12/24/2006

Happy Holidays

Merry Christmas!
Love,
Joe, Kathy, and Eli


We are off to Idaho this morning! Or at least we hope we are off as we are going through Denver and the most congested airport of the season. We are scheduled for an on time departure and arrival so we will see. We are anxious to see the white stuff! It doesn't seem like Christmas without it. From what it sounds like, Boise has a lot of it. We will be returning on New Years Eve, so if I don't write until then, have a happy New Year!

12/13/2006

Birthday Pictures

Hanging out having a good time!
Joe's mom got him this great cake!
Everyone!
No idea!

Birthday's and Graduation

Happy 30th Birthday Joe!

We celebrated in style at our house with a few close friends and cake. I am really excited for Joe to enter his thirties. I hear it is great! I feel so blessed and excited that we are together taking this journey. I love you!

I am now a college graduate. It feels funny to say that. I have been in school since I was four and now I have (or rather will have) a piece of paper that shows that I am done. Well in all reality, I will be back at some point in the near future. I am now trying to find a job. I have gone back to substitute teaching. Hopefully I will find something soon.

We are very excited to be going to Idaho in a couple of weeks. I haven't been home since June, and I am missing my family very much. We are also very excited to have a full house for Christmas this year. Michelle, M.J., Scott, Angie, Mom, Dad, Joe, Grandma, Grandpa, and myself will all be together. I am looking forward to the cabin, a lot of snow, pinnacle, trivial pursuit, shuffleboard, and great conversation for a week. This is my favorite time of year!

I hope this finds everyone in good health. Good luck with the holidays!

Kat

11/28/2006

Thanksgiving




Our Thanksgiving was a lot of fun. We spent the day in Noblesville with the Hodsons. We were very thankful not to travel this year, because I have been sick for the past 2 1/2 weeks. I have caught about every flu bug, cold, and infection one could possible contract in the past month. I am now very thankful that both Joe and I are feeling better (Joe had food poisoning on Sunday and Monday and was very sick). We are very thankful for our health.


Eli is now 7 months old, and is a ball of energy. We are bringing him to the dog park every chance we can get and have made a lot of friends with the other dog owners. We are very lucky to be living in Broadripple with other people our age. Eli is looking forward to spending a week at the Doggie Spa while we travel to Idaho for Christmas. They have a doggie camera that we can look at if we get separation anxiety while away for such a long time.


Joe turns 30 in a few days. I am not sure how he feels about it. At one point he said he didn't care, and then another time he was freaking out so I am not sure what he is feeling these days. I am graduated as of December 5th (a big week for our household with Joe's birthday on the 8th). Now I begin the stressful job of finding a job. I have fallen in love with kindergarten and now I want to teach it, so pray that our legislature votes for a full day kindergarten program to go into affect next year! I might find a job that way.


Here are some pictures from Thanksgiving.


Love,

Kat


11/11/2006

Chicago Pictures

Emily lounging on our very comfy beds.
Amy, Kat, and Emily at our hotel before the musical.
After dinner and drinks at The Chop House.
Maureen and I trying to open a bottle of wine at the hotel with this little wine opener thingy. We really wanted a glass of wine!
Amy and Maureen.

Bad Blogger

Okay,

I know...I am a bad blogger. Some of you might have thought that my kids have finally gotten the better of me. And in a way they have. I no longer have time to do the little things in life that I was used to before student teaching. For instance, I haven't been paying my bills on time. I haven't been cleaning the house. I haven't gone on a date night with my husband. MaryKay... forget about it. Student teaching sucks the life and energy right out of you! I have been working 60+ hours a week on my lessons, and everything else needed to teach kindergarten. What do I have to show for it? The flu, a cold, and a bond with some of the most wonderful little 5 and 6 year olds in the world. I LOVE IT!!!! Sure I don't have time right now, but I am so thankful that I love what I am doing. I have never been more happy in my work in my entire life. I am also very thankful that I have a husband who understands why I put in the hours that I put in. Thank you Joe!

Joe and Eli are doing great! We are looking forward to the holiday season...Thanksgiving in Noblesville, and Christmas in Idaho! We both took the time out of our schedules to vote on Tuesday, and we are pretty excited about the results! Joe had the day off yesterday to observe Veterans day. I would like to thank my grandfathers for both serving in the military and providing a life for their grandchildren that is much better than it would have been. Thank you!

The Hodson women took a trip to Chicago two weeks ago. We were fortunate enough to see a performance of the musical Wicked. If you ever have the opprotunity to see this musical I would highly recommend it. It is nothing like the book, but it is spectacular. We had a great time, and I will post some pictures from the weekend.

I am working on quilting with the kids this week. Wish me luck!

Kat

10/20/2006

Birthday Pictures



It's been a while....

Well, I haven't posted in a while. I am actually on fall break today, so I thought I would give everyone an update. Student teaching is going great. I only have six weeks left, and I am in love with my kindergarten. I was wrong in thinking I wouldn't like to teach kindergarten, I do! And now, the job search begins! Wish me luck.

Eli is doing well, he had his surgery this past week, and you wouldn't know it by looking at him. Besides a small shaved patch of fur on his leg, he doesn't show signs of surgery. He has so much energy. We aren't able to take him to the dog park for a week, and it shows. He has too much energy for a five and a half month old.

Joe is doing well. We are in football season mode. Our Colts are doing well. Not as well as I would like, but they are still undefeated. Joe and I will make our first Colts game of the season this Sunday (vs. the Redskins). I will be sure to take pictures. I got a really cute camera for my birthday, and I am anxious to try it out!

Grace turned one on the 12th. Here are a few pictures of her birthday party. She was as cute as ever. And... She has taken her first steps! Joe and I went over to drop something off at Andy's and Em's house and she showed us how it was done! She is amazing!

Alrighty, I have to go. I promised myself I would have my resume done by the end of fall break so I need to work on it.

Love,

Kat

9/29/2006

My Last Year in my Twenties

What a weird week this has been. I turned 29 years old on Wednesday. I really don't feel any different, but I am still well aware that I will be 30 next year. Joe gave me the best gift ever. He showed up at my kindergarten class with flowers. He secretly took the day off and conspired with my mentor teacher to surprise me! He stayed the rest of the morning and played with my students. They all had a blast. I was so surprised. I love him!

Please keep the Hodson's family in your thoughts. Joe's grandfather passed away yesterday morning. We will be going down to Cincinnati on Monday for the funeral.

My sister has made wedding plans, check out her blog for details.

Love,
Kat

9/24/2006

An Update

Grace taking a look at Eli through the doggie gate. (Check out her cute onesie)
Eli (5 months) Isn't he getting big?
Grace giving me her toothy smile. (She has 2 bottom teeth now!)


It has been a while since I posted last, and I apologize. It seems like I don't have any extra time on my hands anymore since school started. Well, since the last post, I have quit my old job, found a new job, and I am inching closer to student teaching. I only have 2 more weeks of school before student teaching, and then I will be done. I am really getting excited. I love my kindergarten class. We get to sing songs and play and learn our alphabet together. I am enjoying it a lot more than I thought I would. I have a lot of homework to do in the next couple of weeks, but then I won't have to worry about any other course work until December. I have been subbing a lot lately. I have actually been requested to sub for the first time, and I am really excited about that. In fact, I am subbing two more times next week at that school. This will hopefully come in handy when I start looking for a permanent teaching job.

Joe is doing well. He went to the allergy doctor last week and they are progressing on helping him be more comfortable during the allergy season. He is going to have to have shots for a few years, but then they are thinking he will be 90% allergy free after that. If you know Joe, you know what a great thing this will be for him. Joe is also training a new partner next month. One of his friends from our fantasy football league is going to be working with him. He is excited to be getting help with his caseload.

Eli is growing up fast. He is almost five months, and he weighs about fifty pounds. He is doing really well in his novice training class, and is one of the best dogs there. His father is very proud.

Grace's first birthday is coming up fast. We were lucky enough to watch her today while Andy and Emily went to the Colts game. She came dressed in her Colts gear that Joe and I got for her. I will post some pictures. She is super cute. Eli was a little jealous of the attention that we gave her, but he was still a very good puppy.

There hasn't been any more updates on the big Headrick wedding. I will let you know what Michelle and M.J. decide. I am still hoping that they will have a wedding!

Happy Birthday Grandma (Her birthday was on the 22nd.)

Well that's the latest.

Kat

9/05/2006

Mary Pat and McDowell's Wedding

Joe and I spent Labor Day weekend up in South Bend for a wedding. Joe's cousin, MaryPat married her sweetheart, McDowell. It was a beautiful wedding. Joe and I enjoyed ourselves. (I might have enjoyed myself a little too much!) Here are some pictures from the trip!

Here is Grace in the car seat on the way to the rehersal dinner.
We were introduced to the newest member of the family, Aidan!
The three beautiful maids of honor.
Mary Pat was stunning. This is when they were introduced as man and wife.
The Kiss!

8/24/2006

The beginning of the End.



Graduation Day!
I have begun my last semester in college! The first day of school was very interesting. I have never been such an advocate for preschool or daycare in my life. I had a couple of interesting events happen on the first day of kindergarten. One of which had me chasing a couple of boys who were screaming at the top of their lungs down the hallway as they were trying to escape. It was interesting to say the least. After the tears were wiped away, the first week was a lot of fun. It is so different from my semester with the fourth graders. In kindergarten, we get to sing a lot of songs and dance around the room. We get to participate in dramatic play, (ie. The pretend kitchen and nursery) the art center, and our own little library where we get to read to green bear! Very exciting. I am actually looking forward to getting back to those little guys after our classes are over.

Eli is growing up. Literally growing. He grew 11 pounds in three weeks. He is now four months old and 36 pounds. He is healthy, and is now has all of his shots. We are awaiting his neutering in October. He graduated from puppy class, and novice class starts on the 30th. Joe and I are very proud. We are really excited to announce that he is finally housebroken! Looking back, it really didn't take that long, but it seemed like it when we were cleaning up after him several times a day.

We are going up to SouthBend over labor day weekend to celebrate the wedding of Joe's cousin MaryPat. We are really excited to welcome McDowell into the family. After that weekend, we dont plan on leaving until after I am done with school. (Except for a Hodson Girls weekend in October)

I hope this finds you all well and happy!

Love,
Kat

8/14/2006

Happy 30th Birthday Michelle!

8/13/2006

Portage Pictures

A night of cocktails after my fishing trip.
The Hodson clan at Portage.














Quieting Grace.

















Maureen with the newest addition to the Watts' family. (okay, the second newest addition. We haven't met Aidan yet!)



In all the recent traveling that Joe and I did, I forgot to post some pictures of our trip to Portage Michigan. My In-laws visit this resort every July, and we were finally able to join them for the first time this year. I loved this little place. It is very reminiscent of the resort in Dirty Dancing. Joe and I lived in a cute little "Doll House" while we stayed. I love family traditions. I love the fact the the Headrick's have Terrace Lakes, and now I can see that same type of tradition with the Hodson's at Portage. Here are a few of my favorite pictures.




Hanging out on the porch of the dollhouse.

8/09/2006

Even More Good News!

I just found out that my best friend from back home is married and pregnant! I am so happy for her. Kim and Loyd have been dating forever (even before Joe and I started dating). They got married in Vegas over this past weekend, and just found out that they are expecting. Things happened very fast once they made a decision to make the commitment. I am very excited for her. Kim is a great friend, who was one of my bridesmaids. We have been friends since the fourth grade when her family moved next door. I couldn't be happier for her!

8/08/2006

The Big Exciting News!

Okay folks,

Here is the big news! My sister, Michelle, is getting married! Yuppie! You can read all about it on her blog. I am so very excited to welcome Michael (MJ) into this crazy family. My family keeps growing and I am so very thankful that it is.

Congratulations Michelle and MJ.

P.S. I am going to talk you into having a wedding. It's the best night of your lives!

8/07/2006

Dallas Pictures

Me inside the new Pink Cadillac.
Joe and the Ladies!
The Girls Before the Big Awards Night.
Joe and I in Dallas! (Isn't he dreamy?)

Back Home in Indiana!

We are finished traveling! Boy, it feels good to be home. Well, actually it would feel better if our air conditioning didn't break while we were gone to Dallas. It is hot. Hot, HOT, HOT. And even hotter in our little house. We have someone coming in tomorrow to look at it. I feel nasty. Our trip to Dallas was fantastic. I got to meet some MK celebrities, and I learned a lot about how to run my business. I am looking forward to selling some product. I need to get this rolling soon because I start my last semester and student teaching next Monday. I can't wait. My last semester. I have been wanting to type those words in this blog for a long time. Kindergarten here I come.

Eli is growing like a weed! He is already about 30 pounds and he is showing no signs of stopping. He is doing very well in his puppy classes. He should be graduating in 2 weeks. Joe has been working really hard training him. I have found that I am not really good at it. Eli will give me one of his cute puppy looks and I just melt and let him have his way. This is why Joe does the training.

Andy and Emily are both going back to school next Monday. That means that Grace is going to go to her first day of daycare really soon. I think that the days of Grace being very healthy might be coming to an end. All those germs at daycare. But, she can now build up her little immune system, and become more social with the other little kidos. I can't believe how fast she is growing. She is now very mobile and you really have to pay attention to where she is going.

Joe says "Hi!" He has his last show with five apples last week. He is holding up pretty good. I still think that the depresses will hit him in about a month. He has to play music to be happy!

I have wonderful news, but I can't tell you what it is yet. You'll have to check back soon when I get permission to tell you all! I am so very excited and happy about it. (I know, what a cliff hanger)

Love ya,

Kat

7/21/2006

More Pic's from Pentwater

Andy and Emily at the Pentwater Marina.
There was a huge storm the first day we arrived. This is one of the trees that were pulled out of the ground by the wind.
Grace looking adorable.

Andy and Joe playing their guitars while Grace is loving it!

Pentwater

Joe and I out on the town at Pentwater, Michigan. Emily and Grace at the beach!
Eli was wondering if he got to come to Pentwater too. He really wanted to, so he climbed in our suitcase. (He got his own little vacation at First Friends)
Grace and Joe hamming it up!

7/12/2006

Memorial Service

Memorial Service for Teb


Family, Friends, and Well-Wishers are invited to celebrate Teb’s life at a catered reception from 1 to 3 pm and a memorial service from 3 to 4 pm on Sunday, July 16, 2006, at The Montage at Allison Point, 8580 Allison Pointe Blvd., Indianapolis, Indiana 46250. For directions, go to The Montage website.


In lieu of flowers, Michael asks that you donate to Teb's Troops.

In Celebration of a Beautiful Life!


Tricia

Please light a candle on Thursday July 13th, 2006 at 8pm EST in memory of Tricia Elaine Black. For more details about the memorial service refer to the Teb's Troops website.

7/11/2006

Life With Eli

Life with Eli... Well what can I say. He is very active and then he will sleep for about 12 hours a day. He is full of energy when he is awake. Like every puppy, Eli has been a little nippy. We hope that when he starts his puppy boot camp this Saturday, he will learn not to bite the hand that feeds him. Today was a little rough because it has been pouring down rain so we couldn't go out and exercise. In fact, I think he is a little afraid of the rain. He had a couple of accidents already in the house because he wouldn't go outside. He has resorted to staring out of the screen door outside watching cars go by. He is getting big. He feels like he is about 20 pounds already. He is almost 11 weeks. He is going to be a big boy.

7/10/2006

Annual Fourth of July Scramble


Here is my mom and dad with their decorated golf cart as they get ready to participate in the fourth of July scramble at Terrace Lakes. This is an annual tradition that my parents participate in every year!

7/04/2006

More Eli Pictures

Here is Eli with his favorite toy, Monkey.
This is a good picture of Eli's ridge down his back.
Eli and his Daddy!