The Darkness about to do me some harm

So at first I did not think the darkness was effecting me but, this past weekend was such a downer. I had this sad feeling and just could not knock it. I think lack of some sunshine definately had something to do with that. I am so ready for the summer months with no school and lots of Sunshine. Doctrinally speaking Light is the life of the world and to gain exaltation we must be found possessing lots of "light, truth, glory, and intelligence" (D&C 93). I am glad that I have such access to the source of all truth and light no matter what life is like in the frozen tundra.

I am still enjoying my time here. Especially getting to know some of the folks in my ward, one handsome fella in particular but that is not a story for here or now. Let's just say I am excited to see where it takes me. Hope is abounding though! God is a God of miracles.

I am still one of the FHE coordinators. We just revamped the program for a new semester. We reorganzied the families and came up with a curriculum. The first Monday the lesson comes out of Preach My Gospel and the second Monday from the conference issue of the Ensign. When I was set apart, I was told that I would be able to help increase the testimonies of those in our ward. I know that by reading and studying the doctrines taught in Preach My Gospel -which asks you to read, experiment, and journal about the scriptures- and the words of our Prophets, seers, and revealators that testimonies will increase. The Holy Ghost's job is to testify of truth and of the Savior. If they will follow the curriculum and participated in the lesson -coming prepared- then their testimonies will increase. That was my goal anyways increase the time in the scriptures and doctrine and thus increase the Spirit's ability to whisper the truthfulness of the things being read and presented.

The darkness was really getting to me. I did not really notice it and then all the sudden it was like my whole life was dark for a weekend and that was not fun. I had this overwhelming sad feeling that I just could not shake. After four days of that I got a blessing from my Institute director Brother Monte Miles. He is amazing. I am so sad that he is retiring in May. It is so nice to feel the power of the priesthood and to feel the love of our Heavenly Father poured out upon us. He loves us all so much and wants us to be happy and that happiness comes from applying the gospel principles in our lives, DAILY.

I heard from a couple of good friends this past week. One is such a good man, genuine and funny. He was here over the summer doing an accounting internship and then went back to BYUI. Now he is off doing another internship in Connecticut. The other friend is getting her Masters at BYU Provo. Both of them could carry on wonderful gospel conversations. I really miss our those. We could talk forever about the redeeming doctrine of the gospel. Good friends are such treasures!!! I am really grateful for all the amazing experience I have here in Alaska. I am pretty sure I will be here for at least another year. Then who knows.

I know that as long as I am living the single life I want to keep furthering my education. I am thinking about a master's in Literacy, or Administration, Law School..and a few other things. Hopefully I will figure it out this next year or find a good man to marry and live my dream job as a wife and momma. =0)

I hope that all of you are well. Will blog more later. =0) Love you all!!

Baby it's cold outside....

Being back in Anchorage is nice. I really really love it here. The mountains and snow its simply breathtaking....literally today it is -20 outside. When you breathe in your nose hairs stick together and freeze along with whatever else might be in your nose. When you go in side your nose melts so tissues are a must in every jacket, sweater, or hoodie. It is so cold anything and everything outside has a white film over it. The road signs, our post office pole in our parking lot, trees. The other day I was driving and my CO2 turned to ice on the inside of my car on my windshield and window. It is supposed to "warm" up into the 20's this weekend. Which means I will be able to take my roomate's dog on a walk and go myself. I have missed walking outside since I have been home. As a FYI we are gaining sunlight now slowly but surely.
I missed my friends while I was gone. I ran into a friend at Wal-Mart and we hugged and chatted and then the next day was a baptism and lots of ysa's were there. One of "brothers" in my FHE group told me our ward is not the same without you. How sweet was that. Anyway it made me feel so good to really feel apart of our ward. Our ward is on fire with missionary work the baptism on Saturday was for two ysa's Slade and Becca. I was asked to sing with Brittany the cutest girl in our ward seriously she is blonde, shorter, beautiful voice , kind , funny she is a riot....anyway I am sure we made quite the duo me being curvy, dark haired, and tall...I think we sounded ok. My voice was still a little froggy. We have a baptism this Saturday and one the following week too. I love it! I can't wait for everyone to be back from home too. Lots of kids are still gone but UAA starts back next week so they should be trickling in.
Also on Saturday was a celebration of 50 years of Alaska statehood; there were ice sculptures, free entertainment, and one of my favorite things ever FIREWORKS! It was a nice night downtown. I learned not to breath when taking a picture when it is this cold or your pictures are of your own breath. I also learned not to breath when someone is taking a picture of you when it is this cold outside or it looks like your spirit is escaping your body...that our you are in the witness protection program and your face is all blurred out.
My little car is hanging in there. I have a block heater but it still sounds like a waking dragon when it starts and I am always afraid it won't and I'll be late for school.
As a side note I got called to be our ward pianist SCARY I know. I do not have mad skills. I am excited that I will be getting better though. There are lots of things I hope to get better at in 2009. I love new beginnings.

New Baby

This is Quincy's newest little guy Daniel Jones from church history and Daniel is a McKinney family name and Jones is my moms moms maiden name. He is such a handsome little guy. He was born December 27th at 1:02 am. We thought he was coming Christmas Day but he teased us....we know he is a McKinney already teasing in utero.

I am so happy being home. I miss the snow though.

Home sweet home

Dang! It has been so good to be home. I got to come home and surprise my family a week early. I first surprised my dad who was cleaning the church with the rest of the high priests. Oh the lies me and mom had to tell to keep him in the dark. It was worth it though. He was truly surprised.

Then I went to momma's where Justin and Amanda and my baby Kade or as we call him Kadekins was. They were so surprised to see me. Justin was still asleep so I got to wake him up. He was definatley surprised to see me. He did not think we were going to get to see each other at all over Christmas. We have gotten closer since Kade has been born. Mom and I drove down (all night) to Florida when Kade was born and we stayed until Luke was born 3 days later...then we drove straight through to see Luke....good times. Justin is a firefighter for Marion County and is going to paramedic school now. Amanda is a teacher at a virtual school. Kade is so cute and eats a lot, he loves Baby Signing Time.

Next on the list of people to surprise was Quincy and Amy because they were the closest geographically. I hid in the bushes outside their house and mom, Justin, and Amanda went in first then I rang the doorbell a couple minutes later. Gabe was screaming and could not believe it. Ben kept saying Katie is here Katie is here; it was so cute!

Quincy then called Jared and Ann Marie to come down to his house for an important announcement from Eldon. Why they came I don't know? Eldon never has important announcements like "I am getting married or having a baby" what is the coolest thing he could have said??..... Someone hit me and I want McKinney and McKinney to represent me. I hid in the bathroom downstairs and after they came in Sam asked Emily, "Who is your favorite aunt?" and then Ben said someone is going to come out of that door and surprise you so at that point I might as well come out. Emily was so excited she ran over and jumped into my arms and cried. Her birthdsay is the 18th and she has been telling everyone that Aunt Katie is coming home for her birthday. We tried to go on an Aunt Katie date the day it started sleeting...we at lunch at Guy Perkins school with Ben, Gabe, and Sam and then went to Conway and had to come back almost immediately because of the weather...but not before I got to see McKinney and McKinney law office and take Jared to lunch at Larry's Pizza ;the best pizza buffet in Conway.

Coley Bob is talking like crazy. He is the cutest little guy ever. Baby luke has changed so much in the last 6 months. When you look at him he looks down at the ground and grins. Bashful one in our family I don't know how this will work out. Jacob is so funny. He plays this game where he will hit you gently on the head and he wants you to pretend he just knocked you out. Then you do it to him and he is so cute when he closes his eyes and says OOOOHHHH. He still loves to sing and Jingle Bells is a new favorite. We had fun playing.

Spencer was at the house when we left Guy. He was cute. He came running across the dinning room yelling KATIE and gave me a big ole hug. He has got to be one of the funniest guys I know...seriously. I have him for Christmas.

Janeen flew in at 6pm. Spencer went to pick her up and brought her to a YSA Christmas party at Angela's. She walked in and I was hiding around the corner....she screamed and we hugged for like a minute. It was so good to see my sister. We shared a room and a bed for EVER. I have missed her!

Family fun. Is there anything better than babies laughs? Or tiny fingers on your face? Or tiny voices saying I lub you aunt katie? rocking these babies to sleep and watching their heavy eyes fall for the last time? I have so much to look forward to.

I am surprised how much I am missing Alaska and my YSA ward people. Alaska living is so great. My job emotionally draining but everything else is fantastic. I still don't know what next year has in store for me.

Church was good. I got to see some angels in my life...and my old kids that I taught in Primary. They were huge!

Tuesday nite we went to the church and played knock out and volleyball with the entire McKinney clan. It was a ton of fun. I don't know what was more fun sliding on the ice in the church parking lot Jared in his van (with me) , dad and mom with Justin and Amanda, or Spencer, Eldon and Janeen in the Saturn. We looked like synchronized sliders all twirling at the same time. Good times! Oh, man we let Gabe and Ben play with us and Jared kept telling mom to pretend "he" didn't exist...in other words hit all the balls that come to Gabe...so Gabe got hit in the face and he folded his arms and said, "that is ok I don't exist anyways" I was hilarious! Jared made up for it...he had Justin serve a few balls just to Gabe and he hit them over to us.

Wednesday Justin and Yolanda (that is what I call Amanda don't ask why...I just do) had to leave. It was hard to say goodbye to Kade. He is soooooooooo adorable. He makes all these little noises and giggles. He likes to sign hat which looks like a little kid hitting himself on the head for no reason it is precious.

Wednesday nite me and Janeen went to Rose Bud to stay over at our cousins David and Valeries house. They live a few doors down from another cousin Tana. We had a blast visiting and playing. Thursday we all went into Conway and had a good time shopping and being girls. I love being with the girl cousisns and laughing and having a good time. I got to fill them in on some of my Alaska adventures. Mandy joined us and increased the good times.

Thursday nite ...AUCTION...it was good to see some of the dealers and talk about Alaska. I got asked about Sarah yeah Sarah Pallin. I did get to see her at the kick off celebration of 50 years of statehood for Alaska. She introduced Wynonna at the Airshow and kick off party. I was impressed then and continue to be.

Friday..today I am going to go eat with my students from Greenbrier Middle School..then go to a wedding...then to Russellville to play with Mandy and Shawn and see their new baby Abby. Brady and Lydia too they love it when I speak in my British accent so do my students. Shawn graduates Saturday.....yeah!

Well y'all probably heard enough and are tired of reading this novel.

More Thanksgiving fun

So Black Friday was spent in PJ the entire day...it was nice I have been going and going and going. Monday nites FHE, Tuesday Institute Council and Institute class, Wednesday Institute class, Thursday Institute Choir, Friday fun with friends, Saturdays laundry..shopping..getting ready for Sunday, Sunday well its Sunday. Needless to say it was great to just relax with friends and watch some Christmas movies to set the mood.

Saturday Lisa, Char, and I drove down to Soldotna to pick up some Christmas goods from their storage unit and to hear Char's cousin give his homecoming talk. He just got back from Mongolia. We had an amazing road trip. It is soooo beautiful in Alaska. There really is no prettier place...if you love snow.

Char's family was so fun. We played Apples to Apples and Boggle. I lost at both but had a fantastic time playing; I am sure there is a calorie burn chart for laughter on the Apples to Apples box.

Going to a family ward was nice. Louder than our YSA ward but;I got to hold some babies. =0) Anyone who knows me knows how much I love to hold and love on babies. They are so darn cute, and there is nothing better than those little smiles and laughs, oh it just warms my heart. There building was identical to my home ward building that made me a little weepy, awe Conway II Ward I love y'all! and can't wait to see you soon.

Well got to run for now.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving was so great! There were several of us who were away from home we got together at Cole's place. We played some games, cooked, and had lots of fun. At least I did.

Left to right is Cole, Cristi (my roomate), Mark, Charlotte, Lisa, and me in the front. I wanted us all to have a taste of home; and knowing if were at each other homes then our families would be telling stories on us...I called everyones parents and got some stories on everyone and got their parents to write a little note. I really enjoyed it and hoped everyone else did too. I learned a lot about everyone.

I was very impressed Mark cooked some yam casserole that was yam good, and Cole made our rolls that were delightful! Charlotte, Lisa, and I spend a lot of time together having some crazy times...like dressing up for Haloween, practical joke wars ,{serand wrapping vehicles, balloons in cars, scavenger hunts for presents} and sleepovers. ...anyway we did the shopping and the sides dishes. We all helped prep and cook the turkey that was fun. Mark was gonna do the turkey but overslept by 4 hours. He is a riot!

I am not gonna lie...I missed home like crazy; but being in a homey place with good friends made it really nice. A close second to being at home with family. I have so many things to be Thankful for. First is the knowledge that I have of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ which makes every aspect of my life deeper and sweeter. The scriptures especially the Book of Mormon. My family they are the best especially my nephews and nieces. Hope, hope for my students lives to be improved, hope for someone to love and share a life with, hope to be able to experience the miracle of life, hope for greater happiness and joy....Hope is a needful thing (President Uchtdorf) Good friends another great blessings in my life. Our country a free nation with so many opportunities, a good education, a job/career ( a got a nice carear on me) =0) The Earth and all its beauties...Alaska has its fair share of earthly beauties. That I can walk, see, hear, taste, especially touch..uplifting music, Christmas, Fourth of July, ice cream, chocolate, babies smiles and laughs, grandparents, farms, four wheelers, cousins, camping, road trips, books..being able to read and learn, good movies, sunshine, moon, stars, trampolines, Arkansas, Razorbacks ....this is just a short list.

I hope that everyone had a great Thanksgiving day!

No I am not Dead ....yet

Wanted everyone to know I am alive and well. I have some pictures to add from Halloween.

So I have not blogged in a bit. I have been busy with friends and life.

Driving in the frozen tundra is so funny...when it snows and people start driving on the snow they create their own lanes and when the snow and ice chip away you realize how far off you are from the actual lanes. Parking is about the same you just guess where the lines are and hope for the best.

Institute is going great. We had a harvest hoedown and it was so much fun. We had dance instruction had some Frito Chili Pie and Apple Pie yummy! I made the Chili and was nervous about it... they ate it all 3 crock pots full so I guess it was at least edible. I used moms recipe but nothing ever taste quite like moms. (by the way I have the best mom in the world,universe, galaxy, cosmos it is true!)

Having a temple in Anchorage is so nice. After stake conference, where they dedicated a new Stake Center which is gorgeous and having the temple president tells us that the temple is not being used enough; I decided to commit to going once a week. Last week my roommate Cristi, and new BFF Charlotte, and I ( her roommate Lisa is not endowed {yet} or she would have been with us...I spend A LOT of time at their place Char and Lisa are amazing) did initiatories. It was sooo nice! Tomorrow we are going to do an endowment session and I can't wait.

School is going pretty well. I have not had any objects thrown at me in at least a week. Still working on using respectful appropriate language when we are upset though. For awhile I thought my name had been changed.

Well I will write more later.. Just thought I'd let you know I am alive and well. One last thought on one of my favorite things SNOW. The snow is so beautiful. It sparkles in the light. It is so cold now that even the air around the tree limbs is frozen and everything looks like a winter wonderland. The sun is coming over the mountains and into my classroom around 10:30 am and setting around 4:00pm. It is weird coming to school in the dark and leaving in the dark.