Chase and Caitlin

33 weeks

2011-09-04T19:40:00.000-07:00

Well, I am now 33 weeks- that means MAYBE 7 more weeks! Everything has been going well- she is still REALLY high, I worry she is TOO comfortable since my torso is so long, and she now has more space since Im starting to poke out more and more. She seems to like my ribs, but also stands on my bladder, as if she is just standing straight up- and last Doc appt he said she was doing JUST that. I cant believe I am now seeing the doctor on a bi-weekly basis, that just makes it so REAL!

I wont lie, I am getting REALLY nervous for the delivery. I know that it is supposed to be this AMAZING experience, but I am just terrified for it!

We are still trying to come up with a good spelling for the name, I am tossed between Madilynn, Madelynn, Madilyn, or Maddelyn. haha, Chase is happy with what ever, so it comes down to me coming up with it!

28 weeks

2011-07-28T18:40:00.000-07:00

Well, I am 28 weeks now, these are hard pictures to see, but you get the general idea!

The doctor said that she is tall, and the ultra sound tech. had to adjust her chair in order to move the wand all over my belly, she has a lot of room, so she is all stretched out in there! haha.

:D I am still craving donuts, cheese, and soda pop- but not as much as before!

It looks like so far she has my nose (poor thing) and Chases big lips (PERFECT!) good mix between the two of us, but you never know till she comes along, eh?

Only 3 months to go! (a bit less)

SUMMER

2011-07-03T20:31:00.000-07:00

Things I love about THIS summer so far:

*Getting things ready for the baby

*CLEANING LIKE CRAZY

*Having such a GREAT time with Chase (When we get it)

*Feeling the baby move

*Watermelon

*Car shows

*Carnivals

*All the city "days"

*The SUN!

*Taking the dogs to lakes and on hiking trails

*Taking myself to the lake :D

*Boats

*Watching Hadley (my niece) play in water

*Watching Marley (my standard poodle) bite and bark at the sprinklers

*The picture opportunities

*Fireworks

*Abbey (My lab) getting so scared at the fireworks that she basically ends up in my lap

*Getting a LITTLE color on my face.. :)

*Summer clothes

24 weeks

2011-06-29T22:00:00.000-07:00

I am now 24 weeks, and kind of starting to show.

The Doctor said that the baby is growing just right, he said that her bones are a little longer than the typical baby- which means that she is on her way to be tall- but we are both pretty tall, so that's expected! It looks like she has moms nose, poor thing.. haha, we are so excited, when we got home we watched the ultra sound DVD again and again :D

I have started painting the room, and my dear daddy is going to come help me with putting in the bead board! My amazing cousin is making the bedding, so that is a sigh of relief that I will have what I want! Things are coming together really nicely :D

Now if I could only get things completely organized in my house! Or better yet have the energy to DO that! haha

CUTE STUFF!

2011-06-09T14:49:00.000-07:00

ok, so I have been super sick all day, and left at home with my lap top.. and of course I go CRAZY looking for baby stuff- these are just a few things I have found:

Can you tell I LOVE my colors I chose?! lol!!

Colors!

2011-05-22T18:03:00.001-07:00

I was thinking about colors for the babies room, and these are what I was thinking:
Black and white would be the main colors, and then I would use the peacock blue, and purple accents--- the green is still pretty IFFY, but I really like them, what do you think!?!? Also if anyone knows where I can get stuff in these colors let me know, I want a boutiquee look for the room- not like butterfly stuff..

Its a GIRL

2011-05-22T17:45:00.000-07:00

We are so excited to have a little girl! She also has one already born girl cousin, and two other girl cousins on their way! We are a girl family!! Chase was sad a little that it wasn't a boy, but I think he has fallen head over heals in love with the idea of a sweet little girl! Bows tutus and all!!

I haven't posted many pictures, because Im not

showing much!! But I am now 18 weeks, and in a little over a week, I will be having the "big" ultra sound... what ever that means. Haha, this is all so exciting and new to both Chase and I, and its such a fun adventure feeling this little person rolling around in side me! Its even more fun that I am starting to feel her kicking on the outside! I keep grabbing Chases hand to feel it too, but he has yet to catch it! She rarely does it yet, but it is like clock work when she starts rolling around in there!!

Due Date

2011-04-03T17:03:00.000-07:00

9 weeks
11 Weeks

Thats right folks, I am pregnant! :D I am 11 weeks along, so only 6 months to go. Due October 20th! I was HOPING for a Halloween baby, because it is my favorite holiday, and because those birthday parties would be BOMB! But when we went into the doctor, at what I thought was 9 weeks- he told me I was ACTUALLY 11 weeks!! So.... surprise! :D

We weren't planning on this right now (we wanted to wait a good 6 months longer) but we are very excited, and ready for it!

I will find out next visit what I am having, we are hoping for a boy!! Wish us luck!! :D

The Mexican Riviera

2011-03-09T10:32:00.000-08:00

Chase is officially hooked on cruising, the moment we got off the boat he was calling everyone he knew to talk about it, and make plans for the next cruise! If you have never been on one, I would HIGHLY recommend going! Its cheap enough, and you can get in some GREAT couple time, (or single time if thats what you need :)

We had two different stops (was originally three, but they decided going to Mazatlan would be a bad idea what with the drugs, and violence going on there right now....) Cabo San Lucas, and Puerto Vaillarta, we got to stay two days in Cabo, so it was REALLY for the better that we only had the two ports! :)

In Cabo we did some shopping on the first day, and some exploring around the little town, and then the next day we went snorkling, we saw SO many fish! It was crazy the selection and how BIG they are- we also saw some Jelly fish, and crabs, very cool! Then in Puerto Vaillarta we went on the Extreme zip line adventure (or something). First we got on a small raft boat (that goes like 40 MPH in the middle of the ocean) and they took us to this secluded beach, and then we got in these cars (they are CRAZY drivers) and went up the mountain, THEN got on Mules to take us to the first zip line! They had 9 lines all together, including a couple repels, one down a waterfall! And one was a free fall repel! I have never done that before (the free fall) and it was SO scary, but SO FUN!!!

The rest of the time, we did lots of lounging around, eating the AWESOME food, getting some sun, and playing some ping pong, and dice games :)

It was a BLAST! I am so glad we got to go before Chase heads back to school, and our lives get too busy to do that stuff!!

A year ago....

2011-01-29T16:12:00.000-08:00

2010 was one crazy year!!!

I cant believe how much can change, or happen in a year! It seems like after high school is over that time FLIES! I cant believe that this year will be year 5 since high school!!

::Well, I will try to give the readers digest version what what changes happened, or what we did this year::
*First and foremost Chase came home from Iraq in March- and I was alive again!

*Chase got me a nice DSLR camera, and I have taken off with it! Go take a look at what I have done at photosbycait.blogspot.com I I have REALLY enjoyed doing this, and cant wait till I can get even more experience, I have noticed that I don't have to take quite so many pictures now that I am more experienced. I have a passion for it that I didn't even know I had.

*We went on vacations in early summer- starting with a trip to Blanding, and Lake Powell, up to Preston a few times, to Rigby ID, Missouri, and did a few runs to Park City, and Logan.

*We now have a new family member, her name is Kitty Meow. She is a sweet heart!

*As of this year, I have been working with my Doctor for 2 years, and I just LOVE it, couldn't ask for a better boss, and office manager! I have never had a job in which I wake up and am excited to go to school- a job in which I cant think of leaving ever!

* This year with my family, a few changes- Justin got married to Miss Alaine, she is a doll, and is now pregnant! (Im hoping for a boy!) and Amanda had the first niece/grand daughter, Hadley, she is SUCH a sweet heart, I can even believe how in love I am with her. Amanda is also pregnant with baby girl number two!

* In Chases family, only a couple changes, Coltin got engaged to his girlfriend- Megan, and they are due to get married this May! I am doing their wedding pictures! I am so glad to do them! :D

* I have had a few friends have babies or get pregnant- Megan- my best friend of like 12 years, had her first baby boy November 16th! And my best friend Dani got pregnant with baby number two! Its a little girl- due in April! My friend Becky is adopting- due February 15th! Lindsey and Jacki had their boys this year as well! There are so many, I hope I am not missing any.

*Unfortunately, the year hasn't been stress free- Chase started school this year at Steven Henegars- he will get his nursing degree about a year and a half sooner (than if he were to get into it this year at Weber, and THAT is just another story all together...!) with his nursing degree.

* I have also learned that some people in life are better off left alone, than fighting. Because they have a negative effect on my life for the most part, I learn that more and more every day, with, oddly, a lot of people I run across. but I have had a fall out or two with some friends that would bring me down and cause problems, rather than reach out with love, and support. And even some family members I have distanced myself from for some reasons.. Its been a tough year for sure, but I have also revived some old friend ships, or continued on those that matter, and have the same idea about relationships that I do. :)

All around it has been a GREAT year full of lots of obsticles, as well as joy!! I love my life, I wouldn't change even the bad stuff, because I know all it does is make me stronger!!

Christmas Time 2010

2010-12-11T21:31:00.000-08:00

I am just so excited for Christmas this year- Chase wasn't here last year, so it will be GREAT to spend it with him this year!! We have a tradition (or we are trying to make one, since it has only been three years..) to go back to The Roof, and temple square every year on the 22nd of December to celebrate our engagement (we like to celebrate things.. lol) so I am very excited for that! And I am SO excited to just wake up Christmas Morning with Chase and be able to open presents together :) Christmas used to be my least favorite Holiday- for various reasons, but ever since Chase and I started dating (the day after Christmas, 4 years ago) It has been something I look foreward to, mostly for the romance, and love, and what we celebrate!

We have already had one Christmas party with Jeri (my step moms) family! Here are some pics from it! I did them, and Santa is Cameron Burch- my good friend :D

I think this Holiday season is great so far, and I am excited for the next three weeks!!

Some people!

2010-10-09T17:20:00.001-07:00

Some people just drive me nuts! I just have to complain for a minute because its those people that give me these darn migranes!! I could never have a job in which I have to deal with these people on a constant basis! (Which is why I am trying to not do many weddings in photography! Bridezilla is the LAST thing I need) I could never work as a hair dresser, or a nurse who injects botox! I am SO glad I work for a guy who refuses to do anything cosmetic!! I had a hard time working at a restaurant where people would send their order back if it wasn't perfect. its like give me a break, who cares if your bread isn't perfectly toasted the way you like it- if you want something to be how you want it, then go make it yourself! Some people can just never be pleased.. its sad. And makes other peoples lives pretty hard.

Any way, I just had a rough day today and had to vent!

Thoughts

2010-10-07T19:43:00.000-07:00

My best friend called me tonight, first time we have TALKED in a few weeks, or more. And It just made my day! We text all the time, but we never get a chance to talk- see, she lives in AZ, so we dont see much of eachother, so its nice to have that time with her! I miss her like crazy!!

I have been thinking a lot about people in my life the last few weeks, as I get older, I start to lose relationships and gain others, I think that is what life is, is love, loss, and change, right? I have however made it a point to keep certain people in my life.. such as family. I have made it a point to text my family as often as I think about it and say something as simple as "I love you" or "how are you?" I may not always get a reply, but at least I am saying it.. maybe some day one of them will say to themselves 'no one is there for me', and hopefully they will remember me.

Then there are people who just bring me down, and make me feel bad about myself, and drag me down.. making me feel like I am not going any where in life, or make everything into a competition.. those are the people I try to butt out of it..

my birthday was this last tuesday, Chase was so thoughtful! He got me a AMAZING flash for my camera!! Its a wireless one, so I can put it ON my camera, or use it behind the person, up to 300 feet! So its really nice!! I cant wait to have my next shoot, so I can use it and go crazy!! :)

My photography is coming along! I have been taking a class every saturday for it, and I have been pretty busy with it ( for working full time, thats a big deal.. lol!)

I still LOVE my full time job, the Doctor I work for is AMAZING, and so are the girls. I just love going to work! I look foreward to it!!! Every day I learn something new, whether it is from Dr. Smith, who knows more fact and history than ANYONE I have ever known, or if it is from Jenny and Carrie-- who know more about entertainment than ANYONE I know. lol, I love my job, and hope to keep it for a few years!

Chase is doing GREAT at school, he has been getting A's the entire time, and some times A+, his teachers always love him, and he is usually miles ahead of everyone in there- doesn't suprise me! My bestie called him a genious today, and I would have to agree with her, he is very smart, and always suprises me with his genious!

Last week, we went to a Blue October concert, and a Demolition derby, so it was a GREAT week, and this week was my birthday, so it was GREAT too :)

Well, that is all! Its tubby time! :)

Caitlin

NEW PHOTO NAME!

2010-09-20T19:53:00.000-07:00

Hey all, I have changed my photography name, I needed something that was a little more me! its now photosbycait.blogspot.com. Go look at it, like it, and LOVE it! :) thanks!

Work, school... play?

2010-09-18T21:14:00.000-07:00

Well, there isn't much new going on with us, mostly just work work work, and Chase has school, and work, and army. I have been getting more into my photography, had a wedding, bridals, family pictures, and some pregnant pictures! I have loved it!

Chase is doing well with school, at Steven Henegars they do modules, so right now he is learning pharmacology, and communications! He has like a 97% grade average. I am so proud of him, he is so very smart! And in the midst of all of that, we have been spending as much time as we have extra together- including kaiyaking, a trip to Wendover, Idaho, etc. We embrace every part of our time together!

Summer

2010-08-29T08:00:00.000-07:00

My mom and I at Chases 22nd birthday party :D

Playin some Volleyball!

My Grandpa trying to teach us how to ski.. lol!!!!!! 'GET UP'

Chase cliff diving-- even from this far away you can see his MuSCLES!! SEXY :)

Justins Butt crack- river rafting :)

The boys playing Croquet.. it was QUITE the game

Justin and Allaine! :) YEY!

My photography

Jadyn with Hadley!! SO SWEET!

At the FAMOUS PRESTON NIGHT RODEO!

It has been a long time since I last updated my blog! I almost gave up on it! ha ha, It has been a great Summer.. I couldn't ask for more time to build up our relationship again.. we have been having a great summer

-Lake Powel was AWESOME! We have such a great time learning to water ski, and cliff jumping! We had a great group- my dad and Jeri, my grandpa (who is 80 and still water skiing!) my brothers Jadyn, and Jerem, and Shy!

- River rafting- We went rafting with my family as well! It was SUCH a blast!!! We went down the Green river (I think), my dad is the BOMB at river rafting!

-Chase and I went on a few little trips, up to Logan/Preston, we also went to the anniversary Inn when he first got home!

-We only got to go to a couple demolition derbies this year, as well as only a couple rodeos :( but I loved them!! Next year I will make it a point to make it to more!

-Justin and Allaine got married this summer! That was a highlight, because we got to welcome another DOLL into the family! I just love her! She reminds me of myself a little bit! ha ha, good choice to Justin :)

-We spent a lot of time with friends and family this summer! We did anything from playing volleyball/ ultimate frisbee to camping out and going to bear lake and a car show!! It has been a good summer for that! :)

-We went to the zoo a couple times, and we also went to the bird refuge in Salt Lake, and a bunch of concerts!

We had an action packed summer! And I wouldn't have it any other way! Im so lucky to have such an active husband, who is soooooo willing to work his butt off for us!

Now he is going to start school on Monday, and be working full time and going to school. I still have the job with the dermatologist! and I LOVE IT!! I am so blessed to work with such great people, and great patients as well!! :) my part time jobs include photography (retrospectphotographybycaitlin.blogspot.com) and maintaining this house! Its hard to do! I am almost ready to go in reverse and just rent a condo with out a yard! ha haha! Just kidding! I love it! And I am so blessed to have all that I have!

Photography

2010-05-22T13:50:00.000-07:00

Well, we have been having a blast with the camera!! I cant wait to start doing it professionally!!

The Summer Going Ons

2010-05-22T09:07:00.000-07:00

Well, this summer it looks like we are going to have a crazy one. Not one filled with TOO many vacations- like I hope I do every summer, but one filled with hit and miss vacations and holidays like:

car shows, the demolition derbys (starting TONIGHT!),

the AMAZING 4th of July (our favorite),

Coming up soon we are going to the AWESOME Lake Powel with some of my family, along with Moab- doing some boating, and some rafting! Hopefully we are going to make it to Arches National Park too! :D I need a vacation, and I cant wait to get away- especially since Chase has never been to the Moab/ Lake powel area! :D

We have a wedding- of my brother and his adorable fiance Allaine to go to in a couple weeks, and my sister and her husband are getting sealed in the temple. Later on this summer we may also be going to Yellowstone with some friends, just before school starts up again in August.

Chase is Taking some classes this Summer as well- not to mention he has been working over time at the job he has so that we can get our savings way up. He wont be starting the nursing program this year, but we are very hopeful he will get into one next year, with him being deployed last year, we had to put some dreams on hold for a while.

There will not be any kids coming any time soon- for those of you who are pressuring us to have them lol. We want Chase to be done with most of school so that I can stay at home for the most part.

more new pictures

2010-04-28T21:02:00.000-07:00

..................................I LOVE MY NEW CAMERA!

New Camera

2010-04-19T14:38:00.000-07:00

Chase, being the amazingly sweet, and thoughtful guy he is, got me a new camera! I have been looking into starting photography, but never have had a good camera to do so! He surprised me with it for our anniversary (one month early- so I can capture our trip to Las Vegas- for our anniversary, and anything else that comes up before then) He told me to not worry about getting him anything, because the excitement I have is enough of a present to him. Is that SWEET or WHAT?!

Any way, we have already had a BLAST with the picture taking! I am so excited to start taking classes and practice on any one and everything!! Chase is having a blast with it too, we took a drive yesterday and took lots of pictures together of nature, and of each other. It was loads of fun, and good down time together!

I love Chase for his thoughtfulness in all he does, he always tries so hard to keep the house clean when I have been working all day, instead of getting me flowers that will die, he drives around from store to store trying to find me something that I can wear to a play I was going to that night. I am so lucky to have such a special man, whom loves me very much, and who I am HEAD over heals for. I know most of my posts are about him, thats simply because I cant get enough of him! He is my love and my life.

So tired..

2010-04-08T11:16:00.000-07:00

There have been a lot of changes in my life in the past year, I would say its mainly because I am "stickin' to my guns" I am just so tired people sending me negative vibes, and saying negative things, just negativity. And im not talking about saying or doing something once or twice. I mean over and over again! so many people selfishly think only about them selves, and their feelings, and making sure that they put others down, to bring themselves up. Im just so sick of it all. So I have finally been standing up for myself. To everyone, even those closest to me, because I should be treated with respect, especially from these people, people who have been closest to me, in fact! (I am not talking about Chase, AT ALL!)

There has been times in which these people needed me, and I put everything I could aside for them, and gave them my time, my attention, and love. And then when I needed them they weren't there for me, or they are there when they dont have plans. Or the people who say awful, terrible things, just to build themselves up. Or the people who bring drama into my life, when its really not needed, and causes things to be much more than they really are. So I decided I am changing it. I am not going to put forth effort into those who just add negativity to my life.

I had a "friend" who posted some REALLY negative things about me on her blog, saying that I was saying things that really all I ever did was be a friend. I would share on happiness going on in my life, yet she took it as me "bragging", which is odd, I assume that maybe she hasn't had many friends in her life to know what "being a friend" is. So I think it is a good thing I have cut ties with her. Because I feel like being a good friend consists of ALL positivity. I have a couple good friends, my best being Chase, and Dani, and I would never act that way with them, nor would they act that way with me. I feel like as a friend I have a lot to offer, and I am a good one at that, and being the friend I am, I would expect the same curtesy back.... right?

Chase is home!!!

2010-03-29T12:25:00.000-07:00

Well, I have learned a lot about myself and about my marriage with Chase the last year! And now he is back and we can actually start/ and continue our lives together. He says that it all just seems like a dream to him, and some times it is the same for me, although, sometimes I think that I am going home to a lonely house, and then I realize that its not lonely at all, because I have Chase to come home to. I can not tell you the relief I have knowing he is safe on Americas soil. And I hope it stays that way (safe).

He is now looking for a good job, he often feels he is over qualified for a CNA, because he also has his EMT, and the ARMY has qualified him in some things that not even a paramedic or nurse can do. So he is pretty bored doing that any more. He did get into the nursing program this year, so we are really excited about that, and that he can get on with his life. We are just hoping he doesn't get deployed again. Any way, thats the update!

VALENTINES DAY

2010-02-14T11:02:00.000-08:00

Well, its Valentines day, and I am once again alone ha ha. BUT the good thing is that I wont have to miss any more Holidays with out my husband. This is just one more day to me, I have been focusing on the positive today, and how lucky I am to have the love I have for my husband, and the love he has for me. We are blessed as a couple, and as best friends to have each other. This is actually our 4th Valentines day as a couple- but we have only spent one of those 4 actually together! So its been rough, hopefully this is one of the last years we will have to miss holidays together!! I love my husband very much, and I know he knows that. But I wanted to tell all of my family and friends that as well. :) Happy Valentines Day every one.

trail of thoughts

2010-01-31T21:55:00.000-08:00

This is my niece Hadley (first niece/nephew I have) born January 30, 2010

My Trail of Thoughts.

Marley... Abbey... bedtime.... tubby... love.... my mom..... my family... Hadley....Chase... baby.... love.. family....Gail and John....my mother in law..... Chase... food.... sex... love... war.... computers... April... March... work... Jenny...Dr. Smith... Carrie.... baby... journals.... the bachelor.... working out...music.... Katy Perry... brand new concert... Shy... Alaine.. Justin... birthdays... anniversaries.. May 15th.. Chase.. flowers.. rings.. strong... weak.. alone... family.. friends...Cameron... Ryan... Dani, Dani, Dani... Arizona... cell phone.... vacations.... Kaiya... Corey.... new house... LOVE

Just a little bit of what is on my mind right now. If any one ever wonders what goes on in a womans brain, here ya go.

I learned this in my creative writing class.. it helps to get it all out there, also to be able to look back and read what was on your mind is always interesting.

I got this idea from my friend Ally, with every post to put three things I am grateful for. so I am going to try to start that

I will have more posts coming as soon as I get some pictures and such! (I hope)

1. Chase, because he is so amazing to me in every way shape and form.
2. Hadley, my new niece, I have yet to meet her, but I already love her!
3. Bath tubs and music. with out them, I would probably die of anxiety, and stress.

I Carry Your Heart With Me

2010-01-18T21:12:00.000-08:00

I CARRY YOUR HEART WITH ME

I carry your heart with me(i carry it in
my heart)i am never without it(anywhere
i go you go,my dear; and whatever is done
by only me is your doing,my darling)
i fear
no fate(for you are my fate,my sweet)i want
no world(for beautiful you are my world,my true)
and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you

here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;which grows
higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart)

E. E. Cummings

This is one of my very favorite poems.

All the right pieces in the right places

2010-01-18T20:59:00.000-08:00

Chase is coming home early! about 2 months early!! :) He should be back the beginning of March! Which is GREAT news for his lonely, worried wife!!! I just am so very grateful for all that we have, as a couple, we are so strong! I know I talk a lot about him on here, but it just blows me away how very lucky we are to have each other.
Chase has been wanting to get into the nursing program for years, he has applied a few times, and we were worried that he wouldn't get in this year, but that we would have to wait another year or two for this to even happen. But he is actually planning on joining the ROTC (its still not FOR SURE yet) and the nursing program has spots for available for the ROTC, and so if he does that, he will get in this year, and with in two years he will be a registered nurse. AND so just to satisfy any ones question about kids for us... we plan on waiting till he is a nurse to have them, because I want to be able to stay at home, and even with my sister having her baby any day now, and so many other people around me getting pregnant, and having kids, I want to wait.
Any way, it looks like things are just falling into place to beautifully. I cant believe how lucky we are to have what we have. The sacrifice of all of this seems to pay off WAY faster than ever expected.

New Years Resolutions

2010-01-03T21:11:00.000-08:00

I have always thought it was kinda cheesy to make new years resolutions.. if you want change, why not start when you want it? Why does one feel that in the New Year, it is a clean/new slate? It doesn't make any sense to me, so I am not going to "make a new years resolution" I am going to stick with and renew what I am trying to do right now, and perhaps new realizations on how I can better myself will come in the new year of 2010.

1. I want to continue working out and changing my diet.
I want to be able to keep up with Chase when he
gets home,on our many adventures we have
with hiking and being out doors.

2. I want to continue focusing on bettering my attitude (because attitude always
determines your altitude in life) and again, I want to be able to keep up with Chase, because if you know him, you will know he is one of the happiest, most optimistic people there is.

3. I want to continue putting more time aside for my family.
I have been doing so this year, but I want to continue
it when Chase comes home.

4. I want to always have and push for motivation at work,
and always thank Heavenly Father for my blessings in
having such an amazing family at work
Because thats what they are to me.. a family. :)

5. I want to continue falling deeper and deeper
in love with my husband, because he is SO
amazing to me, and for me. My dad once said
"Its like you two are made for each other" and
Its SUCH a huge thing for my dad to say.
And it has stuck with me ever since.

6. I want to continue being a good friend,
and try to set myself away from the drama.

7. I want to drop the poisons in my
life such as people and thoughts that
keep me down,because you can't
fly with oil in your wings..

8. I ALWAYS want to notice the smell after the rain, the rainbow after the storm, the flowers after the snow, as well as my beauty and worth.

9. I want to continue getting nearer to my Heavenly Father, by reading the scriptures, praying, and attending the temple. As well as going to church weekly.

I know its quite a list, but this is what I have been working on all year long, and plan to continue working on as I move forward with this life.

ALL IS SECURE

2009-12-13T17:13:00.000-08:00

Twas the night Before Christmas,
He lived all alone, in a one-bedroom
house made with plaster and stone.
I had come down the chimney with
presents to give, and to see just in this home
did live.

I looked all about; a strange sight I did see.
No tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.
No stocking by the mantle, just boots filled
with sand. On the wall hung pictures of far,
distant lands.

With medals and badges, awards of all kinds,
A sober thought came through my mind, for
this house was different, it was dark and dreary;
I found the home of a soldier, once I could see clearly.

the soldier lat sleeping, silent, alone, curled up on the floor
in this one bedroom home. The face was so gentle, the
in such disorder, not how I pictured a United States Soldier.

Was this the hero of whome I'd just read? Curled up on
a poncho, the floor for a bed? I realized that families
whom I saw this night owed their lives to these
soldiers who were willing to fight.

soon round the world, the children would play, and
grownups would celebrate a bright Christmas
day. They all enjoyed freedom each month of
the year, because of the soldiers,
like the one lying here.

I couldn't help but wonder how many lay
alone, on a cold Christmas Ever, in a land
far from home. The very thought brought
a tear to my eye; I dropped to my knees
and started to cry.

The soldeir awakened and I heard a rough
voice, "Santa, dont cry, this life is my choice,
I fight for freedom, I dont ask for more,
My life is my God, My country, my Corps."

The Soldier rolled over and drifted to sleep;
I couldn't control it, I continued to weep. I
kept watch for hours, so silent, and still,
and we both shivered for the cold nights chill.

I didn't want to leave on that cold, dark night.
This guardian of honor so willing to fight.
Then the soldier rolled over, and, with a voice soft
and pure, whispered "Carry on Santa, All is secure.

AMAZING experience

2009-12-13T16:45:00.000-08:00

This is an email I got from Chase about a month ago, please take it in to your hearts and homes, read it to your kids, and your families, so you know just how lucky we all really are.

Well, i just had the most awesome experience in my military career, and one of the best in my entire life!
Yesterday, a medic was requested to leave the base to go and treat two local civilians in a nerby village. I guess i was in the right place at the right time, but i quickly volunteered. I was told they they both had cysts that needed to be removed, so i grabbed all of the equipment that i thought i might need and threw it in my aidbag. I have seen cysts removed a few times, and had assisted on a couple, but i had never done it solo...
I jumped in a humvee with two other soldiers who are both fresh out of basic training and AIT. They were there for my security, and had gone to this village a few times before. So the three of us started driving out through the middle of the desert toward rising black smoke. When we got there, i realized it wasnt even a village. It was a group of people, maybe 3 families, whose job it is to burn our garbage. They have a couple of tents pitched near the burn pit. I'm not sure if they live there, or if they drive to some other actual village nearby, but they all looked dirty and had terrrible hygiene...
As soon as i got out of my truck, they all swarmed in around me. This is my first encounter with Iraqi's outside of the base, so i didnt know how to react, but i know that i dont like 20 people rushing me. I grabbed my rifle and told them all to back up. they dont understand english, but they do understand body language, especially when im the one holding the rifle. These people really reminded me of unfed dogs at the pound or something, as sad as that is...The other two soldiers jumped on the hood of the humvee for a better view and to keep things under control. You never know what can happen, and you can never be too safe...
So i asked for the first person that needed help, using hand gestures mostly. My heart dropped when they brought me a 7 year old boy. His clothes were far too small for him and his shoes were falling apart. He showed me the cyst that was on the back of his thigh. With his dad holding his hand the whole time, i just put him over my knee, and performed "surgery" right there. I was able to cut most of it out and bandage it, but now I am very concerned about infection because of their living conditions. After i finished, I looked at the boy and pointed to him and told him he was brave as i pounded my chest and made manly sounds. I think he understood, cuz he pounded his chest with me. And then, my life changed forever. I watched to little boy walk down into the burn pit, and he started to dig through the garbage. He found a rotten banana, peeled it, and ate it right there. And then he gave me a thumbs up and said "Zien" which means "good". I just about cried. I wished more than anything that there was a way that i could provide for him the basic necesities, but that's not a possibility. I motioned for him to come back over. I reached in my pocket, remembering that i had two granola bars that i took from the DFAC earlier. I gave one to him and one to another young boy. They took them like i had just given them a brand new Xbox360 or a Wii. I only wish i had more to give. Then the little boy made a hand gesture that looked like taking a picture. Luckily, i carry my camera everywhere, so i took a couple of him and me. His name is Ali.
I treated the other man, whose cyst was much worse. He was very thankful also, they all were. While talking to Caitlin about it, she said that when she and the doctor cut out cysts that they are very sterile about it, and have to wear full gowns and wash them immediately after. I'll never forget the day that i treated people on the hood of my humvee next to a burn pit.
I gave them a case of waterbottles that i had in the humvee. I plan on going out everyday for the next 2 weeks to rebandage and repack the wounds. We have hundreds of travel size toothpaste and toothbrushes, so im gonna give them to them and teach them how to brush.
This opportunity came at the perfect time of year. I just want to say that i am so very grateful for everything i have, and i sincerely mean that. I am grateful that i know i will always have 3 meals a day and a warm place to sleep at night. I am grateful for our modernized way of life, and that healthcare is easily accessible. We are so blessed to have the lives that we have, and we take it forgranted. Please keep in your hearts and minds this Thanksgiving those that are less fortunate than us. Please do what you can to reach out and be charitable, because i saw how the smallest things go such a long way.
I won't be sitting around the dinner table this thanksgiving, but you are welcome to read this to your family and friends for me.
I love you all,
Chase

Ali

This is a video of the locals running towards the garbage to dig through it before it has to be burned... they have about 30 minutes to dig through it.

performing surgery on top of the Humvee

After the cyst was numbed, before he cut into it.

Tis The Season...

2009-11-08T20:44:00.000-08:00

I was at dinner with my wonderful family tonight, and we went around in a circle telling everyone what we are grateful for, and I was able to get out that I am grateful for my family, my friends and my spirituality. But I wanted so much to say more, there was so much going through my mind, and too little time to explain, and go into depth.

I just recently found out that one of my very best friends is in a coma in Brazil (on his mission) he has whats called viral encephalitis.Its a virus that is in the brain. They had to put him in to a drug induced coma, so that his body could work on just fighting off the virus. He was on a heart moniter, a breathing tube, medication, food through his veins, etc. and I lost it, I was a huge worry wart. Brandt and I go way back, we were there for one another through thick and thin, he understands my history and I understand his. And to think of him not breathing on his own rips my heart up. So, I lost it, I cried, and didn't know what else to do. And then suddenly I realized that I needed some extra help, because I couldn't handle everything. So, i hit my knees (I have the bruises to prove it) and I prayed. I prayed for Brandt, I prayed that he would be okay, and then I prayed for myself, to be comforted about everything. And I said Amen, got up from the floor, and my phone was ringing. It was Chase calling. I told him all that was going on, he talked me through it, and with in about 15 minutes he had me laughing and looking at the bright side of everything. I wish I could express the feelings I have inside of me.

So much more to be thankful for. here is my list:
1. Chase, for always making me smile. we were made for each other.
2. My family ( my daddy, my mom, Jeri, Megan, Justin, Amanda, Strat, Shy, Coltin, Chad, Jadyn, Jerem) for always making me smile. even when I want to give in to the tears.
3. My friends (Brandt, Ryan, Dani, Cameron, Ally, Hollie, Dan, Chase-Brandts brother, Megan, and any one else who has been there for me whom I didn't list, because I love each and every one of you) My friends have been so amazing to me, so many have asked me what they can do to help me. some try to take my mind off of everything. and some are just there for me to cry to. and to hold me together, untill I can myself.
4. Music. it has been my VERY best friend in my time of trial.
5. The beautiful earth

I could go on forever. But these are all very important to me. I wanted to tell people that.
And to Thank my wonderful husband.. that he can understand me so much, to be able to listen to be cry and cry about another guy, and to be able to talk to me about it, and, in a sense, hold me through it, and understand me, and know how much I am hurting, and to be able to make me smile. its an amazing quality, one of MANY that I fell in love with. I love you Chase. I know you know that.

Poems, sayings, and happenings

2009-10-24T22:35:00.000-07:00

So, I just wanted to write a few things that make it that much more cool that Chase and I are together, and so very happy :)
First: I found a poem I wrote about him in Junior year when I first met him:

CHASE

Every time he comes around

My heart skips a beat,

and my pulse begins to pound

my palms get damp

and my feet are bound

What is this I have found?

Love, lust, infatuation...?

Is that my heart beat

making that sound?

Second: A funny story

I was at the store today, waiting in line to check out, and on this rack there was some christmas tree ornament globes with names on them and so I thought what the heck, why not see if they have "Chase" so maybe I could send one in a care package. I started looking and got to the " Chase" rack. And I bent over to look at it, and there in its place was a "Caitlin" Globe, spelled the right way and all-- (I NEVER find stuff with my name written on it, in the correct spelling, it used to irritate me as a kid when I wanted them for a key chain), I thought that was a very cool thing, and plan to brag to Chase about it when he calls next.. hopefully it will be soon.

Third:Our bed time saying

Chase and I have a saying at night, when we are able to talk to each other, we say "Dream of me" Well, Chase is learning more spanish while he is over there. and in spanish, its "Sueno Conmigo" which translates to "Dream WITH me" I thought that was really neat. :)

I just thought those were neat things that happened. and wanted to share them with you :)

Life at a stand still

2009-10-24T22:03:00.001-07:00

Its been 6 months since Chase left for training.. all in all I have seen him for maybe 4 weeks in that time, 2 days here, 4 there.. and for him it is an adventure, something new and exciting. something he was both anxious and scared for. Something that he has been traing for for the last 2 years. Something we knew that he would most likely have to do when he signed up. We were prepared. We spent time together as much as we could, we have loved each other like no one else I know. Because we just got married a year and a half ago, and he was already leaving for a year... its nothing you want as newly weds. Its nothing that you can REALLY prepare for.

For me it is scary, lonely, sad, I feel so pathetic at times. I feel so lost, and I feel like all of my life is at a stand still.. because I can not move forward with out my other half... I know that I am always posting happy posts. and that is usually how I feel, or try to feel. And I thank you all who are there for me.. this is how a select few see me more often than not, (or hear me over the phone) (IE. Dani) I try to be strong for him, that is my job as the wife of a soldier. To be strong and to fight through. I have seen the movie 300, and his wife is SO STRONG, and so supportive. She is the ideal wife for a soldier. Of course, that is jut dramatized, I dont know a woman today who is really that strong.. who doesn't cry for her soldier at times. But I have to be strong, there is not another option.

Any way, I just wanted to write my feelings, because at times it feels like they may burst. Im excited for the day that we dont have to be at a stand still.. a time that we can push forward, and get on with our lives.. does this ever happen.. or does it all just happen. wanted or not...?

Fairy tale prince charming

2009-09-19T22:41:00.001-07:00

I was talking to my friend Ally today, we were talking about the movie "Ghost" and how amazing Patrick Swayze was, and then I started thinking about a lot of different movies, a lot of different types of men, the type of men girls dream about. The type of man who is strong, but also very sweet. the man who is smart, talented, dreamy, that guy who knows just what to say, and how to say it. The guy who touches the small of your back in that right way, and he has all the right moves, and he means everything he says about loving you, and he shows it by the way he is with you. The gentle ease you feel when you are around him.

Or how about Edward in the Twilight saga, his body is described so cunningly as Michealangelos "The David", his breath and voice is so appealing that it brings you into him. He is protective, and powerful and amazingly quick on his feet.

Romeo, has a beautiful sense of words, and how to put them into Juliets ear in just the right way, that her heart almost stops beating when she is around him. his kisses leave her talking about him for hours and hours- to herself!

And I realized, that I have THAT! I dont know very many girls who can say that their husband is so cunning, and SO romantic. Some one who send me letters and poems. But he is also very manly, and powerful, and quick on his feet. He is that fairytale husband. Prince Charming. (except the real one, not the dumb one who is only interested in looks) (he didn't even know cinderella in the movie!) Any way, I realized how amazing he is, and how it seems as though we were made for each other, he keeps me laughing, even when times are hard, he just keeps me giggling till my sides hurt. He is so amazing to me, and I am SO LUCKY to have him in my life :D I got one of the good ones, ladies :D There are more out there though ;D

MARLEY

2009-09-18T20:01:00.000-07:00

This is our new dog Marley, :D he is a very gentle, sweet guy, who LOVES his new friend Abbey. They have become the best of friends. :D I am very excited to have him as part of our family. His story is that a friend of mine, Jacki, has a male Standard poodle, and she mated him with another dog, well, the owner of that dog never paid her the stud fee (The fee for mating their dogs) so she went down and took a pupy to sell to get her money back (they agreed on that instead of the fee) and she got him home, and realized that he had already been abused at just 4 months! (awful, isn't it?) So, she decided that she would raise him, and make sure he started to trust people again, he is still very shy, and not much of an alpha dog (which works because Abbey takes that role) She wanted to find him a good home, and posted that online, and I had to take him! He is so sweet!

This is not the best picture, but its the best I could get so far! :D

Texas and an update

2009-09-18T19:46:00.001-07:00

Well, just to update you all, Chase is now in Kuwait. he will be there for a while more before he heads over to Iraq.
Before he left, he was able to come back here for a 4 day weekend, and then I went there to Texas for a 4 day weekend. It was my first time there, and it was a blast.
When he came here, we did some friends, family and US time, and when I went to Texas, we went to Sea world, The Riverwalk (look it up on google, its cool, its like a GIANT Gateway Mall, with a river running through it. It was REALLY pretty there (sorry, but I didn't know Texas was pretty AT ALL) Any way, we also went to a comedy club, Coyote Ugly, The Alamo, and we also went to a mirror maze. It was a lot of fun, and we got a lot of together time! Totally worth it. We spent as much time together as we possibly could, staying up late, and waking up early. It was the hardest goodbye I have ever had to give.
I have some pictures to up date
The Riverwalk

HOOTERS! I went there for the crab leg, not the hot wings :D

MIRROR MAZE

SEA WORLD!

Bowling on the 4 day weekend he had here.

A New Dog?

2009-08-09T21:36:00.000-07:00

I am considering getting another dog, so that my Abbey has another dog friend :D and if one keeps me busy, another with keep me REALLY busy. And it will keep Abbey entertained when Im not home :D I was thinking another Lab, or possibly a German Shepherd. Chase wold be STOKED if we got a German Shepherd. I was thinking possibly a lap dog, but I dont want one that pees, or yips a lot. Any IDEAS any one????????

Projects!

2009-08-09T21:08:00.000-07:00

While Chase has been gone I have been trying to beautify my house!! Here there and every where!! So, here are some pictures of my living room.. ha ha.. they are kinda hard to see, but I wanted to share them with you. Im keeping all of this a secret till Chase gets home for the 4 day weekend, He hasn't seen any of it yet :D

our new entertainment center/ book shelves. The shelf above the TV will be decorated soon!

fireplace :D

home made curtains..

What to do.. what to do...

2009-08-05T22:00:00.000-07:00

Chase has been gone in training in Texas for a month now.. things haven't been awful, I get to talk to him basically any time I want, we text all day long, and talk at night before he goes to bed.. so its really September that he leaves for Iraq, and that is when its going to be VERY hard.. We should be able to skype while he is gone, I got a camera for my computer, I get the feeling that I will be hovering around the computer a lot.
The only good that has come from this, is I get a chance to hang out with my friends, ha ha, whether I want to, or not. (most people are forcing me to get out of the house.)(I do enjoy hanging out though.. once im there)
Any way, I just thought I would update you all on my life lately. Thanks to everyone for the mass of support I have gotten. :D

me and Cameron on our way to second hand serenade concert.

We went to Causey Dam

Me and Kaiya

Dani and Kaiya

San Francisco

2009-07-12T19:38:00.000-07:00

Chase and I took a trip to San Francisco as a farewell trip/anniversary trip (Chase was in training for 1 year anniversary, so we were making up for it on our trip) and we had a blast!! I can not believe how much more I love him day by day. We have grown together more in the last year, knowing he was going to leave, than some people probably grow in a life time together. Chase joining the army was one of the best things that happened to us.

When we finally got to San Fran, after a 12 hour drive (he drove most of it... I fall asleep easily at the wheel..), We got to our hotel, and took a short nap, then we went out to dinner! We found a cute little Italian place to eat at about 3 miles from our Hotel. We sat down to eat, and got the most amazing food! I LOVE SAN FRAN FOR THEIR FOOD! And then out of no where our cute little waitress brought out a cheese cake with a RING BOX on it! Chase had my ring doubled (He took my ring to get "cleaned" a few weeks back, came home with the charge slip and everything!) so happy anniversary! I married the most amazing man! Always so thoughtful and romantic, and so good at keeping secrets!!!

The next day we went to Fisherman's Wharf, and walked the pier, we got to see ALCATRAZ from a distance, and also got to see the Sea lions at the Pier, and then we went to the Aquarium, Ripley's believe it or not, and the WAX museum! Way fun!! Did some shopping and such as well

Chuck and Brittney :D WAX

The next day we went to China town, the beach, and a smaller town off the Island. It was a very nice day, the weather was perfect, and we got lots of fun little toys to bring back for our families.

The next day we went to a great big museum, its call the California Science academy (I think) and it was AMAZING, it had a great big rain forest exhibit, where you get to walk through and see all the cool things, and then there was another aquarium, BIGGEST FISH I HAVE EVER SEEN!! Bass the size of Micheal Jordan!! NO JOKE!!

The next day we went to Alcatraz for the day, and then started on our drive home. Chase drove the whole way, because I wasn't feeling well, he really is SO amazing! We got home around 3am. It was a great trip, so fun and full of love. I think this trip was better than any others, and it was a perfect note to end on before he left for a year.

Alcatraz

2009-05-25T14:11:00.000-07:00

8 T.V. shows I love to watch:
*Greys Anatomy!!!
*Desperate Housewives
*Samanth Who
*The Bachelor
*Family Guy
*The Simpsons
*Seinfield
*Hells Kitchen

8 favorite Restaurants:
*Market Street Grille
*Corbins Grille
*Olive Garden
*Applebees
*Noodles Inc.
*The Roof
*The Broiler
*Joy Luck

8things that happend yesterday:
*Hung out with the parent folk
*Went to church
*Saw Grandma martin
*Watched a movie
*Justin came over
*Watched another movie
*Talked to Chase
*Took a shower

8 things I look forward to:
*Chase coming home
*San Fran
*Summer
*The weekend
*My flowers to bloom
*Get my house finished
*A year to go by
*Some day having babies

8 things I love about spring:
*FLOWERS!!
*The warmth
*The new life
*The baby animals
*The yard work
*The greens, yellows, purples, and pinks.
*The sunsets
*Being able to be outside at night.

8 things on my wish list:
*For Chase to come home from Iraq, healthy and strong
*Long and healthy life
... I don't have 8.. I am genuinely happy.. I do wish that Chase wouldn't leave..

Spring

2009-05-20T10:44:00.000-07:00

As I experience the lonliness of Chase leaving, I have been trying to keep myself busy IE spraying weeds, planting the garden, organizing our house (finally),Walking Abbey, working, watching movies, hanging out with some friends, I hung out with my mom- we went garage saling. My brother in law, Coltin, has been helping out A LOT, he lives here with me, so he has also been keeping my company. Its nice to have some one around who knows how to fix the sprinklers, and how to fix the air conditioning, and the toilet, etc.. with Chase being gone, its harder than I thought to do all that by myself.

Things are going to be hard for a year all by myself.. Its hard to make up this house alone, with out the love of my life. I mean, this is a dream we should be building together, right? not alone. I think about these things, but then I think about the amazing things that makes Chase Chase and one of those is his ability to succeed and overcome any obsticles in his way. He can do anything he puts his mind to, and that is something that I have always had a hard time doing, he can pick something up and make not only master it, he can improve it. He some how turns it around and makes it better. And this fact alone makes me feel so much better about him leaving, for an entire year to a hostile country. Chase can out do anyone at just about anything, and that alone makes me feel so lucky to have him.

So, things are holding up. Chase is only gone for another week and a half, and then I get him for 3 days, and then he is gone again for 2 more weeks, and then I get him for 2 whole weeks before he leaves for an entire year.

JUSTIN!!

2009-04-22T17:16:00.000-07:00

Well, my wonderful brother got home from his mission last Friday, as most of you know, since you were at his homecoming. I am so glad that I have this wonderful influence in my life, its amazing how close we are as step siblings and if you were an outsider looking in, you would never know the difference. :D we picked up right where he left off, he still makes sure my feelings aren't hurt on the play ground(yes.. I mean that literally). And I am still trying to set him up with my friends. I love my little brother, and Im so pleased to have him home. Although he is about to leave up to PROVO for school. :(
Im just glad that he will be here when Chase leaves. He is such a great help.

IRAQ

2009-04-04T14:36:00.000-07:00

I know a few of you were wondering when Chase leaves and where. He is leaving July 7th of this year, and will be in Texas for two months and then head to Iraq. They still are set on which base they will be on.
He is leaving as a Combat Medic, and will most likely be in hospitals on or off base. Helping the locals.

And for those of you who have inquired how I am. I am fine, I know that God will be there for us, and that things will be okay. No, I am not happy with all of this, and yes, I have cried a few times about it.. and I am sure that wont be the end of my tears. But thats what love is, right? Having a hard time just at the thought of losing some one, even if its for just a year.. I will pull through this though, as will he. My new ward is great, and already so ready to help. Thanks for everyones concern, Im sure I will need more and more of it in the up coming months.
Any way, that is the update on the Army.

Our house and the little projects

2009-04-04T14:29:00.001-07:00

Well, we have been in the house for about a month now, and WOW is it FUN!!! We are just having such a great time painting and decorating (okay.. the decorating is only me..) We still have a bunch to do.. but we are leaving some of the bigger painting jobs for me when Chase leaves, it will give me more to do...

We still have a lot to do, but it is coming along! its so fun having so much room to just put my stuff in! especially my clothes and shoes! We are so excited, and blessed to be where we are, and cant wait till our family and friends can come by and check out our newest pride and joy! And we are excited for this bad weather to move on, so that we can get our yard taken care of!

Paint

2009-03-29T13:32:00.000-07:00

Some people think that we painted our wall PINK. BUT WE DIDN'T!!! That was just the primer!! Just wanted to let everyone know!

Painting.. its RED not PINK.

2009-03-11T09:42:00.000-07:00

Well, we spent a couple days painting the red wall. it will definately be my favorite in the house... why?? Because it was SO HARD. It was the first wall I have ever painted by myself, and it was RED. which is the hardest color to paint. I still need to finish taking the tape off and edging a little more around where the tape was. but it looks great!

Just the primer

The primer

We are still planning on doing some more painting besides that through out the house. Let us know what you think! :-)

The finised wall!

WE GOT THE HOUSE

2009-03-03T08:41:00.000-08:00

After 4 months of fighting for the house of our dreams, we finally signed the papers yesterday. 3-2-09. We are SO happy, it is the most amazing starter home, one in which me may just finish in. We are moving in this week, and then painting most likely next week. :-D Thanks for all your prayers that went out for us, we needed them! I will keep you all updated as we go.

6 random things

2009-02-08T14:03:00.000-08:00

Well, Dani here ya go! :-)

1. I lick all the yummy stuff off of the dorito's before I eat them. I know how gross that is, but my sister April taught me how to do it when I was like 5.. its habit.. and SO good that way :-)

2. Chase and I dated in high school. And then I lost him, I always thought of him as "the one that got away" I was heart broken for months. And now we are VERY happily married. I fell for him in our Junior year, and have loved him ever since.

3. I am obsessed with Greys Anatomy. and typically text Dani while I am watching to make sure she is as well, so I can talk to her about it. She got me started on it in St. George 3 years ago!

4. I LOVE animals, and still consider going to school to be a vet, or even a vet tech. If they didn't stink and weren't so hard to manage with a job, I would have MANY more animals in my family :-)

5. I love the "weird music" as all my friends like to call it, music such as Sarah Mclachlan, Brandi Carlile, Jewel (just her old stuff) Ani Defranco, Tori Amos etc.

6. I wish SO much I could stop biting my finger nails, and popping my fingers and toes.. Its a terrible habit. But I have been doing it since I was in the womb.

I now tag: Amanda, and Cara :-)

The Holidays

2008-12-28T17:30:00.000-08:00

This year Chase and I had the opportunity to get a few Thanksgivings. On the Sunday before, we went to my sisters house in Salt Lake and had a great Turkey dinner, and I was able to spend time with both of my beautiful sisters (Megan and April) Aprils husband John, and Megans boyfriend Chad. As well as my wonderful Mother Ginger. It was a very peaceful evening.

On Thanksgiving day, we went up to Preston Idaho to spend some time with Chases family. Grandma Barr, and Grandma Jones, as well as a few I still don't know yet!! Coltin (Chases brother) was able to make it up after a couple years of not being able to because of work. We had a great time eating and sleeping (while listening to football. Its the only way to go on Thanksgiving!)

For the Christmas holidays, we were able to celebrate our engagement (on the 22nd). Chase took me out to the Roof, and then on a romantic carriage ride. I don't know who was named Mr. GQ of the year, but it should have been Chase. He is a true romantic, I got very lucky! He wants to make this activity a celebration and tradition every year! He had been saving up in secret for a couple months to make sure it wasn't hurting our bank account!

On Christmas day, we were able to spend it with both of our families, but that meant a lot of driving for us! First we went to Chases moms house, and had a great time opening up presents! then we went to my dads house and we were able to talk to Justin in Russia for a few hours, he comes home in 4 months, by the way! Then we opened some presents! we are going to WICKED in April!!! :-) Thanks Jeri! We then went to my moms in Salt lake and had a great dinner, as well as some presents, and chatting! We then spent the night at Megan and Chads.. because we got snowed in!!

On New years, we had some old friends over, and played some poker, and had tons of snacks, we also played some video games, that's right! I played video games! It was a great night!! And then the New year came!! Now its back to work and school for us. Chase is taking easier classes this semester, so he can focus on his one VERY hard one.
That's the update for now!

We finally found it

2008-12-27T14:00:00.000-08:00

Well, we finally found our house, and they accepted our offer! And just in time for the holidays! We should be in in a couple weeks. With the rates dropping so low, it seems it is the perfect time to buy, but it does slow down the process!! We are very excited for this perfect home, and plan to not move for a very long time! (if ever!) this house will give us tons of room to grow into with some little ones some day (not for a very long time though!)

The walk in closet in the master bed! Its amazing!

We found it in Roy, UT, it is a BEAUTIFUL 5 bed room 2 and a half bath (with the possible third in the basement) it has a living room and a family, as well as a dining room. I cant wait to get in there to decorate. And if any one has any ideas on what I can do, let me know, its my first!! We are almost on a quater acre, which means that our Dog (Abbey) will LOVE her space in the back yard! :-) It was not built on the rough side of Roy, but on the new side with all the new houses. What is nice about that location is that it is growing A LOT, so eventually we wont have to drive AS far to get to places!

We are both very excited about this! It is just another step in our shared life together. Its amazing how things like this can bring a couple even closer together.

The view from the front door The master bed with the master bath to the left

The Kitchen. Taken from the living room area.

The House Hunt

2008-11-13T09:58:00.000-08:00

Chase and I have been looking to get into a house, so if you know of any great deals in the Ogden-kaysville area, please let us know! We are in no hurry, because of our situation right now. But we would like to take advantage of the fact that houses are so cheap and try to get a good buy. :-) We put a bid in for a couple, but they had a few other bids on them, and we didn't want to play too much of the bid game, so we ended up losing them, there are always others

We are both big believers that if it is meant to be it will happen. Things aren't supposed to be easy. We have put a bid down on a couple more houses as of the last few days. It is our dream to have a trilevel split, I think thats what you call it. and we have just now found the perfect house! Its bank owned, so we wont know until December 3rd if we get it. But if we do we can move in right away. Unfortunately, we dont have ANY furniture. So, we are going to have one empty house. If any one knows of any sales, please, let us know!

Other than that, we are just living the life!

7 months later

2008-10-17T16:17:00.001-07:00

Well, I know its been forever! I hardly have any time to do anything these days what with work and all. But I have a few updates:

My job is booming, but I work an awful lot, like 6 days a week at night..It is hard, but soon I will have a better scedule. I am the bread winner right now, but Chase just came across a job that he can do with school in which he should make pretty good money, He already has another one making medical equipment deliveries , along with the Army. Needless to say, he is a saint. We are both working like CRAZY, and Chase is doing A-mazing (get it?) with school, and he has been taking some very hard classes this semester. He only has about 3 weeks left of it, which is nice for both of us. And then he will start another semester in January, taking "easier" classes. Maybe then we can act like a newly wed couple and spend every waking moment with each other... ha ha. We are definately living the high life! We are very happy.

We have been doing some fun things for fall, we went to the circus in the beginning of the fall, it was Chases first circus! So, needless to say he was amazed! We went to the body worlds exhibit last weeked with my mom, that was reallty neat, I would recommend it to any one, young and old!
We also have been going to a comedy club basically every Friday (which is only $5 a person, so its a cheap date!!) We also got all dressed up for Halloween and went to a party at the same club. AND we won the costume contest.

This was the beginning of body worlds, Chase sent a text, and it was put in the bubble. Todays world is amazing with all that we can do.

Thats right, we were in fact taliban and Army. He made me do it! But we won the contest. We also had a couple of other people with us dressed in taliban. ha!

The circus

My parents ended up going the same time we did. So Jadyn came and sat with us. Chase is like his most favorite person in the world. And I couldn't ask for a better person for him to look up to.

We have a kitten who has just been a bundle of excitement! ha ha, her name is Alice, and she keeps us all on our feet. :-) She is just growing into the teenage stage, so, needless to say, she has attitude.

Thats the update on our lives. We are so happy together, and honestly, marriage is easier than I thought! It was definately hard the first 3 months, but Chase is an angel, and not only puts up with me, but loves me to death. Even when I have attitude for no reason. He is so patient with me.

3 months later...

2008-08-20T13:39:00.000-07:00

Well, its been three months since Chase and I got married. I have finally updated my blog to the date! yey! Our summer has been CRAZY busy! We have been to 4 or 5 different demolition Derby's (my absolute FAVORITE thing!!) We went on a couple ten mile hikes-one of which was the famous SUBWAY in Zions. Which was AMAZING, We've been to Lagoon a bunch of times, as well as Idaho. We went River rafting (Chases first time!) with my dad as the guide, and we have been up to Preston a few times as well. We went to a Rodeo in Preston. And Chase actually marched in the Salt Lake 24Th of July Parade! GASP!!!

And now the summer is calming down-- Chase starts school on Monday. He is taking a bunch of classes in hopes he gets into the Nursing program next fall. Because if he does, he wont have to go over Seas in a year--Which is another thing I forgot to mention. Chase will leave next October to go to training for 2 months, and then he will leave to Kuwait for another 10 months.

We are hoping that we can get into a house before he leaves. IF he does. Who knows with all the new stuff going on with the Government...

Also, we have to get rid of our dog.. we dont have much time for her.. which is why we wont have kids any time soon. ha ha..Any way, thats the update. Enjoy!

The Honeymoon!

2008-07-18T18:09:00.000-07:00

That next day we flew out to California, we were both a little nervous, because I have never traveled with out my parents, and Chase didn't travel much out side of the Army.. but the trip went more smooth than we could have asked for!! We went to Disneyland, and had a BLAST!! We also did a medieval times show, which was really neat, and also went to a museum, and California Adventure. As well as spending a day on the beach, boogie boarding (It was Chases first time to see the ocean!!!) :-D It was an ideal honeymoon! With lots of smooching!!! :-D
We stayed in my parents Time Share-- which was Dolphins Cove Resort. It was super nice, we also went out to eat at nice places, and had a great time!!
Then, the time came to come home.... :-(

Wedding Bells Are Ringing!

2008-06-06T10:40:00.000-07:00

March 14Th came, and Chase came home. for the final time in his training. It was a great greeting for the both of us! We caught up on being with each other. I wouldn't stop holding his hand, or kissing him. We continued planning our wedding.
On May 15Th, Chase and I got married in the Logan Temple. That was the happiest day of my life. We had amazing friends, and family with us, all of whom were very happy for us. and so amazing to help. My bridesmaids consisted of April, Megan, Shy, and Amanda (sisters) Dani, Megan (my very best friends) Chases Groomsmen were Coltin, Ryan, Colby, Jadyn, Jerem, and Chance. It was a very sunny, perfect day. Not too hot, not too cold. Just right. :-D
Most of all, I have never felt such love until that day. It was amazing. And it wasn't just love from Chase. it was love from everyone around us, even people I didn't know, came to celebrate our wedding, and our new love We had our reception at the Chantilly Mansion in Layton. and it ran from 6-9. Everything went as planned. First we did pictures, and then people started coming.

We didn't have a formal line or anything, we just stood in a central location, and people came to greet us. it was perfect. The cake, the first dance, my dad couldn't stop crying at the daddy daughter dance.. it was really tender. Eventually, it

ended. We left, and our car was a TOTAL MESS!! We went and spent the night at the Anniversary Inn. Which was AMAZING, and I am pretty sure we are going to go there every anniversary!! SO worth the money!! :-D

The next day, we packed to go on our Honeymoon-- to ANAHEIM CALIFORNIA so we could spend the week in DISNEYLAND!!!!

Christmas Break

2008-05-07T07:46:00.000-07:00

A couple months before Chase came home for Christmas, I decided that I would quit my job at Market Street Grille in Salt Lake, and move back in with my dad in Layton.. It wasn't the easiest decision. but I wanted to get grounded in Layton, because that is where Chase and I wanted to be when he got back. So, a couple days before he came for break, I picked up all my stuff, and moved back in with my dad.

Chase came home, it was another amazing greeting at the airport. Oddly, the first thing that we did was go to the mall that night, and for some reason, his whole family came with us. ha ha. Chase wanted me to "show him what I wanted for Christmas". So, he quickly guided me around to each store, and I showed him a couple items I would love for Christmas. and then he told me to take his little brother and sister and sit on one end of the mall, and not to move till they came to get me. So, I waited, and waited. He finally came back an hour or so later, and we went home.

That Saturday, he took me on a date, we went to The Roof, in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. It was BEAUTIFUL! Then we went to look at the lights on Temple Square. He sort of dragged me through them.. I thought for sure it was because he was cold-- It was FREEZING. and then we got to the reflection pond. He said something along the lines of not being able to wait till we can be married there.. he then got down on one knee and asked my hand in marriage...!! I was so surprised that I just looked at him.. and swayed a little. It was the happiest moment of my life!The rest of the break was full of excitement, and telling family and friends of our wonderful engagement! We spent every day togerther, trying to fit in every kiss we could for eachother!! Then, he left.... again. for another 3 months. Our marriage date was planned for May 15Th, so I had some planning to do! :-D

The Army

2008-05-05T22:32:00.000-07:00

I eventually moved to Salt Lake City, where I picked up my life again, and moved in with my sister, and her boyfriend. After semester was over in Logan, Chase moved to Salt Lake as well. We continued to date.. one sunny July day, out of the blue, Chase came home with an idea to join the Army.. I had never liked the idea of marrying a soldier. The life-style just wasn't for me. But Chase thought it was a good idea, and so we decided to look into it. We went to the recruiter, who made it seem AMAZING, and Chase decided he wanted to for sure join. So, I supported him. Even though I knew how hard it would be to have him gone for the 7 month Training he would have to do.
So, he signed the papers, and he joined the US Army Reserves. And from that day, we had a month to say goodbye for 7 LONG months. He left on August 24th, and that was the hardest day of my life, I think. I am pretty sure I had never cried that way until then. He was very excited to go on this adventure.. I think that excitement covered the idea that he was actually saying goodbye. We spent the next two months writing letters (me everyday, he only had time every couple of days). We could talk only SOMETIMES on Sunday. There were some Sundays I watched my phone for any sign of movement, and nothing happened. His mom and I decided that we would go to Georgia for his boot camp graduation.
We flew in, and saw him the next day. It was such an amazing reunion, for all three of us. Chase was standing in formation (and in formation you can only look straight ahead. No smiling, no talking, no looking anywhere but straight ahead. no nothing.) and I could tell he was trying to find me, he had already spotted his mom. So, I went to where he could see me. and he just started smiling. and had to look away, so he wouldn't. When they finally released them, we ran for it. And we had a life changing kiss. :-D
We had the chance to spend two days together, till nine every night. The goodbye was the worst, and I went home to a lonely Salt Lake City. I made a few friends, and kept up with my old ones. Dani had a baby in December (Kaiya) and I made friends with a girl named Ally. All around I did alright. Going to work every day, and coming home to my sister, Jeanna and Chad. Who did a really good job being amazing, and keeping me happy. Chase had a cell phone, so we could talk almost every night. Which helped with the hurt. Months passed and then December 20th came, and Chase came home for Christmas break. We had 11 days to spend together. :-D

This is our story...

2008-04-21T23:39:00.000-07:00

It all started in Mrs. Barnes computer class, our Junior year at Northridge Jr. High. Chase had moved from Preston Idaho a few months earlier, and had already made friends with my brother (Justin was the smart kid in the class, and Chase was smart enough to buddy up with him.) I had seen Chase here and there, and had heard some stories about him, but didn't have much of an opinion to make up my mind about him. See, he was in the middle of a long term, long distance relationship with a girl from his home town. Any way, as I was saying, a new term started at school, and I went to my Computer class to find that Chase sat behind me. We casually said hello, and connected the fact that Justin was my brother.. but didn't go much from there. All until one day, the ex boyfriends newest girlfriend (whom chose to sit next to me for the semester :-0) got a little freaky on me. so I stood up and sat next to Chase. We used the rest of the semester to chat and flirt.
I finally got the courage to ask him to MORP, and we went and had a great time. The next few months, Chase was on and off with his girlfriend.. so when he was off, we dated. I had a wonderful summer with Chase, when I received a text one day from him Idaho girlfriend, telling me that she was with him. Well, that surprised us both, so we showed up at his house to confront him. She ended up with him. and I was alone (ha ha ha... right..) any way, Chase and I went our separate ways.. Always secretly wondering what could have been.
A year went by, we casually talked, and slowly became friends again. When the day came that we sluffed together and went to the mall, and to a near by coffee shop and talked, I knew that there was something there. But he had plans of moving to Logan to go the school there, and I had plans of St. George, to do.. what ever I was going do. :-D So, life went on, we graduated from high school, he moved that night, and I moved at the end of the summer. We would casually text every now and then. I called him once for a survey for school.. but that was about it. He still had his girl. and I had my boys! I met one of my very best friends there, Dani. I like to think that is the reason I went to St. George. Because she needed me, and I needed her.
We played, and played.
Then Winter came, and I came home for a trip to Mexico, and for Christmas break. I was going out on a date with another guy on Christmas night, and was in Chases old neighborhood. Wondering how he was, I gave him a call, to see if he would like to hang out while I waiting for this other guy to get home. He told me no, because he had to work that day, and was still in Logan. He then asked me out on a date for the next day (apparently him and his ex had broken up!!!!!). I thought it was an idle request, that wouldn't happen.
...So I made plans to hang out with my other best friend, Megan. And we ended up going to Red Robbin. We were almost through when I got a phone call, from CHASE! I tried to play it cool, he told me that he wanted to take me out to a movie later, but that he was at dinner with his friend, Colby. I asked where he was at, and he said "Red Robbin". I got SO excited!! I flagged him down, and he came over to visit (he was BEYOND nervous)(lol). We ended up going out that night to watch "In Pursuit of Happyness" (that's how they spell it!) We had a GREAT time, laughing at EVERYTHING. (even though it is a sad movie..) We hit it off as though we hadn't ever ended. Going out almost every night and staying out till about 5am or 6am mostly talking.. (no joke!) and that is how it all started.
-Caitlin