December 2010

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

We hope everyone had a great December and a great Holiday. It was a fun month - here are some highlights:

First was the QT with fam. Scott's last day of work at ProFlowers was on Dec 10, so we've got to have him all to ourselves for the last couple of weeks. We started off enjoying the winter season by sledding down the grass in my parent's front yard.













Once we had that down, we were ready for the next level, so we took a trip to Snow Mountain, where they fill the lawn in front of Stone Mountain with man-made snow and have downhill tubing, snowball targets, igloo building and other assorted snow fun - the kids of course had a blast.












Being Christmas and also currently being homeless, we had plenty of time to spend with mine and Scott's family. Here is a photo of Jack and Tay at a gingerbread-making shop with Grammy, and also a photo from the park with Grandpa and Grandma Becky. That modified see-saw looks harmless, but Scott's brother, Jay, is still limping from an attempted back flip off of it. His consolation was that it looked cool AND it got on video. Definitely Scott's brother.












The next big event was, obviously, Christmas. It's great having little kids around for the Christmas season, because it brings back all the magic. While Scott is still undecided as to how he feels about promoting the myth of Santa Clause for our children, this is a point of childhood that I do not want them to miss, so we mae sure to put out cookies for Santa on Christmas eve and even scrapped together some carrots from a salad for the reindeer. You can see Jack, Tay and their cousins below just full of excitement for the big day.












Gift highlights for the kids were a powerwheel for Jack and a doll house and stroller for Tay. We again did the back-to-back-to-back-to-back Christmas functions with all of my family / extended family and then Scott's family and extended family - we started at 7 and ended around 7 at night.

Perhaps the coolest part of the Xmas this year was that it was the first white Christmas in Atlanta since 1882 - we were apparently due.











The last big event of the month was Meg Nemeth's wedding! She was stunning, Brian is a great guy, and we're totally stoked they got married and that we got to go up to Chicago for it (A big thank you to the Hendricks for letting us crash at their place). They had the rehearsal dinner on Thursday night and then the ceremony and reception on Friday, New Year's Eve. There was a great band and we danced until the countdown to ring in the new year - we had a great time (my dress compliments of Mayer--Roomies forever!!)!













After brining in the new year on such a high note, we decided to make it official by doing the polar bear plunge in Lake Michigan. Now we all know who was behind this event, and my being in tears just seconds before shedding my coats and jumping in the water was not enough to dissuade Scott's resolution that this was the right way to celebrate the dawn of 2011. You can see the shore of Lake Michigan - and no, that's not white sand!










So we did it! it felt like needles poking into your entire body, and after getting out of the water and getting back into our car, we put our hands in front of the heater and gritted our teeth while our hands pulsated with an intense burning pain. But we survived. Who knows why we do these kind of things, but now we can all enjoy the pictures and videos, so the memories can last a life time.

We hope you all have a great start to 2011 and hope to hear how you're all doing.

Lots of love,

TFK

November

Welcome back readers!


We're in Atlanta and we're here to stay! BCG was going to fly Scott and I out for a weekend to get to meet the different consultants at the firm, but rather than going out and coming back, we decided to all just get one-way ticekts - so here we are. It was kind of spur of the moment and definitely a whirlwind, but after having forgotten basic necessities like jackets and Jack's baseball stuff (which he reminds me of everyday) and after a 2 hour stand still between Scott and the movers as Scott tried to negotiate a better rate, we finally made it!



The BCG weekend was great - dinners, Hawk's game, rock climbing - we got to meet some neat people and Scott is really excited about getting started. For the next two weeks Scott needs to fly back and forth between Atlanta and San Diego to finish up at ProFlowers, but then we'll have 7 weeks until he starts at BCG. So we're trying to think of some fun trips...ideas anyone?


Fortunately, while we're homeless in Atlanta, Mama and Papo O have graciously allowed us to crash at Sugarloaf while we look around for a place. We've been shopping, and we've seen so many homes that they're all starting to blur together at this point, but we have found a house that we really like--right inside the perimeter, good church ward, great school, good commute, etc. I want to wrap it up, but Scott wants to drag his feet so he's insisted on placing an offer $100k less than the asking price. I tell him we're going to get told to 'take a hike' and he tells me 'there's a city full of houses', so we'll see how this experience turns out and who's right.

Besides the move, the biggest event was definitely Thanksgiving. Over the past 4 years or so my parents had gotten out of the habit of cooking a Thanksgiving meal and eating it at home, but this year when Dad found out we'd be in town, the habit came roaring back. We had all the Thanksgiving favorites, and my dad even invited the owner his favorite Cajun Seafood restaurant over - so we had the full spectrum from Turkey and cranberry sauce to shrimp & grits and gumbo.

After the first feeding, it was off to Scott's house for round 2, which was kicked off by the annual Turkey Bowl in the front yard. This was the year of Jackson's and Trey's debut as they were each the all-star snappers for their respective teams.


In other fun events, we all went to see 'Tangled', the Disney Rapunzel movie (which was great), and also went to The Festival of Lights (Thank you Grandma Becky!) at Lake Lanier. Jack and Tay rode the whole way standing up through the sun roof! Accompanied by Jack and Tay and sitting in the front seat is Scott's sister, Jolanta. She just got her mission call to SLC and reports to the MTC on December 15th - we're so excited for her!

Now we are in full swing for Christmas...It is starting to feel real that we are here for good. Even though there are things we are missing about San Diego, namely the weather and the ward, we feel so blessed be be 'settling down' near family. It was cute, the other day Jack started crying inconsolably, and we asked him: "Jack, what's wrong", and he said: "I miss It's a Small World" (a ride at Disneyland). So we tried to comfort him and had him think about all the things he could be grateful for now that he's in Atlanta, like being close to Grammy, and playing in a yard, and he tried to get over the loss, but he still couldn't help whimpering that "Nothing is better than small world". Scott and I couldn't stop laughing!

In any event, we are grateful for our family and for this time of the year to reflect more closely upon our Savior, and we wish each of you a wonderful holiday season!

Love,


TFK

















...in other newsworthy events, Tays first pedicure!

October

Dear friends and family--here is what's on the docket:

Jackson Turns 4!

Dianna gets married!

10 year high school reunion!

BCG Atlanta here we come!

Record breaking month in terms of events/craziness! So sorry for the delay--I don't think we have ever been this late.

To start, our little man turned 4! As you can see his 'Padres' cake was spectacular (at least to Jackson). We actually got to see the lady at the grocery store decorate it, much to Jackson's delight. And it was huge, good thing, as jack had 70 guests! The party had all the 4 y.o. essentials--a pinata (gigantic baseball of course), games, goody bags, and even a treasure hunt in the sand (ring pops) to win over even the toughest preschool critics.

Before guest arrived.

Next to his best buddy Oliver.

Classic Duck Duck Goose!

Then 2 weeks later, the moment that all of us Douglas's have been praying for, finally came to fruition. Dianna got married! And not just to anybody! David Burk is a handsome, charming, smart (Stanford, now Econ PhD at the University of Chicago), kind, MORMON! Everyone couldn't be happier--especially the bride's parents.

The weekend was a blast, mainly because we were kid-free! The rehearsal dinner was a hoot--vegetarian/Chinese cuisine, a T-bone shaped cake, and lots of memorable roasts/toasts. Then it was right to bed, but not before a quick lingerie/sex education shower! On Saturday morning we headed to the DC temple for the sealing/marriage. The Spirit was strong, and the sealer spoke about how there are no coincidences in life and that these two were destined to be together. It was powerful to see David and Dianna knelt across the alter committing themselves to each other for eternity.

After lots of pictures and an afternoon nap at the hotel, it was time to party! The reception was incredible--ate the Congressional Country Club. Some Jewish wedding customs were observed that were neat for the guests and special for the father of the groom. The food was exquisite, the band was fabulous, and the couple truly seemed to glow. My favorite part was the father's blessing that John gave the new couple.

As an added bonus to the weekend, I, along with Becky were privileged to escort Jolanta through the temple for the first time. She was amazingly unphased, perhaps the result of being the 9th Douglas sibling to go through the temple. Also, in addition to getting to meet baby Derek for the first time, I also go to catch up with close friend and former bridesmaid, Elizabeth Melnikof. These things combined wit the fact that I got to eat at Potbellies twice made the weekend a perfect 10. (Unfortunately at the rehearsal dinner, we realized our camera was broke, so a lot of important moments have been missed, and we have been hounding others for pictures)

The last weekend in October kept pace in terms of excitement of the previous 3 weekends. I had been anxiously awaiting our 10 year high school reunion and it went off without a hitch! It really was a blast. On Friday night of homecoming weekend, the Class of 2000 mingled in one of the new buildings a GAC, enjoying food catered completely free of charge by Chris Maddox's mom. The kids were a hit, and we were surprised at how many people had kids. Even a few favorite teachers swung by which was great. Then we all wandered over to the football game to see our Spartans crush some poor school that barely had enough players to form a team.

Then on Saturday after a delicious girls only brunch (thanks Susans!), it was the adults only night at a bar downtown. Even more people came this night. It was so fun to catch up, and reconnect. I loved high school, and now I remember why! Our class was inclusive and tight then, and we continue to be so now--we had the strongest turnout GACS has had in years! If you didn't make it, we missed you and want you there next time!

Towards the end of the night, things got pretty tipsy--and by the very end a lot of us were dancing. It probably was especially fun for us, because neither Scott nor I could remember the last time we went to a club/bar. With Mayer by my side, I felt like I was back at Vandy!

Then to top off this month, we got wonderful news. After being disappointed with Scott's raise, recognition, and the current challenge of ProFlowers, he reached out to BCG--a consulting firm that we erroneously turned down for the dreadful :) McKinsey during business school. Fortunately they didn't hold a grudge, and invited him to come interview. He prepared for a couple of weeks, practicing cases almost nightly with his dad, interviewed, gave himself a score of 93%, and then we left it in the Lord's hands. That Friday evening (reunion), BCG called with the good news, saying that "We loved you 2 years ago, and we love you now." We were ecstatic! But nobody was happier than my parents.

We feel extremely blessed. I had made this a matter of person prayer about a week before this all started coming together, and I was reminded once again of the Lord's mindfulness of his children and that he does answer prayers.

Everything just happened so fast. We are moving to Atlanta on Nov 18!

While we were in Atlanta, my parents were wonderful hosts and even took us to the lake to wakeboard. We kept saying, "Wow, I forgot how beautiful Georgia is." There is a lot we will miss about San Diego, but watch out ATL here we come!!

Love,

TFK

August

Ta Da! Well bear with me as I am learning how to BLOG! It isn't much, but we figured we give your inboxes a break by no longer stuffing them with our 10mb TFKs. Let us know what you think of the

new format. We are definitely not sold on it; but you're the readers, so let us know what you think--2 thumbs up? Total flop? We'd love to hear it.

Moving past electronic formats and blagospheres, onto the news for the month (Sorry about the order of the pictures, they upload in reverse order?). Directly after my parents left, Scott's cousin, Brittny, and her husband Zane arrived. We really had a great time. And as all of our visitors know, they got the full visitor experience of sharing a room and a bathroom with Jack and having to pay for room and board with baseball pitches--Zane must've played 24 innings of baseball with Jack. And since it's been the coldest August since the 1930's, we got to go to the beach and freeze. We had planned to go snorkeling in La Jolla Cove as
every year the leopard sharks, which don't attack humans, come down and there are tons of them. Because it was so cold however, we didn't make it in; and it's probably a good thing because there were 2 great white sightings in La Jolla that same day.

After the beach, Scotty got 4 tickets to a Chargers game from his work so we got to see a preseason game against the Bears--good thing; as they were $295 a piece...for a preseason game; Chargers fans have got too much money apparently. Besides the game, they got to enjoy the typical Douglas Saturday--Old Towne and Swirls. It was fun having them out. Come back soon!

After Brittny and Zane left, one of my favorite Chi-O pledge sisters, Meg Nemeth came into town. It was way too short, but I'll take what I can get! Our final visitors were the Gordon Family. At the last minute, and I mean last minute, they decided that they would be attending Law School here in San Diego. So in RECORD SPEED, Aaron and Melanie packed up their house in Utah, found a house to rent here, and moved in. We are stoked to have the Gordons close by again!

Since there is a picture of me right here, I guess I'll start with my news. Here I am with my Primary class--love these kids. The lesson was on letting your light shine for Christ. Other than that, just working 2 shifts a week, doing boot camp with the girls at church (miss you Stacie!), and trying to help when I can with Dianna's wedding planning (yay!), and our upcoming 10 year high school reunion. Alot to look forward too!

And I am happy to report that after 5 years, 2 kids, and 4 moves, Scotty and I are still married! And happily married! Since it wasn't in the budget to take off to Hawaii for a couple of weeks (10 year plan), we decided to have a "Super-Date" ten hours of pure fun! We started at the temple, just like we did 5 years ago, then pedicures (Scott's first one!), Flemmings, Inception, dessert. Heaven.

And Jackosn received his first, actually first 2 trophies this month--one for soccer and one for tee-ball. He has reported; however, that he is done with soccer because he "wants to focus on baseball."
I don't think anyone understands the level of obsession this kid has with baseball. It's unbelievable. He really has lost or has minimal interest in anything else. I am grateful for 2 things: 1)Matt Christopher who writes simple chapter books about boys playing baseball and 2) Wii sports--I finally wore Scott down enough to go and get a Wii. I found it on Craigslist for $100. And given Jack's insatiable demand for more and more baseball, it really comes in handy. He puts the controller on and if you don't keep a close eye on him, he'll sneak in 3 extra games after you tell him "just one more."

And little Taybe is doing great. Here she is drinking her favorite drink--'Green Drink.' Simply put fresh spinach leaves, pineapple juice, and ice in the vita-mix and voila--Green Drink.

Tay is still deliciously chunky, and developing a personality of her own (aka: attitude).

And Scott is doing great. He has really caught the surfing bug and went 4 times last week! His bonus and raise and work was somewhat disappointing, when you consider how much money he made the company. But he is scheduled to talk to the vice president about it on Friday, so we'll see what happens.

So if you blog send me the link, because if I can figure it out, I'll put the link on my blog and be able to keep up with you!

Lots of Love from us to you...TFK

P.S. Check out the videos at the end