Tyson and Katie want to adopt!

Birthmom

2012-01-06T15:17:00.000-08:00

As hard as infertility is, someday Tyson and I will be parents, and will feel great joy in our children. I feel sad a lot because of infertility, but in the adoption story there is another mother that feels love and pain: the birthmother. One of these days, we will meet a very brave woman, and I've been thinking about her a lot lately.

What will she be like? I don't know, but I'd like to think she will turn out to be a dear friend. I feel scared to meet her, but I'm sure she will be scared to meet us. I hope we can make her feel loved and appreciated-- and comfortable around us.

I know I won't understand the grief she will experience. I know I won't be able to thank her enough. I also know I won't fail her in being a good mother to her child.

I can't carry a child, but I feel like there are children meant to be in my family. Is that all a birthmother is? A one time conduit between us and our baby? I think she is more.

Happy New Year!

2012-01-04T10:29:00.000-08:00

I want to write about how I'm feeling so I don't forget. I just have this feeling that everything will work out when the time is right, and our little one will join our family. Important to remember when times get discouraging!

I feel encouraged right now for so many reasons. At the start of a new year we have so much to look forward to! I start school again this month- so excited to finish my Masters! It's a time for goals and renewal. I even made dinner the past two nights-- it's a miracle!

There are so many people that light up my life right now. I had a nice chat with my friend Brenda the other day, who knows EXACTLY what we are going through. So nice to talk with someone who literally understands.

Also, my friend and neighbor Emilie Ralph offered to update our photos for our adoption profile! Didn't they turn out so cute? Em is a fantastic photographer! If you are looking to get your family pics done or take a class on how to use that camera you got for Christmas, check out her website at http://www.photobyemilie.com/!

I'm also feeling gratitude for my awesome family! My parents are amazing. I can always depend on them. They never let me down. My husband is so kind and patient with me. We always have fun together. So glad I married you honey! My siblings are so great--they are my best friends. And Tyson's family members are the greatest inlaws I could ever hope for. I love each one of them dearly.

Happy New Year everybody!

Katie

Party tonight!

2011-11-17T17:49:00.001-08:00

We still have lots of tickets available, so feel free to show up tonight at Chick fil A even if you didn't purchase tickets in advance. We can hook you up at the door.

I am not going to let the fact that we weren't chosen by this latest birthmom ruin our party. We got an email at 5:00 tonight that she chose someone else. I'm going to have a blast tonight and maybe have a good cry tomorrow. Maybe not. I'd rather skip it. So tired of this rollercoaster ride sometimes!!

See y'all at the party!

XOXOXO,
Katie

Tomorrow, tomorrow, I love ya. . .

2011-11-15T14:32:00.001-08:00

Our picture book is being shown to another birthmom tomorrow. Thanks to everyone who prays for us on a regular basis, cause boy we need it! Sometimes I feel like I'm hanging on by my fingernails. If I can just keep my spirits up! Looking forward to a fun party Thursday night. Love you all!
Katie

One more bump in the road. . .

2011-10-21T15:12:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we got the call that the birth mother considering us had narrowed it down to 2 or 3 couples, and we were still in the running. We talked with her for a while on the phone so she could get to know us better and it went pretty well for the most part, but today we got the phone call that she chose another couple.
We are okay, but still sad. It was exciting to have the possibility for a while of having a son. We would like to thank all our family and friends who walk with us during this difficult time in our lives. It's nice not to have to go through this alone.

Refresh Button MANIAC!

2011-10-19T15:44:00.000-07:00

Ever hit the refresh button on your email literally dozens of times a day? I sure have. Especially when Tyson and I were dating. Just couldn't wait to get that next email, and read it, and reread it.

Well now I'm at it again. I'm dying to get that next email or phone call from the agency. A birthmom received our picture book yesterday. Not sure how many other couples we are up against, but she is chosing-- RIGHT NOW!

Please tell us quick that we aren't chosen, like ripping off a band-aid! Then we will take a deep breath and keep on truckin'. What if we are chosen? That's pretty scary too! What if she chooses us, then decides to parent once he is born. No! Don't think about that!

It's a gigantic decision. These things take time. Me emailing the case worker won't make the news come faster, although I'm severely tempted.

Well, gotta go. Gotta go hit the refresh button ten million more times.

XOXOXO,
Katie Lou

Waiting

2011-10-13T15:15:00.000-07:00

Waiting

Serene, I fold my hands and wait,
Nor care for wind, nor tide, nor sea;
I rave no more 'gainst time or fate,
For lo! my own shall come to me.

I stay my haste, I make delays,
For what avails this eager pace?
I stand amid the eternal ways,
And what is mine shall know my face.

Asleep, awake, by night or day,
The friends I seek are seeking me;
No wind can drive my bark astray,
Nor change the tide of destiny.

What matter if I stand alone?
I wait with joy the coming years;
My heart shall reap where it hath sown,
And garner up its fruit of tears.

The waters know their own and draw
The brook that springs in yonder height;
So flows the good with equal law
Unto the soul of pure delight.

The stars come nightly to the sky;
The tidal wave unto the sea;
Nor time, nor space, nor deep, nor high,
Can keep my own away from me.

John Burroughs (1837 - 1921)

Breaking Dawn Midnight Release Party

2011-10-10T20:51:00.000-07:00

Things are still pretty quiet on the adoption front. In the meantime, my sister is hosting another party to help us with adoption costs. If you would like to come to the Breaking Dawn party, you can come in to Chick fil A, or purchase tickets over the phone by calling 801-727-2697. Thanks to Becky for hosting another great party for us, and to Steve for designing the awesome flier!

New Blog Button!

2011-08-06T15:22:00.001-07:00

All of you sweet people who have our "Tyson and Katie want to adopt" button on your blog, please replace it with the new code you see on the right side of our blog. We have decided to take down our profile from parentprofiles.com which is where the old button leads. Not sure why, but we both had a feeling we needed to take it down. So there you go!

We are having a great summer and hope you are too. I've decided to go back to school and finish my masters degree in Library and Information Science. I've applied to get my alternative route to licensure, so I'm on my way to becoming a school librarian. I just know that once that baby comes I will be very glad to have school hours and summers off! Not to mention how great it's going to be to work in a school! I'm really looking forward to it. Until then I am loving my current job in the Associate Superintendent's office. I couldn't work with better people!

Tyson has applied for a higher position at the U. I am so proud of him and his desire to learn new things. He always makes me laugh and helps me feel so loved and needed.

No new leads in the baby department, but we are trying to be patient. Yes, it's hard, but no, we don't mind if you check on us to see how it's going. We need all the support we can get, and we never tire of talking about what we are doing to find our baby. Thank you for your prayers in our behalf. We hope that the ups and downs we are experiencing will help us to show empathy and offer support to others in our situation. I haven't run across a good book about the grieving process and infertility, so maybe I'll have to write one. If anyone knows of one be sure to let me know!

In the meantime we are enjoying our nieces and nephews and loving each one of them to pieces. I'm positive no one has more beautiful nieces and nephews than we do. They are so much fun and have such great personalities. Thanks to our siblings for them sharing with us!

Info on Harry Potter Party

2011-07-09T16:32:00.000-07:00

Harry Potter Party Thursday night! Includes dinner, dessert and movie ticket. Proceeds go to our adoption fund. Go to Chick-fil-a of South Jordan at 11494 S. District Drive (off Bangerter Hwy.) to purchase tickets, or call them at 801-727-2697 to charge your tickets on a credit card. Thanks to my sissy Becky for hosting this fundraiser, and to my brother Steve for designing this awesome flier!

Harry Potter Party!

2011-06-24T14:38:00.000-07:00

It's a party and you are invited! To raise more funds for our adoption, my sister is hosting a Harry Potter Party at her Chick fil A store in South Jordan on the evening of July 14th. For just 25 dollars, you can come to our private Harry Potter Party! Each guest will get dinner, dessert, and a ticket to see Harry Potter at 12:01 a.m. at the District on opening night! Send me a message to reserve your tickets now!

YARDSALE TOMORROW

2011-05-27T10:52:00.001-07:00

Change of plans! We were going to wait until June 4th for our final yardsale, but the weather looks okay tomorrow so we are going to do it. The address is 2989 W. Bernina Drive in Taylorsville (5820 S.) 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. See you there!

Chosen! (not.)

2011-05-26T19:01:00.000-07:00

We tried hard not to get our hopes up, but when a birthmom shows interest, how can you do anything but hope? The birthmom who contacted us last week chose another family to place her baby with. We are disappointed, but life goes on. With all we've been through, we probably figure "this has GOT to be it!" But it's not. So as we grieve a little for this chance that could have been our baby, we are trying to remember a few things. First, we still have each other. No one can take that away from us, not even death. We have each other and that alone is a great gift to be so happy about. The other thing we are trying to remember is to not give up. We could give up, and just dedicate our lives to other things, but that's not what we came here to do. We came here to be parents, and although it's beyond our control, that's a goal we are holding on to. I can't tell you how many dozens of people have told us about someone they know, who adopted a baby and then got pregnant. I know they mean to give us hope, but trust me when I say that will not be happening to us.

While I'm rambling, I'd like to give a little shout out to all the wonderful people who made last Saturday's yard sale such a success. First of all, I want to thank my sister for giving us the opportunity, and for being behind us 100% of the way. She teaches me all the time about what service really means, and what love can really do. I love you sissie! And thank you to all our friends and family who advertised, spent hours hauling furniture, donated stuff, purchased stuff, prayed for us, and made us feel so loved. I can't tell you what a comfort it is to Tyson and I to have such a huge cheering section. I want to make you all proud. When this baby gets here there are several people we need to name him/her after! I wonder how many middle names will fit on the birth certificate. :)

Well, this has turned into quite the monologue, but I just want you all to know, that I believe in miracles. We won't give up.

One more week till the yardsale!

2011-05-13T15:41:00.000-07:00

We are overwhelmed by your generosity! Thanks to all of you who have donated things to sell at the yard sale on the 21st! The next donation drop off times will be tomorrow, Saturday May 14th:

In Murray
9:00-10:00 a.m.
1180 E. 6600 S.
East parking lot of Stoneybrook condominiums

In Taylorsville
10:30-11:30 a.m.
2989 W. Bernina Drive (5820 S.)

Volunteers

2011-05-03T19:25:00.000-07:00

If anyone is interested in volunteering at the yard sale, please let me know. We have plenty of jobs to choose from. Thanks to all you sweet people who are spreading the word. We love you!

Yardsale Donation Drop-off Dates and Times

2011-04-30T15:40:00.001-07:00

If you would like to donate items to our yardsale, we have drop off locations on the next two Saturdays.

On both Saturday, May 7th and Saturday, May 14th you can drop your items off:

In Murray:
9:00-10:00 a.m.
1180 E. 6600 S.
South parking lot of Stoneybrook condominiums

In Taylorsville:
10:30-11:30 a.m.
2989 W. Bernina Drive (5820 S.)

If these times are not convenient for you, or if you need your items picked up, please let us know. Thank you so much for your help!

Facebook Page

2011-04-28T08:40:00.000-07:00

My awesome brother Steve helped us make a facebook page and flier to advertise our adoption yardsale.

Help us spread the word by liking us on facebook!

facebook.com/tysonkatieadopt

Save the Date!

2011-04-20T17:44:00.000-07:00

Dear Family and Friends,

Save the date! On Saturday, May 21st, 2011, from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm, Katie's sister, Becky Pickle, will be hosting a fundraiser/yard sale, to help us raise funds for a private adoption. The location is Chick-fil-A of South Jordan, at 11494 District Drive, (just East of Bangerter Highway).

Please invite all your friends, family and neighbors! If you have any new or used items you would like to donate, please let us know!

A detailed flier is coming soon! Thank you for your love and support!

I Believe in Miracles

2011-04-12T20:26:00.000-07:00

My awesome sister is hosting a fundraiser/yard sale at her restaurant on May 21st so we can raise money for a private adoption. It's nice when the clouds part sometimes and hope shines through! If we can find a way, our wait time would be less than a year!

I am missing my grandma terribly this week, and I can't help but picture her rallying the troops up in heaven to get down to business and bring her granddaughter a miracle! Her funeral helped me remember the person she was before the dementia, a person I've been missing for a long time.

My mom just sent me this picture of me and my cute hubby on Christmas Eve. I'm hoping that there will be a third member of our little family by next Christmas.

Saying Goodbye

2011-04-04T18:08:00.000-07:00

Last night I said goodbye to my grandma. When I had to go to the sitters, I would cry because I'd rather be with Grandma. I'm crying again tonight because I'd rather be with Grandma. Grandma was always smiling. Yesterday I could tell she still knew me. I'm glad I got to see her smiling at me on her last day on earth. I hope I can emulate her conviction and tenacity. I love you Grandma, and I will always miss you and remember you. I am happy for you that you are finally released from your earthly limitations. Thanks for being my friend. Thanks for being my grandma.

Debbie Downer Strikes Again

2011-03-31T15:31:00.000-07:00

Oh my goodness! Yesterday was a bad day! Sometimes the sorrow of infertility comes back to bite you like a sucker punch to the face! My dear coworkers are so supportive, and knew I was having a bad day. We went out to lunch, and they helped me think of some happy things in my life. My friend Christina (who knows what it's like to be down) loaned me a little sign to put on my desk and I know it's true. "When you see only dark, know the light will soon return." The treadmill is my friend, and I was planning on walking on it when I got home from work yesterday, but I was so exhausted from my grumpiness, I took a nap which really helped. My dear husband even watched a chick flick with me after my nap, and didn't complain when I gave all my attention to a book my aunt loaned me instead of to him. I feel a lot better today. It's great to have the love of family and friends. Hope I can return the favor when they are feeling down!

Having fun with Uncle Tyson

2011-03-19T12:00:00.000-07:00

We love it when our nephew comes over to play, and he especially loves his Uncle Tyson.

Look how cool my brother is!

2011-03-18T15:39:00.000-07:00

Thanks to my brother Steve for designing the logo for our team at the MS Walk: Team Tysdog! Tyson chose his favorite, and we ordered stickers for everyone to wear at the walk. Which design did he choose? You'll just have to come join us at the MS walk and find out!! Thanks again Steve! You rock!

Tyson is Wonderful!

2011-03-17T15:50:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking today how wonderful my husband is. It's not a rare thought for me to have, but I just want to shout it out today! When I'm stressed he eases my burden so much. This past week he's gone to the store for me, and let me take a nap or read when I'm really feeling overwhelmed. I really appreciate this, because if he had it his way, he would rather I sit next to him on the couch and snuggle with him while he watches basketball.

Thanks for taking good care of me, honey. I love you!!

Great Deal!

2011-03-16T13:31:00.000-07:00

I just found bed and breakfast in Park City for 39 bucks. Thought I would share! Here you go:
http://www.citydeals.com/?ref=CDUMTM1NjUz

New Post, finally

2011-03-14T12:13:00.000-07:00

Hi all,
Sorry I haven't posted in forever! It's hard to wait for a baby, and sometimes I think it's better to just not post rather than be a Debbie Downer, or a Wendy Whiner. Waaaaaah! You know what I mean. So even though I am really, really struggling today, here are some good things that are going on.

As you may or may not know, the average wait for a baby with LDS family services is 2 to 3 years. So, this past weekend Tyson and I went to an open house for a local adoption agency just to check it out. They were AWESOME! They are also the most expensive in the valley. But aside from that, we had the incredible experience of meeting two birth mothers who flew here from out of state to have their babies. There was so much love in the room. Even though they are not placing their babies with any of the couples who were in the room that day, the love and gratitude in that room was almost tangible. They are giving 2 lucky couples such a beautiful gift. I am sure that their children will inherit their strength and goodness, and they will be blessed for their sacrifice. Hope we can meet our sweet birthmom soon. Until then, I will resist the temptation to wallow in hot fudge, and count my blessings instead.

Love ya!
Katie

Anderson Halloween Party 2010

2010-11-24T12:50:00.000-08:00

Now that it's almost Thanksgiving, I'm finally posting some Halloween pictures!! Here are Brynlee, Chelsea, and Dan.

Dad, Dan, Tyson

Dad and Mom

Rilee

Kyller and Scott

Dad and Ashlee

Tara and Brynlee

Darn it! My camera battery died before Mike, Sharee, and Ikabod got there, and before Beck came out in her Queen of Hearts costume. This is the 2nd Halloween party we have had, and I'm sure we'll be doing this every year from now on. We missed seeing Tyson's family on Halloween. That's the thing about being married-- there are just so many people we love, there's just not enough time to go to every family event!

Hope everyone has a happy Thanksgiving! We won't be able to attend the Hendriksen family dinner this year, so we send our love to the H family, and hope we will see you at Christmastime! Love you!

Tyson and Katie

Waiting

2010-11-11T09:51:00.000-08:00

It's usually not too hard to wait. But yesterday I met the cutest little girl. She is two years old, and what a charmer! I'm usually pretty good at stifling those "motherly feelings" but this baby just melted my heart. So today, it's hard to wait. I checked our Parent Profiles website, and another person added us as a favorite since last time I checked. That should be encouraging, right? I'm not sure what it is. It makes me think, are they really considering us? Is this the one? I've accepted the fact that most people have to wait a long time for a baby. And I can't possibly be judgemental of the girls that keep their babies, because I don't know that I could place my baby for adoption. So, we'll continue to wait, and wonder. . .

I miss you, Grandma!

2010-10-07T13:30:00.000-07:00

Today, I wish I could talk to my Grandma. A friend of mine from work used to be the vice-principal at Davis High, and was kind enough to share her yearbook picture with me. This is probably from about 1981. This is how I remember her.

If I could pick up the phone and talk to her, (and I still remember her number), I know she would offer her support and express her love. I would tell her how we are trying to be patient for a birthmother to pick us, and how my heart aches sometimes. She knows quite a bit about patience and heart ache.

Even though she passed away when I was 15, I feel like she has walked with me every step of the way throughout my 34 years.

I love you, Grandma

2010-10-01T15:59:00.000-07:00

This picture is from our trip this summer to Brighton. My sister rented a big cabin and we spent time with my side of the family, including aunts, uncles, and cousins from out of town. It's been a great summer, and I hate to see it end. I love fall though, it's just what comes after that worries me, you know, that fluffy white stuff. I suppose, I'll manage. I always do! Tyson loves snow, so that's good! Maybe if snow was warm and emitted light I would like it! :)

Fun in California

2010-09-30T08:59:00.000-07:00

We just got back from a great trip to California. My brother and his wife were our wonderful hosts. We tricked my mom into riding roller coasters, had lunch on the pier at Newport beach, and watched Captain EO 3 times. (I wanted to watch Captain Eo 10 times, but I also love my husband, who does not love Michael Jackson much more than a root canal.)

I really enjoyed spending time with my nephew, Logan. His mommy told me he cried all the way home from dropping us off at the airport and said, "I want Katie come home!"

We had dinner at the Blue Bayou on our 4th anniversary inside Pirates of the Carribbean in Disneyland. I love you honey! Thank you for making me so happy. We make a great team! I am so glad I married you!

It was a wonderful trip!

Memorial Day 2010

2010-06-24T10:34:00.000-07:00

Our family likes to visit my Grandma and Grandpa Anderson's graves in Bountiful on Memorial Day. Then we like to go to a local burger joint, Pace's Dairy Ann, for lunch. Grandma used to say, "Let's go get us a rainbow" after working in the yard on a hot summer day. A rainbow is soft serve ice cream surrounded by slush. Yum!

Ikabod and Tyson at Pace's. Ikabod is so sweet. Ask him to sing "Hey Jude" for you! Tara likes the ice cream! Steve and Sharee like it too! Tyson, Dad, Mom, David Tyson had a grape rainbow. At the Bountiful Cemetary by the Veteran's crosses. Grandpa Farel's cross Grandma and Ikabod Dad looking at Susan Alexia Page's Grave. She was grandma Mary's sister who died as a teenager. I recently had her portrait digitally remastered. It is so beautiful. If you'd like to see it let me know. The file is too large to download to my blog, but you can access it in the Anderson comcast vault. If you are in the Anderson family you have probably received an email from me giving you access. If not just let me know. I wish everyone could see Susan Alexia. She is beautiful! Maybe I'll have to work on getting the image small enough to post. Generations of Andersons (and Nelsons) have played on this nearby family's complex. It is irrisistable to little kids! Here are my parents by Benjamin Ashby's grave. I also had his portrait remastered. It is also in the Anderson Comcast vault. I'm pretty sure he was an early convert to the Church, and knew the prophet Joseph. I'll have to look it up!

I Heart MJ

2010-06-15T19:14:00.000-07:00

Hmm, so it's been a loooooong time since I updated my blog. So here's a tribute to my good buddy MJ who passed away nearly a year ago. The week he passed away, I was in the drive thru at the dry cleaners, and the girl who put my laundry in the car noticed a Michael Jackson CD case in my back seat. "Are you listening to that because he died?" she asked-- "No," I replied. "I was listening to it when he died." Yes, like it or not, I'm that big of a fan. :)

Anyway, soon after my last blog posting, me and my family went to see "This is it," the Michael Jackson movie all together wearing the Michael Jackson t-shirts I had found at Wal-mart for 5 bucks each. I haven't posted about that event, because that was the day that Tyson and I found out we cannot have children. Since then I've been somewhat of an "infertility hermit" and I haven't felt any kind of need to blog. But I'd like to share the pictures from going to the movie now (8 months later) :)

Here is me and my brother Michael. This movie made Michael and Becky cry. I might have cried if I had any tears left!

Here are some more pictures from that night.

My sissie with the bag I bought her and Michael with his glove

Steven Weeven

Hey guys, where's your MJ shirts?

Even my mom wore an MJ shirt!

My dad, bro in law Scott, and sis in law Tara were there too. Not sure why I don't have pictures of them, but I think we were in a hurry to get in the movie.

Me and Becky took her kids the following week. There are few things that have made me as happy as watching those kids dance during that movie. Ashlee told her mom, "Mom, I used to not like Michael Jackson, but now that you've told me all his secrets I really like him." Or something to that effect.

I am going to try to get blogging again. We are getting excited about adopting and we are almost done with the piles of paperwork. Here's to hoping it's not eight more months before I decided to post again. Nighty night!

Anderson Family Halloween Party

2009-10-21T15:31:00.001-07:00

We decided to have an Anderson family Halloween party last week before Dan, Chelsea and Logan moved to Arkansas. I think we need to do this every year-- check it out! (Sorry about all the red eye.) Becky's friend from Chick-fil-A joined us with his cute kids. We had great food, lots of treats, and even a pinata!

Kyller, Rilee, and Ashlee

My mom walked right past Jabba (Scott) when she came in because she thought he was just a prop.

Dan, Logan and Chelsea get ready for Little Rock

Becky's chicken costume

Check out that mullet!

Ickabod and Logan (Mmmmm that sucker looks good!)

Grandma Leslie and Grandpa Sherm

Steven-- Stop! Hammertime!

David, Sharee, Jabba, and Mike

Becky, Steven, and Tara smartie pants

Cubs fans!

Grandpa Sherm and Logan are all smiles!

WE MISS YOU DAN, CHELSEA, AND LOGAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ROOT, ROOT, ROOT FOR THE CUBBIES!

2009-10-07T13:21:00.000-07:00

Me, Tyson, and Justin just got back from a wonderful trip to Chicago!!! We made the pilgrimage to the United Center to see the Michael Jordan Statue, ate deep dish pizza, and took an architecture cruise at night on the chicago river.
Cloud Gate at Millenium Park

Giordano's deep dish pizza

At Buckingham Fountain

Look at Tyson, he doesn't look too happy, does he?

The highlight of our trip was meeting my Uncle John, Aunt Chris, and Cousin Rachel at Wrigley Field for the Cubs game. We had a great time with them! It was so great of them to make the drive from Wisconsin. We love you guys! The Cubs won the Diamondbacks 5-0!!!
I loved listening to the organ play. Wrigley is such a neat old place. Too bad our other game got rained out!

Look at the statue of Harry Caray behind Justin and Tyson. "If the moon were made of ribs, would you eat it then?" We made sure we ate at Harry Caray's restaurant while we were there. And no, we didn't have ribs or hot dogs at the restaurant.

"If you were a hot dog, would you eat yourself?"

We really want to go back to Chicago, like, um, right now! We didn't like the traffic though. Neither did our trusty chauffer, Justin. The guys were great and came to two museums with me. Talk about Tyson and Katie heaven, all in one great city!

2009-09-22T15:41:00.000-07:00

I just want to say that marrying Tyson three years ago today was the best decision I ever made. Honey, I love you so much! It's been a wonderful three years, and I look forward to many more!

Disneyland 2009

2009-05-05T08:49:00.000-07:00

We just got back from the "Happiest Place on Earth" with Tyson's family! We had a great time and stayed just across the street from the park. My cousin Emily met me and Tyson and Justin at Universal Studios on one of the days, and it was great to see her. Coming home made me grumpy! I think I'm almost over it now.

Have you ever taken the color code personality test? I am extremely blue, and I thought my husband of 2 1/2 years was white. I was wrong. It all makes sense, but I didn't know until the other day that Tyson is yellow. No wonder he loves to have fun, duh!! I'm glad I finally clued in. I thought that was kinda funny. I am thankful for my loving, loyal, and FUN husband!!! :)

I'm Back

2009-04-03T09:49:00.001-07:00

Okay, so I never update this blog, right? Well now that I can access blogspot from work I'm back in the game! To catch up, Tyson was diagnosed with melanoma in January, had surgery in February, and was pronounced cancer-free in March. To say I'm grateful is an understatement. I was not about to lose my sweet husband that I've only spent 2 1/2 wonderful years with.

This week I was released from being the Beehive advisor and was called as the 2nd counselor in the Relief Society presidency. I have mixed feelings of course. I will miss those girls even though it was a hard calling for me sometimes. I will always love them. On the other hand, I'm excited to get to know and serve more people in my ward. Even though we've been in the ward for 2 years, I feel lonely sometimes because I don't really know people as well as I'd like to.

We are leaving the snow behind and heading to California on the 20th with Tyson's family. Maybe the snow will already be gone by then, but knowing Utah like I do, I wouldn't count on it. I am excited to spend the time in the sun with my second family. Tyson's family is great, and I couldn't ask for better in-laws!

And now for a picture. It's more for me than for you. It's me, the thin me, the younger me. And is it any coincidence I am in a garden in Italy? I think not. Looking at this picture helps me remember the several reasons why I'm trying to lose weight. Only one of which is to return to Italy if I win the workout contest with Tyson (which, by the way, he is currently winning.)

Love to you all!

Katie

Happy 60th Anniversary Grandpa and Grandma

2009-01-31T10:01:00.000-08:00

My grandparents celebrated their 60th anniversary this week. They have always been so much in love, and such a good example to me of living right. Here is a picture of them from my wedding. I am so lucky to be their granddaughter!

Hello, we're still here!

2008-09-14T17:48:00.000-07:00

Sorry everyone, at long last we are updating our blog. It's been a rough few months for us, but things are getting so much better now. Tyson found a new job at the University of Utah orthopaedic center. It is such a relief and a blessing to us. Athough Tyson claims he will miss watching the Price is Right, I know he is much happier working. The U gives him killer benefits and better pay, so we are very thankful to be through this particular trial.

We are currently going on week four of our exercise contest. Who can say if Katie wants to go visit her cousin in Italy more than Tyson wants to see the Cubs play in Wrigley field? This contest will prove the truth. Every week we have 20 buck to put in our vacation account, and the person who works out more days gets all 20. So far neither one of us has let up one bit. I've lost 5 pounds in the past 2 weeks and Tyson is getting closer every day to his goal of doing the MS walk again without the help of a wheelchair.

So life is great for us right now. The only thing better would be to have a baby join our home, so your prayers in our behalf are appreciated!

I am on the computer so much at work, I rarely go online at home, but I promise to be better about updating our blog more often. We have so many wonderful friends and family members. Thanks to all of you who prayed for Tyson to find this wonderful job!

The Incredible Dancing Baby!

2008-07-12T22:17:00.000-07:00

Last, but certainly not least, our youngest niece Madisen will now perform for you. She is the smartest baby I know, but wait until you see her dance moves! We are pretty sure Madisen will have her PhD by age 17, and break a lot of hearts on the way. We love her soooooo much!

Two new nephews

2008-07-09T19:53:00.000-07:00

I am so lucky to have such handsome nephews- Logan, who was born in May, and Isaiah, age 4 that will soon be adopted by Becky and Scott. They are both so sweet and I love them so much. I am also lucky to have my two beautiful nieces! Rilee and Ashlee bring so much joy into my life, and I am so proud of them.

Things are going good for us right now. My brother Steve got married to Tara (who we love!!!!), and Tyson's sister Jamie and her husband Luke just moved back to Utah. Best of all, Tyson started working in Accounts Receivable at Cover Pools in Salt Lake. No more job hunting anxiety!!! Thanks to everyone who prayed for Tyson to find this job.

My Dad

2008-06-11T20:11:00.000-07:00

Father's day is only a few days away, and I just wanted to take a minute to say how great my dad is! He had always been an example to me of honesty, hard work and love. He makes me laugh when I'm down. I remember one time when I was still living at home, I was sitting in my room feeling sorry for myself when all of a sudden all these bubbles blew through my bedroom door. It was my dad blowing bubbles in the house to make me laugh. It was pretty dang funny at the time. My dad is wise about a lot of things, and has always told me that things will work out. He's been right so far- I did finally find the man of my dreams. I'm still hanging on to his advise as we are trying to be patient as Tyson tries to find a job. Dad believes in the law of the harvest. When you do good things, good things will come to you. I am thankful for his faith and his friendship.

Back from Hawaii- boo hoo!

2008-06-03T19:57:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, we are back. We had a fabulous time! We snorkled with sea turtles, swam in the seven sacred pools, and ate lots of pineapple. We want to go back now. Can you blame us? Tyson is working hard on the job search and giving his sprained ankle some rest. Please pray for him to find a good job!

While we were gone, our cute new nephew Logan Joseph Anderson was born. It was so fun to come home to meet him! He is our little buddy and we love him!

Going to Hawaii

2008-05-21T20:59:00.000-07:00

Oh hunny! We are going to Hawaii in the morning! Just wanted to say how proud we are of Becky! Her new Chick-fil-A opens tomorrow morning at the District! We'll be posting pics when we return. TTFN!