Absence makes the heart grow Fonder....

I know, I know....I haven't posted in a while. I have a lot to post about and I'll do it as soon as I quit my job. Ya, I got a job. I'm totally quitting tomorrow. I don't know what I was thinking.

Twilight Premier...

I don't mean to brag, but the girls in our ward have some pretty RAD Young Women leaders. And even though this was not a Church endorsed activity, I had no problem with supervising these young girls all night. I'm sure the other leaders feel same way too. This is us hanging out, eating pizza and sharing a 2 liter at 7:00pm on the November 20th.

Kristen, Abbi, Me, Britni, Karli, Friend and Lena.

This is me and Britni at 8:35pm on still going strong.


The line started to move at like 10:00 or 11:00pm, not real sure. None of us could wait to be "dazzled" by Edward in HD. Notice The girls in the red sweatshirt. She's wearing a shirt that has a picture of her kissing Edward on it. All three of the girls in the front row made special shirts to wear that night. Too cute!

Front: Karli, Friend, Lena-Middle:Friend, Ashley, Me, Britni, Abbi-Back: Friend, Kristen, Jamie

Here we are at 11:30pm still going strong. I must admit this was one of the Longest nights I've had in a while.

Jamie, Abbi, Kristen, Me

This Hunk showed up with his girlfriend and we all freaked out. He walked in wearing sun glasses and a jacket, totally looked like Edward. So I went and asked him if one of my girls could have a picture with him. He acted all innocent like he had NO idea he looked just like Edward. Then his girlfriend cracked up and wanted a picture too. Then Everyone wanted pictures with him.

He was really tall too, but you can't tell in this because he was standing on the lower steps and Britni is on the higher ones. He really looked like Edward when he smiled, but he didn't do it for the picture. Oh well, It was a fun night. Just made me realize how old I'm getting. I can't stay out all night like I used too.

*Post Modification 1/1/2009*
I just found out that the Edward pictured above is in fact a friend of a friend of mine and the girl I assumed was his girlfriend was indeed his wife. They just looked so young I assumed she was the girlfriend. What a sweet hubby to dress up like this for his dear wife.

A little insight on MY small Town

I'm sure many you have heard about the tragedy up north involving an 8 year old boy. This is an article that talks about the situation with reverence and respect. Thank you Richard Obert and Dennis Wagner for giving a non-judgmental view on MY small town. Here's the link, please read it. http://www.azcentral.com/php-bin/clicktrack/email.php/8446518

This Week!!

I'm so excited!! The Twilight Movie premiers this week! I got my ticket and I'm ready to go. Do you think I'll need to camp out so I can get a good seat? I will if I have to. I'm missed all the fun the night the final book in the series came out so I'm not missing the Movie premier fun. Oh no, I will not. This I vow.

Truschke Family trip to Cali 2001

Wow, this month has been depressing and that sucks because it's mine and Simon's birthday month. So I was looking through some old pictures trying to get in a happier mood, I often do that when I'm sad, and I came across these old pictures. They did make me feel better, so I thought I would share them. Hope you enjoy them....

This is the Truschke Family back in 2001 minus Diane(MIL), she was taking the picture. Jarred and I had only been married a year so we couldn't keep our hands off each other.

Jonathan, Amy, Jarred, Me, Derek, and Gary
We had just gotten off the plane and were at the rental car place .

We didn't get many pictures of us at DL but we got plenty when we went to Balboa.

Derek, Me, and Jarred
Here we are riding the Mali Boomer for the first time at DCA. I remember being so scared because you have no idea when it's gonna throw you up in the air. I had to take my shoes off so they wouldn't fall off and hit someone.

This is Just Jarred and I being adorable at some Disney shop. We were Newly weds so I could still make him pose and smile for Dumb pictures. Not anymore. I get the death stare.

Jarred and I
Here we are in the hotel lobby on our way to the beach. I woke up that morning with a giant pimple on the left side of my chin. I thought it wouldn't be that noticeable, but even after all these years it's still the first thing I see when I look at these pictures.

Oh and YES I had short Blond hair and DORK glasses. Jarred did too. This picture cracks me up because of how awkward Jonathan looks. He had just got home from his mission and wasn't sure what he wanted to do as far as Amy was concerned. They got married later that same year in Novemeber and have a little boy now.

Us being cool on the Boardwalk at a sunglass stand. Then we went and ate at our favorite place ever, Tale of a Whale. It's named something else now and the food isn't as good but we still go there every time we're in Cali.

Once upon a time, before Children and Varicose veins I wore a bikini. Funny how I still thought I was a fatty. Stupid girl.

Aww yes, and this is the LOVE of my Life taking beach pictures.

He loved that hat for years until Oliver came along and ruined it.

Diane, Gary, Derek, Me, Jarred, Amy and Jonathan.
Here we are again, the whole family doing some beach shopping.

Ok now this is the one that made me laugh so hard. This stupid thing almost got us killed. Gary my FIL thought it would be a fun idea to take it out on Harbor Blvd, umm no! We had people honking and yelling at us and we're all peddling as fast as we can, except for Amy because she's so little she can't reach the peddles.

When we finally made it back to the safe bike path that goes down the beach, we kicked Gary out of the drivers seat. Then Diane jumped out and took a picture of us being greatful we were alive.
Aww good times. We really need to do a vacation like this again.

This moment in History......

So I was shocked today when I was in fact allowed to vote. As I pondered Oliver's Lunch menu with The Susan B. Anthony facts on it I thought to myself "This women didn't go to jail so I could just sit at home and not let my voice be heard." So I got myself ready and went over to the Elementary school with Simon, my very old voter I.D. card, proper forms of identification and with shaking hands showed them my information and asked them if I could have the opportunity to vote today. They answered me with a very kind, matter of fact, "Yes." Oh thank goodness, I almost passed out. So I voted. Go Koi! Oh yah! Oliver was very excited for me when he saw my "I voted Today" sticker proudly displayed across my chest. As I busied myself this evening with some dusting while I anxiously awaited the results I was proud of myself for the choices I made today. I'm also happy to say that I was able to participate in this moment in History. I'm in absolute Awe of what happened tonight. Some may be sad and angry, even scared as to what our future holds. I honestly didn't know enough about either of the two front runners to feel differently than I do now had the election turned out differently. I guess that would make me a little ignorant and I'm sorry. I do know this though I have never seen such classy, sincere concession speech as Senator John McCain delivered tonight. Senator McCain, I salute you.

On a Brighter note, I hope all you Twilighters have watched and re-watched the New Paramore video at the top of my blog. It's HOT! If you haven't, WATCH IT NOW!

Happy Halloween...

What do you think about this shot for a Christmas card?

At Oliver's school they were supposed to dress as characters from a book and then bring the book to school with them. It had to be a costume they could wear over their clothes and NO masks or face make-up.

So Oliver was "Mickey The Sorcerer."

These are his buddies, The Incredible Hulk, Pirate, Red Ninja, Red Power Ranger Jungle Fury, Storm Trooper and Pirate....again. There were four pirates total.

Later we went to the Trunk or Treat at our church building. I think it was the absolute best one ever. Jarred won for "Most Beautiful." Oliver spent all afternoon deciding what he wanted to be for it, but finally decided on Spider man.

Simon was one of his Amazing Friends. And NO I didn't dye his hair, it's black hair spray. Washes right out. He was still very angry about it though.

And I was a 1992 St. Johns High school Cheerleader. Yes I still have my uniform. Those things are expensive, I'll probably be buried in it.

My Bangs were my favorite part.

We ran into these clowns..."Captain Underwear" and his sidekick "Belly face."

Yes that's her real belly and she's not due until late November, but before you feel too bad for her let me tell you this. She only weighs 100lbs NOT pregnant and fits into MY normal clothes 9 months pregnant. I know, I know, I hate her too.

Simon found a friend.
He also "Busted the Myth" that eating sugar keeps you awake. That would be like his 10th "DUM dum" in his mouth.

Hope your Halloween was Great. Only 364 days until the next one.

Interview with a Truschke

I've had several friends do this before so I'm copying them. I think it's a cute way for friends to get to know The Truschke family a little better. So I'm gonna interview someone from my family once a month. First up Jarred.

K: Truschke is a very unusual name, what's its origin?
J: It's Polish.

K: Under what circumstances were you born?
J: What do you mean? I was born of goodly parents.....built a boat.... you know the rest.

K: Um ok if my blog doesn't get struck by cyber lightning after this then I'll be surprised. No I mean did anything interesting happen that Rainy, Sunday night that you entered the world feet first in a power outage?
J: You knew the answer.
K: Apparently you didn't

K: What's your first memory?
J: What kind of question is that? I guess being about 1 year old and wearing a blue suit and getting my picture taken at what was then a Sears portrait place.
K: Ya I know you hated that blue suit. Your mom talks about how you hated that thing and cried the whole time.
J: Ya it was during the middle of the day.

K: What's your favorite color?
J: Green.
K: Really.
J: Yes. Green is for pimps.
K: Alright....moving on.

K: What defines you most as an individual?
J: Hmmm.....to become something bigger than I am. I want to do something that leaves an impression on humanity, I feel like I'm supposed to do it through music, even if I'm the worlds second worse singer.
K: Who's the first?
J: I don't know but there's gotta be someone worse than me.....William Hung
K: That's funny.
J: And I'm not one to give up easily, I married you and you hated me.
K: I didn't hate you, I hated Eeyore and you were all mopey and sad like him.
J: Whatever.

K: What's you're favorite song or band right at this moment?
J: That rough ummm.........I just haven't been listening to much music lately 'cuz I've been so busy. Right now I'd have to say........either Citizen Cope or the Roots.

K: So what did you always want to be when you grew up?
J: That's a good question.Umm....not what I am now. I didn't plan for this. There's nothing wrong with it I just didn't plan for it.
K: And what are you?
J: Programmer Analyst Instructional Based Systems I.
K: Wow, that's a mouthful.
J: It's doesn't describe what I do. I just tell people I'm a media designer.

K: Childhood dreams?
J: Probably a storm chaser. Maybe once I sell a bunch of CD's I'll go back to college and become a meteorologist and chase storms.
K: So you'll be a Web Developing, Storm chasing Rock Star?
J: Maybe less Web developing.
K: I can be your roadie.
J: Does that mean I get to sleep with you?
K: This is a PG blog.
J: Do I get to sleep with all the roadies? Wait, let me clarify that before you mess it all up, All the female Roadies?
K: No!
J: Ha, ha! I would never sleep with anyone but you.
K: Well you napped with a sister in law once.
J: It was the best nap ever.
J: Maybe I would hunt ghosts too. That would be fun.
K: Wow, I married a super cool dork!
J: Whatever! Take that off! You suck.

K: Are you a morning person?
J: No, I hate morning people.
K: Me too.

K: What side of the bed do you prefer?
J: The top. Ha ha, I'm not being nasty either.
K: You're so stupid.
J: I'm funny.
K: Ya.

K: Are you the type of person that removes their work clothes in bedroom or do you take them off, scattering them around the house on your way there?
J: I put them right in the hamper.
K: Huh, of course you do.

K: Who's someone you really admire?
J: I don't know.....I guess I don't really have any role models.
K: There's not someone you admire for risks they've taken?
J: I've never really given it any thought. I guess I would admire anyone who's taken a risk and had it paid off. Every loser that tries to take a risk to become something greater, because if they fail they're just another nameless loser.
K: Is there anyone that's inspired you?
J: Ya sure I guess Jack Johnson, he did his own thing, wrote his own music, lived the simple life and has gone on to release albums, surf the world, create his own record company and write children's songs. He was basically the voice of Curious George. He was able to touch millions of people through his music.

K: If you could go anywhere in the world on Vacation where would you go?
J: It wouldn't matter where if I wouldn't have to take the worries of everyday life with me. And as long as I was near the ocean and I could have my family there with me.

K: What's your favorite food?
J: Tacos........
K: and tostadas?
J: Yes ha, ha...


K: Are you gonna vote?
J: Yes.

K: Is the glass half empty or half full?
J: I try to look at it and I usually see it as half full, but when we're broke it's hard not to see it as half empty.

K: Do you remember our first date?
J: Our first date, date?
K: Yes
J: I hope so.
K: Me to. What was it??
J: Was it that time you lost the bet with Sarahbrown because you kissed me for the first time.
K: Ya That was it.

K: What first attracted you to me?
J: That's a good question (smirk).
K: Very funny.
J: Physically or emotionally?
K: Whatever the first attraction was.
J: It was probably physical, and then emotional shortly thereafter.
K: Ok but what was it?
J: Umm probably your butt. Ha, ha!
K: Really? Because I was standing behind that counter.
J: Well you were just pretty and I liked your kind of free spirit.

K: What would be your ideal date night?
J: Pedicures and a chick flick. Heh, heh.....
K: Really?
J: No. My ideal date night would be for you and I to go out to dinner and then go to a concert and not have to worry about getting home for the babysitter.
K: Ya that would be nice.

K: What's one of your Pet Peeves?
J: When people say,"You have NO idea." and when people don't watch their d--- kids and expect others to do it for them. I hate that, it makes me angry.
K: That's why it's called a Pet Peeve.

K: One last question. What makes you happiest?
J: It could be a lot of things. True success, seeing my children succeed, seeing my children happy. Seeing my wife succeed and be happy. Just true success and I wouldn't know what that feels like yet.
K: Well if true success is seeing your wife and children happy, then you got it because we are.
J: (snoring)
K: And he's out. Love you Jere-bear. Night night.

Oliver's first Game

Oliver had his very first soccer game this weekend. Well.....it was his second actually. His first was last weekend, but he has no idea.

Ok, I love soccer uniforms. I mean look at the socks. They're so long you hardly see any leg at all. Plus Oliver thinks he looks just like a pro.

And I have to agree. Check out his last name on the back. What a big guy!

Here's his team running around. The idea is a little hard to grasp for some. They all want to chase the ball instead of stay in position to guard the goal.

Simon loved being a spectator. Fruit snacks, bug juice, lawn chair, perfect.

They don't keep score for kids this small, but I'm pretty sure it was a tie game. Bompa took everyone to Applebee's afterward for a celebration feast. Thanks Bompa and Nana for coming to celebrate Oliver's first soccer game.

fa·ce·tious

fa·ce·tious

Pronunciation: \fə-ˈsē-shəs\

Function: adjective

Meant to be humorous or funny : not serious - a facetious remark.

"Please use facetious in a sentence."

"Koe was being facetious in her family reunion blog post, but some people took it too seriously."

Authored by Jarred.

We're Family? Nice to meet you.

This last weekend we celebrated the 1st annual Leighton Jr. Family Reunion in Willcox, Az. The last Reunion this family had was for the Hatch side and it was in Maine about 10 years ago. So they were well over do for another one.

One of the first things on the list of activities was Brunch and pictures. Pictures I thought would never happen. If you look close maybe you can see why. See it? No? I'll just tell you then. The family on the right got up at 5:30am to go to the store and travel to Willcox. The family on the left did not. The family on the right was on time for the 10:00am brunch after traveling 3 hours. The family on the left was 3 hours late after traveling 45 min. The family on the right had grouchy, dirty kids for family pictures. The family on the left had nice, clean kids for pictures. Can you see it now? No? Oh, ok. Moving on.........

This is Oliver and Simon with their Great Grammy. She's 107! Actually I don't know how old she is, but does it really matter once you pass a certain point?

Evann, Oliver and Theron
These 3 handsome guys just posed for this picture when I asked them too. Gotta get all the pictures we can. Who knows when we'll see them again.

Simon with Amy and Frankie. They are all about the same size. Frankie hates hugs and pictures. She often disappears when she sees people starting to leave because she's afraid they'll try and hug her. Amy loves her little boys and chocolate. Jarred also wanted me to mention that she is of Mexican decent. I love all three of them though!

Back row: Jarred, Angela, Shawna, Sondra, and Derek Front row: Jonathan, Tifini, and C.J.
These are the original cousins minus Heather, Rex and Brenna. We missed you!

We ran off to do our digital scavenger hunt after pictures. We couldn't get into railroad park for our picture with Rex Allen so we had stand outside and do it. See that statue behind us? That's him.

And you can't have a family reunion without...what else? A game of Horseshoes. Here's sexy Jare-bear having a go at it.

After that we let the kids paint pumpkins.

Simon loved it! Maybe I should have fed him first though.

Oliver and Evann decided to take their much needed naps right before we painted pumpkins so we had to put two aside for them to paint later.

They didn't know the difference and still had a blast painting them.

Here's all the kids with their Masterpieces. You have NO idea how hard it was to get this picture!

At the end of the evening after dinner we all gathered for the Family Talent show. This will probably go down in History as my favorite Talent Show EVER!

Oliver did his FAMOUS jump rope routine.

Doyle, Kaely and Cambry sang and danced to "Our Song."

Evann was a "Rock Star."

Simon counted to 10 and did a little "Rappers Delight."
Jarred sang, but I didn't get pictures, just video. Sorry Sweetie.

And Jonathan graced us with some "Slutty Princess."
All in all it was a pretty good time. So the next one is set for the second week in June. Good luck Gardner's, let's see what you got!