Apartment #23

Home again. Home again

2012-01-10T06:58:00.000-08:00

Hello my roommates!!! It has been too long since we have updated this. I am just going to give you you a small update and tell you my new years resolutions so that you can hold me accountable for them.

We arrived to NYC on New Years Eve. We did not join in te festivities because, well we have three children and thought that would be a little silly of us. Howeverr, we did love traveling on that day because there was very little airport traffic. We are now settling into our new place in queeens. We still do not have Internet so forgive my typos. It's very Hard to update a blog from my phone.

My main reason for updating was because I was going through boxes and found all of your letters that you sent me while you were on your missions. What fun to read them.

My new years resolutions are that've meaningful scripture study daily and to have an organized daily routine for my children and myself.

I will update better later. It's horrible doing it from my phone. I love you all!!

Tara

Ciao Belle!!

2011-07-30T09:44:00.000-07:00

Hey girls, I'm so excited you got to go to ROME!!! and slightly jealous:) But, I knew you would like it and I can't wait to go back myself someday. Randi~ your comment cracked me up about using Tara's pregnant belly to skip lines. Hahahahaha. Kristen, congrats on the baby!! Also, can you re-invite me to your blog because it says it expired?? I haven't talked to Heidi in a while because I am a horrible phone corresponder...I know, it's not a word. But, I think she moved to a different part of Arizona and is still doing her awesome job. Honestly, same with Nat...I don't talk to her as often as I should since she's been in Hawaii. But, they are coming back in September and she is coming to Utah to visit me and Tempy so I'm excited for a Glenn sister reunion. Anyway, I love you all and miss my bestest friends!!!!!

Oh, and ps I'm working in Provo for the University of Chicago now (I know, it doesn't make sense to me either. I should be in Chicago, but instead I do the work far away not in the cool city I want to be in!!!!) It's kind of ironic actually, that out of all of us I wanted to get out of Provo the most...and I'm the only one still here!!!!! But, that's okay, I have many non-Provo adventures ahead I'm sure. Oh and no, I'm not engaged nor dating anyone...because I know you were wondering:)

Roma!

2011-05-22T12:38:00.000-07:00

Buon giorno! Greetings from Rome! Tara and I are having a blast here in Rome together and we wish you were all here with us... Especially Calista b/c then she could help us with our communication issues, haha.

Tara and I had quite the adventure trying to get to church this morning. We finally made it after walking close to a mile to a bus stop and then taking 2 buses because the bus we were going to take doesn't run on Sundays (who would've known?!). Thank goodness for kind, compassionate bus drivers taking pity on two American girls. One of whom is pregnant! Oh, and that's another thing--next time any of you is pregnant, you need to travel! We get to skip all the lines because of Tara's belly! :)

(That picture took forever to load with this Italian hotel internet, so, sorry, but the rest will be small...)

Colosseum - we actually paid for a guided tour here and through the Roman Forum. While we did learn a lot we both agreed that next time we would just download a podcast from Rick Steves and listen to it on our own. Amazing structures and history!

Plazza S. Pietro

Love you all and thinking of you while in Rome!

New Baby

2011-04-22T08:40:00.000-07:00

Proud Big Brother

Emma Valene Hayes

She finally got here! :)

She came on April 4th at about 4:15pm.

I'm loving having a little girl!

New Friend

2011-03-30T10:07:00.000-07:00

I just thought Randi and Heidi would be proud of me...a woman moved into our ward from Spain and so I have been helping her get settled here in London. I have been using my Spanish because she does not speak much English yet. It is challenging and sometimes depressing because I have forgotten so much. But, I am happy for the opportunity to practice.

I noticed neither of you commented on my last post...I hope you aren't offended...it was a joke, supposed to be funny. I love you all and miss you.

Kristen should be having her baby any day now! I find out the gender of mine in 2 weeks, just before I arrive in San Diego. Adios!

To My Single Roommates (especially those with long legs)

2011-03-17T14:25:00.000-07:00

I have recently acquired a bit of knowledge that might tempt you to find a way to move to South Africa (besides the adorable accents). According to a mommy friend from Ethan's school, who is from South Africa, most S.A. men are well above 6ft. tall. And, I know this to be true because our landlord is from the S.A. (as it is called) and he is a very tall dude. I just thought you would like this snippet of information when planning future job employment or relocation opportunities.

hahaha! Love you all and miss you. Nothing new here. We will be in San Diego April 15-May 2 I would love to see you. We will be out of town with my Carter family for 5 days, the 18-22.

And for fun, here are my cute dudes pretending to be sharks.

Updates

2011-02-28T12:17:00.000-08:00

Well I don't have many exciting things to say, at least compared to all the weddings and pregancies that are looming in the air. I am so excited for Tara and Kristen's new babies! Just FYI, Natalie is living the newly-married life in Hawaii. Yea, did I mention how rough that must be?:) I finally drove down to Arizona after all this time to visit Heidi. I went on a road trip with some random boys, which didn't amount to much, except a fun get-a-way from Provo. And of course seeing my long, lost BFF. She is a real working woman now, real car, real house, shopping at Costco and doing real adult things. I was slightly jealous of the no school part.

As for me, I am just trying to stick out my last semester of grad school. Yay, it's almost over!! And then I will be the proud owner of my very own master's degree. Sounds so serious and official. I don't know what my plan is after April, but I am for sure shipping out of Utah sometime in the near future. Time to go to a new city, and that is SO exciting to me. I'm not sure about jobs yet, or where I'll live. I'm hoping after summer to make the big move. If you have any ideas, let me know...I'm thinking Northwest or East coast (which as you all know, has always been my dream).

In the time being, I'm just researching terrorism and playing sports. Yes really. Oh, I decided to run another half marathon in April. I know, I said I wouldn't do it again, but it was just too hard to turn down this time. And so, if you want to cheer me on from a far, it would be much appreciated. Tara, I still can't overcome eating sugar. BUT, I am eating healthy besides that! I'm playing intramural basketball as always, and soccer for a change. I'm starting up running distance again, and hopefully swimming this week. So those are my current endeavors. I miss you all, and can't wait for our next reunion! 3/6 married now, not too shabby. Randi keep surviving law school. Heidi keep being the woman you are. Tara live it up in London!! Kristen get a facebook so we can contact you more. And Natalie, come back to the mainland.

Love, Beast

P.S. no boyfriends, husbands, prospects...I may be doomed.

Wedding Photos

2011-01-31T17:30:00.001-08:00

Someone post some photos from Natalie's wedding, please!! :)

Just an FYI

2010-12-21T06:04:00.001-08:00

Ladies-

I will be in California from April 9th to April 25, roughly. The dates are not set in stone yet. For the most part I think we will be in Southern California. I will get in touch with everyone to try to get together of course. I love you all and miss you!

Book Recommendations, Please.

2010-11-17T11:59:00.000-08:00

So, my dearest and well-read friends...I decided that while I am here in England I would like to read a lot of British literature. I am sure that I could do a Google search and find out on my own, but what is the fun in that? I dare say, none. So, without further ado I make my request. Could you ladies be kind enough to recommend to me your favorites from the British author libraries? I can't wait to get started.

Right now I am reading Anna Karenina, a very long book, but a classic nonetheless.

I love you all and miss you. Don't forget that you are welcome to come and stay with me here in London.

It's a...

2010-11-10T16:51:00.000-08:00

GIRL!!

We found out today we're having a little girl!

Finally I'll get to play with dresses and bows :)

K-SWISS and Randizzle reunited...

2010-11-03T16:06:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Kristen!! Even if you are married with kids, you will always be K-Swiss to me:) 26? pretty darn old. Then again, we've all hit that mark this year. crazy how time flies. Well, I hope the best for you and the fam, and all that lies ahead....life is so exciting now that we're all over the place, doing different things. We should have a reunion sometime. soon actually.

Randizzle, I miss you!! I miss your spunkiness and zest for life. And of course, your b-ball skills fo sho. P-town is not the same without the tall, mandolin-playin Randilyn. I swear you know everyone and their brother, and that's because you make people happy to be around you:) Happy Birthday!!!!

And to the rest~ sorry my blog posts are few, just know that I love and think of you all the time. Sadly I'm still stuck in the good land of Provo...where it all began our freshman year. Sometimes I think, man I wish they were still here. Every time I go to a dance, or play intramurals, drive by the creamery, or reminisce on ANYTHING that reminds me of our old Apt...I will forever think of you all!!!

And No, I am not dating anyone. ha. just to clarify.

Happy Birthday to my Ladies!!!

2010-11-02T15:15:00.000-07:00

Kristen gets first dibs since I forgot to wish her a happy birthday. My top five favorite things about Kristen are:

5 - her sweetness, as in so kind
4 - amazing listening abilities
3 - she is so cultured...I still remember our dorm door with quotes and pictures on it
2 - Solid and loyal friend!!!
1 - her daring personality...most daring being willing to head into the unknown (BYU) with me!

Sorry that it was late! I love you and miss you!

Randilyn, ahh our Randi...my top 5 favorite things about you are:

5 - when you say you are going to do something, you do it; whether it's to learn the mandolin or go to law school.
4 - Solid and loyal friend, like Kristen, man we sure lucked out with our roommates, didn't we!
3 - mad dancing skills
2 - So much fun to be around
1 - Love and Passion for life

Love you and miss you too!!!

I'm at the library, again

2010-10-18T20:27:00.000-07:00

Hello my lovely ladies--

Well I am sitting here at the library for my weekly 6 hour night shift (yes, in case you didn't know, I am a librarian, haha). And I reached the point where I can't study anymore tonight, so I resorted to blog-catch-up-ing. As a natural result, I shall be updating you on my life. Unfortunately, my life is rather boring. All I do is study. And law review. And then study some more. I was thinking the other day how sad it is that I don't do many of the things I love anymore. Like seriously, I can't even remember the last time I picked up my mandolin. Or played tennis. Or stayed up late girl-talking with someone. Law school has made me so boring! And tired! If I don't get at least 8 hours of sleep, I cannot function. Holy moly, I'm not THAT old...

BUT, I did go to Mexico this summer! And China! And it was fun! (Until I came back and had to write a bunch of papers... 9 to be exact). But here are some pictures of me in China:

The Great Wall!

Forbidden City

Purple-Gold Mountain in Nanjing (where the University is)

I can't wait to see you all again! Tara, I aspire to come visit London sometime in the next few years. And the rest of you at NATALIE'S WEDDING! So excited. And K-Swiss--when do you find out if you're having a girl or boy? Love and miss you all!

Henderson Update

2010-10-18T06:31:00.000-07:00

Kristen attempted to start the ball rolling and here I am a month and a half later and finally responding.

As you all know we are here in London. We live an hour tube ride/walk outside of the main city, which is about 8 miles or something. I will take pictures of our house today and post later on my regular blog. It is a cute little townhouse called a semi-detached house out here. We just moved in last Friday. To give you an idea of how long our transition has taken, we moved out of our Michigan house on August 30 and moved into our London house on October 15. A month of that was spent in the heart of London and we had a blast being close to everything, but we are also excited to have a more family-friendly place out here in the "burbs."

We have enrolled Ethan in "Reception," but he is on a waiting list because all of the schools are so full. Reception is full day for 4-5 year olds. So, while Ethan would not be in Kindergarten yet if we lived in the states, he does start full-day school here. We are a little nervous for the big transition, but I think he will have a great time making friends and learning.

Dylan is 20 months old and definitely has a mind of his own. He pushes Ethan around sometimes, and Ethan is so sweet that he lets it happen; they do play well most of the time though.

I do my mom thing, laundry, cooking, cleaning, etc. I love to read books when I find one worth my time. I don't have any tv shows that I am following at the moment and have not been to the movies lately. I have tried lots of new restaurants though. Kevin and I even went on a date the other night without the kiddos and found a cute area in London with lots of different types of food. We were going to eat at a Spanish Tapas restaurant but the wait was an hour and we were hungry so we opted for Italian instead. For dessert we had the best cupcakes ever!

I am trying to eat less sugar. I did well for a few days, but you all know me and my obsession with sweets. I just wish I had more time to run, then I could eat sugar and not worry about it!

Kevin is having a great time at his firm. It is challenging but a great opportunity. We are still awed by the fact that we are here in London.

Our ward here barely maintains its ward status, any less Priesthood and it would be a branch. They were very excited to have us move in and have put Kevin right to work. I still don't have a calling, but hopefully soon.

I love you all and miss you!

Updates, Please Ladies...

2010-09-07T14:10:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

I was sitting at my new laptop (my old one broke...ugh), and was thinking that I need some UPDATES from everyone on what they're up to! I've been trying to keep up with you all with blogs, etc, but I still don't feel like I know much (especially from Heidi and Natalie!).

So, I'll start the ball rolling:

We just got back from our big trip of the summer- driving to CA to visit my Mom. We decided to try to drive through the night, so Nathan could sleep for the 12 hours- it worked well in that aspect, but Joe and I were T-I-R-E-D! Can't decide if we'll do it again...

Joe graduated from BYUI in April-yay! We're taking a year off and then we'll (hopefully) be off to law school (so Randi and Kevin, any advice would be great for the application process :).

And, if you haven't seen our blog yet, I'm pregnant again! Hopefully the 'morning sickness' period will end here in the next couple of weeks... Due date March 24th! (A depressingly long way away, if you ask me...)

Ok, so it's YOUR turn :) I want to hear it all! Email me if it's too long to post on the blog!! :)

Love,
Kristen

Summer Fun

2010-07-16T13:59:00.000-07:00

If you look at my blog you can see just how busy we have been the last few weeks. I wish it could have worked out to see some of you, but alas life is crazy for each of us.

Me and the boys have been hanging out with my family in Utah and California while Kevin studies for the Bar Exam. He has been studying 10-14 hours a day, going to a bar review course, and working. We can't wait to return home to him in a week. He takes the Bar July 27 and 28 and we can't wait for it to be over.

Ethan and Dylan have loved being around their family. It is rare for them to be around cousins, Aunts, Uncles, and grandparents. Wendy lives here with her family. My little brother Jacob is here with my parents and my Grandma too. They are soaking up the attention. My older brother, Conor, got home from Afghanistan yesterday and he got to visit us in Folsom. The boys were excited to see him.

We head to London on Labor Day in September. We have been looking online at neighborhoods, schools for Ethan, and other details of London that are important. Ethan will be in Kindergarten there and will wear a little uniform. I am sure the boys will get British Accents, so cute!!!

We are doing well. My boys keep me super busy and I love it. I would love to hear how you gals are and what you are up to. Sometimes I forget where you are at, what you are doing, and what your plans are. I love you each and I miss you. And, is Natalie on here yet???

Destination.......

2010-05-29T12:46:00.000-07:00

London, England!!!

We have had a change of plans. I wasn't sure if all of you had heard yet. But, Kevin's law firm asked us if we would be willing to start in London instead of New York City, and of course we said, "Yes." We aren't sure exactly when we will be moving, but sometime in the early Fall.

Also, I will be heading out west in a few weeks. I will be in Utah the last week of June if any of you are still there this summer. I hope to see you!

summer....please come please!

2010-04-14T11:47:00.000-07:00

real fast. updates on my life- i am going to Scotland for an internship in 2 weeks. yea, kinda random, i know. i won't have my phone, so email or facebook, or blog me...haha that sounds so high class. well, i am struggling to finish my first year of grad school. it's the hardest thing i've ever done, and i don't really like it sometimes :) but, life is good. no loves, no funny stories to tell, just a boring student life. of course, i still do eat tons of sugar in case you wondered if i'd overcome that. same old calista, don't you worry.

sorry i'm not good at keeping in better touch, but i love you all! you are my dearest bosom buddies and i'm happy we are stillllllllll friends.

ps. tara & kristen-cute kids, heidi- happy graduation soon!, randi- you are a champ, and i wanna do a triathalon now!, natalie- well i see you in person, so this is weird.

quick update

2010-03-24T18:03:00.000-07:00

Per Heidi's request, I shall post of my triathlon experience...

On Sat, Feb 27 I competed in my first triathlon! It was in Los Alamitos and was called the "Race on the Base." I was super-excited--especially since the weather had been gorgeous for the previous two weeks. As luck would have it, however, the weather turned sour on the day of the race and it started raining right before my race started. And it rained the whole time--right up until I was ready to jump in the pool for the swimming portion. (Oh yeah, this was a reverse triathlon--running, biking, then swimming. I'm not a strong swimmer, but the swim was super-short so I figured it couldn't be that brutal...)

So I knew the 5K run would be the easiest part for me, but I told myself that I would take it easy so as to not tire myself out. That didn't happen. Because I am so competitive, I ended up running my fastest 5K ever! Kind of exciting, too, I guess :)

The biking was the hardest because it was pouring and there was a strong headwind. It took me 43 min to bike 12 miles. When I finally jumped into the pool for the short 200m swim I was pretty tired. I ended up breast stroking part of it. But I was pleased with my time: 1:12:27. I finished 6th in my age division and was the 30th woman finisher (out of 325). I placed 228/762 )overall. Not bad! And it was so rewarding--I totally want to do another one! (Maybe sometime when I have more time to train because I'm not bogged down with all the law school stuff!)

(not the best pics, but you get the idea)

As for other news--I am studying abroad in Mexico and China this summer! I'll be in Mexico City for 3 weeks and will hopefully get an externship at a Mexican law firm. I'll only be in Nanjing, China for 2 weeks, but I'm super-excited. I'll get a total of 7 or 8 school credits this summer!

Annnnnnnnnd, I am for sure coming to Utah for Conference! I'm hoping to attend either the Sat morning or Sat afternoon session at the Conference Center. I would love to meet up with anyone who will be there also!

Just an Update

2010-03-19T07:23:00.000-07:00

After Heidi's awesome post mine will be kind of boring. But, I will give you a simple update anyways. A huge accomplishment this week for me was to reach my pre-baby weight. Wahoo. Dylan is a little over 1, so that is not too bad. I finally made it because I have been working out a little and eating really healthy (for the most part...hahaha). I was very excited.

Kevin is not going to be deferred for a year, so now we will be moving to NYC sometime in October. We actually decided that we are going to live in New Jersey because it is way cheaper. I have been having a lot of fun scoping out apartments and houses online. I am excited for this next chapter in our life. We probably will not settle there forever, but for another few years at least. And, by the time we leave, maybe, just maybe, all of our student loans will be paid off. If there is any advice I can give you girls, DO NOT accumulate too much debt. Obviously you may have to for school a little bit, but pay it off ASAP. I hate debt and can't wait for it to be gone.

Dylan learned how to pucker his lips this week. Usually babies give open-mouthed slobbery kisses, which are adorable, but now he has learned to pucker. It is the cutest thing ever to see him concentrate so hard just to get his lips to stick together.

Ethan is a crazy and smart 3 year old. He can be so sweet with his little brother or take all of his toys away and hide in his room. We love him though. Kevin has trained him to say nice things to me so he always tells me how sweet and pretty I am. What a stud!

Kevin and I are doing wonderful. We are super busy, but go out on dates whenever possible. Of course, going out to eat is my favorite thing to do. We find every coupon and deal possible to take advantage of.

I have not taken very many pictures lately, so here is one of my 2 boys trying to fit underneath/inside an end table. They are so silly.

I miss you all. Like always, feel free to visit, which I am sure you will be more excited to do once I live a train ride away from NYC!! I love you. Take care.

Ragnar Relay Adventure

2010-03-17T19:53:00.000-07:00

Hi girls! It's been a while since I've blogged...lol, well, honestly, it's been a while since any of us have! So...hopefully this will start a trend again!
I had an awesome adventure recently that I definitely wanted to share with you guys! I got to run in the Del Sol Ragnar Relay! It is a 204 mile relay race between Prescott, AZ and Mesa, AZ. Each team has 12 people.

There were 3 teams that went from the Institute here in Tucson. My team was called Team S.A.M.U.R.A.I. (Singe Adult Mormons Undertaking Ragnar Are Insane). We started at 10 am on Friday, February 26th and ended Saturday, February 27th. Your team is divided into two vans with 6 runners in each. Each runner is assigned three legs throughout the entire race. So Runner #1 starts and runs their leg, then #2, etc. til the first van is finished, then the second van meets up with them and starts their legs. Each runner passes off this wristband to the next runner on their team. You just keep going, through the day, through the night and then through the day again until everyone has run all their legs and you've finished the race! I was Runner #7 so my legs were classified as follows:
1st leg: Moderate, 4.3 miles
2nd leg: Very Hard, 8 miles
3rd leg: Moderate, 3.7 miles
I trained a lot for it-I had definitely never done a running thing like this before. I was expecting my first run to really be no problem. Unfortunately, it was at the highest elevation, which I definitely had not trained in and it was definitely hard! It got me way nervous for the rest of the race-especially the 8 mile leg I was going to be running that night! When all of our van had finished their first legs we went to the house of a brother of one of our teammates to try and sleep for a while before waking up and running our second legs in the middle of the night. I could not sleep for anything! All I could think was that I was going to go out in the cold, in the middle of the night (probably around 1 am) and run 8 miles along the Arizona highway-crazy! And then it occurred to me that I hadn't asked for a blessing before embarking on this whole crazy adventure-what was I thinking?! So...I wrestled with that thought for a while in my sleeping bag and then crawled out, went and found one of my friends and asked him for a blessing before my next leg. He gave me one and I am so glad. I didn't fall back asleep, the other van was running faster than expected and I think I ended up starting the 8 mile leg before 1 am. Lol, when you run at night they make you wear a reflective vest and reflective lights on your front and back side. I had also donned some pink leggings under my running shorts to try to be warmer-not planned, but definitely the fashion statement! I was ready, had my playlist on my ipod, pink leggings, family praying for me and a blessing to boot. I started out pretty slow and steady. I told my team to meet me at the halfway point which from the map looked like where the course would start downhill (the first 4 miles were uphill). I felt really good that first 4 miles and my team captain met me at the 4 mile mark to encourage me along. Unfortunately, that hill never stopped! It kept going the whole 8 miles! In the end, most people said they liked their night runs the best. I can now see why. Even though it seems crazy at the time, once you are out there, there really is a stillness and you realize it is just you and the road and the Lord. Its kind of a neat time and there was definitely a prayer in my heart the whole way!
After I finished my second leg and our 8th runner took off, they stopped all the other runners and vans on the highway because there had been an accident. Apparently, one of the runners was hit by a drunk driver. We have since learned that he died. So sad. There was pretty much massive confusion for a while. Imagine its 3 in the morning and you have hundreds of cars and runners along some highway in Arizona. Finally a little before 6 am they had all teams start their 1st van of runners on their final legs. So, a significant chunk of the race was skipped for 4 of the runners in our van but we worked it out so that they ran for some other teammates, etc.
My final leg was the shortest and I remember looking at the map seeing some hills, and one big hill before the last mile which was completely down hill. At this point I had not really slept in over 24 hours and most of the time I had been munching on food but had kind of stopped after the night run. That last hill was a beast! Seriously, I came over the big one before it and just gasped when I saw it. I saw some people start walking at the top of it. Again, I decided just slow and steady but I was NOT going to walk. It was tough but some of the boys on my team pulled their van over to cheer me up that hill and I am so grateful! I made it and it was so amazing to have accomplished that! 16 miles and an incredible team and absolutely awesome experience! Was it crazy? Yes! But would I do it again? Yes!!
Sorry, this is sooo long, its the first time I've written about it and got all excited again. Hopefully, it was entertaining. I'm including some pics so you can see how we all cheered each other along the way, etc. Oh, and link to the website...
http://www.ragnarrelay.com/index.php?option=com_dynamicpages&Itemid=35&page=legMaps&raceName=delsol&paceID=4&leg=7#legmaps

P.S. I wanna hear about Randilyn's triathlon!

P.S. 2 Thanks to all of you for your recent help! I love and really appreciate that I can still always count on all of you!

Christmas Plans

2009-12-02T12:32:00.001-08:00

Ladies-

I really hope to see you all more than once over Christmas break. I will be there for almost 3 weeks, so call me and let me know when you are available to hang out. Did you all see that Natalie's home on Monday, December 21. She is speaking in the La Mesa II Ward on Sunday, December 27 at 11:30 am. I will for sure go to that.

I love you all and can't wait to see you!

Happy Birthday Randilyn!

2009-11-02T12:48:00.001-08:00

Today is Randilyn's 25th birthday! Hooray! So, let her know what your favorite thing about her is and help her to feel special on her day.

Happy Birthday Kristen

2009-11-02T12:45:00.000-08:00

Ok, so this is a little late. But, I did not think of this idea until today, so we will do it anyways.

Since Kristen's birthday just passed, please make a comment about your favorite thing about Kristen, or a favorite memory.

We love you KRISTEN!!!

2009-10-06T21:00:00.000-07:00

Are you all proud? I wrote. And I posted a pic.

grad school begins...

2009-10-06T20:24:00.001-07:00

So, I sat down to do my homework...and that just didn't happen. Well, that's okay because now I can write about life which is so much more fulfilling anyway. So grad school is hard. Oh, and if you didn't know, I'm not in Kentucky. Yes, I managed to find myself back in Provo. AGAIN. I hope to one day get out. Actually sooner than later. But, BYU is a good place. I'm doing the MPP program. It's very time intensive and I have had many many second thoughts since starting. Alas, I continue to study and study, work, and run. Yes, I ran a marathon!! I was so proud that I did it. It meant a lot to me personally because I have felt so uncommitted lately, and this was something that I said I would do. And I did it. 26.2 miles later I had a hurt foot (which I found out later I pulled a major ligament during the first part of the race), swollen knees and ankles, aches and pains, and the priceless feeling of victory! It was great. Anyway, no more gloating. I realized life is great because I can do anything right now. It is quite liberating, although lonely at times. I am excited for Natalie's return. And for fall. Can I just say how much I love fall? I love fall. I love the seasons. and the leaves. and the colors. Summer is too warm, winter is too cold, but fall is perfect. That's all.

Conference Weekend!

2009-09-08T07:38:00.001-07:00

Hey girls! Ok, I know we've been emailing/chatting/etc about Conference weekend, but I was thinking it might be easier for us all to make plans through the blog~ Heidi emailed me back, Randi, and she says she's coming! Yay! Calista, can you make it? You're still in Provo, right? Tara, I wish you weren't so far away!! :) I know I'm a horrible friend to not already know this, but when does Natalue get off her mission? I'm thinking probably Saturday would be the best day to get together, right? Give me your thoughts ladies! :)

I'm excited to see you!!

I'm Alive!

2009-07-05T15:03:00.000-07:00

Hey Girls!
So...its been forever since I last blogged.
Kristen-congratulations!!! Nathan is a little cutie!
Tara-thanks for the random phone calls. It is always good to hear from you!
Randi-awwwww muchacha te extrano. Fue tan chevere poder verte aqui en Washington D.C.!
Calista-The tandem bike was a def SD highlight for me-hope you're living it up in our great home of La Mesa.
I am in Washington D.C. for the summer again. I am interning at the Institute of International Education (IIE) with their International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). I love it! We work with the State Department and embassies to organize programs for international leaders. They come for three weeks and are educated on different topics with the hope that they will take what they learned and implement it in their own countries.
I am living in Springfield, VA. I have great roommates-no worries all you guys still take the cake :).
Anyhow, after all the summer fun I will be back in Tucson in the fall to finish up the last year of my MPA program.
Here are some photos to give visual aid to my adventures the last little while (oh and the pic above is just cause I know Calista loves it so much, Randi, I wish we had gotten a picture together in D.C.!):

Calista's piano playing abilities continue strong. I got to stay with her while I visited Utah for a couple days during my spring break.

With my roommate, Joanna, at the Mesa temple after the Easter pageant. She has been a member less than a year and LOVED the pageant!

I got to help out with a "mini MTC" in my home ward. It was awesome-our ward's youth are amazing!

At a Refugee Job Fair with one of the clients I got to work with at the IRC where I interned during this last school year.

With Catie, another IIE intern, at the D.C. 4th of July parade! We got to carry the "feather flags" which were really quite tricky to handle but so worth it cause I got to be in the parade at the nation's capitol!

Also, just as a treat, you guys have to listen to this:
http://abrandnewyear.lds.org/index.html
Listen to the song, "Say Yes" I'm a little obsessed with it....:)
Love you all and hope you are all having an amazing summer!

Finally a Picture!

2009-06-07T17:07:00.000-07:00

Sorry it took me so long girls - here's a picture of Nathan!

Baby Nathan is Here!

2009-05-23T12:13:00.000-07:00

Little Nathan finally arrived May 14th at 6:20am. He was 5 days overdue, and after a 24 hour labor, we finally had him via c-section. He's 7lbs 2oz, and is absolutely perfect! I'll post some pictures soon!

Kentucky??

2009-05-10T21:15:00.000-07:00

Yea, so a bit random but I went to Kentucky this week after graduating. I guess my life has always been random though, and my family always just supports my crazy ambitions to be a spy. But really, this has been the hardest decision of my life up to this point! But, I think I'm really going to be brave and leave Provo. I say that, and yet who knows :) But really, I think I'm going to Lexington in the fall. I got into the Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce. I will probably do a major in intelligence, diplomacy, or development. Still deciding! Well, that's the latest.

Love you girls!

Sorry I don't write more often...

Natalie

2009-04-21T11:08:00.001-07:00

Since Natalie has not had the opportunity to post I figured I would post this cute picture of her. Hopefully, you all get her emails already. Don't forget to write her.

Sister Natalie Glenn
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
JAPAN Kobe Mission
4-6-28 Shinohara Honmachi, Nada-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo 657-0067
JAPAN

Kristen...tell us about your progress

2009-04-21T10:50:00.001-07:00

How are you feeling? When is your due date? Are you having any baby showers? Are you going to go natural or get an epidural? Have you taken any birthing classes? What about names? How about a picture of you!!! We want to hear all about it!!!

I'm going to Law School!

2009-04-07T10:20:00.000-07:00

So far I have only been accepted to Whittier Law School in Costa Mesa, CA, but it's looking like a really good option... They offered me almost a half scholarship and I have family in Costa Mesa. :) (Less debt=much better)

Check out my blog

2009-04-04T15:10:00.000-07:00

We are doing well. My parents will arrive in one hour and will spend a week with us. Dylan will be blessed next Sunday. He is already 7 weeks old and he is so adorable!! He has started cooing and smiling at us. I love my baby! Ethan is still great with him; he has not resented Dylan one bit except for the instance that I posted about on my blog.

I have started working out again, and can't wait to lose another 15 pounds to return to normal. However, with the amount of cookies I eat I better run a few miles a day in order to accomplish this goal. Once the weather is warmer the boys and I will get out biking and jogging with my new trailer/jogger. Kevin has been working out a ton and is finally getting rid of his post-marriage weight gain. His body could not handle the same amount of ice cream and cookies that my can without putting on weight (ooops)!

Kevin will spend the summer in New York without us, so if you have ever wanted to visit me in Michigan this is the summer to do it. We have an extra bed and an extra room. Feel free to stay all summer long. hehehe!

I love you and miss you all!

Blog Address: kevintarahenderson.blogspot.com

Thank you, Japan!

2009-04-03T09:21:00.000-07:00

I LOVE Spring in DC! It is finally starting to get warmer and right now is "peak bloom" season for all the cherry blossoms! There are approximately 3, 750 cherry trees just along the Tidal Basin in DC. (Japan gifted the United States some 3,000 cherry trees in the early 1900's as a symbol of friendship.) Yesterday, my boss let me leave early from work to go wander around! It was so gorgeous! Even though it was an overcast day, the pictures are still pretty.

This picture is not from yesterday, but I like these blossoms best :)

Can't wait to hear updates from the rest of you! Besos!

Happy Birthday Calista

2009-03-03T12:38:00.000-08:00

Oh, how our little girl has grown since that first birthday we spent together in 2003. What a celebration we had, eating fruit parfaits so as to maintain our challenge not to eat any sugar. Hopefully your celebratory dessert is much more satisfying this year!

I love you and miss you! Happy 25th Birthday!!!!

Dylan Scott has arrived!

2009-02-23T07:10:00.000-08:00

On February 11 at 5:15 am the little guy joined our family. He was 8 pounds 9 ounces and 21.5 inches long, quite a big baby compared to Ethan.

He is a sweet little guy. Ethan loves him and tries to share everything with him; even managing to share his cold already. Poor Dylan is congested and coughs a lot. But, he is still in good spirits and sleeps well at night.

where are your updates

2009-02-05T15:00:00.001-08:00

Kristen, Heidi, and even Calista (yours was not a true update)....where are those updates. I only have 1 week left until this baby should arrive, wish me good luck!

My first snow day EVER!

2009-01-28T11:25:00.000-08:00

Big snowstorms in places like Utah hardly faze anyone, but it turns out that DC is not equipped for this kind of weather... Thus, yesterday I experienced my first snow day! I left work at noon and didn't have to come in until 11am this morning :) I swear I didn't even see any snow plowers out doing their job before I went to work yesterday. (I metro to work, so luckily I didn't have to worry about the roads...)

Inaguration here in DC was crazy! But, it was really neat to be a part of it. My friend lives by the Pentagon, so I spent the night (Mon night) at her place and then we ran into DC for the inaguration festivities last Tuesday. Memorial Bridge was closed to everyone except pedestirans so that was pretty cool. We initially wanted to run all the way to the Capitol, but there were too many people and the detour would have probably added an additional 3 miles to our already long run. We chose to stay by the Washington Monument and watch the proceedings on the giant screens. It was super-cold and there was mucha gente--I think there were an estimated 2 million! Security was pretty high, but I am still grateful that there were no terrorist attacks on all of the civicly-minded people who wanted to go to the inaguration. I had ensured that I made everything right in my life before heading there just to be safe ;)

As far as other updates go, I am currently applying to law school for the fall. (I HATE writing my personal statement, ugh.) I am only applying to CA schools because I decided that if I'm going to put myself through the h*** (sorry) of law school, at least I'm going to be WARM! (Did I mention that this is the coldest winter of my life?!) What I end up doing this summer is largely dependent on where I get accepted... but I am for sure moving back to CA this summer! Work is still the same; I've finished reading my 8th book while working at this job... Everything else is going fine... oh, and I'm single again as well. I love you all and think about you often! Besos y abrazos!

I'm finally here!

2009-01-26T14:19:00.000-08:00

So I really don't know what I'm doing, but whatever...hopefully this works. anyway, I feel like this is the new way to keep in touch?? well, I am alive despite beliefs to the contrary among our friends, just busy that is all. I am graduating in April, and then life should be interesting because I don't know what I'll be doing, or where I will be. Anyway, that is my short piece for now. And yes, I am still single.

UPDATE TIME FOR EVERYONE!

2009-01-24T13:29:00.001-08:00

Ladies, I am eager to hear how all of you are doing. So I will be the first to give an update. I tell ya, you really become a parent when all day you talk about pee and poop and you clap and shout hooray when your child poops in the toilet. It is quite an exciting event, we even wave goodbye as the poop gets flushed down the toilet. I thought about posting a picture of that, but thought you would prefer if I didn't.

I am huge!!!! And even my maternity clothes are getting snug. I feel bad for Kevin because most days I stay in his pajama pants and an oversize Michigan T-shirt. I put jeans on the other day and we were joking about how I actually made an effort, pretty sad. He is a sweetheart about it though. We just laugh about pregnancy.

We have decided that Kevin will live in New York by himself this summer. It is cheaper and smarter for me to stay with the 2 boys here in Michigan. We will have more space, all of our baby gear, and not have to get used to a brand new city while I am still getting used to a brand new baby. So, please feel free to come and visit me anytime this summer. Michigan is a beautiful place in the spring, summer, and fall (just not the winter).

I am still the Laurel advisor, which is a lot of fun. Kevin just got called as Gospel Doctrine teacher and I love sitting in his lessons and listening to him teach and bear his testimony! Ethan LOVES nursery and cries when we come to pick him up (the opposite of every other kid).

For Christmas my parents got us a webcam, so if you ever want to have a video chat let me know. We talk to all of my siblings on Skype weekly now. It is a fun way for the cousins to remember each other. Ethan lasts about 2 minutes, but it is still fun! I also learned how to crochet in order to make Kevin a scarf for Christmas, and now I have made 3 total and am working on a 4th and 5th scarf. You know me, I like to stay busy. This way I can stay busy while Kevin and I watch a movie or a show at night. I feel productive but am relaxing at the same time. If you want a scarf, send me what colors and pattern and I can try it for you!

We went to California Pizza Kitchen for dinner last night night and I got a Miso Seafood Salad, it was amazing, my new favorite. If you ever go there, try it! The snow is so thick on the ground, but it has actually been sunny for a few days now, sunny but below freezing. Winter lasts forever here, so I won't be expecting anything warmer until April, and even then we still get snow occasionally until May or June even.

I still update my blog occasionally, kevintarahenderson.blogspot.com and that is probably the first place we will post news about the baby when he comes.

I think that is everything. I love you all and miss you so much!!! I am not joking about visiting me...I would love it!

Christmas Present!

2009-01-02T18:34:00.001-08:00

We found out on Christmas day... it's a BOY!!

Ultrasound!

2008-12-18T17:06:00.000-08:00

Hi Gals! We went to our 20 week ultrasound today. It was SO exciting to see our little baby! I just had to post a pic for you guys to see.

We had the Doctor write the baby's sex down on a piece of paper and we'll open it on Christmas day. I'll let you know when I find out! :)

My girls

2008-12-11T22:22:00.000-08:00

I've thought of a lot of different things I could put in reference to one of my memories of our times together. Recent events, however, have made me think that what I will always remember most fondly is simply our friendship. Just talking and listening and laughing and knowing that at least one of you was always there to welcome me home. I specifically remember Kristen on her bed at least three feet higher than mine cleaning her face and talking with me until the late hours of the night. I remember everyone ending up in our bedroom sitting on the beds and the floor, having homework and having no desire to do it.
I could go on-but yeah that is what I most cherish-the memory of some of the dearest friends ever. And thanks-thanks sooo much for your recent help-love ya all!

Good Times

2008-12-03T12:21:00.000-08:00

I have so many memories of those years - Our first grocery shopping trip to Walmart that took hours, impromtu dance parties, sleepovers, taking a 'family' picture the first and last Sunday of the semester, spying on boys from our many windows, singing the 'Beach Boys' at FHE, sneaking cookie dough from Heidi's cookie batches, downing cheesecake for breakfast...

Good times, good times...

I loved the Little Things

2008-11-19T12:11:00.000-08:00

i loved that we did so much together. We really were like a family. We had something so rare that it made college an entirely different experience. I loved having home cooked-meals every night.

I loved playing sports and working out together. What good sports your B-ballers were with my lack of skill.

I loved our random activities that we thought up which were looney and corney, but so much fun!

I love our attempts to create tradition and love in our apartment family.

i loved our obsession with dancing and how we found every excuse to go to a dance. Too bad we never really got any stellar dates or boyfriends out of it.

I just loved that we were a family and that we loved each other so much!!!

Ribbon Dancing-for Randilyn's post

2008-11-19T12:07:00.000-08:00

Mayday celebration?

2008-11-18T12:31:00.001-08:00

Ok, I know my incessant mandolin playing and all the folk music weren't always the funnest for y'all to put up with (you were such great sports), but I have the GREATEST memories of Beast coming out with scarves/sashes and doing ribbon dancing to my music! She got us all doing it--including Brad, Aldee, and Dan if I remember correctly... Hahaha! Makes me smile just thinking about it... (Wish I knew where the photos are that document this, but alas... I brought less than a third of my belongings with me here to DC...)

Memories!

2008-11-18T10:56:00.001-08:00

Hey Girls,

Let's all post one specific memory we have of when we were all at BYU together! :) Just whatever memory comes to your mind. I know I have a lot to choose from...

FYI

2008-11-09T17:12:00.000-08:00

Yay Prop 8 passed!! I am so glad that I went home the weekend before the election to help out. Our ward alone had 3,300 door hangers to distribute and many other things to help out with. On Sunday bishops and stake presidents were asked to say the closing prayer in sacrament meeting and "call down the powers of heaven" so that voters might vote to preserve the divine institution of marriage. It was amazing. I feel like I learned so much about faith, tolerance and enduring to the end. With all the turbulence that has occurred since the election and the passing of Prop 8 I am reminded of the principle of enduring to the end and how much there still is to do and how prepared we need to be to wholeheartedly help with whatever we may be asked to do.

I have thought this quote by Elder Maxwell over thirty years ago is so very applicable now.

"Make no mistake about it, brothers and sisters, in the months and years ahead, events are likely to require each member to decide whether or not he will follow the First Presidency. Members will find it more difficult to halt longer between two opinions. President Marion G. Romney said, many years ago, that he had 'never hesitated to follow the counsel of the Authorities of the Church even though it crossed my social, professional or political life.'

This is hard doctrine, but it is particularly vital doctrine in a society which is becoming more wicked. In short, brothers and sisters, not being ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ includes not being ashamed of the prophets of Jesus Christ. . . . Your discipleship may see the time when such religious convictions are discounted. . . . This new irreligious imperialism seeks to disallow certain opinions simply because those opinions grow out of religious convictions.

Resistance to abortion will be seen as primitive. Concern over the institution of the family will be viewed as untrendy and unenlightened.... Before the ultimate victory of the forces of righteousness, some skirmishes will be lost. Even in these, however, let us leave a record so that the choices are clear, letting others do as they will in the face of prophetic counsel. There will also be times, happily, when a minor defeat seems probable, but others will step forward, having been rallied to rightness by what we do. We will know the joy, on occasion, of having awakened a slumbering majority of the decent people of all races and creeds which was, till then, unconscious of itself. Jesus said that when the fig trees put forth their leaves, 'summer is nigh.' Thus warned that summer is upon us, let us not then complain of the heat." (Elder Neal A. Maxwell, BYU devotional address, Oct 10, 1978)

Okay, so here is the update of my vida:
I am enjoying the University of Arizona and the MPA program here. It is definitely stretching me but I am glad. I am also interning at the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in the employment office. The IRC resettles refugees and the employment office specifically helps them with employment opportunities. I have met so many extraordinary people from Iraq, Cuba, Nepal, Ethiopia, etc. It has been a great experience thus far. I am hoping to intern in DC again this summer with another organization focused on international needs.
I am dating Jay right now and he will be visiting AZ in about 2 weeks. Then just one more week and I will be back in San Diego for Thanksgiving with my family. Hope to continue to hear from all you soon!

Cuidanse muchachas!

Proposition 8

2008-11-03T21:14:00.000-08:00

Hi girls,

I was just remembering how everyone always used to refer to as "The California Apartment." I don't know who still may or may not be registered to vote in California but please remember CA voters in your prayers tomorrow so that they will vote to preserve traditional marriage.

I had the opportunity to go home this last weekend during the "blitz" before election day. There really is an intensity about this issue. I learned a lot about faith and I know that this is so important.

I am including some links just in case you haven't already seen them.

http://www.protectmarriage.com/

http://www.newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/commentary/same-sex-marriage-and-proposition-8

http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/news-releases-stories/church-readies-members-on-proposition-8 (Clips from the broadcast to members in CA by Elders Ballard, Bednar and Cook)

YES on 8!

My Turn

2008-10-22T12:11:00.000-07:00

Well, I guess I should take my turn in telling what I'm up to these days. As a catch-up: I interned in DC (love the Smithsonian!), lived in Palmyra NY for almost 2 years working at the Palmyra Inn, graduated from BYU, and married Joseph Hayes in the Rexburg Temple in June. As for now: I'm living in Rexburg, ID (yep, it's cold) while my hubby goes to BYUI. I'm working at a local company writing training manuals for their hotel software - it's nice to actually use my major! My 'typical' day pretty much is work, clean our apartment a bit, and try to find things to eat that won't make me want to throw-up (oh, I'm 12 weeks pregnant- did I mention that? :) That's pretty much my life for the moment. Turning the big '24' on Sunday - wow, kind of feeling a bit old... when I go to the gym and the machine asks for my age I automatically type in 21 and then feel ridiculous that I forgot how old I am!

Hello lovely ladies!

2008-10-22T06:00:00.000-07:00

Hola mis amores! I am so excited to be an official blogger now! This will be a fun way to keep up-to-date on each others lives. Since this is new to me, it might take me awhile to get the hang of it...

So here I am, living in Alexandria, VA. I never imagined that I would be an East-coaster, but I guess I had to follow the leads of Beast, Kristen, and Heidi and take my turn out here. Like you all know, it is definitely a change from the California lifestyle, but I like it :) Right now we are in the middle of tree-color-changing season and it is absolutely gorgeous! The man in my life right now, Danny, and I went to a state park on Sunday to enjoy being outside and away from busy city life. I LOVE that you can drive for 20 minutes and retreat to places like this. Ahhhhh.....

One of the first questions people always ask each other out here is, "So what do you do?" I always respond to this query with, "Just living life!" I really am enjoying it out here, and yes, I do have a job, but it is in no way glamorous and I definitely don't want to be defined by my job... I work in Arlington, VA (Crystal City) and am an "Executive Receptionist" at a commercial real estate office. My goal at work to try to make everyone who comes in smile :) It makes me feel like I am doing something good in the world. My job does afford me a lot of time to read, study (for the LSAT which I plan on taking again in Dec.), g-chat, blog... haha, you get the idea.

Well, I guess that is good enough by way of updates... I miss and love you all! Besos!

What a great idea!!!

2008-10-21T17:14:00.000-07:00

What a spectacular idea! I will love hearing what you all have to say. I guess Natalie's emails will have to suffice as her contributions for now. The Henderson Family has been sick all weekend. Kevin had a 5 day weekend, so of course he got sick. Isn't that what everyone does on vacation?

What are we up to. Here are some highlights of my normal mommy/wife life.

Everyday I wake up to Ethan's bedroom door creaking open. Then there is a pitter patter of little feet running down the hall and at last our bedroom door cracks open. Some mornings he gets in bed and cuddles for a bit, but most of the time he is ready for action. He brings cars or a book with him so that mommy can play right away (he has attempted to gain daddy's attention in the morning, but to no avail, which is why he always comes to my side of the bed). The time of his arrival varies between 6:30am and 8:00, even though he does to bed at 8pm every night.

Another big part of our life is of course the preparation of meals (you all know how much I love to eat). Ethan loves to help mommy in the kitchen and sometimes I convince him to cook in his pretend kitchen so that I can make dinner more quickly. But, most nights, we get out his step ladder and he pours, mixes, and stirs whatever he can get his hands on (not a good picture of me, but you get the idea). While he would love to use a knife, I have decided that would not be a wise action at this stage in his life. This weekend he made Chicken Pot Pie, carrot cake, cookies, and lots of pretend pancakes. We also watched Ratatouille, which is an adorable movie about a mouse who wants to be a chef ( I highly recommend it).

That is all for now. I cannot wait to hear from the rest of you!

TARA

Hi Gals!

2008-10-21T15:29:00.001-07:00

Hi Gals!

I find myself thinking of those good 'ol days back at BYU all the time. I have such great memories... dinner group, dances, movie nights... the list goes on. I miss you all so much! I'm always wondering what you're up to, etc. So I decided to make our very own 'Apartment 23' blog. Let's all keep in touch, and post what we're up to, so we can 'stay friends forever' :)