! Not at this one. Truly inspiring.

Here is Mitch Albom's Speech. Starts at 52:00.

"There are two things in America that you can't be enough of; thin enough or young enough."

"Gather the years and treat them as precious commodities."

"Giving is living."

"Don't let people tell you to get real if getting real is a code word for getting cynical, getting hard, getting insensitive, or getting too busy for people who truly matter in your life."

He was talking about how your older self will come up to you at the end of graduation and look you in the eyes. He said when your older self does, hope they say,"You've helped others, you've stayed true to your ideals, you've lived with a whole heart, and you have touched the world." "You have the chance to make it so with every decision you make from this moment on."

So grateful for these two in my life. They've never stopped believing in me.

The afternoon ceremony where I received my degree was really fun. Luckily I had a few friends graduating at the same time.

It was amazing to actually be standing there getting that degree. And as I walked away to go up to my seat, it was even more awesome to see two of my professors, Craig and Adam, yell Kimber!! And give me a hug. They have both been great mentors. 7:30 am three days a week on Newsbreak with them was such a blast. I will always cherish this time in my life. This picture means a lot to me.

Okay, so it wasn't and isn't what I expected? But what really ever is? We are here to learn and enjoy life. For some reason my brain thinks you always have to be happy and you always have to have everything figured out. This won't be the case. You have to strive to be happy and be figuring things out. So here is to a complete new chapter of craziness in the life of Kimber. Who has any idea what's next? Not even me :)

Let's start at the very beginning

2011-05-06T00:08:00.003-06:00

My first English class in college, we had to write pointless journal entries for a journal we turned in at the end of the semester. This was written by yours truly September 5, 2005 (first week of school)

"For this week I have decided to write my journal about the position I am at in my life right now Not only will it make me realize a lot, but it will also be interesting to look back upon in the future when I have progressed.

I am at the most awkward stage of life you could possibly be in. Maybe there are many more awkward stages to come, but so far, this beats them all. I just graduated from Olympus High School five months ago. Those are three fast and fundamental years. I had an amazing time in high school. I did everything, got to know as many people as I could, and when all was said and done, had a lot of fun with my friends. I also learned a lot and developed a lot of the things I am good at; one being writing. I can express myself very well through words; I am always getting it all out on paper. I even spoke at my graduation, which was the first step in my public speaking career.

Well now I am a freshman in college. I have all these amazing experiences under my belt, but I have no idea what to do with them. I know I want to be a journalist/news anchor, and major in something along the lines of broadcasting journalism, but I don't know how to step into it, how to get good at it, or how I get there. It is so frustrating to have a goal, so far off in the horizon, and wanting it so bad, yet, no real map, or even a clue how to get there. I need someone to push me where I need to go.

The most frustrating thing about this era of your life is everything is fair game. You are going to a new school, living in a new area, and experiencing new things. It is inevitable new people will walk into your life; some that may stay for awhile and some that may come and go quickly. You can do anything you want. But the foundations for a rewarding life are all built now, at this time. This is the time to go to work, to be focused, and to find what you really want in life and go after it with everything you have.

At the present time, I am 19 years old. I have a lot of hard work ahead of me. I also have many things yet to experience, and a lot of growing up and moving on to do. Hopefully all that I'm doing now and will be doing for the next four years will one day lead me to all those goals that are off on the horizon. For now, I'm still finding the right path to guide me there."

No wonder I had so many friends :)

2011-05-05T23:52:00.003-06:00

In a town called Taylorsville, nineteen years ago, a little girl stood in front of her dad's iROC as her mom took her picture with a polaroid camera. (Yeah, I'm ancient) With a name tag, a Guess shirt, and a Beauty and the Beast backpack I started my education. And nineteen years later, I am finally getting closure! Can't even wait for tomorrow!!

My two heroes

2011-05-04T22:39:00.003-06:00

If you raise your children to feel that they can accomplish any goal or task they decide upon, you will have succeeded as a parent and you will have given your children the greatest of all blessings.

To Mom and Dad:

When I came to you six years ago to say I wanted to move down to Provo for school, you said okay. You bought me new stuff for my apartment and bought Maddi and I groceries every week. I never once paid for a book in college; and Dad when I tried to give you back the $$ I got from buyback you always said, "Go buy yourself something nice."

When I wanted to get married only 17 credit hours in, you didn't say, "It will be a lot harder to finish." You let me learn on my own that working full time and going to school full time means you are always going to be overbooked and over-stressed. Thank you for letting me learn this lesson on my own.

You always paid for tuition. You bought me tape recorders, hard drives, and expensive software when I needed it for reporting and video editing.

You never forgot to tell me you were proud of me.

I am not graduating because I worked really hard, got good grades, and persevered. I am graduating because I had two parents that gave me every opportunity imaginable to thrive and succeed.

It's like you always say Dad. "When I told my daughters they could do anything they set their mind to, I didn't think they'd actually believe me." :)

I love you both. To be half the parents you have been and are would be impossible.

Nothing Comes Close to the Golden Coast!

2011-04-28T22:28:00.006-06:00

This picture was taken the last time I was in my favorite state in the United States, almost two full years ago. :( Luckily, it's not everyday you graduate college. So I get to celebrate in the only way I would know how. In absolute sun, at sea level, with shopping and Coffee Beans all around me!! :)

I plan on eating here a lot! My favorite place in Laguna!! Best turkey sandwich you will ever have in your life! Great memories eating this on the beach with my J Fam.

I plan on shopping here. My favorite store on Robertson Blvd.

And staying here...

And going here about nine thousand times a day.

And hopefully I can drag my husband here. Pretty much my favorite place.

I wish I was more excited......

Here's an overview of my last Cali trip.

You have arrived at your destination.

2011-04-22T22:31:00.003-06:00

Taking my last test on Monday. And then this journey is over; and hopefully one even more exciting begins. (because we all know how quickly I get bored!!!)

Time for a test

2011-04-18T20:59:00.003-06:00

I never cry, I never falter, I am rarely in a bad mood, I'm generally just a chill, happy person. Well someone decided it was time to test that inner Kimber we all know. I don't like it one bit. And just when I think I'm finding some stable ground to rest on, this comes in the mail. It's times like these I wonder who non-believers hold onto. And as I sit here holding onto faith, crying by myself, and wishing my mom were here to hug me, I realize there is a reason for this test. I hope to soon find out; because I'm not sure if I could take another week.

Currently, I love you.

2011-04-17T16:36:00.008-06:00

Every now and then I'll run into something online or in-store, and as soon as I see it, it is love. I constantly think about the item for days, until I save up to get it.

I have been looking for an obnoxiously big ring for graduation and I came across this today from Mars and Valentine. O M G. My feelings are not just skin deep.

Well, if you know me, you know I have this phone problem. But first, can I just talk about how ridiculous it is to only be able to get a new phone every 2 years. What is that all about? Verizon, you are stupid in this sense. Anyways, I have had my Droid for 16 months, which is 108 in phone years. Plus, I just keep seeing all these cute Kate Spade iPhone cases, and I just don't own an iPhone so it's semi a problem.

My best friend ran her first marathon yesterday and it started a fire in me. Seeing as I am almost done with school and will have more time, I have officially caught the marathon bug. In the last two weeks, I have joined a Vegas Ragnar team and sent in an $80 check to the St. George Marathon to be entered in the lottery. I am koo koo for cocoa puffs. But so stoked all at the same time. (ps. this photo is of me, they just cropped out my head....haha one day)

I love Lupe Fiasco's new cd. I am taking a break from country. It has sorely disappointed me lately. Thank you Keith Urban for being the only one producing something of value lately.

VersaSpa! If you haven't been and you're extremely caucasian like me, you need to go. It has red undertones so it makes you look a lot less like an oompa loompa. Awesome. Tanning beds and skin cancer are not something to mess around with peeps. Fake it till you make it!!

"You can steer yourself in any direction you choose."

2011-04-17T15:57:00.003-06:00

What a crazy month it has been. And not that I have had more tasks than I usually do (because really, how much more could I fit in anyways?) It is just that everything around me is changing and life is taking much more thought than it usually does.

Yes, I like to just mosey through life without critical thinking. It would be ideal in my book :)

But of course, that isn't why we're here. We're not here to do the same things everyday, to run into the same people everyday, and make the same decisions everyday. (Where do I stop to get a drink this morning, what songs do I download, what do I make for dinner, do I do arms, legs, or cardio, and what do I TIVO tonight?) I know my life is super eventful.

Once in awhile, the snowglobe of life gets shaken up, and the snow is flying every which way. Well, right now it seems like my snow is flying every which way. Luckily I know, as well as all of you do, that eventually the snow comes back down to the bottom, and we'll be back to just being a boring snowglobe. I'm trying to decide what I like more. Being a boring snowglobe with no waves, or having snow flying everywhere... Right now I'm leaning more towards boring snowglobe, what about you?

I take my last test in three days, and then other than going to the school to have my teacher help me with reels, I am done. Yes, Kimber is three days away from not complaining anymore about college!! haha. Don't worry, I'm sure I'll find something else to complain about. People like to ask when you are graduating college, "Well what are you going to do next?" And in my head I say, "Well freak, let me just enjoy this moment for a minute?" I am a day to dayer. I'm, not sure if this is good or bad, but I am. Let's get through today. If I think too far ahead, I'm going to miss all the days in between.

Today I am feeling blessed upon all measure. And for one solid reason. Whether I have chosen them, or they have chosen me, I have the most amazing people in my life. From bosses, to best friends, to my family, I am truly blessed in every sense of the word. I truly thank God everyday for the people in my life. That is what it's all about. The people in my day are everything about my day. I love you all.

Tying the Eternal Knot

2011-04-03T20:44:00.005-06:00

Me, Chelsey, and Kenzie in 6th grade

Sometimes I have to stop and remind myself that I am 24 years old and not 17. I have no idea where all the time went. I have been one of the lucky few that has remained close to their high school friends. Maybe it's because my friends were always so much more than just friends, they were and still are family. All their parents are my second parents. We have enjoyed so many good times and have so many good memories together.

As the years have passed since hike school some of us have slowly started getting married. I have been blessed to be apart of each of my friends' weddings.

This week, one of my best friends Chelsey gets married. I am so excited for her to join the club. I am going to miss her so much when she moves to Pasadena in May :( Ps. I stole this pic from your facebook.

Last night, Kenzie, Heather and I threw her a small bachelorette party celebrating her wedding. We had a blast. We had dinner at Naked Fish bistro. Amazing sushi and great company.

After that we had dessert and opened gifts...the funniest gifts by the way.

We then spent the next three hours giving advice, tips, and telling funny stories. Girls being girls.

Chelsey, I am so excited to be apart of your special day this Friday. I love you so much.

Stay classy, Utah.

2011-04-03T15:08:00.007-06:00

The most important thing about this post and what I want you to take away first and foremost is this; if you let your fear control you, you will miss out on amazing and happy experiences. I did not want to take this class. I registered for it three times!! And up until the day before class started I would go in and think about dropping it. Thank you to a patriarchal blessing I received seven years ago that helped me to stay in it. "Apply yourself in your school work and do the best that you can for there are opportunities that await you." And with that, I showed up to the first day.

I have never been so happy that I did not give into my fears. It makes me wonder what else I haven't done because I was "afraid." I feel like after this whole experience, I am a completely different person. There is absolutely no reason to be afraid. You're in the driver's seat of your life.

Newsbreak, runs like a newsstation, except for that fact that our job changes every week. My first role was weather because I am pretty much obsessed.

I had a blast. It was my first time reading a prompter, standing in front of a chroma-key blue screen, basically all the above.

For the second show, my teacher asked who would want to be the producer. Of course, I didn't want to be the second one to go; producing is a lot of work. But of course, no one raised their hands and you guys know how much I hate silence so I volunteered. It actually wasn't too bad. (after it was over :) )

My third role in Newsbreak was to anchor. This was actually a lot of fun. I felt a lot more comfortable in front of the camera at this point and reading the prompter came more natural.

Last week, I did weather again. I was so glad I was able to do it again during the semester because, again, I felt a lot more comfortable. I felt like it went great. It's fun to sit there and watch the show on Thursday night at 10 and as soon as it ends, my phone starts ringing. My family is such a support, and number 1 fans!!

Next week I am finally going out in the field and reporting on the marathon. I will be talking to two students that are training for their first marathon, the PR director from the marathon, and an experienced marathoner. My story will air April 14th; two days before the Salt Lake Marathon. Stay tuned!!

LENT

2011-03-13T21:54:00.002-06:00

I'm going to be honest; I don't exactly know what LENT is....However, I do agree with the idea of giving something up to improve your health and your mind. So guess what Kimber is giving up......

Cafe Rio.

40 days.

Do you think I can do it?

Of course I can...

BORING BLOGGER

2011-02-18T18:56:00.002-07:00

Yes, that is me. I am dying of exhaustion but I still don't want my blog to get boring!! I'm actually thinking about revamping it in the next month and making it more fun...(not so momish) yeah, right now my background has snowflakes.
But until then, it will remain boring.
I have so many stories to tell you guys. Remember two posts ago how I was scared out of my mind to take TV Journalism. Well so far, it has ended up being the best decision that I've ever made. I love it so much!! I will tell you about it later. But right now I'm running on 4 hours of sleep, and I need to go eat and then sleep because my BFF, Maddi J is making me run tomorrow. Yeah, I've been pretty lazy in that department too!

Love you all!

P.S. Everybody should put, "Ride Wit Me," on their running playlists. I pulled it out of archives and it is AMAZEBALLS!!

Just another day in paradise .

2011-01-30T17:26:00.000-07:00

Four years, can you believe it? I almost can't. Kade and I have been on this journey of marriage for four amazing years. When we got married on January 31st, 2007, we knew little about bills, saving, mortgages, and how hard it was going to be to juggle school, marriage, and full-time jobs. Four years later, we have somewhat figured it out. Work hard, come home and do homework together, get take-out, and play hard all weekend! That is what we have been doing for the last four years of marriage bliss. I'm convinced there isn't any other guy that would love 100% of me like Kade does. Babe, thanks for being so tolerant of my stress-case, non-adventurous self.

This weekend was amazing. Kade took me to Nordstrom Bistro for lunch. We had the most amazing Bistro Club and then I got free reign of Nordstrom. I feel like I controlled myself pretty well. Then we went and checked into the Grand America Hotel, the only 5-star hotel in the SLC. It is also where Kade and I spent our first night as a married couple so it means something to us. It is so nice to be checking in and get offered a chocolate chip cookie! We hung out in our room for awhile and then drove to the JSMB and went to dinner at The Roof restaurant. We played the, "Things you don't know about me game." It was pretty hard, and ended up being random things from childhood, since we tell each other just about everything.

To sum it all up, our 4th wedding anniversary celebration was amazing. It was a little extravagent for our normal taste, but we figure once we have kids, we'll be spending our anniversary with pizza under candlelight (except for gross, I would not eat pizza) :) Thank you Kade for an amazing weekend. Love you "Bubbas."

Skinny Runner

2011-01-22T12:40:00.003-07:00

If I could combine this blog with Nordstrom shopping spree's, it would be perfect.

I love this girl. She runs a million races (my goal is three this year) and she's blonde, tan, and dang freaking cute!!

I love checking this blog so so much.

Runners beware, you'll be hooked and envious before you know it!!

www.skinnyrunner.com

Read what my medal says, "Courage."

2011-01-09T08:30:00.004-07:00

About two years ago, I was in a film class that I had to take for a diversity credit. We had to write a five page paper about the Wizard of Oz and the symbolism that pertained to the movie and specifically the characters. At the time I thought, "What a dumb assignment...." Today, I think my teacher may have helped me.

Today, I feel like this character; the "Cowardly Lion." I cannot tell you how many times over the last week and a half I have woken up in the middle of the night and tried to talk myself out of taking a specific class. This is the third time I have registered for the class, and I always end up dropping it. Well now that I am approaching graduation, it is the sole class I need to graduate. TV Journalism. I am anticipating the stress of going to campus three days a week for two hours a day, while at the same time working 40 hours, reporting, editing packages, producing...see I am doing it again, stressing out.

The cowardly lion in me could take a simple writing class for the credit and still graduate and so many times this week, the cowardly lion has almost won.

But as we remember from the movie, when the lion asked Oz for courage, he wasn't given a box to unwrap with courage inside of it. He was told he had it all along, he just had to look for it inside him.

I know I will find the courage eventually. And so I am going forward with taking the class, hoping I find it soon. I hope on May 7th when I look back at this post, I can say I overcome myself and my Cowardly Lion.

Last semester, let's do this.

2011-01-04T22:40:00.002-07:00

"You've got to follow your passion. You've got to figure out what it is you love--who you really are. And have the courage to do that. I believe that the only courage anybody ever needs is the courage to follow your own dream." -Ms. Oprah Winfrey

Looking back here gives me hope for the semester ahead....

Gobble Gobble, Ho Ho Ho, Happy New Year!

2011-01-02T09:49:00.016-07:00

I'm sorry that my holiday post comes after all the holidays are over, but you college students know how it goes. After Thanksgiving you go into finals mode where you eat Taco Bell too much and live at the library. When you finally finish finals, it is December 16th and you haven't even started Christmas shopping. You spend the next few days in the Christmas labrinyth called the mall, get through Christmas, and then spend the week after cleaning your house because you've let it get it an unhealthy state.

So here we are. Thanksgiving was great this year. My family hasn't gone to Grand America for a few years, but it is always a good time. My favorite day of the year... King crab, turkey, stuffing, oysters, crepes, and my favorite part....the omelette station!!

I usually run the Cottonwood Heights 5k on Thanksgiving, but if you remember, it was 0 Degrees that morning. It was worth wasting $20 to me.

Finals went better than expected. I don't have a very analytical brain and so my Quantitive Intensive classes gave me grief. Political Analysis was the hardest class I have taken thus far in college and I pulled off a B-. My other classes I got A-'s in so it turned out great. And I now have one more class to graduate.

During the month of December, we could wear jeans on Fridays with a "holiday" shirt at work. Kenzie and I decided to go buy sweaters from Walmart. (yes, I know, don't tell my parents I bought something from Walmart) The funny thing about these sweaters was how many people gave them legitimate comments...

Kade and I both have families that do way too much for us on Christmas. In the morning we went to the Walton's house. It's so much being around my cute niece and nephew.

As funny as this may sound, this was one of my favorite gifts from Kade's parents. I HATE when you sweep the floor and there is still crap left over on it. This is the most amazing invention. You all should buy one, and I should get $$ from Swiffer. :)

We got a blu-ray player from my parents. We are excited to use it, but our receiver is too outdated for the player so we need to get a new one. (yes, the receiver we got as a wedding present is too outdated. Now that's when you know you've been married a long time.) I'm so excited to use my weather station as well. Glad my parents recognize the meteorology nerd that I am!!

Zoey got way way spoiled by her Dye Grandparents. My mom bought her this massive bed from Costco, and an argyle sweater. Not to mention a huge amount of doggie treats and bones. I think they want grandkids... :)

Kade and I got Zoey this bone that is bigger than her. In this pic she is growling at Kade because he is trying to take it away.

My mom's aunt Pam and her husband Cy were in town for Christmas so on Monday night we all went out to dinner at Kyoto. It was soo good!! I wish I had gotten a picture!!

New Year's we spent with our friends Scott and Allison. They are in town for a week from school in Georgia. It was great to talk, eat, and shoot some animals on Wii (in proper Hatch fashion

Finally, last night I got to go to dinner with four of my best friends; Chelsey, Kenzie, Maddi, and Allison. Allison will be going back to Georgia on Monday and so we won't all see each other until Chelsey's wedding in April. I love these girls so much. So grateful to have such a great support system that I have had since I was little. I am truly blessed.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!

2010. What you have taught me...

2011-01-01T10:39:00.002-07:00

I was having a crisis day on Wednesday. Nothing was going my way. The world was being very demanding of me and I didn't know how much more I could deliver. My boss came up to me, and in her calming voice said, "It's okay, we don't have cancer...no one died today." It calmed me down enough to get through the rest of the day. Well that night, as one of our co-workers was driving home, a hummer hit her car and she was killed on impact.
The next day, I pondered the entire experience as our office grieved. Someone actually was taken from us that day, and THAT was a crisis. So much of what we think is the end of the world in our day to day lives actually isn't. And if we stop wasting our energy on these so-called, "crisises," maybe we'll have more to have fun, enjoy life, and make a difference in others lives.

2010;
You have taught me many things. You have taught me that even though I'm an open book and pride myself in this, it's okay to not tell everybody everything. Sometimes you do do stuff just for you and no one needs to know.
You have taught me that this life is a lot of work, but it is also worth the rewards.
You have taught me that I don't need to be EVERYBODY's friend. If people don't mesh well with me, it's okay to let them do their thing.
You have taught me out of the 6 billion people on earth, none of us are the Judge. So why do we try to be? I am not a mormon. I am not a runner. I am Kimber, who happens to be Mormon and likes running. If someone is a BYU fan and says a very self-righteous comment, that person is self-righteous and not BYU fans. If I start making this distinction, I will be a lot happier. (on that note, I'm keeping my "There's no righteous like self rYghteous shirt....)

Even though the roof over my head is 40 years old, and the HOA keeps promising to fix it, I feel blessed to have it! I am blessed to have my husband and we are both blessed to have our jobs. We may not have money to buy a new car or a new house right now, but we are healthy and happy. What more could you ask for?

2010 recap in pictures to come....

Christmas Past

2010-12-22T23:03:00.008-07:00

Well, the first thing I noticed about all these old Christmas pictures I have found is that even though my sister and I were three and a half years apart, my mom decided we were twins. Before we moved to Holladay when I was six, our house had a stage in the basement. Which was way cool!! The below picture shows us in front of it with the tree.

Christmas pictures are nice because you can see what year you got things. That lamp on the couch was a teddy bear lamp and unfortunately back in the 80's they didn't take into account that plush with a 60 watt bulb would be a fire hazard. I think I remember this lamp smoking. Also I love my dad in his two piece matching pj's. Adorable.

Still to this day we go over to my Grandpa Cook and Grandma Leah's house on Christmas Eve. This was the Christmas of 1992 and Santa came!!
On Christmas night when I was little, we would go to my Dye grandparents house. It would be so much fun for me to be with my cousins. Then we would open what seemed like endless presents under the tree. I guess my mom decided she was the one that wanted to be my twin in this picture. :)
I love this picture because it is very representative of Christmas morning. Me giving my dad something to open, put together, or dress. And the two piece pajamas reign supreme!
The biggest part aboout Christmas to me was always my great-grandma GG. My great grandma had my grandma when she was 18 and my grandma had my mom when she was 16, so lucky for me, there was a generation gap in my fam and I was able to know my GG for most of life growing up. She would always come over the day before Christmas Eve and spend all day with us baking and watching Christmas movies. On Christmas morning, because we couldn't possibly stand to wait, GG would go downstairs and at least get our stockings so we had something to tide us over until it was a decent time to wake up. Around Christmas, I miss her so much. We were buddies.

Look Chel, I'm holding your hand! Frame this picture. haha. Now that I look back, I was so lucky to have a big sister. We had fun together.

And finally, Chelsea analytically figuring out which toy she is going to play with first and Kimber beside herself at the excitement and not able to focus. The Dye Christmas in a nutshell.

I hope you all have a Merry Christmas! Thank you for being apart of the Walton's lives. We love you!!! ( and this is our Christmas card credit, since we didn't have time to send them out this year) LOVES!

Merry Christmas 2010

2010-12-19T21:46:00.003-07:00

I love these people so so much. We are a diverse group, but a close group. An evening with all six of us consists of Kade asking Spencer deep questions half the evening, to which Spencer answers in long, drawn out answers in which he morphs into a therapist, my mom then gives too much information, to which my dad blushes and rolls his eyes and then my sister and I look at each other and shake our heads. We are perfect for each other. Merry Christmas from the Waltons, Dyes, and Woolleys.

Final Stop...

2010-12-14T20:22:00.003-07:00

Seventeen years ago I began my education journey. I walked into Cottonwood Elementary, only knowing a few kids, with a turtleneck, Keds, and a pretty cool lunch box. I'm sure I had no idea what I was going to put my brain through the next seventeen years.

So to that little girl, with the weird haircut and the big smile, I am proud of you for sticking it out this long. We are 4 credit hours away. We can do it!

A Picture Says a Thousand Words.

2010-12-08T19:25:00.002-07:00

Okay so this picture is not the most attractive; especially of me. You know how some pictures just sum up an era, a feeling, and a friendship. Well this picture does all of those. This was taken August 2005, a few days before the blondes moved down to Provo and the brunettes joined Chi Omega. We had gone up to the future spot of the Hatch ranch and just sat around a small campfire. That smile was such a lie! ha.

I was sad. Sad to leave home, sad to leave some of my friends and the life I knew, just plain sad.

But you eventually adjust to those new circumstances and the new you, and you find out although it is scary to venture past what you've always known, complacency is never going to lead you to find out who you really are.

Little did I know, two short months around the corner, I was going to meet the man of my dreams in an unlikely circumstance. That we would fall in love, get married, and that "new, terrified" feeling would come back all over again. Funny how this just happens in life. And funny how we always seem to adjust.

I am graduating in a few short months and preparing to turn another corner. I'm not sure if a picture could sum up what I'm feeling right now, but I'm sure when I look back, it will.

Senior year rivalry game

2010-11-27T21:21:00.002-07:00

Here

This is a beautiful site. This game could not have played out better in my head. Last year in the Mountain West Conference and the Utes walk away with the win. This moment almost topped the moment where the Utes won on Cougar turf and I was cheering for them in BYU Alumni season ticket seats! More rivalry news above.

Forgiveness

2010-11-13T00:50:00.001-07:00

We watched this video in my Comm and Relationships. It puts into perspective that if you don't forgive, you are only hurting yourself...You can never truly move on without forgiveness.

The smell of sweet rivalry

2010-11-07T13:27:00.007-07:00

Yesterday we lost to the best defense in the country, TCU. I had a headache and I felt like my dog was ran over by the car the rest of the day, but this morning I woke up happy to be a UTE! We had a blast with Billie and Caleb at the tailgate and for the first 10 minutes of the game. :) ha. The rest of the game I was staring around pinching myself wondering when I was going to wake up from the nightmare I was in. I will say this about TCU. Classy people. So gracious and so done up. I love a girl that wears pearls and a brings her louie to a football game.

There isn't too much I like about November-February. It's cold, it snows, it gets dark too early to run outside, the bottom of your pants get wet, there's ice everywhere, and the list goes on.

But there are two things I love about this time of year; the holidays and the BYU/Utah Game.

I think I had forgotten about it because of the TCU Game but as soon as that was over and the lame comments from the cougars started pouring out over facebook, the bug came on. Usually the first week of November my blood starts to boil and it doesn't subside until the game's over. And if my Utes loose, it may be a little bit longer. I was not raised one team over another. My dad went to the Y, my sister went to law school at the Y, and my mom even dressed me in a BYU Cheerleader uniform in 2nd grade. I'm pretty sure I'm the only crazy one in my family.

The cougars have some ammo now. They are now 4-5. :) We are 8-1. (and that one is basically the national championship team) So I'm optimistic. But you never know . . .

My "Max Hall Hates Me" shirt is out of the dryer and ready to be worn. Never have I been so proud to be hated.

We WILL protect this house.

Happy Halloween 2010!

2010-11-03T23:22:00.003-06:00

We had a great Halloween at work this year. I dressed hippie slash disco. Carly decided she was going to dress like a disco ball to go along with our theme. It was hilarious. We a great party and it was a lot of fun. I am blessed to work with the people I do. We are a family away from family.

This is literally the only Halloween activity I participated in; no carving pumpkins, no haunted houses, no corn mazes, and sadly, no Thriller. Kade and I had a lot going on in the month of October, and just never got around to any of it.

I am hoping to make up for it with an over-the-top Thanksgiving and Christmas. Stay tuned.

Don't be jealous

2010-10-26T22:43:00.002-06:00

I have been to the podiatrist three times in the last two and a half weeks. I have learned I am not too good at digging out my own ingrown toenails. I have also learned that ingrown toenails are genetic. I have learned that you don't know pain until your doctor puts a sharp tool down the side of your infected toe to dig out a massive nail without numbing. I have learned that one day I'll probably have to fix this permanently. But until then, I'll wait for my third infected toe to heal.

Love

2010-10-23T08:36:00.002-06:00

In 6-8 business days, these will be mine!!! I heart Piperlime.

Who wants to go watch some hockey?!

2010-10-21T23:29:00.003-06:00

It was five years ago, October 22nd, 2005, sitting on the third row, third seat in, that my teeth as I knew them, were no more. Lucky to be alive, lucky to not have needed facial plastic surgery, lucky my dentist is really good at making teeth that look real in two hours, lucky to be able to see (your eyes are only about six inches away from your mouth). Thank you Heavenly Father for the protection and strength you provided me that day.

Applying to what?!

2010-10-20T22:48:00.003-06:00

I can remember the first day of college like it was yesterday. Maddi and I walked around UVSC the night before, empty, worried where our classes were and wondering what the heck we had gotten ourselves into. Then we went back to the Provo Hilton (our apartment wasn't ready yet) and went to sleep. I remember the first night in our new apartment at Belmont. We hadn't moved our furniture in yet, so I spent that night on a small twin mattress on top of cinder blocks, no tv, completely silent. I thought about a lot that night (and I think I prayed a lot that night). Everything, other than my roommate, was new to me. School, my ward, the town....

It has been an interesting and very long road. The last six years have been more formative than any other period in my life. I have learned the most academically, but my college education has helped me learn about people as well. I never thought I would move to Provo and end up dating and marrying someone that went to my high school. I never thought I had the perserverance to work full time and go to school 1/2 to 3/4 time for five straight years. But I did. And I am so glad I have stuck it out. The other day as I turned in my application, I was reminded of all the experiences I have had over the last six years and the drive it has taken to get here. Four more classes to go. 4.........

First birthday post

2010-10-17T21:58:00.002-06:00

We have had a very eventful birthday season; still to be continued in November. My birthday is the 24th of September, Kade's is the 3rd of October and my dad's is the 7th of October, so we decided to do one big dinner at Ruth's Chris. If I ever doubted that I am a carnivore, one trip there can fix all that. AMAZEBALLS!!! It is in the same league as Arnie Morton's, which is the best restaurant I have ever eaten at, located in L.A. We had a lot of fun. I enjoyed watching Spencer order Pellegrino, stuffed mushrooms, and RARE steak. yuck. The food was amazing, and the best part was when the waiter came up to us and said, "Just thought I would let you know Utah State is winning." (the night they were playing BYU) How did he know we were Ute fans!!? Made my night. Made my sister sad. I think even though my dad loves his cougs, he's too good of a guy to be a hater like me.
Thank you dad for a great night. We Love you!!

The non-blog post

2010-10-15T23:31:00.004-06:00

Okay, so I have probably started a new post at least five times. I either get sidetracked, tired, or my internet shuts down when I try to upload a picture.
The jist of what has been going on...school, working so hard (not an understatement) and having a blast. Kade and I are accomplishing many things that we've always just "talked" about doing. Our townhouse is getting painted right now, we are getting new fences, and with your fingers crossed, we may have a new roof by December.
I promise to catch up with the fun happenings of the last month. . . sooner than later.
Tomorrow is Saturday and Kade and I have not a plan in sight. I don't think you realize how big that is for the two of us. No helping people paint, no moving things, no dinner plans, no lunch plans, no any plans! Amazeballs. It will probably be the only time it happens ever, but hey, it should be nice.
Today, I am thinking of my Kade. Five years ago today I met him. It has been a miracle and a blessing to have him in my life. I can't quite picture anyone else tolerating me as much as he does... :) See more here...
I love you all; all five of you ;)

Reunion

2010-09-14T21:37:00.005-06:00

Friday night we had a 5-year high school reunion at the Olympus tennis court. Basically, I sat with Joey for an hour and a half and laughed. It was a good time. As I was sitting there, I saw all the cute little cheerleaders arriving early to go to the game. Not only made me miss it, but also made me realize that in a blink of an eye time passes. Seems like just last week it was me. Oh how I miss those nights....

Sometimes I wish.

2010-09-08T22:33:00.003-06:00

Sometimes I wish....

-I liked outdoorsy stuff more
-I could forget some people.
-I wanted to watch more than the Weather Channel and superficial reality shows
-I wasn't so worried about pleasing people I don't even like
-I had more time to do stupid things only stay at home moms have time to do; like take 2 and a half hours to sit at lunch with a friend and talk, scrapbook, and clean baseboards.
-I could give a little more of myself to each aspect of my life
-I could just relax

But most of the times, I am glad I am me. The work-school-a holic, busy body, people pleaser who enjoys shopping more than hiking. Sue me.

Fight for dear old crimson.

2010-09-08T22:19:00.003-06:00

Friday was college shirt day. And this is how many UTE fans we have in my lovely office!! There are two BYU fans in our office and they didn't even wear shirts... I'm just saying...

WE WILL PROTECT THIS HOUSE!!! It's going to be a great season!

Hurricane Earl

2010-09-01T22:05:00.003-06:00

Last summer, Kade and I had the opportunity to go with my family to the beautiful outer banks of North Carolina, including Cape Hatteras. Tomorrow, it will be in the path of a category 3 hurricane! We hope everything will be okay. It is an amazing place!

Rounding third...

2010-08-23T21:03:00.002-06:00

This is the University of Utah's high tech way of telling you if you can leave or not :). The dark green is water under the bridge... the light green is what I have left. Yes, that small green pizza size piece is what I have left for my college degree. We're getting close people!!!!!!!!

New Background

2010-08-19T22:07:00.003-06:00

The new background is because we are heading upon birthday season in the Walton family. It is our favorite time of the year. With the exception of my brother-in-law Taylor, every person in my immediate family has a birthday between August and January. So much fun!! And mine is next!! YAY!!!!!!!! I am obsessed with birthdays. I love them and I am also looking for a reason to celebrate. So here's to the season ahead!! Full of birthday celebrations, fall activities, Christmas prep, oh yeah and school.. let's leave that part out :)

Mr. Jackson Taylor

2010-08-11T22:21:00.003-06:00

This is my cute nephew, Jackson Taylor. Isn't he just the cutest?!?!

This is my second time being an aunt and it doesn't get old!

I am sad you live in North Dakota so I won't be seeing you for awhile, but I love you so much already!! And maybe one day you'll have some cousins too! You will be a lot older than them, but you'll have them!

We hope you like the gift that is coming your way!

xoxo, Love Uncle Kade and Aunt Kimber

Price Comparison

2010-08-11T22:09:00.003-06:00

Candle on the left: Birthday cake organic candle I got at Bed Bath and Beyond: $7.99
Candle on the right: Yummy smelling monogram candle I got at Anthropologie: $10.00

I don't know what is more sad. The fact that Bed Bath and Beyond is only selling these big candles for $7.99, or the fact that I bought a peanut size candle for ten bucks...

Someone keep me out of Anthropologie.... :)

Running for President

2010-07-28T22:12:00.006-06:00

As you can tell by my lack of posts, Kade and I have been extremely busy this month. We have tried to do fun things, but unfortunately, it doesn't look like the summer is going to start for us until August 6th.

This semester I am taking a class called Political Communication 5200. My teacher is a former press advisor for First Lady Laura Bush and worked extensively with George Bush's press team. It has been an interesting semester. We have had very cool guest speakers, including Ralph Becker's senior advisor, a previous speech writer for the President of the United States, and the former Communications Director for Senate Judiciary Committee.

Our final project was to run for president. I volunteered to be the speech writer for the campaign. I am not a poli sci major, so I felt like I could use my communications skills best in this role.

We had our faux press conference on Tuesday and I think it went pretty well. Once I get the video downloaded, I will definitely put it up.

Here are some pictures of our group.

First, our press advisor, then me, our President, and finally, our press spokesman.

I highly suggest anyone who is a political science or communications major to take this class. It has been pretty enjoyable. Can't say the same for my nutrition class!! blah!

I will miss you Softies....

2010-07-11T11:06:00.009-06:00

July of 2003; Kimber Dye is a vibrant and social teenager. The world revolved around me, right? My mom and sister had been going to conferences before that year, but my dad always stayed home with me because I had too much going on and I had no interest in being involved in a support organization. My sister had been gone for a few years, but it was still at the surface and I wasn't ready to be around kids that were like her.

My parents have always been really good at letting me decide for myself what I wanted to do. When I heard that year that they were holding the conference here, I didn't think anything of it. They held a lot of meetings out on our patio, at Dr. Carey's office, and even went up to the Richins home once. Out of the dozens of meetings they held, I maybe went to one.

When the actual week of the conference came, the only difference to me, was my parents were never around! They would be out the door before I left for drill team practice at 6 a.m. One day my mom came up to me and said, "Can you please come and be in the daycare for a few hours today?"

I complied.

I had been in the day care room about fifteen minutes, when Patrick Healey came walking in, and introduced himself. At the beginning of the day, we were strangers. By the end of the day, we were at CPK laughing with Scott, and he was throwing up in the middle of the Gateway. (all that laughing takes its toll)

I don't think it was a coincidence that he had walked in there at the same time I was in there. I believe people do come into your life for a reason. If he hadn't, maybe I would have never found the value I have found in being apart of SOFT. (Support Organization for Trisomy)

I have experienced a lot with my SOFT Family over the years. We have run through the rain in San Antonio, hung out in Rochester, partied on the fan deck at a Chicago White Sox game, been white water rafting on the Colorado, and watched about a million balloons go into the sky for our siblings and friends we have lost.

I am sitting here on this Sunday afternoon almost feeling like I should be somewhere else. My parents left for the annual SOFT Conference today and for the first time in seven years, I am not going with them or following soon after. When I first decided I wasn't going to go, I was okay about it. This year my new year's resolution has been to not do everything! If I am already overwhelmed and have a ton to do, to just let go of a few things so I am not trying to pack so much into my days and weeks. This year, I decided it would just be too hard to juggle summer semester and the conference.

But now that it comes down to it, I am really, really sad. I am so close to all of these people and they are spread all over the country (I only get to see them this week of the year). I keep trying to tell myself it is just one year and I will be with them again in Chicago; but you know me; I never want to miss anything!!!!

I love you all. Thank you for being the people you are; you each influence me more than you know. See you in Chi-Town. Much love from the Walton's

School's out for summer...

2010-07-08T21:23:00.008-06:00

.....For most.

Kade and I would not be two of those lucky ones. We are working hard this summer. Kade has a lot of tests, and so do I. Nutrition is awful and so hard and I am so grateful I went into Communications. Writing comes so easy to me. I am where I belong. I have also been interning at the K-TV studio at the Smith's corporate office. It is fun and I really like the two guys that I work with (they probably think I'm naive and blonde; but what the heck, I kind of am) I already have a great project that I am nervous for but also excited. I also get to run the teleprompter every Monday morning which is fun too. I have been on a few shoots and will go on a few more before the summer is over.

We have been doing a lot of fun things this summer.

At the end of June, I went to the Backstreet Boys concert with my best friend Mackenzie. We were definitely 13-year old's disguised as 23-year old's. It was a riot. The drunk girls next to us kept giving us glares because we were dancing around having so much fun. What a blast.

We also went to the Diamond Rio concert with the Bennett's and the Heninger's. It was a lot of fun. Lot of rednecks. We will miss the Heninger's so much. They moved to Georgia today for the next two years. They better come back after that!

This week has been busy with studying, writing, and get togethers. I went out to dinner Monday night with my friends at Citris (our favorite place) before Allison moved. Then Wednesday night, Maddi and I went to Red Mango with her dad who was in town from Cali (so good to see him, was my second dad growing up.) Finally tonight, I met up with some old friends from high school because cute Katherine was in town from South Carolina where her husband is in dental school. Life is ever changing, but ever rewarding. Now that I am getting a little bit older, it will be interesting to see who starts having kids. All of my close friends say at least two years; and I say maybe three; but then again, I was saying that three years ago. :)

On tap for the rest of the summer; Friends, rodeos, BBQ's, swimming, running, vacation hopefully to Cali and/or Vegas, finishing this semester of school, and of course, sky diving!! Kade is going to have so much fun. I am so excited for him.

Grateful for health, strength, spirituality, and the mental capacity to be the busy body I am. Love my husband, and all the people who are in my life.

5 Years.

2010-06-10T21:55:00.000-06:00

It's amazing how fast five years go; especially at this time in life. I graduated from Olympus High School, June 1st, 2005. One month prior, I remember running down the hall at Olympus full speed in my dance shoes and jazz pants. I had to go from Dance company practice to a room where the principal and a panel listened to speeches that would potentially be read at graduation. Somehow, I got in; along with the sterling scholar for speech and drama. And so on June 1st, 2005 I stood at the front of the tunnel in the Hunstman Center with one of my best friends, Joey Rice, and looked back at my entire senior class behind me.
I will never forget that experience.
You know, I would have hoped after five years to have a college degree.... And 18 year old Kimber thought that 23 year old Kimber would probably have kids. But as you experience more, you realize what weight your decisions carry and what they will for the rest of your life. You learn that most of the big events in life, take careful planning, preparation, and maturity. I feel like I am getting there, but not quite there yet...But who really wants to be grown up at their 5-year mark anyways?? Well I'm sure a lot of people do, but I wouldn't consider myself one of them. :)

"The Lord said to Noah, there's gonna be a floody floody..."

2010-06-08T21:47:00.011-06:00

I absolutely love this song, and I found myself singing it a lot this week.

Well, those that have been to our humble abode know the best thing about it.... It has a beautiful creek running through the backyard. It is such a soothing sound, great scenery, and we love it.

Too bad our love decided to turn on us this week!!

Kade and I woke up on Saturday and thought nothing of the creek.... It's high summer run-off but nothing out of the ordinary. At night, before we headed off to a movie, we took our dog out back. And we were startled at what we saw. Our beautiful serene creek had turned into something a whole lot different. It was roaring and it was getting uncomfortably high. We decided to go to the movie anyways. As we sat there with our friends at dinner we thought we better have someone go check on it; just in case...So my sister went over there. Five minutes before the movie starts we get a call, "Your neighbors are out filling sandbags...." We got up, got our money back, zoomed home, and started filling up sandbags. And we have been doing that for the last three days....

It gets higher and higher every day. Today it is actually going down a lot; but as I type this in our office, I can hear my own personal Colorado River outside...

Yesterday, we decided to take precautions. So my sister and brother-in-law went to home depot and bought us cinder blocks. Yes all of our furniture is up on blocks....the big stuff anyways. Tonight we had a picnic on our living room floor.

We were also interviewed last night by the SL tribune. I guess Mr. Kade Walton of the HOA board had a better quote :). You can see the story here.

What has this "potential" flood taught me? It has taught me how good people really are. I looked at the huge amount of people that were there to help us and I was amazed. They were not there to save their own stuff and their own homes...they were there to save their neighbors. We had a family in our backyard that saw the coverage on the news from American Fork and got in their car and drove to us. Even Mr. Shawn Bradley himself was in my backyard throwing sandbags. Thank you to our neighbors, our families, and our ward for all the service you rendered for the Willows and the surrounding neighborhoods. I really wish I could thank all the people that helped. As I kept saying last night, my faith in humanity has been restored. PS. My husband is amazing. He was the project manager of the prevention of this flood for our whole neighborhood and I love him!!

My Dior's...

2010-05-30T13:17:00.008-06:00

Anything similar about these pictures?? Yes, I am wearing the same gigantic pink glasses, and I love them!!! They have been everywhere with me; on one half marathon, three 5k's, Virginia, California, Denver, camping trips, swimming, you name it. I was noticing a couple of weeks ago that these glasses are in 80% of my pictures that I have taken over the last few years. Two of the studs on one side have come off so I have to take them to an eyeglass store to be fixed. I thought with the start of the new summer season, I needed a new pair...at least so there could be somewhat of a rotation. So welcome home new gigantic pair of sunglasses; they are Mr. Jimmy Choo (the silver version of these...completely on half-yearly sale at Nordy's.) Go Kimber for finding a "bargain." The definition of that word is a little different in my head than in other's heads... Thanks babe!!

Weekend at the Lazy H Ranch

2010-05-22T23:44:00.008-06:00

Right before we all went off to college in 2005, my friends and I made a trip up East Canyon to the future spot of the Hatch ranch. At that point, there was a frame of a soon to be house. We drove around in a Ranger and roasted smores.
Well, five years later....the Lazy H Ranch is a lot different than it was the last time I saw it. It is now a beautiful house and extremely beautiful property. Kade and I were so excited to spend the weekend up there. Our dear friends, the Heningers, invited us up to the ranch for a last hoora before they move to Georgia for two years. We had such a great time. We had a BBQ, ate Moose burgers (not I!), had cake for Maddi's B-Day, stood by the fire in the pouring rain, watched hunting videos, Modern Family, and best of all, went four-wheeling (something I have never done). It was great to be with great friends and great people. Thanks Scott and Allison for a fun and hospitable stay!!

Kade and I in front of the pond in the front yard

Did I mention this is a hunting ranch.....

Mother's Day

2010-05-16T12:26:00.001-06:00

I know I am a week late.... I made this video for my mommy for Mother's Day. Yes, at 23 she is still my mommy. She is the reason I really strive to look for the best in everyone. I get my loud laugh from her. I get my intensity from her. I get my carefree attitude from her. And I am the spitting image of her. I love my mom. She's my bud.

Inspired.

2010-05-05T19:21:00.002-06:00

I did not start reading Stephanie's blog until after her accident. To be honest, I had never heard of it. But I have enjoyed her inspiration ever since I started reading it. Her faith is amazing and something I look up to. Makes you realize you take for granted the little things.

Salt Lake Half Marathon 2010

2010-05-02T21:16:00.005-06:00

Two weeks ago I ran my second 1/2 marathon with my best friend Maddi. We have had fun the last couple of months training and it felt good to be standing at the starting line, knowing you were ready. It was also nice to know the exact course and know what I was getting into. For any of you who have done the 1/2 or full marathon in Salt Lake, you all know about dreaded State Street. A huge incline on the last part of your race. It is enough to test the faith you have in yourself to finish. This year luckily, as I was more prepared, I finished 11 minutes faster than last year at 2 hours 24 minutes. Maddi kicked my butt and finished just after two hours. When you are running for that long you think about a lot. So I give you, Kimber's thoughts along the course:

Mile 1 1/2: Well, I guess that's the last I'll be seeing of Maddi.....

Mile 3: I heard someone say to their running partner; "It's all down hill from here..." Poor running parter was going to be disappointed later in the race.

Mile 5: I saw a yellow Mile 6 sign and got so excited. I felt pretty good for six miles... A few feet later, I was disappointed to find out that was for the marathoners. I was only at mile 5.

Mile 7: I passed two girls holding a sign that said, "Jesus loves you." No idea what it had to do with running, but it made me smile.

Mile 9: Why does Liberty Park have to be so big...?

Mile 11: Can someone just carry me up this hill?

Mile 13: Prayers go up!

See you next year Salt Lake Half Marathon! You never disappoint!

Third Chance

2010-04-30T06:40:00.004-06:00

As amateur as this may be....Here is my group and I's blood, sweat, and tears over the last four months...okay maybe I never really cried but still. Last night was our film festival at the U and it was nice to sit there to relax and look at the finished product. We decided to make a movie trailer about a non-existent movie. (a bigger task than you would think) This is my beginner's attempt at editing (and acting) so enjoy.

Side note: The therapist in the movie is my teacher, Craig Wirth. He is awesome and I had a really great time with him as my teacher.

Dream it anyway.....

2010-04-28T23:30:00.002-06:00

I truly love this song right now. Kade and I have such hyper, crazy, high strung lives and this song brings me back down to Earth. Such an inspiring song on my drive in to work today.

Word Vomit

2010-04-24T22:38:00.007-06:00

A few of my friends have done this and I enjoyed reading their posts...so here it goes; word vomit from yours truly.

I could probably take all my vacations to Las Vegas and California for the rest of my life and be completely happy. That's how boring I am. I truly feel you can pinpoint people by their personality color and their horoscope sign. (I'm a yellow Libra, meaning I'm loud, outgoing, and I try to please everyone.) My sympathy runs very thin. I hate doing what everyone else around me is doing. My husband is my best friend. My hobbies are running, writing, shopping, and school. I love Glenn Beck... love love! I am watching The Hills right now and just wishing so bad that I lived in SoCal. My best friend and nearly sister, Maddi is moving to California this year and I have no idea what I am going to do without her. I need a new pair of shades. I need to get rid of my Utah/valley girl accent if I am going to be a broadcaster. I wish we had a Coffee Bean in Utah. I love my family and am not ashamed at all that I see all of them almost everyday. I've been to NYC twice and although I loved it, after a week, I was craving my Utah space and air. I obsess about cleaning and I can't get past it. If my sandwich accidentally gets mustard on it, it may as well have been dropped on the ground; I won't eat it. You know it's bad when I cry because I don't cry. Kade and I have fought twice in the 3+ years we've been married. Avatar is now out on DVD. Still have no desire to see fairytale movies. I don't get sensitive when someone does me wrong; I just get way bugged. Ever since my honeymoon I'm not a fan of flying, thank you southwest pilot who likes to fly through tornadoes. I notice the little things. Brad Paisley's music is starting to sound all the same. Country music is struggling lately... We need some more twang. I lost the spelling bee in 5th grade with the word, entertainment. I spelled it mant. I am really good at spelling that word now. If the prophet came out tomorrow and said drinking is completely fine, nothing would change for me.. I have never in the least wanted to drink alcohol or been tempted by it...never. It makes me bitter that one split second changed my teeth forever and they will never be the same. I am an open book. It doesn't take that long for me to become your friend. There are some in my life though that know more about me and understand me better than most can. I would rather have someone tell me no, than give a laundry list of excuses. I hate excuses. I wish I lived by the ocean, but I think I would miss my mountains too much. I love long talks with friends and soda runs. If I didn't love running, I would weigh a thousand pounds because I don't like a lot of other forms of exercise. I know my kids are up in heaven wishing I wasn't such a task-driven, stubborn realist or else they would be here. My family is so casual and chill. I'm trying to get Kade to catch on.... I want to go to the temple more; I have no excuse for not going more. I use the term "Ghetto" a lot. I have 17 hours of school left, That's about how much I had completed when I got married; it's been a long road.

Happy week full of two finals and one project. Oh and the last week of the month in the mortgage industry...never a dull moment.... where's the Diet Mountain Dew?!

I feel a lot better now. :)

Twelve Commandments

2010-04-04T15:14:00.003-06:00

Yesterday, after I finally finished my book report, I picked up the book I had bought over three months ago and started to read it again. "The Happiness Project," is a guide to finding happiness in life. It is written by a woman who lives in New York City. She had finished law school, practiced for awhile, and decided the law wasn't for her. She went back to school to get a Communications degree and now writes for a living. She is a married, working mother and her head seems to be spinning just as much as mine is usually so I was excited to read this book.

At the beginning, she shares with readers the "Twelve Commandments," that she refers to throughout her year of the "Happiness Project." The more I look at these, the more I realize these could help me out a lot as well.

1. Be [Kimber]
2. Let it go
3. Act the way I want to feel
4. Do it now
5. Be polite and fair
6. Enjoy the process
7. Spend out
8. Identify the problem
9. Lighten up
10. Do what ought to be done
11. No calcuation
12. There is only love
(The Happiness Project, G. Rubin, 2009)

My two favorite are one and six. Be Kimber, and enjoy the process. We have heard our whole lives the easiest person to be is yourself and I couldn't agree more. Sometimes people may not agree with you, people may laugh at what you think is the right thing to do, and almost certainly people will tell you what you "should" be doing. And I say, that is lame. :)

Enjoy the process is something I need to make a conscious effort to do. I am engrossed in school everyday even though I'm not there everyday. Whether it's projects, homework, deadlines, etc. I cannot ever clean my plate of all that I need to do. I am always feeling overwhelmed and sometimes I just want to get the project done. I think in my mind, as soon as I get this done, then I can have fun and be happy. But what I need to do is enjoy the process. Life doesn't happen as soon as we get all our stuff done. It happens while we are getting it done. So as Gretchen Rubin would say, "Enjoy the process."

Thoughts for Monday

2010-03-29T22:54:00.004-06:00

I really enjoy my job. Yes, it is still a job... but I love the people I work with and we have a lot of fun. Socializing is important in the life of Kimber and we do a lot of that while we work extremely hard at the same time.

I ran to the gym from our house and met Kade there. I felt like I was running in a wind tunnel but it was a great run. It was nice to get to Xcel and drink cups and cups of ice lemon water. Beat that Golds!

I didn't do any homework tonight but I guess tomorrow is another day.

Yesterday, with a fifteen minute phone call, my amazing aunt Jay negotiated our Direct TV bill down $30.00 and also got us premium channels. She is awesome!!

Kade and I went to Jamba for dinner. It was delicious.

Lately, I have been feeling the pressure to start having a family; maybe self-inflicted because I could probably name 20 people I know personally that are pregnant. And this is what I say to that; I am only 23 years old, not finished with school, nor is my husband. Nothing about those three items say have children to me. Plus I want to be the first person in Utah history to be married five years and still not have kids. (I am kidding about wanting that, but really, I might be the first)

I love that the only Blimpies in the valley is down the street from my work. Lunch tomorrow is decided!!!

Reese's peanut butter eggs will be the death of me. The end.

P90X

2010-03-22T23:13:00.003-06:00

Last week, along with picking up my running schedule for the half marathon in four weeks, I also started to do P90X. It is awesome kids!! After doing the chest and back exercise, I couldn't support my body weight with my arms for three days. Such a great workout. I have only gotten through four workouts so far, but I'll tell you how it goes. It is so nice those nights I don't want to drive to the gym but still want to work out. I have never worked out at home, so I wasn't sure I would like it, but I love it!! I highly suggest the purchase!!

Almost perfect...I'll take it!

2010-03-10T21:26:00.004-07:00

Ankylosis is a dental situation in which the roots of primary teeth lose theirnormal attachment to the bone (small ligaments) and become fused directlyto the bone.

Well, I have this thanks to the trauma my tooth has endured.

I give you the scene of the crime....My teeth may never be the same because of what happened here. I have had a shot in the roof of my mouth. "supposedly the most painful place to get a shot..." I held my own tooth in my hand as I bled all over my arms....Three crowns, three root canals, and most annoying of all, two sets of braces since the night of the crime. About two months ago, when my teeth were getting close to being straight, my orthodontist looked puzzled as to why my front tooth wasn't moving (the one I got to hold in my hand). He tapped on my tooth and it made a high-pitched sound...then he tapped on the one next to it and it made a low-pitched sound. "It looks like this tooth is anklyosed. Meaning it's not going anywhere..."

So my hopes of getting back to 100% were shot as of that day. My tooth that went through all that trauma has fused to my bone, making it a little higher set than my other teeth, and unless I want to have the entire tooth removed and get intense oral surgery, that is how it is going to be. Frankly, I think I am fine with being back to 90%.....I have had my fair share of teeth problems for the decade and I'm not about to welcome any more.

I can't say why things like this happen to us. I guess it's our luck of the draw, or lack thereof. But I honestly could have died that day, I could have had to get plastic surgery on my face or nose, which could have changed what I looked like forever. Life happens. And as imperfect as it is, I bet my mouth is worth more than yours.. haha.

Oh and P.S. I will always hold a grudge against hockey and frankly, I think you are insane to go to a hockey game. Can't say I didn't warn you of the perils ahead....

And although he hates praise of any kind, I must thank my amazing father. Not many parents get their kids three sets of braces. I am truly blessed and I have the greatest dad in the world.

Blogging slacker...

2010-03-07T09:58:00.005-07:00

I have been a major blog slacker lately, but I really don't take any pictures. I am extremely white and I hate my braces.... And I figure you guys don't want to hear me ramble on about life without visual aids. :)

Sometimes, I feel like our lives are the same they have always been....Kade and I work hard, we study a lot, and we always remember to play hard. But I guess it is those small moments in between all the same stuff that are worth writing on the page...

I have attempted almost three times to go skiing. Being born in Utah, I have never gone skiing or snowboarding. Really, I'll admit it. I am not a recreator. (not a word, I know.) Mainly because I am accident prone. Two weekends ago, me, Maddi, Chelsey, and Kenzie took a road trip to Sun Valley (one of my favorite places; the Jenson's house in SV) They were nice to invite me; seeing as they all ski, and that is technically what we were going to do. I was ready. I had borrowed snow clothes and everything. Yes, that is how NOT outdoorsy I am. I own a big Juicy Couture coat; warm, but more fashionable than good at keeping the elements out. I walked up to the ticket counter and said, "Hey, do you guys have a bunny hill?"
The lady looked at me with horror. "What do you mean?"
I replied, "Meaning, I have never gone skiing at all."
"You DO NOT want to go on that mountain then..."
In a movie, her reply would be followed by thunder and lightening.
So I saw my talented ski friends off to the lift and went back to the Jenson's house. It was there I discovered, I am NO good at entertaining myself. I discovered I really don't even like watching TV...I just like the commotion it brings to a room. I read a chapter in my book. I stared at the wall, stared at my phone, "got ready" more than I already was, and then went back to meet them at the lodge for lunch. Luckily Kenzie was done for the day so I had a friend to talk to.
At the end of the day, I was glad I went. I value my friends soo much and I am grateful for any time I get to spend with them.

Today was heaven. We were supposed to be in Moab this weekend, but some people backed out and the weather wasn't going to be too great... Because it is impossible for Kade to get work off, I decided to still take Monday off with him so we could be together. Dream of a day! I slept in (until 8:45!), went running, got ready, went and got some paperwork taken care of at the U, went to lunch, walked around Gateway, and went to a matinee. I forget how nice it is to have days with no obligations, to be outside more than a few minutes during the day, and to not be pressed for time....which is pretty much what our lives have been like since January 31st, 2007.
Although we work a lot for a little, I am grateful to my Heavenly Father for the blessings I have. I have amazing people in my life, a roof over my head, and even though I haven't had time to go to the grocery store for two weeks, I have the $$ to buy food there when I do.

Spring break is in two weeks and I can hardly wait. I have always been a worker drone, pretty much my entire college career, so Spring break doesn't mean total break, but it's a little edge off the stress. Cannot wait.

P.S. I keep seeing all of these cute pregnant women pics of family and friends, 20 weeks or so along as still as tiny as ever! You all look awesome. Pretty sure when I am with child in 7 years, I will be mistaken as the Goodyear blimp, so please still be my friend.

Love you all.

Over it!

2010-02-21T13:57:00.003-07:00

I am over.....

-school. love hate relationship.

-winter. why do I even live in Utah?

-braces. haven't taken 3 pictures in the last seven months.

-grumpy people.

-plain nails.... need to make more mulah so I can get back on my acrylics!

-Food. watched Food Inc. There is nothing to eat in this world.

-people asking me when we are going to have kids.

-Direct TV.

-venting. :) Happy Day.

New Blog

2010-02-15T22:15:00.002-07:00

I started a new blog for my New Media project. I thought I would take a stab at saving money and being frugal....Probably won't last longer than this semester, but hey, it's worth a try! I have some really great ideas that may help you if you are looking for ways to save, so stay tuned this semester!

cheap4chic.blogspot.com

My valentine

2010-02-14T15:10:00.003-07:00

I love you more than you love....

lifting weights

eating big, fat Barbacoa burritos

having the covers perfectly straight on the bottom of the bed

teasing our puppy Zoey

Sha-nay-nay (the white jeep)

Jeeping

eating sushi

watching guy movies

playing x-box (even though you don't have one)

I remember our first Valentine's when you drove down to Provo at 5 am to decorate the inside of my car. From then on, I was hooked. I love you for who you are and who you strive to become. Happy Valentine's Day Gary Kade.

My favorite part of our house....

2010-02-01T21:27:00.000-07:00

Yes, this is it. Our king size bed... I love it. I do my homework here, blog here, play with our puppy, watch movies, catch up on the news, and collapse after a long day. It's a good thing I have to get up and go to work everyday...or I might just live here. What's your favorite part of your house?

I love your love the most....

2010-01-28T20:24:00.004-07:00

On October 15, 2005, a girl went on a date with a guy. She was set up on a blind-date and wasn't too excited to go. She walked in the apartment and breathed a pretentious sigh of relief...."good, a CUTE blind date." Little did she know, he was staring at her derrière the entire walk to the car. She meant to wear those Stitch jeans....

Four hours later she closed the door crossing yet another boy off the list of potentials, quickly to learn you should never write someone off too quickly. You never know what you can learn about someone....

Flash forward to January 31st, 2007. The same girl and boy get married in the Salt Lake Temple. They get in the elevator to go down to the main level. Only having been married ten minutes, they look at each other and do their "victory dance." The girl does not cry the entire day until she reads a letter she wrote her "future husband" when she was 17. She cries because she realizes she did in fact marry the man she was writing to in her letter. And then she cries because she sees her best friends crying. From there the crying is over and it's fun, chatting, and lots of smiling with no food! At 9:30, they go down another elevator at Rice-Eccles Stadium, get in the chariot her dad rented for them (because his car was damaged on his wedding day...he learned) and they head off to the Grand America hotel and into marriage bliss, not forgetting to stop at Wendy's on their way because they hadn't eaten all day!

January 28th, 2010.... I am blogging about it now because we have a busy and exciting weekend ahead of us...Three amazing years....At this point, many couples have one kid and maybe another on the way.... I guess we live on our own time table and expectations; which is what I truly love about us. Taking life as it comes...one day at a time. No one could get through the days, semesters, and years that we do without doing that. I am enjoying our journey. And for those who aren't married; it's true....You fall more in love with your spouse every day you are married. I love you Kade. Now it's time for me to try on the wedding dress....(totally kidding)....