Happy Thanksgiving!

This year I was blessed to have the week away from my boys- so I headed to Denver to see sweet Rachel! Baby Kyle heard of all the fun we were having and had to hop on the first flight out of Texas to see us- we were beyond happy, tho!
Rachel's church community invited to feed all three of us for thanksgiving... Korean food. It was DELICIOUS.
In my 6 days there- I learned a couple things.
1. When visiting Denver, always have Chapstick, water and lotion. I kid you not.
It is so so dry, I'd wake every 3 hours to apply and refresh my thirst:)!
2. Denver folk love their coffee shops... Fine by me! Rach and I spent most of our time here!
3. Rachel is obsessed with her new friend, wrigley. (Who is a dog).
4. I love love her roommates. So much that I considered leaving Michigan to live in a closet... Seriously!
5. I like tattoos. Tattoo number 3 was printed!
6. Kyle and Rachel were made for the sun and mountains. I was made for the shade... And not mountains.
7. Kyle does not like to be touched or have heart to heart talks with me... We broke him!
8. Kyle and I are so beyond awkward when ordering in restaurants. It's sad.
9. Kyle hates games as much as I hate the mountains.
10. Rachel likes to drive on one way streets:) she will kill me for this!
As a thanksgiving traditions; Rachel asked us to name what we are thankful for. We never got around to answering because baby Kyle blurted out that he was thankful for food... And that was it. :/
Well, I am thankful for Rachel and Kyle. For all the joy and pain they bring in my life:)
Shalom.

Never want to leave this place

First, God is so beyond good. A little over a year ago today I would have never thought my life would be the way it is. It is so magnificent to see that God truly knows the desires of our heart!
i would have never thought I would have been in Michigan, living in a home with two-- sometimes three beautiful ladies, whom challenge me each day to love on a deeper level.  Becoming part of two small groups, that embrace me and meet my heart where it is. Taking on the challenge( with 5 other ladies) of planning a Women's Retreat for 40 plus women, allowing God to break us for His glory. Becoming a co leader in our youth group, walking life with sweet fragile children... and best of all, allowing God to show me my heart in them. Being able to be part of the Sunday School two year old class, and learning so much of what "child-like" faith is. I would have never thought that my relationship with my earthly sister would be so fruitful and radiant- reflecting His purpose in us all.
I never thought I would find such comfort in a small church that would embrace, consume and become my family away from home. God sought this church for me and made me become part of the body!
The Lord has also stripped me of so many comforts that I once held so dear to me; specifically, my relaxing time. He has taught me the meaning of abiding and resting in Him. God is good.
Now onto some pics--

Woman of the Future. 

I love this Man of God!

Up- North beauty

Beautiful Boy

Community!!

Sammy trying to smile :)

Rough day haha

Last night at the women's retreat

Craft night for the ladies of the church

Michigan Fall-- endless beauty 

Clothing exchange

My life with two kids...

On October 6th,10:38pm, weighing in at 6lbs, 9 oz, 20 inches long
Samuel Zhi Han Lee made his way into the world! As Joyous as this is- reality hit the second that child was brought home.
Now that I have two kids to deal with on a daily, I do have one, very helpful tip for anyone who is thinking of having more children...
DON'T DO IT! One is good enough!

My days now consist of hurt feelings, tantrums, screams, real tears, fake tears, attention seeking, throwing, kicking, and my favorite dragging a 36 pound, whailing child to and from activity. No, but seriously-- every transition is combat.... And, why were we excited about another baby?... Oh- that's right, we're suckers!
Yes, yes I love Samuel very much and still love Jonas... most days. However, right now I am dealing with a pissed off two year old- to say the least. He takes it out on me most of all,and heaven forbid I even look at Samuel when in the presence of Jonas.
I know Jonas will adjust and we can all look back at this and laugh how Katie almost jumped off a cliff;).
All kidding aside; more kids are a wonderful thing. I won't lie, it's hard going from one child to two. But I can't imagine life without Samuel- and feel so lucky that I get to love these boys!
Now for some pictures of new baby!

and 5 months later...

Where has time gone?! My last post was about winter ending and now, here we are, entering in my second Michigan winter! The summer is so busy here, everyone just wants to be out soaking in the glorious weather and greenery. So, let me give you some bland updates- month to month.

June- Moved into a 3bdrm home with two friends that i met from church.
July- took a trip to the U.P to see the amazing sleeping bear dunes and became a Tigers fans!
August- Hosted our housewarming party! burgers, dogs and Rita's... followed by some friendly games. Went to my first Tigers game... and we won!
September- Went back to my roots; Texas to celebrate a wedding, see family and ventured on a grayhound bus! Also, I was lucky enough to see the comedian Dane Cook, live at the, amazing fox theater!
October- Awaiting the arrival of Samuel Lee ( Jonas' baby brother), who is due any second now.

That is just the least of what has been going on up North. I am still,absolutely, in love with this State and will bitterly-sweet say that I would stay in Michigan forever- if it were up to me. I will urge each person reading this to take that step of obedience with Christ and follow him into the unknown. Literally a year ago today, I sat in my room, in Austin Texas, fearful to where God called me to. " why would he ever want me in Detroit?" I was leaving behind my family and dear friends to one of the most " dangerous" cities in the U.S. Everyone thought i was crazy... I even thought I was crazy. God knew exactly what he was calling me to- calling me to my happiness, His desires. I can not imagine my life without Michigan. I always miss Texas (not the heat), especially family and friends- but, Jesus makes that pain go away! now, on a more important note... Go Tigers! plllease make it to the series!

Until next time
Shalom

Spring has Sprung

Good News, Winter is over! yes, after eight long months we got some heat. Texas is sharing with us!Although, today we have hit a high of 87 and I was not pleased! God has made me for the cold. I prefer to freeze over sweat any day! In fact, just last weekend I went to Denver to visit my sweet Rachel and the sun was so bright that I got sun burned... I didn't even think about putting on sunscreen because, lets be honest... the sun is rarely that bight in the north.
Michigan is lovely in the spring, breath taking. The breeze, sun and the nature is wonderful... I could get used to this. Apparently Michiganders hibernate in the winter, so it is nice to see people instead of just snow!  We haven't hit the 90's yet, but we have a couple more months of summer left.  I swear I thought this state had a population of 100 before spring! In the summer it does not get dark until 10pm, no kidding! Literally, stays light out until late in the night and the sun rises around 715a. I always tell myself that there is no excuses to not go for a jog after work!

Lots of new things have been happening here in the north. I am still a part of the genesis church in royal oak and am seeking council on becoming a member, involved in a small group, that meets weekly to learn and serve Christ. Met some awesome girls, decided to rent a house with them, we all move in next weekend,  started playing friendly tennis matches, and, Oh yea, Jonas will have a new baby brother in October! That's right-- I will be taking care of two Jonas'... Ahh:) Hope I am ready.

Here is the link to the house we are renting beginning in June! http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/13430-Irvine-Blvd-Oak-Park-MI-48237/24665230_zpid/


Until next time... Shalom

home cooking vs frozen food.

I have found myself searching new *not so easy, recipes, trying them out, failing, then searching for cooking classes! I am determined to become a better cook and i don't know why. I used to be fine with popping something in the microwave, 2 minutes later... Ding, Dinner! I was completely fine with that, partly because frozen food tasted better than anything I could come up with. and the preparation... Oh the prep time. Ew! This is what my prep time consist of;

Read over ingredient list. What is Cumin? How important is it in the recipe?
Cross off some unnecessary items. Cumin- out. Rice vinger oil- out.
Go spend a pretty penny on the *necessary items
Have many anxiety attacks about starting the food
Lay out the dishes needed
Realize I forgot to get milk... guess that's off the list
Then my journey starts...           about 50 mins later, the food goes into the trash.

Yes, I realize that I may have left off some items that the recipe called for, but isn't that what great chefs do... Improvise! I try to throw more stuff in to spice it up, but who knew that 1/3 tsp isn't the same as 1/3 c. Make the font BIGGER please!

Here are a few recipes that I have found to be successful. I try them out on Jonas first of course!
1. Meatloaf Muffins
2. Veggie quesadillas
3. Broccoli cakes
4. squash and carrot muffins
5. roasted carrots and cauliflower
feel free to check out my pinterst page for the recipes!    http://pinterest.com/katiekaylynn/


that's all so far :/

Turning 25!

I woke up feeling more mature, with an ache in my bones, looked in the mirror saw a wrinkle... Conformation; I'm twenty-five. Half way to fifty.
The day has finally come, the day where crawling in bed at 9:30 is my norm. Staying in to watch a movie sounds more fun than going out. My body taking 2 weeks to fully recover from a 24 hour bug. Where paying my credit card off is more exciting than buying something new.
Yes, I'm half way to fifty.
Where my responsibilities have become endless, the time where I start caring about the "big" stuff. Where cleaning my house is no longer a chore, but a choice.
The times of staying out late with not a care in the world have become few and far between, shots turn into wine, gulps turn into sips and comfort comes before beauty. ( although, perhaps I've always been that way).
Half way to fifty
When sleeping became a privilege and not a priority. When working became mandatory and not so ordinarily. Lazy days became guilt days by all the things i need to do. When i started molding those life long friendships, family became important, because i am not so selfish anymore. Lastly, putting others needs in front of mine. I think that's a sure sign that I'm half way to fifty!

Happy birthday to me. Thanks to all who are always molding me into the women God has created me to be.